Does this pickup really need a battery, and how long does it last?

Yes, the EMG SA runs on a 9V battery that lasts approximately 3000 hours under typical use. The circuit draws only 80 microamps, so battery changes are infrequent, and the design tolerates supply voltages up to 27V DC if you prefer an external or rechargeable power solution.

What skill level is this pickup designed for?

The SA suits beginner through professional players across rock, pop, funk, studio, and home-recording applications. Its active circuitry and low-noise floor make it forgiving in high-gain contexts while delivering the clarity that advanced players expect.

Is soldering required to install it?

No—the pickup includes a solderless connection system with pickup and connect cables, so installation is straightforward and requires no soldering experience.

How does the EMG SA compare to other single-coil options?

The SA blends the warm, articulate character of vintage single-coils (comparable to Fender Custom Shop 69 or Lollar Imperial tone) with the noise immunity and consistency of active electronics, eliminating hum and susceptibility issues that passive designs face.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The SA excels in rock, pop, funk, and studio sessions where articulate definition and low noise are priorities. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk applications where vintage passive voicing is preferred.

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.

EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory

The EMG SA delivers the articulate snap and clarity of a classic single-coil design with the consistency and low-noise floor of active electronics. This pickup combines traditional Alnico V character with modern circuit topology, making it reliable for stage use across genres without the hum and noise susceptibility of passive designs.

Tone & Electronics

Built around an Alnico V bar magnet and tuned to a resonant frequency of 3.70 KHz, the SA produces punchy midrange articulation with transparent highs. The active preamp circuit keeps output noise at -101 dBV across the power band, yielding 1.00 V string output and 3.00 V strum output for responsive dynamics and minimal 60 Hz hum—critical for live performance in noisy venues.

Design & Installation

The low-impedance preamp and internal shielding ensure quiet operation even in high-gain contexts, critical for touring and permanent installations. Installation is straightforward thanks to the included solderless connection system with pickup and connect cables—no soldering required, meaning faster swaps during a gig day or on the road. Power is efficient: the pickup draws just 80 microamps at 9V for extended battery life of up to 3000 hours, and the circuit tolerates supply voltages up to 27 volts DC for flexible power configurations.

Key Features

Alnico V bar magnet for warm, focused single-coil character
Resonant frequency: 3.70 KHz
Output voltage (string): 1.00 V
Output voltage (strum): 3.00 V
Output noise: -101 dBV at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 KOhm
Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V nominal
Battery life: 3000 hours typical
Maximum supply voltage: 27 volts DC
Active preamp with internal shielding
Solderless installation system with cables included
Ivory finish

The EMG SA merges single-coil articulation with the noise immunity and operational consistency that active circuitry provides, making it a dependable pickup for touring musicians and session players who need rock-solid performance night after night.