EMG1218 vs EMG2593 — Compare
EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory vs EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
The SA is tuned for articulate snap and punchy midrange with transparent highs (3.70 kHz resonance), while the SV emphasizes brightness and cutting treble with staggered pole pieces for wider frequency response. Choose the SA for rock, pop, funk, and studio work valuing midrange definition; choose the SV for blues, funk, and gigging where cutting presence and high-output clarity matter more.
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Specs side by side
| EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $105.00 | $105.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Punchy midrange articulation with transparent highs suited to rock and pop production
- ✓ Solderless connection system—no soldering required for installation
- ✓ Exceptional battery life of 3000 hours at just 80 microamps draw
- ✓ Low output noise at -101 dBV keeps signal clean in high-gain recording
Why choose EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Bright, cutting tone with staggered Alnico V pole pieces for wide frequency response
- ✓ Complete retrofit package includes volume/tone controls, jack, battery clip, and hardware
- ✓ High-output preamp delivers responsive, professional signal for gigging and live use
- ✓ Standard single-coil routing fits most guitars without modification
Frequently asked questions
What's the key tonal difference between these two pickups?
The SA is tuned to 3.70 kHz with punchy midrange and transparent highs, emphasizing articulate snap. The SV uses staggered pole pieces to deliver brightness and cutting treble across a wider frequency range. The SA suits rock and pop studio work; the SV suits blues and gigging where treble cut and presence matter.
Which is better for a beginner, and does one come with more installation support?
The SV is better for beginners because it includes a complete accessory package with controls, jack, battery clip, and hardware for straightforward retrofit installation. The SA requires solderless cable connection but lacks the full control set, making it better suited for intermediate to advanced players retrofitting into existing control systems.
Which pickup has higher output and longer battery life?
The SA delivers 1.00 V string output and 3.00 V strum output with exceptional 3000-hour battery life due to its low 80-microamp draw at 9V. The SV is described as high-output but does not list specific voltage or battery-life specs, making the SA the choice for extended battery endurance and efficient operation.
Are these pickups hum-free and suitable for high-gain recording?
Both use active preamp circuits to eliminate 60 Hz hum and noise typical of passive single coils. The SA specifies -101 dBV noise floor and internal shielding for consistent performance in high-gain contexts; the SV emphasizes clean, responsive signal at any volume. Both are excellent for studio and home recording.