EMG3657 vs EMG3725 — Compare
EMG SA7 7-String Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black
The SA7 is a 7-string guitar pickup engineered for extended-range instruments and modern styles like metal and progressive rock, while the TBP is a bass-specific pickup designed exclusively for Thunderbird bass guitars. Choose the SA7 if you play 7-string guitar; choose the TBP only if you own a Thunderbird bass.
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EMG SA7 7-String Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG SA7 7-String Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SA7 7-String Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Designed specifically for 7-string guitars with optimized string separation and clarity
- ✓ 3.00V strum output provides punchy, controlled dynamics for fast picking and complex voicings
- ✓ Alnico magnet delivers articulate single-coil character suited to metal and progressive genres
- ✓ Solderless connector system simplifies installation on extended-range instruments
Why choose EMG TBP Active Thunderbird Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active hum-canceling design eliminates 60 Hz hum inherent to passive bass pickups
- ✓ Ceramic magnet and offset coils provide tight low end with articulate midrange definition
- ✓ Extremely low noise floor at -106 dB ensures clean signal at high gain
- ✓ Compact, low-profile form factor integrates into Thunderbird bass without modifications
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the SA7 in a Thunderbird bass or the TBP in a 7-string guitar?
No. The SA7 is designed for 7-string guitar geometry and string spacing, while the TBP is a compact bass-specific pickup engineered for Thunderbird body cavities. They are not compatible with each other's instruments.
Which has lower noise?
The TBP has a lower noise floor at -106 dB compared to the SA7's -101 dB. However, both are exceptionally quiet for their respective instrument classes and both meet professional studio standards.
What's the difference in output level?
The SA7 delivers 3.00V on a full strum (1.00V per single string), while the TBP outputs 20 mV. These are measured on fundamentally different instruments—guitars and basses—so direct comparison is not practical; output levels are appropriate to each instrument's role.
Do both run on the same battery and lifespan?
Yes. Both pickups run on a single 9V battery with 80 microamp draw and deliver 3000 hours of battery life, making them equally efficient for gigging and studio use.