What skill level do I need to install these pickups?

These pickups suit intermediate to advanced players comfortable with wiring and soldering. The set includes a complete control package with volume and tone pots, a 5-way selector, output and battery cables, and all mounting hardware, but installation assumes basic electronics knowledge or access to a qualified tech.

Why are these better than passive single-coils for recording?

Active electronics eliminate hum and inconsistent output—the noise floor sits at -103 dB, and all three positions deliver uniform 1.00V per single string and 3.00V on strums. This means cleaner tracks, predictable levels across position switches, and fewer re-records due to noise or dropout issues.

How long do the batteries last?

At 9V operation, the system draws 630 microamps and yields approximately 830 hours of battery life per cell—roughly 35 days of continuous use, or several months of typical playing. The set includes all cables needed to power the preamp.

Are these pickups suited for metal or high-gain styles?

No—these pickups are voiced for studio sessions, funk, pop, and indie applications where clarity and organic harmonics matter. Metal and thrash metal players should consider alternatives with higher output and darker voicing.

What does each position sound like?

The neck position (4.75 kHz) delivers warmth and definition, the middle (3.50 kHz) offers balance, and the bridge (3.00 kHz) provides focused treble. All three maintain consistent output and responsiveness, making switching between positions smooth and predictable in a mix or live setting.

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. On this item that is roughly $19 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 Maverick 5 Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black

The EMG Maverick 5 combines single-coil snap and articulation with the noise rejection and output consistency of active electronics—a genuine advantage on stage and in the studio. Each position voices distinctly—neck, mid, and bridge—while delivering uniform output and responsiveness so your tone stays locked in across every pickup selection. Built in the United States, these pickups give you vintage single-coil character with zero compromise on performance or road reliability.

Tone & Electronics

Each pickup is voiced with its own resonant frequency: 4.75 kHz at the neck for warmth and definition, 3.50 kHz in the middle position for balance, and 3.00 kHz at the bridge for focused treble. All three positions generate 1.00V output on a single string and 3.00V on a strum, ensuring consistent gain structure and predictable response across all selections. The Alnico 5 magnet with 750 Gauss strength yields organic harmonic content while the active circuit maintains an exceptionally low -103 dB noise floor at 60 Hz.

System & Longevity

The active preamp draws 630 microamps at 9V operation, yielding approximately 830 hours of battery life per cell. Output impedance remains stable at 3 Kohm across all positions, and the system tolerates supply voltages up to 27V DC for extended headroom. The set includes a complete control package, three pickup cables, connection harnesses, output and battery cables, plus all mounting hardware needed for installation.

Key Features

Alnico 5 magnet construction with 750 Gauss strength at all positions
Single-coil active design with -103 dB noise floor at 60 Hz
Three distinctly voiced positions: Neck 4.75 kHz, Mid 3.50 kHz, Bridge 3.00 kHz
Uniform 1.00V single-string and 3.00V strum output across all three pickups
3 Kohm output impedance (all positions)
630 microamp system current at 9V with 830-hour battery life
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Includes 1 volume pot (25K), 2 tone pots (25K), 5-way selector switch, stereo output jack, and all connecting cables
Three pairs of mounting screws and springs included
Made in the United States
Black finish with single-coil form factor

This set delivers retro aesthetic, transparent single-coil response, and rock-solid active reliability—a workhorse pickup choice for gigging musicians and studio players alike.