Solving gain problem

[bodomfan81]

all my guitars have passive pu's. They sound ok when i play my guitar through NI Guitar Rig because i can add a ton of gain there. However, it's a problem if i wanna play it through my preamp. So I was thinking, to solve this problem should buy an overdrive pedal like screamer or replace pickup with emg81?
thanks.

[Sixstringhotshot]

The problem is you're using WAY too much gain. An EMG81 isn't really any higher output than a standard humbucker.

[bodomfan81]

The problem is you're using WAY too much gain. An EMG81 isn't really any higher output than a standard humbucker.

ok. i guess a pedal then. i never tried emg81 on a real amp yet, so i dont know. without too much gain i cant pinch harmonic well, so i thought maybe emg81 would solve it... i read it has 1.25v output vs passive pickups which are under 0.5v usually.

[Machine Gun]

Pedals change your tone.
Overdrives especially
I did try a MXR db boost that worked really well.
My buddy had a gibson and didn't like it
But I have a Mustaine ESP with a screamin demon in it and it works great.
I also saw something on the ESP Japan website about COB using a db boost switch on their guitars.

I also use EMG's (81's 60's & 85's) and when I switch to passive I usually have to turn down my gain.

good luck
Machine Gun

[Kgry]

What kind of preamp is it? Maybe it needs a retube with a higher gain V1.

[DyersEve87]

Ibanez Tube Screamer:hat

[DeathrollJM]

if you want more gain, your going to need a clean volume booster, not an OD pedal since they change your tone.

you can build on yourself, they have DIY kits which you can do, given that you would need something to house it in, since they donut come with a case. but the price is about $15 and gives you a clean linear 20db boost simply, more gain.

[57Octane]

The problem is you're using WAY too much gain.

I love how this went almost totaly unaddressed.

You can't do pinch harmonics without a shit ass load of gain?

How much gain are we talking here? Im getting the sound of radio fuzz in my head. Do you have any clips? What kind of rig are you running? What guitar, amp etc.?

[Nikopapp]

ok. i guess a pedal then. i never tried emg81 on a real amp yet, so i dont know. without too much gain i cant pinch harmonic well, so i thought maybe emg81 would solve it... i read it has 1.25v output vs passive pickups which are under 0.5v usually.

I had to take note of this as well, it sounds to me like you need to work on your technique before you start messing around more with different pickups and pedals.
Not to be harsh, but seriously, you should still be able to get your pinch harmonis with very little gain.

[D-EJ915]

you can do pinch harmonics with no gain...or amp

http://media.putfile.com/MVI-1847

[TheDevilHimself]

Originally Posted by Sixstringhotshot View Post
The problem is you're using WAY too much gain.


I love how this went almost totaly unaddressed.



Haha, this is the ESP forum. When it comes to gain, people here tend to take an approach of "massive retaliation"! :p

[gorsch]

you can do pinch harmonics with no gain...or amp

http://media.putfile.com/MVI-1847

agreed. I can do em on my acoustic. It's a technique issue man, sorry to say. Just keep practicing em. I'll admit they are difficult at first. Once you figure it out you think your a moron for not being able to do it before.

[gorsch]

if you want more gain, your going to need a clean volume booster, not an OD pedal since they change your tone.

you can build on yourself, they have DIY kits which you can do, given that you would need something to house it in, since they donut come with a case. but the price is about $15 and gives you a clean linear 20db boost simply, more gain.

where would I find such kit? I'd like to make one.

[LordCliffton]

you can do pinch harmonics with no gain...or amp

http://media.putfile.com/MVI-1847

I can get pinch harmonics on my acoustic.

In short OP,, YOU NEED BETTER TECHNIQUE.

TIME TO PRACTICE ARPEGGIOS. :rollin

[ESPANDY16]

what if you got one of those emg pa2 thingys

[D-EJ915]

also if your guitar is a piece of crap and doesn't resonate at all then it'll be harder