EMG3079 vs EMG3081 — Compare
EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in White vs EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
Product A is a complete three-pickup HSS Stratocaster system (SA/SA/81) with solderless installation, while Product B is a single SA pickup unit with detailed tone specifications. Choose Product A for a full retrofit requiring no soldering; choose Product B if you need a single replacement pickup or want the most articulate, high-clarity single-coil option.
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EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in White | EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $289.00 | $289.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
- ✓ Complete HSS pickup set—bridge, middle, and neck positions covered in one package
- ✓ Solderless wiring eliminates need for soldering skills or tools
- ✓ Includes all electronics: pots, switch, cables, and hardware for total retrofit
- ✓ Neck position 81 humbucker adds thickness and sustain to complement single coils
Why choose EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Single-pickup unit for targeted replacement or upgrade of one position
- ✓ Detailed tone specs (3.75 kHz resonance, 0.6V RMS output) for precise matching
- ✓ Articulate, chimey highs with controlled lows emphasize cut-through clarity
- ✓ Ivory finish offers aesthetic choice distinct from Product A's white
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Product B pickups to build a complete set like Product A?
Technically yes, but Product A is designed as an integrated HSS system with the 81 humbucker in the neck for balance. Product B is a single SA unit; you would need to source the neck pickup separately and handle all wiring yourself, which defeats the solderless convenience.
Which has brighter, more articulate highs?
Product B is specifically voiced for articulate, chimey highs with upper midrange emphasis at 3.75 kHz. Product A's tone description emphasizes versatility and saturation across the range rather than high-end brightness as a priority.
Is soldering required for either product?
Product A includes a complete solderless wiring harness and requires no soldering. Product B is a single pickup; installation method depends on your existing guitar wiring—some soldering may be needed unless you have a compatible solderless system already in place.
How long do the batteries last in daily use?
Both products offer 3000-hour battery life at 80 microamps draw, which equates to roughly four months of daily playing before a 9V battery replacement is needed.