Do I need to solder anything to install this pickguard?

No. The EMG solderless install system means you simply drop the entire prewired pickguard into a standard Strat cavity — no tools, no solder, no modifications required.

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

The RA5 Pro uses a discrete FET preamp and low-impedance output to eliminate the hum and cable noise that passive designs suffer from, while keeping the articulate, vintage-style single-coil tone intact. It runs on a 9-volt battery (600 micro-amps) and requires no string grounding.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The RA5 Pro excels in blues, country, rock, and indie — any style that values articulate, responsive single-coil character. It is not designed for metal or djent, where higher output and thicker voicing are typical.

Will this pickguard fit my Strat?

Yes, if your guitar has a standard Strat-style cavity and uses an 11-hole pickguard configuration. The modern style pickguard is designed to drop into any standard Strat-style body.

How often do I need to replace the battery?

The 9-volt battery draws only 600 micro-amps, keeping power draw minimal and extending battery life significantly — typical usage should yield many months of gigging or recording between changes.

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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $21 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG RA5 Pro Retro Active Prewired Pickguard Pickup in Black

The EMG RA5 Pro delivers the vintage single-coil character of classic Strat tones with modern active electronics and zero installation hassle. This prewired pickguard assembly pairs three RetroActive single-coil pickups with a discrete FET preamp, offering players who value authenticity without sacrificing low-noise performance a complete, drop-in solution.

Electronics & Tone Character

Three RetroActive single-coil pickups with Alnico 5 magnets and 3kΩ DCR coils produce articulate, responsive output with genuine vintage-style definition. The integrated discrete FET preamp and low-impedance output eliminate the susceptibility to noise and cable interference that plagues passive designs, while the 600 micro-amp, 9-volt battery requirement keeps the system efficient and maintenance-straightforward. On stage, you get clarity and punch without the hum that haunts traditional passive circuits.

Installation & Reliability

The solderless install system enables rapid, tool-free assembly without requiring modifications or solder work. The modern style pickguard with its practical 11-hole configuration fits standard Strat-style cavities, and the architecture eliminates the need for string grounding or creates any shock hazard during installation or use. Swap it into your workhorse Strat in minutes—no downtime before gigs.

Key Features

Three RetroActive single-coil pickups with Alnico 5 magnets
Discrete FET preamp for clean, low-noise amplification
3kΩ DCR coils for balanced harmonic response
Low-impedance output for reduced noise and interference
1 Volume control, 2 Tone controls (High-End rolloff), and 5-position selection switch
600 micro-amp, 9-volt battery power requirement
EMG solderless install system — no soldering required
Strat-style (S/S/S) configuration
No string grounding required
Modern style pickguard with 11 holes
Dimensions: 33 x 25.4 x 7.6 cm
Black finish

This assembly bridges the gap between vintage tone and modern reliability, making it an excellent choice for gigging musicians seeking authentic single-coil response without the noise floor and fragility of passive circuits.

Best suited for	Blues, Country, Rock, Indie, Pop
Tonal character	Articulate single-coil, vintage-style definition, low-noise active, responsive output, balanced harmonic response
Less specialized for	Metal, Djent (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional