What's the difference between the EMG SA and passive single-coil pickups?

The EMG SA uses active circuitry to achieve a -101 dB noise floor at 60 Hz, virtually eliminating hum that traditional passive single coils produce. You get classic single-coil articulation and midrange bite (3.70 kHz resonant peak) but without background noise, powered by a 9V battery with 3000-hour rated life.

Will this fit my Stratocaster or single-coil cavity guitar?

Yes. The EMG SA is a standard single-coil format with 4-conductor wiring and 10 Kohm output impedance, designed as a direct replacement in any guitar with a standard single-coil pickup cavity. It integrates with existing electronics and control configurations.

How long does the 9V battery last, and what happens when it dies?

EMG rates the battery at 3000 hours of typical use. When the battery is depleted, the pickup will no longer deliver active gain and noise rejection; you'll need to replace the 9V battery inside the guitar cavity to restore full performance.

What output level can I expect compared to other single coils?

The EMG SA outputs 1.00 V per single string and 3.00 V on full strum, giving you enough gain to drive amp front ends clearly while maintaining dynamic response. This is moderate-to-hot by single-coil standards and designed for transparent signal transfer to any standard amplifier input.

Is the EMG SA suitable for jazz or traditional styles?

The EMG SA is optimized for rock, pop, and studio sessions where articulate midrange punch and noise-free performance are priorities. Traditional jazz and folk players typically prefer the natural warmth and breakup of passive single coils, which are better suited to those genres.

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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Red

The EMG SA delivers articulate, punchy single-coil character with the noise rejection and headroom of active electronics. This red-finished unit pairs classic single-coil responsiveness with modern noise floor performance, making it the choice for players who need crystal clarity on stage without the hum that plagues passive designs.

Tone & Output Performance

The Alnico V bar magnet and 3.70 kHz resonant frequency produce defined midrange bite typical of quality single coils. Output measures 1.00 V per single string and 3.00 V on strum, delivering enough gain to cut through a live mix while maintaining dynamic articulation across the frequency spectrum.

Electronics & Reliability

Active circuitry achieves a -101 dB noise floor at 60 Hz, virtually eliminating hum associated with passive designs—critical for gigging musicians and recording sessions. The pickup operates on a single 9V battery with rated 3000-hour battery life, and the 10 Kohm output impedance with 4-conductor wiring ensures transparent signal transfer to any standard pickup cavity and electronics configuration.

Key Features

Active single-coil pickup architecture
Red finish
Alnico V bar magnet
3.70 kHz resonant frequency
1.00 V output (single string)
3.00 V output (strum)
-101 dB output noise at 60 Hz
10 Kohm output impedance
80 microamps current @ 9V
3000-hour battery life
27 V DC maximum supply voltage
4-conductor wiring (ground, hot, hot, shield)

The EMG SA combines single-coil definition with active-circuit noise immunity and extended battery performance, offering a direct replacement path for gigging players and touring musicians seeking modern clarity without sacrificing vintage single-coil response.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Gigging, Pop, Rock
Tonal character	Articulate single-coil character, punchy midrange bite, noise-free active signal, dynamic responsiveness, defined clarity
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional