EMG S/S/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG110
Description
EMG S/S/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG S/S/81 delivers articulate single-coil clarity in the neck and middle positions paired with the punchy, high-output character of the legendary EMG 81 bridge humbucker. This three-pickup configuration gives players versatile tonal range without sacrificing the aggressive edge that defines EMG's active circuit sound. The solderless connectors and included wiring harness make installation straightforward on compatible instruments.
Tone & Electronics
The ceramic magnet construction across all three pickups ensures bright, cutting response with controlled sustain. The EMG 81 bridge pickup operates at a 1.63 kHz resonant frequency, delivering the high-output aggression suited to lead work and cutting through a live mix, while the single coils provide articulation for rhythm playing and clean tones. Active circuitry powered by a standard 9V battery (rated for over 1000 hours of playing time) maintains consistent output and noise rejection across all positions—essential for reliable stage performance night after night.
Installation & Wiring
The solderless connectors eliminate traditional soldering requirements, reducing installation complexity and getting your instrument stage-ready faster. This set includes everything needed for a complete upgrade: volume pot, tone pots, three-way selector switch, output jack, pickup cables, battery cable, and mounting hardware—all components are manufactured to EMG's specifications and made in the USA.
Key Features
- Three-position configuration: bridge, middle, and neck
- Hybrid design combining EMG 81 humbucker with ceramic single coils
- High output active circuit
- Ceramic magnet material
- Solderless connectors for simplified installation
- EMG 81 bridge pickup resonant frequency: 1.63 kHz
- DC resistance per pickup: 10 kΩ
- 9V battery power (1000+ hours operating time)
- Includes volume and tone controls, selector switch, and all cables
- Complete wiring harness and mounting hardware included
- Made in the USA
The S/S/81 delivers the tonal flexibility of three distinct voices while maintaining EMG's signature active performance and reliability—a dependable choice for gigging musicians who need their rig to deliver night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG S/S/81 is a three-pickup active system pairing bright, articulate single coils in the neck and middle with the punchy, high-output EMG 81 bridge humbucker—delivering aggressive, cutting tone for metal and hard rock while staying articulate for rhythm work. Built on EMG's proven active circuit with solderless connectors and a complete wiring harness, it installs cleanly and maintains consistent output and noise rejection under stage demands. Choose this set for players who need versatile tonal range without sacrificing the edge that defines modern metal and progressive rock.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar types is the S/S/81 compatible with?
The S/S/81 is designed for standard Strat-style pickguard configurations with single-coil spacing in the neck and middle positions and a humbucker routing at the bridge. The solderless connectors and included wiring harness are straightforward to install on compatible instruments, though individual guitar geometry may vary.
How long does the 9V battery last before needing replacement?
The 9V battery is rated for over 1000 hours of playing time. Typical players should expect several months of regular use before needing a fresh battery, depending on daily playing time.
Is this pickup set suitable for styles outside of metal and hard rock?
The S/S/81 is optimized for metal, hard rock, and progressive music. The active circuit and high-output bridge pickup are less well-suited to jazz, blues, and folk styles, which typically benefit from lower-output, warmer passive pickups.
What is included in the complete wiring harness?
The set includes volume and tone pots, a three-way selector switch, output jack, pickup cables, battery cable, mounting hardware, and all three pickups. Everything is manufactured to EMG specifications and made in the USA, so no additional components are needed for a complete swap.
How does the active circuit improve performance compared to passive pickups?
The active circuit maintains consistent output and noise rejection across all three pickup positions and frequencies, critical for heavy, articulate playing where signal clarity and sustain matter. The ceramic magnet construction across all three pickups delivers a bright, cutting response with controlled sustain suited to aggressive lead and rhythm work.
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 $20 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.
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