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Thread: Something new from Gibson: GEM pickups

  1. #1
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    Default Something new from Gibson: GEM pickups

    Apparently there is a new series of pickups being manufactured for some of Gibson's Gothic guitars. They seem to be something that will eventually be part of a lot of other guitars.
    They sound very interesting!

    Both guitars feature Gibson USA's new GEM (Gibson Electronics Manufacturing) active pickups. Made in the image of Gibson's own PAF ("Patent Applied For") humbuckers, the GEMs have Alnico II magnets and coils wound with 42 AWG enamel-coated wire. They also include active electronics for greatly improved output and extremely low-noise performance. The GEMs are powered by a single 9-volt battery that yields approximately 1500 hours of service. They have a voice and playing feel akin to Gibson's popular Burstbuckers, with all of that humbucker's characteristic "smooth with edge" tonal response, and they are immune to the loading effects of volume and tone potentiometers. They offer an extremely fast transient response for unprecedented articulation (yet with all the classic humbucker warmth and smoothness), and are extremely compatible with both effects pedals and clean amp settings. Suitable for all styles of music, the GEM active pickups represent a huge leap forward in performance and versatility.
    The Blues is alright!

    Guitars: 1968 Gibson SG, 2005 Gibson SG Standard, 2006 Gibson LP Classic Gold top, 2004 Epiphone Elitist LP Custom, 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard. 2001 Epiphone Sheraton II, 2007 Epiphone G400.
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  2. #2
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    That actually sounds like it might be a good thing for once. Gibson hasn't been hitting many home runs lately. I'd like to try those out. Not sure how I feel about their Gothic line, but I am willing to give 'em a try.
    -Sean
    Guitars: Lots.
    Amphs: More than last year.
    Pedals: Many, although I go straight from guitar to amp more often lately.

  3. #3
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    I liked the look of the LP but the 50's neck killed any real interest on my part. But the pickups could be cool only time will tell.
    Maxi...................

    Bootsy Collins:
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  4. #4
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    I am not a fan of Gothic guitars. Again I question the wisdom of putting PAF toned pickups in a Gothic guitar. Of course I know nothing about Gothic guitars and what desired result the owners are going for. I always thought that was more of a heavy metal thing, I bet we will be seing the pickups appear in other non Gothic guitars, once people hear them.
    The Blues is alright!

    Guitars: 1968 Gibson SG, 2005 Gibson SG Standard, 2006 Gibson LP Classic Gold top, 2004 Epiphone Elitist LP Custom, 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard. 2001 Epiphone Sheraton II, 2007 Epiphone G400.
    Fender Strats: 1996 Fender 68 Reissue CIJ, 2008 Squier CV 50s, 2009 Squier CV 50s Tele Butterescotch Blonde

    Amps: Blues Junior Special edition Jensen in Brown Tolex with Wheat front, 65 Deluxe Reverb reissue,1970 Sonax reverb by Traynor, Avatar Custom 2/12 Cabinet with Eminence Legend V1216 speakers,
    2008 DSL100 Marshall Amp , Fender Super Champ XD,Fender Vibro Champ XD

    Effects and Pedals: Fulltone Fulldrive II, Fulltone OCD, Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe, Fulltone Fat Boost, Dunlop Crybaby Wah, Boss DS1, Boss DD20 Giga Delay, Boss TU2 tuner, Boss BD2, Ibanez TS9 Tube screamer, Zoom 505. Radial tonebone hot british.

  5. #5
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    Default

    The name made me laugh; GEM - EMG anyone? LOL. Probably another knockoff of EMG's.

    But, might be very good. I'm a strong believer in active pickups and so far my choice has been EMG85's which I think are just about perfect pickups with tube amps, but I'd be interested in trying a GEM as well, sure! I just bought a pair of Tesla actives, which are also EMG knockoffs...will take a while till I get to testing them though.
    Dee

    "When life's a biatch, be a horny dog"

    Amps: Marshall JVM 410H w/ Plexi Cap mod, Choke Mod & Negative Feedback Removal mod, 4x12", Behringer GMX110, Amplitube 3/StealthPedal

    Half a dozen custom built/bastardized guitars all with EMG's, mostly 85's, Ibanez Artwood acoustic & Yamaha SGR bass, Epiphone Prophecy SG, Vox Wah, Pitchblack tuner plus assorted pedals, rack gear etc. for home studio use.

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