What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The Crossroads RA2-N excels in clean tones, jazz, funk, and studio sessions. Its articulate, low-noise character works well for moderately driven tones but is not designed for high-gain or metal applications.

How long does the battery last, and what kind of maintenance is required?

Battery life is rated at 830 hours on a single 9V supply. The pickup draws 630 µA of current, so expect roughly one month of continuous use per battery before replacement is needed.

How does the output level compare to passive pickups?

This active pickup delivers 3.00V on strum and 1.00V per single string, which is sufficient to drive modern amplifiers and pedalboards with low noise penalty (-103 dB at 60 Hz) compared to most passive designs.

Is this pickup easy to install?

Yes—the Crossroads RA2-N uses quick connector cable integration, which simplifies installation and future replacement. It is designed for 6-string electric guitar and integrates seamlessly into most modern rigs.

What is the maximum supply voltage this pickup can handle?

The pickup is rated for a maximum of 27V DC supply voltage, allowing it to work in heavily modified or multi-stage active systems.

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 Neck Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG Crossroads RA2-N is a refined active single-coil design engineered for players seeking articulate, controlled neck-position performance without sacrificing clarity. This Alnico 2 pickup delivers the responsiveness of a vintage single coil paired with EMG's active circuitry, making it ideal for gigging musicians who demand low noise and extended headroom from their electronics on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Electronics

With a resonant frequency of 4.50 kHz and 600 Gauss magnetic strength, this pickup produces balanced harmonic content suited to clean and moderately driven tones. The active amplification stage yields 3.00V output on strum and 1.00V per single string, providing sufficient level to drive modern amplifiers and pedalboards without noise penalty—measured at -103 dB at 60 Hz. That noise floor means your neck pickup stays articulate whether you're playing softly or driving hard through overdrive.

Live Reliability & Installation

The flat pole piece design ensures consistent response across the string span, while quick connectors simplify installation and future replacement—valuable for touring players and tech setups. Rated for 830 hours of battery life at 9V and capable of handling up to 27V DC maximum supply voltage, this pickup integrates seamlessly into both modest rigs and heavily modified systems, with the durability road musicians expect.

Key Features

Active single-coil pickup for neck position
Alnico 2 magnet with flat pole pieces
600 Gauss magnetic strength
Resonant frequency: 4.50 kHz
Output voltage: 3.00V strum, 1.00V single string
Ultra-low noise floor: -103 dB at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 3 kΩ
Quick connector cable integration
System current: 630 µA at 9V supply
Battery life: 830 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Designed for 6-string electric guitar, made in the United States

The Crossroads RA2-N combines vintage single-coil character with modern active noise rejection, making it a dependable choice for players prioritizing signal clarity and reliability on every gig.