EMG along with legendary artist Geezer Butler have collaborated to develop the GZR-P and GZR-PJ signature bass pickup sets. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bass player started working with EMG founder Rob Turner in 2011, looking to recreate the classic bass tones he had in Black Sabbath’s early days. As Geezer and Black Sabbath moved from studio to touring in 2013 the final component of getting the classic Geezer tone was in play - a passive pickup with a truly vintage tone and feel.
To recapture Geezer’s early Black Sabbath tone, it meant a new EMG vintage style passive P & PJ design with a few modern touches. The all-solderless P set uses Alnico V pole pieces and custom wound coils for just the right amount of punch and grit. The J (PJ set) also uses Alnico 5 poles and features two custom wound split-coils. This eliminates the noise and hum usually associated with early 70’s bass pickups and allows for more power and volume than any other standard single coil J - creating a remarkable balance between the P and the J. The result is an unmistakable early Geezer Butler bass tone with deep, tight low end that you hear on tunes like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid,” just like 1970’s. “I never felt comfortable giving my name to any other pickups, but this time these have blown me away.” - Geezer Butler
Make sure to check the instructions for pickup measurements before purchasing to compare your existing pickups with EMG models.