Do I need to solder this pickup into my guitar?

No. The EMG SA uses a solderless 2-wire plus battery connection, so you can retrofit it into any single-coil cavity without rewiring your guitar.

How long will the battery last?

At 240 microamps current draw on a 9V battery, you can expect approximately 1000 hours of playing time before replacement.

What tone character should I expect?

The EMG SA delivers a bright, articulate single-coil response with punchy output and natural treble clarity—designed for classic rock, hard rock, and modern high-gain without sacrificing definition, plus the noise immunity of active electronics.

Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The EMG SA fits any standard single-coil cavity. Its compact 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inch footprint is designed for direct retrofit into Stratocaster-style guitars and most other single-coil layouts.

How does the active design reduce noise?

Internal shielding and a low-impedance preamp eliminate environmental interference and ground hum that plague passive single coils, delivering a noise floor of -90 dBV for effectively silent operation.

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 White

The EMG SA delivers articulate, noise-free single-coil tone with the consistency and output control of active electronics. This pickup excels in players' hands who demand clarity and definition without the hum and susceptibility to interference that plague passive single coils. The clean, punchy character suits everything from classic rock to modern high-gain applications where single-coil snap remains essential.

Tone & Electronics

Built around an Alnico V bar magnet and a low impedance preamp, the SA produces a 0.6V RMS output with 0.85V peak output and exceptional -90 dBV output noise—effectively silent operation on stage. The 3.70 kHz resonant frequency and 10K DC resistance yield a bright, articulate response with natural treble that cuts through a live mix even at volume, while internal shielding eliminates environmental interference and ground hum in noisy venues.

Installation & Specifications

The solderless 2-wire plus battery connection makes retrofit straightforward without demanding a full rewire of your guitar. Running at just 240 microamps @ 9V, battery life stretches to approximately 1000 hours—enough for serious gigging without constant swaps. The pickup supports up to 27V DC maximum supply, opening flexibility for stacked or series configurations, and its compact 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inch footprint fits standard single-coil cavities. Manufactured in the United States with a gold logo, this pickup combines proven EMG engineering with American build quality built for the road.

Key Features

Alnico V bar magnet for punchy, articulate tone
Active preamp design with -90 dBV output noise floor
0.6V RMS output / 0.85V peak output
3.70 kHz resonant frequency
10K ohm DC resistance and output impedance
Solderless 2-wire plus battery connection
240 microamps current draw @ 9V
Approximately 1000 hours battery life
Maximum supply rating 27V DC
Internal shielding and low impedance preamp
Made in the United States with gold logo

The EMG SA pairs single-coil definition with active noise immunity and rock-solid reliability, making it the choice for players unwilling to compromise on articulation or ground-hum rejection in live performance.