What kind of music is this pickup best suited for?

The EMG S excels in high-gain rock, metal, and other amplified styles where noise rejection and cutting clarity are critical. Its aggressive high-end and tight midrange make it less suited to traditional jazz or vintage-tone applications.

How long does the 9V battery last, and how hard is it to change?

The battery lasts approximately 3000 hours of continuous use—roughly 125 days—so most players change it once or twice a year depending on gigging frequency. The Quik-Connect solderless system makes installation and battery access straightforward.

Will this eliminate hum in my high-gain setup?

Yes. The active electronics and internal shielding are designed to reject 60-cycle hum and noise that traditional single coils can't. This makes the EMG S reliable in long cable runs and venues with noisy electrical environments.

What's included, and do I need any other parts to install this?

The pickup includes volume and tone controls, a jack, screws, springs, and everything needed for solderless installation via the Quik-Connect system. You'll need a 9V battery to power it.

How does this compare to passive single coils I might already own?

The EMG S trades some of the open, chimey character of passive single coils for noise immunity, higher output consistency, and aggressive high-end cut—making it far better suited to high-gain and heavy music. It's a different tool for a different job.

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 S Active Single Coil Pickup in White

The EMG S delivers the articulate, cutting response of a single-coil design with the noise immunity and output consistency of active electronics. This ceramic-magnet pickup excels in high-gain contexts where traditional single coils would introduce hum, making it a trusted choice for players who demand clarity without compromise on stage.

Active Electronics & Power

Built-in high-output, low-noise preamp circuitry eliminates the need for external buffering, ensuring clean signal transmission even in long cable runs across venue setups. The 9V battery powers the onboard circuit with a 3000-hour battery life, translating to roughly 125 days of continuous use—minimal maintenance between changes, ideal for touring and regular gigging.

Tone & Frequency Response

A 4.52 kHz resonant frequency positions the midrange peak for presence and articulation typical of single-coil character, cutting through a live mix with definition. The 2.00 Kohm output impedance maintains tight coupling with standard guitar electronics for predictable behavior across different rigs. The ceramic bar magnet construction delivers the aggressive, high-end emphasis expected from active designs without excess mud, translating to focused tone in a band context.

Key Features

Ceramic bar magnet construction
Built-in high-output, low-noise preamp
Internal shielding for noise rejection
White housing finish
9V battery power
3000-hour battery life
4.52 kHz resonant frequency
2.00 Kohm output impedance
80 microamps current draw @ 9V
Includes volume/tone controls, jack, screws, and springs
Solderless Quik-Connect system for fast installation
Dimensions: 3.38 × 2.25 × 4.75 inches

The EMG S combines single-coil articulation with active-circuit reliability, built for performers seeking hum-free operation in demanding amplified environments and road-tested consistency.