EMG S3 Passive 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
- EMG2170
Description
EMG S3 Passive Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG S3 is a passive single-coil pickup engineered for players seeking authentic Fender-style voicing without active circuitry. Its stacked design delivers clarity and articulation across all frequency ranges while remaining compact and straightforward to install. This pickup suits vintage-minded rigs and modern builds alike, offering balanced response with minimal noise—dependable on stage and in the studio.
Tonal Characteristics
Built on an Alnico magnet with 4.53 Henries of inductance, the S3 produces two distinct resonant peaks at 2.3 kHz and 3.95 kHz, yielding articulate midrange and present treble without harshness. The 11 kOhm DC resistance and 57.7 kOhm impedance at resonance ensure responsive dynamics and compatibility with standard tube and solid-state amplifiers, making it work seamlessly with any rig you bring to a gig.
Design & Installation
The pickup features full shielding to reject hum and interference, critical in single-coil applications where noise rejection matters for live work. Its solderless wiring kit from EMG simplifies installation for players who prefer plug-and-play connectivity, while the solid cover cap and stacked geometry maintain a clean aesthetic on any instrument and eliminate downtime before a show.
Key Features
- Passive design—no battery required
- Alnico magnet construction
- 4.53 Henries inductance
- 11 kOhm DC resistance
- Resonant frequency peaks at 2.3 kHz and 3.95 kHz
- 57.7 kOhm impedance at resonance
- Stacked single-coil design
- Solid cover cap
- Fully shielded for noise rejection
- Includes EMG solderless wiring kit
- Made in USA
The S3 combines vintage single-coil character with EMG's engineering standards and modern convenience, delivering reliable tone and trouble-free operation night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG S3 is a passive single-coil pickup that captures authentic Fender-style tone with articulate midrange and present treble, ideal for blues, country, rock, and indie players. Its stacked design delivers clarity without the hum typical of traditional single coils, while full shielding and solderless wiring make installation straightforward. Choose it if you want vintage character and responsive dynamics that work equally well on a vintage-spec Strat or a modern build.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Indie
- ✓ Funk
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this pickup work in my guitar without modification?
The EMG S3 fits standard single-coil rout cavities found in Fender-style instruments. The solderless wiring kit simplifies installation; however, you may need to enlarge the control cavity slightly to accommodate the connector if your guitar has a tight fit. Consult your guitar's specifications or a qualified tech if you're unsure about fitment.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The S3 excels in blues, country, rock, indie, and funk applications where authentic single-coil articulation and midrange clarity are valued. It is not optimized for metal or djent styles, where higher output and different tonal characteristics are typically preferred.
Does this pickup require a battery or power supply?
No. The S3 is a fully passive design, so it requires no battery or external power. You can plug it in and play without any additional setup or ongoing maintenance.
How does this compare to other single-coil options like Fender or Seymour Duncan?
The EMG S3 delivers comparable Fender-style voicing to the Fender Original '57/'62 and Seymour Duncan SSL-1, with full shielding to reject hum that traditional single coils can suffer from. Its stacked geometry maintains that vintage character while offering quieter operation and modern convenience through the solderless wiring kit.
Will this pickup work with my tube amp and solid-state rig?
Yes. The S3's 11 kOhm DC resistance and 57.7 kOhm impedance at resonance ensure responsive dynamics and compatibility with standard tube and solid-state amplifiers across a wide range of gear.
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.
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