Wiring the EMG-89

The EMG-89 Dual-Mode pickup is actually two complete pickups in one standard humbucking-sized package. Your choice of configuration is selected by a simple switch. To allow for an easy installation without the need to drill additional holes in the instrument for the selector switch, the EMG-89 kit includes a Push-Pull Pot that combines a 25K Ohm potentiometer with a DPDT switch that is activated by pulling or pushing on the control shaft.

The dual internal structure of the EMG-89 makes installation slightly more complicated than for a standard EMG pickup. Full instructions for installation are included with the pickup. You can also contact us by e-mail or by phone for more information. The diagrams in this section document the wiring color code and basic setup to use the push-pull pot to select between humbucker and single-coil sounds.

You can add accessory circuits independently to either of the pickup's outputs. The white wire is the output of the single coil section; the green wire is the output of the humbucker. Simply add the circuit in-line, following the instructions for the accessory unit, and connect the EQ's output where the pickup output was previously connected. Because the output of each of these pickups is low impedence, there are two wires that must be moved to complete the switching circuit. The blue wire is associated with the humbucker (green) and the yellow wire is associated with the single-coil side (white). Look at the differences between the diagrams below for more information.

Check out the EMG FAQ for additional information regarding EMG-89 installation and wiring.

Installation Notes

The controls included with EMG systems are 25K Ohm, Audio Taper. This value of pot is required for the system to work properly. A 250K or 500K volume or tone pot will not work properly.
The passive tone capacitor must be .1 mf for proper high end rolloff. Different values will modify the high end rolloff frequency. You might try two .1 mf capacitors in parallel.
When installing EMG Pickups, do not reconnect the bridge ground wire. This wire is usually soldered to a volume or tone pot casing and runs to bridge. Normally, this grounds the strings to use them and your body as a shield to reduce hum. This also creates a potential shock hazard. Since EMG pickups are internally shielded, they do not need additional shielding and allow you to reduce the possibility of electric shock.

EMG-89 Diagram #1

EMG-89 Diagram #2

EMG Inc. / P.O. Box 4394 / Santa Rosa, CA 95402
Phone : (707) 525-9941 / Fax : (707) 575-7046
email : EMG e-mail directory
WWW : http://www.emginc.com