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Need help?Do you have a question about the EMG EMG-HZ Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Details model names (35HZ, 40HZ, 45HZ) and logo color.
Covers inductance, DC resistance, and resonant frequencies for different models.
Specifies impedance values at resonant frequencies under defined conditions.
Clarifies conditions for resonant frequency measurements including loaded components.
Provides guidance on optimal string spacing for 35HZ, 40HZ, and 45HZ models.
Notes that all EMG-HZ bass pickups feature bar style construction.
Details wire colors, coil assignments, and polarity for EMG-HZ pickups.
Diagram for a 1 Volume, 1 Tone wiring configuration.
Diagram for a 2 Volume, 1 Tone wiring configuration.
Diagram for 1 Volume, 1 Tone with a switch wiring.
Diagram for 2 Volume, 1 Tone with a switch wiring.
Guidance on selecting potentiometers (250K/500K Ohm) and tone capacitors (.047uF).
Explains the necessity of string grounding for reducing hum and preventing shock hazards.
Illustrates how to insert the EMG 5-pin Quik Connect cable.
The EMG-HZ series of pickups, including the 35HZ, 40HZ, and 45HZ models, are designed for passive bass guitar installations, offering a range of wiring options to suit various player preferences and instrument configurations. These pickups are engineered to provide a robust and clear tone, suitable for a wide array of musical styles.
The EMG-HZ pickups are primarily designed to convert string vibrations into electrical signals, which are then amplified to produce sound. Unlike active pickups that require a battery, these are passive humbucking pickups, meaning they rely on the magnetic field generated by the strings and the coils to create the signal. The humbucking design inherently reduces noise and hum, providing a cleaner signal compared to single-coil pickups.
The internal construction of the EMG-HZ pickups features two coils, as illustrated in the wiring diagrams. Each coil has specific wire colors (Green, White, Red, Black) that correspond to its polarity (negative or positive) and its position within the pickup (front or rear coil). This dual-coil arrangement is fundamental to their humbucking capability, where the signals from the two coils are combined out of phase to cancel out common-mode noise while preserving the musical signal.
These pickups are versatile in their application, supporting various wiring configurations. Players can choose between simple setups like one volume and one tone control, or more complex arrangements involving multiple volume and tone controls, often with switches for pickup selection or coil-splitting (though coil-splitting is not explicitly detailed, the dual-coil nature suggests this possibility for advanced users). The inclusion of a 5-pin Quik Connect cable simplifies installation, allowing for easy connection to the instrument's wiring harness.
The EMG-HZ pickups are designed to work with standard potentiometer values, specifically 250K Ohm or 500K Ohm pots (Audio Taper), and a .047 microfarad tone capacitor. The choice of potentiometer value can subtly influence the pickup's sound; 500K Ohm pots are recommended for dual-coil pickups as they provide a slight up-shift in resonant frequency and approximately 3dB more gain at resonance, contributing to a brighter and more powerful output.
The EMG-HZ pickups are designed for ease of integration into various bass guitar setups. The "bar style construction" means that instead of individual pole pieces for each string, the pickups feature a continuous magnetic bar. This design ensures consistent output across all strings, regardless of string spacing variations or slight movements of the strings during play. This is particularly beneficial for bass guitars, where string spacing can vary between models and manufacturers.
The different models (35HZ, 40HZ, 45HZ) are tailored to accommodate different string counts and string widths, making them suitable for 4-string, 5-string, and 6-string basses. The recommended string widths for each model ensure optimal performance and balanced output across all strings. For instance, the 35HZ is ideal for 4-string or narrow 5-string basses, the 40HZ for 5-string or narrow 6-string basses, and the 45HZ for 6-string basses. This thoughtful design ensures that players can select the appropriate pickup for their specific instrument, maximizing tonal clarity and string-to-string balance.
Installation is made straightforward with the included 5-pin cable, which comes pre-wired in a humbucking series format. This "Quik Connect" system simplifies the wiring process, reducing the need for extensive soldering and making it easier for users to install or swap pickups. Adjustment screws are also included, allowing players to fine-tune the pickup height relative to the strings, which is crucial for optimizing output level and tonal response. Raising or lowering the pickup can significantly impact sustain, attack, and overall volume, giving players control over their instrument's voice.
The manual provides several wiring diagrams (Diagrams 1-7) illustrating common configurations:
These diverse wiring options empower players to customize their bass's controls to match their playing style and sonic preferences, from minimalist setups to highly versatile configurations.
The EMG-HZ pickups are designed for durability and reliability, typical of passive components. As they do not contain active electronics or batteries, the maintenance requirements are generally minimal. The primary aspects of maintenance involve proper installation and occasional checks to ensure optimal performance.
A critical aspect of maintenance and performance is string grounding. Although EMG-HZ pickups are shielded to reduce interference, string grounding is still necessary, especially for models with Alnico magnets. String grounding involves connecting the strings (via the bridge) to the instrument's ground circuit. This uses the player's body as a shield, further reducing hum and buzz that the pickup might otherwise pick up. Proper grounding ensures a cleaner signal and a quieter instrument.
However, the manual also highlights a crucial safety consideration regarding string grounding: it can create a shock hazard if there are mismatched polarities or grounding issues elsewhere in the signal chain. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the guitar is electrically in phase with any microphones or other players' instruments when connected to a shared sound system. This preventative measure helps avoid potential electrical shocks and ensures system compatibility.
In terms of physical maintenance, the pickups are robust. The adjustment screws allow for easy height adjustments, which can be performed periodically to compensate for string changes or to experiment with different tonal characteristics. Keeping the pickups clean from dust and debris is also good practice, though this typically does not affect their electrical performance significantly.
The warranty information provided by EMG-HZ underscores the company's commitment to product quality. All EMG-HZ pickups and accessories are warranted for a period of two years. This warranty covers failures due to manufacturing defects but explicitly excludes failures resulting from improper installation, abuse, or damage. This policy encourages users to follow the installation guidelines carefully to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of their pickups. In the event of a failure, the process for warranty service is straightforward: return the pickup postage prepaid with proof of purchase. If a defect is confirmed upon examination, a replacement will be provided at no charge, covered under the same warranty. This ensures that users can rely on their EMG-HZ pickups for consistent performance over time, backed by manufacturer support.
General| Magnet Material | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Output | High |
| Color | Black |
| Type | Humbucker |
| Series | HZ |
