EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG129
Description
EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG SA delivers the articulate, dynamic response of a single-coil design with the reliability and low noise of active circuitry. This pickup excels at capturing the nuance of both clean and overdriven tones, making it a versatile choice for players who demand clarity and definition across their entire signal chain.
Tone & Electronics
Equipped with an Alnico V magnet and a resonant frequency of 3.70 kHz, the SA generates 1.00 V output per string and 3.00 V on aggressive strums, ensuring responsive dynamics without excessive noise. The internal low impedance preamp and shielding keep noise floor at -101 dB at 60 Hz, allowing clean tones to remain articulate even in electrically noisy venue environments.
Power & Installation
This active design operates on a single 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—drawing only 80 microamps at 9V yields approximately 3000 hours of battery life, eliminating mid-tour battery swaps. The solderless 2-conductor plus battery connection streamlines wiring and reduces setup time, and the pickup tolerates up to 27 Volts DC for rigs running higher-voltage preamps or powered systems.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet for responsive, defined tone
- Resonant frequency: 3.70 kHz
- 1.00 V output per string; 3.00 V on strum
- Output noise: -101 dB at 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Single 9V battery; 80 microamps current draw
- Battery life: approximately 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 Volts DC
- Solderless 2-wire plus battery connectivity
- Internal shielding and low impedance preamp
- Black finish
- Dimensions: 3.38 × 2.25 × 4.75 inches
The SA combines single-coil articulation with active-circuit reliability, making it a road-proven choice for players seeking clarity and extended battery performance on stage.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA is an active single-coil pickup that delivers articulate, noise-free clarity without sacrificing dynamic response—perfect for players who gig and record clean tones, overdriven leads, or studio-quality articulation on stage. Its low-noise active circuit (-101 dB at 60 Hz) and 3000-hour battery life mean reliable performance night after night, while the Alnico V magnet preserves the definition and responsiveness single-coil players expect. Choose the SA if you need a pickup that cuts through in a mix, handles electrically noisy venues, and won't leave you hunting for a fresh battery mid-tour.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ studio sessions
- ✓ home recording
- ✓ clean tones
- ✓ articulate leads
Not the best pick for
- – high-gain metal
- – thick rhythm work
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of music or tones is the EMG SA best suited for?
The SA excels at clean tones, articulate leads, and studio recording sessions where clarity and definition matter most. It is not designed for high-gain metal or thick rhythm work, where hotter, darker pickups perform better.
How long will the battery last, and is installation complicated?
The 9V battery draws only 80 microamps and delivers approximately 3000 hours of playable life. Installation is straightforward thanks to solderless 2-conductor plus battery connections—no soldering required.
Will this pickup work in noisy environments like venues or live-sound setups?
Yes. The internal low-impedance preamp and shielding keep the output noise floor at -101 dB at 60 Hz, so your clean tones remain articulate even in electrically noisy environments.
What are the key specs I need to know before installing this?
The SA produces 1.00 V output per string and 3.00 V on aggressive strums, has a resonant frequency of 3.70 kHz, operates on a single 9V battery, and tolerates up to 27 Volts DC for higher-voltage rigs. Dimensions are 3.38 × 2.25 × 4.75 inches.
How does this compare to passive single-coil pickups?
The active circuit provides significantly lower noise, more consistent output, and extended battery life compared to passive designs. You trade passive simplicity for active reliability and studio-grade clarity, making the SA ideal for recording and venues where noise rejection is critical.
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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