What's included in the EMG SA set, and is soldering required?

The set includes a complete solderless wiring harness with one 25K volume pot, two 25K tone pots, 5-way selector switch, stereo output jack, pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable. No soldering is needed—the EMG Solderless Install System handles everything.

How long does the battery last, and what voltage does it need?

The set draws 240 microamps at 9V and provides approximately 1000 hours of battery life per charge. The pickups operate up to a maximum of 27V DC, giving you flexibility with your power supply.

Are these pickups good for recording and high-SPL live use?

Yes. The -101 dB noise floor at 60 Hz is substantially quieter than passive pickups, making them ideal for recording sessions and high-volume live performance where clean signal and noise rejection are essential.

How do these compare to passive single-coil pickups?

The EMG SA combines single-coil clarity and articulation with active-circuit advantages: tighter low end, sharper transients, consistent output, and significantly lower noise. The 3.70 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper-midrange definition, making them better suited to high-gain and modern contexts than traditional vintage single coils.

What genres and playing styles are these best for?

These pickups excel in high-gain rock, modern metal, and studio sessions where clarity and articulation are priorities. They are not recommended for traditional jazz or vintage blues styles.

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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $20 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. 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 Set in Red

The EMG SA delivers articulate, punchy single-coil character with the noise rejection and output consistency that active circuitry provides. These pickups cut through on stage and in the studio—the low-impedance preamp tightens the low end while keeping transients sharp across all three positions, making them reliable workhorses for high-gain and modern contexts where clarity and definition matter. The red finish adds visual presence to any instrument.

Tone & Electronics

Built around an Alnico V bar magnet with internal shielding and low-impedance preamp design, the SA set achieves a 3.70 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes upper-midrange articulation. String output measures 1.00V with 3.00V under full strum, and noise floors at -101 dB at 60 Hz—substantially quieter than passive alternatives, making these pickups ideal for touring and high-SPL live work where feedback and hum can kill a performance.

Installation & Power

The package includes EMG's Solderless Install System with a complete wiring harness: one 25K volume pot, two 25K tone pots, stereo output jack, 5-way selector switch, pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable. The set draws 240 microamps @ 9V and operates up to 27V DC maximum, providing approximately 1000 hours of battery life per set—enough for weeks of steady gigging.

Key Features

Alnico V bar magnet with internal shielding and low-impedance preamp
Resonant frequency: 3.70 kHz
String output: 1.00V; strum output: 3.00V
Output noise: -101 dB @ 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Current draw: 240 microamps (for set)
Maximum supply: 27 volts DC
Battery life: 1000 hours (for set)
Color: Red with metal body construction
Connector: 1/4" (6.35mm) audio jack
Includes solderless wiring harness with volume pot, tone pots, output jack, 5-way switch, and all cables
Product dimensions: 7 x 3 x 5 inches

The EMG SA set combines single-coil clarity with active-circuit reliability, backed by a complete plug-and-play installation system that eliminates soldering and gets you stage-ready fast.

Best suited for	high-gain rock, modern metal, studio sessions, live performance
Tonal character	Articulate, punchy, tight low end, sharp transients, upper-midrange emphasis
Less specialized for	traditional jazz, vintage blues (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional