What makes the S/S/85 configuration different from a standard three-single-coil setup?

The bridge position houses an EMG 85 humbucker instead of a single coil, delivering aggressive midrange and high output suited to overdrive and distortion while the neck and middle remain single coils for articulate, transparent tone. This hybrid approach balances lead punch with rhythm clarity across all three positions.

Does this require any special wiring or modifications?

The active electronics require a 9V battery and modest wiring adjustments beyond a passive installation; EMG supplies integrated preamp circuitry and tuned potentiometer values for optimal gain staging. Drop-in compatibility with standard Fender-style single-coil and humbucker routing makes retrofit straightforward on most solid-body and offset guitars.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup set designed for?

The S/S/85 is optimized for rock, metal, hard rock, and hard fusion where fast transient response, articulate lead work, and focused punch are priorities. It is not recommended for jazz, folk, or country applications where warm, smooth single-coil voicing without aggression is preferred.

How does the active circuitry affect tone and performance?

Active electronics eliminate loading effects from your cable and amp, preserving transient snap and dynamic response across all three positions. The low-impedance signal path delivers consistent, high-output performance with clear note definition and minimal noise floor.

Is the white finish durable and does it match standard Fender aesthetics?

The white cover finish integrates cleanly into bright or vintage-styled instrument aesthetics and is part of EMG's standard construction. Durability depends on normal handling and environment; the ceramic magnet construction and active circuit are designed for reliable, road-ready performance.

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 $20 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 S/S/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in White

The EMG S/S/85 configuration gives you articulate single-coil snap in the neck and middle positions paired with the aggressive output of EMG's 85 humbucker at the bridge. This three-pickup setup delivers the clarity you need for cutting lead lines and the punch required for solid rhythm work. The white finish fits seamlessly into bright or vintage-leaning instrument designs.

Tone & Electronics

Neck and middle single coils produce transparent, bell-like articulation across the frequency spectrum, while the bridge 85 humbucker brings focused midrange aggression and high output for overdrive and distortion stacks. Active circuitry eliminates cable and amp loading, keeping your transient snap and dynamic response intact across all three positions—essential for tight, responsive playing on stage.

Installation & Compatibility

Standard Fender-style single-coil and humbucker routing means straightforward retrofit on most offset and solid-body designs. EMG's active electronics run on a 9V battery with minimal wiring changes; the supplied potentiometer values and circuit components are optimized for clean gain staging and a quiet noise floor.

Key Features

Three-pickup configuration: two single coils (neck/middle) plus bridge humbucker
Bridge pickup: EMG 85 humbucker with aggressive midrange character
Neck/middle pickups: EMG single coils for articulate, transparent tone
Active electronics powered by single 9V battery
White cover finish
High output design suitable for rock, metal, and hard fusion
Low-impedance signal path minimizes cable and amp loading
Standard Fender pole-piece spacing and mounting
EMG integrated preamp circuit included
Fast transient response and clear note definition
Ceramic magnet construction
Compatible with standard single-coil and humbucker routes

This pickup set combines single-coil articulation with active amplification punch and sustain, delivering reliable versatility across clean, crunch, and high-gain work—ready for the road and the studio.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Hard Fusion, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Articulate snap, aggressive midrange, high output, transparent bell-like highs, focused punch
Less specialized for	Jazz, Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional