EMG FT-RA2 Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6312
Description
EMG RA-2 Retro Active Single-Coil Pickup in Black
The RA-2 Retro Active pickup delivers the classic single-coil character of vintage designs with the clarity and headroom of modern active electronics. Built around Alnico 2 magnets, this pickup produces articulate, responsive tone with minimal noise and extended dynamic range. The discrete FET preamp operates on minimal current draw, making it ideal for players seeking authentic single-coil response without the hum and microphony of passive designs.
Tone & Electronics
The Alnico 2 magnet construction and discrete FET preamp combine to deliver a balanced, detailed voice with low impedance output and exceptional headroom. The preamp circuit requires only 600 Micro-Amps at 9 Volts, minimizing battery drain while maintaining the natural resonance characteristic of each pickup position.
Design & Specifications
This single-coil design eliminates the need for string grounding, simplifying installation and maintenance. Each RA-2 pickup is tuned to its own resonant frequency, ensuring tonal consistency across neck, middle, and bridge positions while preserving the unique character of traditional Fender-style single-coil architecture.
Key Features
- Alnico 2 magnet construction
- Discrete FET preamp design
- Low-impedance output
- High headroom and low noise
- 600 Micro-Amp current draw at 9 Volts
- No string grounding required
- Individual resonant frequency per pickup position
- Single-coil pole piece design
- Active electronics with extended dynamic range
The RA-2 Retro Active handles the noise floor and dynamic demands of stage playing while preserving the articulation and feel of classic single-coil tone. Reliable active circuitry with vintage character—built for consistent performance night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG RA-2 Retro Active is a single-coil pickup that blends vintage Alnico 2 warmth with modern active electronics to deliver articulate, low-noise tone and extended headroom on stage. Built for blues, country, funk, and rock players who want authentic single-coil response without the hum and microphony of passive designs, it sits perfectly in a live rig or studio session. Choose it if you need a pickup that feels responsive under your fingers, stays quiet under high-gain amp settings, and preserves the dynamic character that makes single coils sing.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Blues, Country, Funk, Rock, Pop |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, detailed, low noise, high headroom, vintage character |
| Less specialized for | Metal, Djent (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the RA-2 different from a standard passive single-coil?
The RA-2 uses a discrete FET preamp that operates on minimal current (600 Micro-Amps at 9 Volts), delivering low-impedance output and extended dynamic range while eliminating the hum and microphony associated with passive single-coil designs. You get vintage character and responsiveness without the noise.
Will this pickup work for metal or high-gain styles?
The RA-2 is voiced for blues, country, funk, rock, and pop and is not recommended for metal or djent applications. Its articulate, detailed tone and low-noise design are optimized for genres where single-coil character and clarity matter most.
Do I need to ground the strings during installation?
No. The RA-2 eliminates the need for string grounding, which simplifies installation and maintenance compared to many passive single-coils.
How does the battery life perform?
The preamp draws only 600 Micro-Amps at 9 Volts, minimizing battery drain and allowing extended playing time per battery charge while maintaining the natural resonance of each pickup position.
Is each pickup individually tuned?
Yes. Each RA-2 pickup is tuned to its own resonant frequency, ensuring tonal consistency across neck, middle, and bridge positions while preserving the unique character of traditional Fender-style single-coil architecture.
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.
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