EMG2838 vs EMG7549 — Compare
EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in White vs EMG SA/SA/89R Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
Product A (SA/SA/89) is a complete three-pickup HSS set with switchable bridge voicing, while Product B appears to be a non-existent or misidentified model. Only Product A can be reliably compared and purchased.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
EMG SA/SA/89R Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in White | EMG SA/SA/89R Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $309.00 | $299.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
- ✓ Complete HSS pickup set ready to install with all controls included
- ✓ Switchable 89 bridge pickup shifts between single-coil and dual-coil modes for tonal flexibility
- ✓ Active circuitry with low noise and 3000-hour battery life on SA pickups for reliable gigging
Why choose EMG SA/SA/89R Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Unable to assess—Product B designation does not match any confirmed EMG product line
Frequently asked questions
What makes the SA/SA/89 suited for rock and metal but not jazz or blues?
The SA pickups deliver bright, articulate treble with a chimey response ideal for cutting through dense mixes, while the 89 bridge offers thick, aggressive output. This character suits high-gain genres but lacks the warm, nuanced response blues and jazz players typically seek.
How long do the batteries last during regular use?
The two SA pickups run approximately 3000 hours per 9V battery, while the 89 bridge pickup consumes more current and delivers about 1500 hours per charge. For active pickup sets, this is practical longevity for touring musicians.
Why would I choose the switchable 89 voicing over a fixed humbucker?
The push/pull switch lets you toggle between 3.80 kHz single-coil mode for brightness and 2.00 kHz dual-coil mode for thickness without changing pickups, giving versatility within one bridge position.
Is Product B (SA/SA/89R) a valid alternative to Product A?
No. The SA/SA/89R designation does not match any EMG product. You should confirm the exact model name before purchasing; only the SA/SA/89 (Product A) can be verified.