What position is this pickup designed for?

This is a middle-position pickup. Its 3.30 kHz resonant frequency and articulate character are optimized for the middle slot in a three-pickup guitar.

Does this pickup require a battery, and how long does it last?

Yes, it uses a 9V battery rated for approximately 830 hours of playable life. The active circuitry eliminates 60 Hz hum and keeps the noise floor at -103 dB, which would be impossible with a passive design.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

It excels in blues, country, rock, and studio sessions. The vintage-voiced tone and responsive dynamics suit gigging and recording, but it is not designed for metal or djent applications.

How does the output compare to other single-coils?

It produces 1.00V on a single string and 3.00V under strum, with a 3 kΩ output impedance that maintains clarity when driving amplifiers or processors. This balanced signal works cleanly in both lead and rhythm contexts.

What magnet type does it use?

The pickup uses an Alnico 2 magnet with flat pole pieces and 600 Gauss strength, delivering the warm, musical character associated with vintage single-coil designs.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG Crossroads Middle Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG Crossroads Middle delivers articulate, responsive single-coil character with the reliability of active electronics. This pickup excels in the middle position, offering clarity and definition that cuts through without the noise floor associated with passive designs. Built for touring players and studio work where vintage-voiced tone meets modern performance standards and gig-night dependability.

Tone & Performance

A 3.30 kHz resonant frequency positions this pickup in the sweet spot for articulate midrange presence that stands out in a full band mix. The Alnico 2 magnet with flat pole pieces produces warm, musical character while the 600 Gauss strength ensures responsive dynamics under pick attack and dynamics control. Output measures 1.00V on a single string and 3.00V under strum, providing a balanced signal that remains clean in both lead lines and full rhythm passages without breakup or noise.

Live Reliability & Electronics

Active circuitry keeps noise floor at -103 dB—eliminating 60 Hz hum common to passive designs, a critical advantage on stage where ground loops and RF interference are constant concerns. The 3 kΩ output impedance maintains signal transparency when driving amplifiers or multi-effects rigs. A 9V battery delivers approximately 830 hours of playable life, keeping the pickup operational through extended tours and session work. Maximum supply voltage rated to 27V DC provides headroom in high-gain applications. System current draws 630 µA at nominal voltage, extending battery intervals between replacements.

Key Features

Active Single Coil configuration
Alnico 2 magnet with flat pole pieces
3.30 kHz resonant frequency
1.00V output voltage (single string)
3.00V output voltage (strum)
3 kΩ output impedance
-103 dB output noise (60 Hz)
600 Gauss strength at poles
630 µA system current @ 9V
830 hours battery life per 9V cell
27V DC maximum supply voltage
Quick Connect wiring system
Black cover finish

This middle-position pickup combines vintage single-coil articulation with active-circuit noise rejection and the consistency gigging musicians require—a solid choice for rigs that demand both character and on-stage reliability night after night.