EMG Retroactives with 18v/24v mod?

[Slayer89]

I recently switched my standard EMG equipped guitars over to 24v battery packs. I have a guitar equipped with EMG Retroactive Hot 70s I believe and was wondering if the 24v mod would do anything for them. Anyone try it? Looks like it can handle up to 27v like other EMGs, just didn’t know if it would have any significant effect.

 

[ringmaster555]

I just ordered a 24v battery for my super 77 set (same bridge as hot 70 but ceramic neck) and will report my findings. Seems to be beneficial for all of the other EMG pickups, so I have high hopes.

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

There might be a slight improvement but keyword is slight. Iirc all EMG preamps since the introduction of the X series are already running at 18v. I did my own24v mod harness and tried it with the Het Set and there was almost no difference IME

 

[gclef]

There might be a slight improvement but keyword is slight. Iirc all EMG preamps since the introduction of the X series are already running at 18v. I did my own24v mod harness and tried it with the Het Set and there was almost no difference IME

I don't know about that 18v thing. The new pickups would have to have a transformer built in to step up the power from 9v.

What I heard, and directly from emg as well is that the x series, 57/66, and het sets are all 9v only, with no benefit from increased voltage.

I emailed them when I had to decide on 1 or 2 battery boxes on my last build.
I was confident enough to only do 1.

I'd have done 2 if I wanted to add an eq system. But then it would be in parallel for capacity, not series for voltage.

 

[ringmaster555]

I just ordered a 24v battery for my super 77 set (same bridge as hot 70 but ceramic neck) and will report my findings. Seems to be beneficial for all of the other EMG pickups, so I have high hopes.

Just installed the 24v mod for my retro active super 77 set and I personally notice a big difference. More dynamic "bouncier" feel, and I can hear the pick chirp on the lower strings much better than before.