Is the RTC a drop-in replacement for my Telecaster?

Yes. The RTC is designed for the rear position of a standard Telecaster cavity and follows EMG's mounting and wiring conventions for straightforward installation without routing or modification.

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

The RTC excels in country, rock, alternative rock, and studio sessions where crisp articulation and punchy tone are priorities. It's not voiced for metal or djent styles, which typically demand higher output and different frequency emphasis.

How does the active design improve tone compared to passive single-coils?

The active circuit reduces noise floor and maintains consistent output across different cable runs and playing dynamics, while the ceramic magnet emphasizes treble definition and tight bass—delivering clarity without the hum that passive single-coils often introduce, especially on stage.

What's included with the pickup, and do I need additional electronics?

The pickup ships in black finish with standard EMG mounting hardware and wiring conventions. You'll need an EMG 25K pot and a 9V power source (typically a battery housed in your guitar) to operate the active circuit.

How does the RTC compare to other active single-coils like the Seymour Duncan SSL-1?

The RTC emphasizes ceramic-magnet clarity and tight low-end control on a rear-Tele voice, while the SSL-1 leans toward a warmer, more scooped character. Choice depends on whether you prioritize crisp articulation or smoother vintage tone.

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 RTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG RTC is a rear Telecaster pickup built for players who need clarity and punch that cuts through on a live stage. Its compact form factor drops into standard Tele cavities, delivering the crisp top-end response and controlled low-end punch that set it apart from passive alternatives—and that stays consistent whether you're in a quiet studio or pushing it through a full PA.

Tone & Electronics

Built around a ceramic magnet, the RTC produces a focused frequency response with emphasis on treble definition and tight bass reproduction. The active design—powered by EMG's proven circuit architecture—maintains consistent output and reduces noise floor, eliminating the hum that can plague unplugged passive pickups in high-gain or RF-heavy venues.

Design & Build

The pickup ships in black finish and follows EMG's standard mounting and wiring conventions for drop-in compatibility. Its rear-position voice complements bridge pickups across the Tele platform, giving you the tonal balance you need for everything from country to alternative rock—with the durability and predictability active electronics bring to touring and regular gigging.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction for crisp top-end presence
Tight, controlled bottom-end response
Active circuitry for reduced noise and consistent output
Rear Telecaster position design
Black finish
Standard EMG mounting and wiring compatibility
Drop-in installation for Tele cavities
Single-coil form factor with active tone shaping

The RTC pairs focused articulation with the road-tested reliability of active electronics, making it a solid choice for Telecaster players who need definition without the noise that can derail a gig.