Jim Root, a long - standing user of the EMG 81/60 combo, started developing his signature set over three years ago. After testing many prototypes, he got inspired by modified Retro Active pickups to refine his tone. He chose a set that combines the best of the 81/60 with the extra benefits and flexibility of the Retro Active design. Unlike regular open - coil pickups, both the bridge and neck pickups use stud poles. The fingerboard pickup has ceramic studs for a sharp, clean high - end tone. The bridge pickup has black steel poles and a ceramic magnet, like the EMG 81. Both pickups come with custom Retro Active preamps only available in the Root set.

Using these pickups is easy. First, make sure your guitar is turned off. Then, carefully install the pickups according to the provided instructions. You can adjust the height of the pickups to fine - tune the sound. When using, keep your guitar away from strong magnetic fields as it may affect the pickups' performance. For maintenance, gently clean the pickups with a soft, dry cloth regularly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. If you notice any issues with the sound or performance, check the connections first. If the problem persists, it's best to consult a professional guitar technician.