The History of PU and the Brands That Define It
Robert Turner “EMG”
The Revolutionary Force in Active Pickups: EMG
When you hear the term “active pickups,” which manufacturer comes to mind? While there are various manufacturers like Bartolini and Alembic, I imagine most people think of EMG. EMG is a pickup manufacturer that remains immensely popular among many artists to this day, thanks to its innovative concept of incorporating a preamp directly into the pickup.
EMG was founded by brothers Robert Turner and Bill Turner. Bill Turner handled product research and development at EMG from 1979 to 1989, and later joined Fender in 1995, where he worked on projects such as the development of the “Tex-Mex Pickup.” In this article, we’ll introduce the other founder, Robert Turner, and the story of EMG.
A Shift to Amp Repair Following a Theft of Equipment
Robert wasn’t originally a guitarist; he made his living as a drummer. However, after the band’s equipment was stolen and he found himself at a loss, Robert switched to repairing guitar amplifiers.
Having studied audio engineering in college, and with family members—including Bill—who were knowledgeable about electronics, he reportedly found it easy to learn the repair trade.
However, he eventually grew tired of repairing amps and set his sights on pickups—a guitar component that is particularly easy to modify.
(Excerpt from EMG Instagram)
Adapting to Changing Times and EMG’s Breakthrough
Then came the first turning point for EMG.
That was his encounter with Steinberger.
Steinberger developed groundbreaking technologies such as the graphite neck and the Transtrem system.
For Steinberger, who was aiming to create instruments that could be used in a wide variety of situations, EMG pickups were the perfect fit.
At the time, with the development of synthesizers and the spread of CDs, Steinberger—which produced a sound with clear contours and a forward presence—gained popularity, and the EMG pickups installed in them also became increasingly well-known.
Another factor in their popularity was that they were used by artists active as studio musicians, such as Steve Lukather.
Furthermore, when Metallica began using EMGs, their popularity among metal artists skyrocketed, solidifying the image of “EMG = Metal.” They also became standard equipment on guitars from brands like ESP, B.C. Rich, and Dean.
While I believe the reasons mentioned above played a major role in EMG’s rising popularity, I also think another key factor was how easy they were for anyone to install—specifically, the fact that they could be mounted without requiring major modifications to the body.
In recent years, various innovations have been introduced, such as the adoption of socket-style wiring, which allows for replacement without soldering. I look forward to seeing how EMG continues to evolve in the future!
(Excerpt from EMG Instagram)