EMG1200 vs EMG1201 — Compare
EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in White vs EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in White
The EMG S is designed for maximum aggression and noise rejection in extreme high-gain metal and studio work, while the EMG SA balances classic rock versatility with modern clarity and uses less battery power. Choose the S if you prioritize cutting through dense distortion; choose the SA if you want a more adaptable single-coil that performs across classic and modern rock genres.
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Specs side by side
| EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in White | EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $105.00 | $105.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in White
- ✓ Ceramic magnet delivers more aggressive high-end emphasis for metal and extreme genres
- ✓ Lower current draw at 80 microamps extends battery life to 3000 hours (roughly 125 days)
- ✓ 4.52 kHz resonant frequency peaks midrange presence for maximum articulation in high-gain contexts
- ✓ Explicitly optimized for noise-free performance in studio and live high-gain scenarios
Why choose EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in White
- ✓ Alnico V magnet produces punchy, naturally bright tone suited to classic and hard rock
- ✓ 3.70 kHz resonant frequency provides balanced articulation without excess midrange coloration
- ✓ Higher output specifications (0.6V RMS, 0.85V peak) deliver more signal consistency
- ✓ Supports up to 27V DC supply for flexible series or stacked configurations
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup has longer battery life?
The EMG S runs at 80 microamps and delivers 3000 hours of battery life (approximately 125 days of continuous use), while the EMG SA draws 240 microamps for roughly 1000 hours. The S lasts significantly longer between battery changes.
What's the main tonal difference?
The EMG S uses a ceramic magnet with a 4.52 kHz resonant peak for aggressive high-end emphasis, ideal for metal. The EMG SA uses Alnico V with a 3.70 kHz resonant peak for punchy, naturally bright tone better suited to classic and hard rock across multiple genres.
Which is better for high-gain metal?
The EMG S is explicitly designed for high-gain rock and metal, with ceramic construction and aggressive tone shaping that cuts through dense distortion. The EMG SA is more versatile across classic and modern rock but lacks the S's specialized metal voicing.
Can the EMG SA be used in series or stacked configurations?
Yes, the EMG SA supports up to 27V DC supply, enabling flexibility for stacked or series wiring. The EMG S specifications do not mention this capability, making the SA the choice for advanced multi-pickup configurations.