Is this pickup right for high-gain or metal tones?

No—this pickup is voiced for clean, funk, and pop tones. The articulate highs and focused midrange excel in those genres, but it is not optimized for high-gain or thrash metal applications.

What does 'active' mean, and why does it matter?

Active circuitry uses a 9V battery to amplify and shape the signal directly in the pickup, which delivers a -103 dB noise floor and consistent output (3.00V on strum, 1.00V per string) without hum. You get single-coil character with modern noise rejection and approximately 830 hours of battery life.

Do I need to solder this into my guitar?

No. The EMG quick-connect header system allows tool-free installation—simply plug it in. The 3 kΩ output impedance integrates with standard guitar wiring and amp inputs seamlessly.

How does this compare to passive vintage single-coils?

The Crossroads delivers the same articulate, responsive single-coil character as vintage designs like the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage or Fender Custom Shop 69, but with active circuitry that eliminates hum and provides greater output headroom and signal purity.

What's included, and what do I need to provide?

The pickup is complete and ready to install via the quick-connect header. You will need a 9V battery to power the active circuit; the system draws 630 microamps and delivers approximately 830 hours of battery life.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG Crossroads Bridge Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG Crossroads Retro Active bridge pickup combines vintage single-coil character with modern active circuitry, delivering articulate highs and responsive midrange without the noise floor of passive designs. This is a purpose-built bridge position pickup for players seeking clarity and definition while maintaining traditional single-coil dynamics on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Output Characteristics

The Alnico 2 magnet and 2.90 kHz resonant frequency at the bridge position produce a focused, articulate tone with controlled bass and pronounced treble response. Active circuitry yields a 3.00V output on strum and 1.00V string response, supplying sufficient signal for both clean and driven tones while maintaining excellent signal-to-noise ratio at -103 dB—critical for cutting through a mix live or recording with minimal hum.

Design & Reliability

Built in the United States, this active single-coil features EMG's quick-connect header system for straightforward installation without soldering. The 3 kΩ output impedance integrates seamlessly with standard guitar wiring and amp inputs, while the compact single-coil form factor maintains traditional aesthetic in the bridge position. Battery life runs 830 hours at 9V, reducing downtime between gigs.

Key Features

Type: Active Single Coil
Magnet: Alnico 2
Gauss Strength at Poles: 600
Output Voltage (Strum): 3.00V
Output Voltage (String): 1.00V
Output Noise (60 Hz): -103 dB
Output Impedance: 3 kΩ
System Current @9V: 630 microamps
System Battery Life: 830 hours
Maximum Supply: 27 volts DC
Resonant Frequency (Bridge): 2.90 kHz
Quick-Connect header system for tool-free installation
Manufactured in the United States

The EMG Crossroads Retro Active bridge pickup delivers the clarity and articulation of traditional single-coil design backed by the noise rejection and headroom of active electronics—trusted for live performance and session work.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Clean Tones, Funk, Pop
Tonal character	Articulate highs, focused midrange, controlled bass, low noise floor, responsive dynamics
Less specialized for	High-Gain Metal, Thrash Metal (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional