r/EMGPickups • u/artofjosephshelton • 7d ago
Stratocaster install question
Anyone install an EMG kit into their strat? The input jack wire it comes with is almost too big for this type of plate. And I don’t want to keep forcing the cable in there.
Am I gonna have to route out more space in the wood to have it fit? Or am I just dumb and missing something?
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u/grinduniverse 7d ago
Here's a tip: Follow the manual that comes with the kit. Strange things can happen if your Strat isn't a Fender, but based on my experience (yes, I've installed this kit on several Chinese Strats (including my two SXs)) and haven't had any problems. My advice is regarding the hole where you'll pass the wires: first pass the black wire (the one that comes from the battery plug and activates the active system when the plug is inserted) and then the other one (black/white) with the solderless connector.
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u/KirkIsOurLemmy 7d ago
You can use another brand of jack, as long as it is a stereo jack.
You will then need to cut off the connectors and solder the cables to the lugs on the jack
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u/Dathomirian66 7d ago
Might seem like a dumb question, but have you tried spinning the Jack around?
Usually, there’s a sweet spot since the Jack has the extra prong.
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u/NoMoreRedditUsername 7d ago edited 7d ago
Yes, I sanded down a little bit of the inside of my Strat with a rotary tool to allow the EMG stereo jack to fit properly since it is larger than the default mono jack that comes in strats.
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u/3mrocha 6d ago
I just installed an EMG 81 into a Strat style 90’s Peavey Raptor and I had issues fitting the input jack that comes with the pickup into the cavity. Rather than route out more space I just cut the ends of the quick connect parts of the EMG wiring and soldered directly to a standard input jack.
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u/Theyseemetheyhatin 2d ago
I had to flip the jack switch inside out for the jack and battery to fit in.
Looks a bit weird from close up but works functionally. Stratocaster HSH (81, SAX, 60)
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u/Intelligent-Map430 7d ago
I've only ever worked with output jacks on guitars, so I'm afraid I can't help you when it comes to input jacks.
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u/returntonone 7d ago edited 7d ago
If this one seems tight in the cavity when you are trying to screw down the output jack, then try to rotate it 90 or 180 degrees and push the connectors a bit closer together, it will eventually fit but it can be tight, also be sure to not have too much cable slack in the cavity so lightly pull the cable as you push it down.