What's the difference between this and a passive single-coil pickup?

This pickup uses active circuitry powered by a 9V battery, which eliminates the hum and noise typical of passive single coils while delivering a -103 dB noise floor. The active design also provides higher output and cleaner signal at high gain, making it better suited to modern and aggressive playing styles than traditional passive designs.

How long does the battery last, and what's involved in replacing it?

Battery life is rated at 830 hours of continuous use at 9V. The battery is easily accessible and user-replaceable; EMG rates this at standard 9V alkaline battery swap cycles common in active guitar electronics.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

This pickup shines in studio sessions, lead work, and high-gain rhythm applications where clarity and definition matter. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk styles, which typically favor warmer, less articulate tones.

Does this pickup come with everything needed to install it?

Yes, the pickup includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, 5-way selector switch, mounting hardware, and all connection cables needed for installation into standard and custom wiring schemes.

What output level should I expect from this pickup?

Single-string output is 1.00V, and full strum output is 3.00V with a 3 Kohm output impedance. The active circuit supports system voltages up to 27V DC maximum, allowing headroom expansion if paired with compatible preamps or systems.

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 Maverick Five Middle Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG Maverick Five Middle delivers articulate, vintage-inspired single-coil character with modern active circuitry. This pickup pairs classic alnico construction with low-noise active electronics, giving you clarity and definition without the hum associated with passive single coils—essential for staying clean and cutting through at stage volume.

Tone & Electronics

Built on Alnico 5 magnets with a 750 Gauss strength and 3.50 kHz resonant frequency, this middle pickup produces articulate midrange presence that locks in rhythm work and cuts on lead lines. The active circuit operates on a single 9V battery with a reported 830-hour battery life at 630 microamps system current, while the noise floor sits at -103 dB for virtually silent operation even running high-gain on stage.

Power & System Requirements

The complete system supports battery voltages up to 27V DC maximum, allowing for expanded headroom and increased output if needed. Paired with the included 25K volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, and 5-way selector switch, this pickup integrates into both standard and custom wiring schemes with minimal complications.

Key Features

Magnet Type: Alnico 5
Gauss Strength: 750 at poles
Resonant Frequency: 3.50 kHz
Output Voltage (string): 1.00V
Output Voltage (strum): 3.00V
Output Impedance: 3 Kohm
Active circuitry with 9V battery power
System current: 630 microamps at 9V
Battery life: 830 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Output noise: -103 dB at 60 Hz
Includes 25K volume pot, tone pots, output jack, 5-way selector, mounting hardware, and all connection cables
Made in the United States
Color: Black

This active single-coil middle pickup combines the snap and articulation of vintage single-coil design with the signal clarity and noise rejection that keeps your rig reliable night after night.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Lead definition, Rhythm work
Tonal character	Articulate midrange, vintage-inspired character, low-noise active, snap and clarity, high-gain capable
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional