Originally Posted by: jaridgageI am interested in getting a setup similar to that of Zakk Wylde, my personal favorite guitarist. I read a few posts on other websites about changing the regular EMGs in your gibson Les Paul to Zakks signature pickups which are active humbuckers; an 81 and an 85. The post said instead of using one 9v battery you could use use and get 18v out of your EMGs to get a really accurate sound to that of Zakk and get some real serious sustain... I am confused here, do these pickups require batteries? and if so, how would you use two at a time?[/QUOTE]
Here's the PDF from EMG:
http://www.emgpickups.com/pdfs/faq/EMG-FAQ-Battery-Questions.pdfOriginally Posted by: EMGCan I use multiple batteries?
Yes. If you’ve got room for multiple batteries in your guitar, you can use two batteries wired in series to power your onboard circuitry at 18 volts. The output level will not appreciably increase, but you’ll have increased headroom and crisper transients. This is especially useful for percussive/slap bass styles where you can generate enormous instantaneous power levels across the entire frequency spectrum.
You can also wire two batteries in parallel to provide a regular 9 volt supply but with much longer lifespan between battery changes.
Although most of our products are rated for 27 volts, we recommend a maximum of 18 volts. The additional benefits of 27 vs. 18 volts are negligible.
[QUOTE=EMG]Can multiple pickups/EQs run off a single battery?
Yes. All pickups and EQ units can run off a single battery with no problems. Since the current drain on all our products is very low, you should still get reasonable battery life with any reasonable combination of circuits (unreasonable combinations too!).
That gives you the tech stuff and it's good to know. I love EMG's and think they offer a good even response. I'd used EMG 89's in the past (an 85 with a coil tap). While all the equipment in the world will give you tools to sound like Zakk, remember it's how he plays and not what he plays through that makes him a monster. A great guitarist will sound like themselves through a 10w practice amp.