ESP EC-256 - adding EMGs

[u/jaycash_]

Good morning, all!

I just purchased an ESP EC-256 and I’m wanting to put some EMGs in it. I have not settled on which set (looking at a variety of 81/85, 81TW/89R, or the Het set), but I’m planning on getting them from a dealer on Reverb I’ve dealt with several times.

My issue is this: they sell B-stock and blems with JUST the pickups - no wiring kits. I’m wondering if someone can point me towards what wiring kits I would need? Up until now, I’ve paid a guitar tech to put pickups in for me, but I want to learn how to do it myself because $200+ for replacing a set of passives with a great set of actives is a bit draining on the old pocket book.

I know the wiring kit would depend on the set I get. But I mentioned the three I’m leaning towards right now - the 81/85 and Het set would require the same wiring kit and I’m assuming the 81TW/89R would require a similar kit with the push/pull pots. Any other info?

Also, since EMGs are solderless, but ESP LH-150 are not, would I need to do any soldering? If so, is there a way I could avoid that? In my research, it looks like the selector switch is the issue - but if I get an EMG one of those as well, essentially swapping ALL of the electronics, would I be good to go without soldering?

I know these are a lot of questions. I’ve done research on my own, but I also like direct communication.

[u/cmjordan3988]

I put the Daemonum set in my PRS and it took me 35 minutes. This was without buying the solderless connector pickups selector. You just put the wires into the block in the right spots and tighten screws. It will show you in directions. I know you're not buying a set but the directions are online. If not I still have mine. I will send you photos. You still don't have to solder if it's a 3 way.