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EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Ivory vs EMG SA/SA/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
The EMG SV is a pure vintage-voiced single-coil set built for blues and classic rock with authentic 1959 Stratocaster character, while the SA/SA/85 is a hybrid three-pickup configuration that pairs two active single-coils with a bridge humbucker for hard rock and metal players needing both articulate cleans and aggressive gain. Choose the SV for vintage-focused tones; choose the SA/SA/85 if you want single-coil versatility with serious bridge punch.
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EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Ivory
EMG SA/SA/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Ivory | EMG SA/SA/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 | $289.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Ivory
- ✓ Authentic 1959 Stratocaster tone with vintage character and vocal midrange presence
- ✓ All three pickups are matched single-coils for consistent vintage voicing across neck, middle, and bridge
- ✓ Complete wiring harness included with 25k pots and all connectors pre-matched
- ✓ Articulate snap and clarity ideal for blues, classic rock, and studio recording
Why choose EMG SA/SA/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Hybrid SA/SA/85 configuration delivers both clean articulation and aggressive gain from a single guitar setup
- ✓ Bridge humbucker provides serious output and punch for hard rock, metal, and heavy genres
- ✓ Solderless connectors reduce assembly time and potential failure points
- ✓ High output design maintains note definition across all three positions without noise
Frequently asked questions
Which set is better for classic rock and blues?
The EMG SV is purpose-built for these genres, with all three pickups voiced to deliver 1959 Stratocaster character, peaky midrange presence, and the articulate snap that defines vintage rock and blues tones.
Which set works better for metal and hard rock?
The SA/SA/85 is designed for these styles, pairing articulate single-coil cleans in the neck and middle positions with a high-output bridge humbucker that delivers aggressive gain and harmonic richness.
Are both sets complete plug-and-play installations?
Yes, both include all necessary potentiometers, output jacks, switches, wiring, and connectors. The SV uses traditional connections while the SA/SA/85 uses solderless connectors for faster assembly.
What's the main tonal difference between them?
The SV maintains vintage single-coil character across all positions with a peaky 3kHz response. The SA/SA/85 offers modern active single-coil clarity in two positions plus a distinct bridge humbucker character for genre versatility.