Are the EMG Geezer Butler PHZ pickups active or passive?

These pickups are strictly passive. They do not require a 9V battery to operate, offering a more traditional dynamic response compared to active EMG models.

Who was this pickup set designed for?

The set was designed in collaboration with Geezer Butler, the iconic bassist of Black Sabbath, to replicate his historic bass tones.

What kind of magnets are used in the PHZ set?

The set uses Alnico V magnets, which provide a warm, musical tone with a powerful output.

Can I use these pickups for heavy rock music?

Yes, they are specifically engineered for heavy rock. They provide the booming low-end power needed to replicate sounds from songs like 'Iron Man'.

Do I need to modify my bass to fit these pickups?

If your bass is routed for standard split-coil P-Bass pickups, these should fit without any wood modification. As they are passive, you do not need to add a battery compartment.

What specific songs inspired the sound of these pickups?

The manufacturer notes that these pickups are designed to help players replicate the hard bass sounds heard in famous tracks like 'Paranoid' and 'Iron Man'.

What is the typical price range for this set in the UK?

The typical price for the EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Pickup Set is approximately £90.

Do the pickups have custom-wound coils?

Yes, they feature custom-wound coils designed to ensure that the bass notes cut through a complex band mix effectively.

Is this a single pickup or a set?

This specific product is a pickup set, providing the components needed for a standard P-Bass configuration.

What colour do these pickups come in?

The PHZ set is typically provided in a standard black finish, consistent with traditional bass aesthetics.

How do these compare to active EMG pickups?

Unlike active EMGs, these do not have an internal preamp and rely on Alnico magnets and coil winding for their output. This results in a more vintage, touch-sensitive character.

Can these pickups be used for genres other than metal?

While designed for heavy rock, their deep tone and clear definition make them suitable for any genre that requires a strong, classic bass foundation.

Gear article

EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Pickup Set

The EMG Geezer Butler PHZ is a signature passive bass pickup set designed in collaboration with Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler to replicate the classic heavy rock tones of the 1970s. It features Alnico V magnets and custom-wound coils to provide a powerful, vintage-inspired sound with significant low-end depth. Unlike many standard EMG products, these pickups are entirely passive, requiring no battery for operation.

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Background and Development

The EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Pickup Set was developed through a close partnership between EMG and the legendary Black Sabbath bassist. The goal was to recreate the specific bass character heard on seminal heavy metal recordings such as 'Paranoid' and 'Iron Man'. During the early days of Black Sabbath, Butler’s sound was defined by a combination of aggressive fingerstyle playing and a specific frequency response that allowed the bass to remain distinct alongside heavy, distorted guitars. This pickup set serves as a modern, reliable solution for players seeking that historic saturation and punch.

Technical Specifications and Design

The PHZ set utilizes traditional Alnico V magnets, which are favoured for their musicality and warm response compared to ceramic alternatives. The coils are custom-wound to EMG's specifications to ensure a high output that can 'cut through' a dense band mix without losing clarity.

One of the most notable technical features is the passive design. While EMG is widely known for active circuitry, the Geezer Butler signature series is passive, meaning it does not require a 9V battery or a preamplifier to function. This allows for a more traditional dynamic response and easier installation in standard bass bodies.

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Sonic Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the PHZ set is 'depth'. It is designed to provide a booming low-end power that remains tight and controlled. The custom winding ensures that the mid-range is punchy enough to provide definition, while the high-end remains smooth rather than harsh. This balance is specifically tuned for heavy rock, providing the 'growl' associated with classic British metal tones.

Installation and Compatibility

As a passive set, the PHZ is a direct replacement for standard P-Bass style pickups. It typically integrates with standard pots and jacks found in most passive bass guitars. Because it does not require an internal battery compartment, it is a popular choice for vintage instruments or modern reissues where the owner wishes to avoid routing the body for electronics. It pairs well with other hardware upgrades such as the Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge for improved stability.

Target Audience

This pickup set is primarily aimed at bassists performing heavy rock and metal who require a classic, high-output passive sound. It is particularly suited for players who prefer the dynamics of passive electronics but need the reliability and hum-cancellation modern manufacturing provides. While designed for Geezer Butler's specific tone, its versatile low-end makes it suitable for any genre requiring a thick, authoritative bass presence.

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Frequently asked questions

Are the EMG Geezer Butler PHZ pickups active or passive?: These pickups are strictly passive. They do not require a 9V battery to operate, offering a more traditional dynamic response compared to active EMG models.
Who was this pickup set designed for?: The set was designed in collaboration with Geezer Butler, the iconic bassist of Black Sabbath, to replicate his historic bass tones.
What kind of magnets are used in the PHZ set?: The set uses Alnico V magnets, which provide a warm, musical tone with a powerful output.
Can I use these pickups for heavy rock music?: Yes, they are specifically engineered for heavy rock. They provide the booming low-end power needed to replicate sounds from songs like 'Iron Man'.
Do I need to modify my bass to fit these pickups?: If your bass is routed for standard split-coil P-Bass pickups, these should fit without any wood modification. As they are passive, you do not need to add a battery compartment.
What specific songs inspired the sound of these pickups?: The manufacturer notes that these pickups are designed to help players replicate the hard bass sounds heard in famous tracks like 'Paranoid' and 'Iron Man'.
What is the typical price range for this set in the UK?: The typical price for the EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Pickup Set is approximately £90.
Do the pickups have custom-wound coils?: Yes, they feature custom-wound coils designed to ensure that the bass notes cut through a complex band mix effectively.
Is this a single pickup or a set?: This specific product is a pickup set, providing the components needed for a standard P-Bass configuration.
What colour do these pickups come in?: The PHZ set is typically provided in a standard black finish, consistent with traditional bass aesthetics.
How do these compare to active EMG pickups?: Unlike active EMGs, these do not have an internal preamp and rely on Alnico magnets and coil winding for their output. This results in a more vintage, touch-sensitive character.
Can these pickups be used for genres other than metal?: While designed for heavy rock, their deep tone and clear definition make them suitable for any genre that requires a strong, classic bass foundation.