EMG129 vs EMG1405 — Compare
EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG SAV Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The SA is tuned for dynamic responsiveness and clean articulation across a wide range of gain levels, while the SAV emphasizes brightness and snap with a higher resonant frequency optimized for tight, focused voicing. Choose the SA for studio work demanding nuanced dynamics; choose the SAV for rock, pop, and indie players who prioritize articulate note separation and punchy character.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG SAV Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency (3.70 kHz) captures more midrange warmth and sustain
- ✓ Higher output on strum (3.00 V) delivers greater dynamic range for expressive playing
- ✓ Excellent for both clean and overdriven tones without losing clarity
- ✓ Tested up to 27 Volts DC for higher-voltage rig compatibility
Why choose EMG SAV Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Brighter resonant frequency (4.41 kHz) emphasizes articulation and string separation
- ✓ Staggered pole pieces enhance focused, punchy response across all positions
- ✓ EMG Quik-connect system allows faster swaps than standard solderless wiring
- ✓ Low-output characteristic integrates seamlessly into both vintage and modern amp setups
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for metal and high-gain tones?
Neither is ideal for metal according to their stated best-use cases. The SA is explicitly not ideal for high-gain metal, and the SAV is not recommended for metal or djent styles. Both are optimized for cleaner, more articulate applications.
What's the main tonal difference between the two?
The SA (3.70 kHz) has a warmer, more balanced resonant peak, while the SAV (4.41 kHz) is brighter and emphasizes upper-midrange snap and articulation. The SA also outputs higher voltage on aggressive playing (3.00 V vs. the SAV's low-output characteristic).
Are the installation systems different?
Both are solderless and 9V powered. The SA uses a standard 2-conductor plus battery connection, while the SAV features EMG's Quik-connect system, which allows faster removal and reinstallation without rewiring.
Which suits beginner guitarists?
The SAV is rated for beginners through professionals and its bright, focused character makes it forgiving in a variety of settings. The SA is rated for intermediate level and up, suggesting it rewards more experienced players who can exploit its dynamic range.