What's the difference between the EMG S and passive single-coil pickups?

The EMG S uses active electronics powered by a 9V battery, delivering a –101 dB noise floor and consistent high output without the hum typical of passive designs. Active operation also gives you predictable signal strength and 1000+ hours of battery life per charge, making it reliable for gigging and studio work.

Is this pickup set easy to install?

Yes—the solderless installation system is designed for straightforward drop-in retrofits, so you don't need to rewire or resolder your guitar. Standard guitar wiring will work with the 10 kOhms output impedance.

What genres and playing styles work best with the EMG S?

The EMG S excels in rock, metal, progressive, and studio sessions where articulation and lead work demand clarity and snap. The focused upper-midrange tone prioritizes definition over warm, vintage character, so it's less suited for blues or jazz players seeking classic single-coil warmth.

How long does the 9V battery last?

Under typical use, the battery delivers over 1000 hours of playing time, which typically means several months between changes. The pickup will continue to function at lower volumes even as the battery ages, but battery monitoring is recommended for touring and critical sessions.

What output levels should I expect?

The pickup delivers 1 V output per string and 3 V strum output, maintaining excellent headroom into preamps and amplifiers with a noise floor of –101 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring clean signal transmission even at high volumes.

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 S Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black

The EMG S delivers articulate, punchy single-coil character with the reliability of active electronics and low-noise performance. These ceramic-magnet pickups excel in high-output applications where clarity and definition matter, offering modern active convenience without sacrificing the snap and responsiveness players expect from single-coil designs.

Tone & Electronics

A 4.05 kHz resonant frequency centers the tonal sweet spot in the upper midrange, producing focused articulation ideal for lead work and fast passages. The 1 V string output and 3 V strum output maintain excellent headroom into preamps and amplifiers, while the –101 dB noise floor keeps hum and interference virtually inaudible even at volume.

Power & Installation

Active operation requires a 9V supply with a maximum tolerance of 27 V DC, delivering over 1000 hours of battery life under typical use. The solderless installation system simplifies drop-in retrofits, and the 10 kOhms output impedance ensures compatibility with most guitar wiring and equipment.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction
4.05 kHz resonant frequency
1 V output per string
3 V strum output
–101 dB output noise at 60 Hz
10 kOhms output impedance
Active design: 240 mA current draw at 9 V
Maximum supply voltage: 27 V DC
Battery life: 1000 hours
Solderless installation system
Black finish

On stage or in the studio, these pickups deliver rock-solid, noise-free signal with predictable output across the full dynamic range. The active design means zero hum headaches during live sets, while the quick responsiveness keeps your tone articulate whether you're digging in hard or playing with finesse. Battery life gets you through extended gigs without worry, and the solderless system means a fast retrofit when upgrade time comes.