What guitar does this fit and what tools do I need to install it?

The EMG SA is sized for standard Stratocaster SSS (three single-coil) cavities in 6-string guitars. Installation requires basic screwdrivers and soldering tools for the output jack if you don't use the included pre-wired harness; the Quik-Connect solderless cables simplify the pickup-to-control connections significantly.

How long does the 9V battery last and will it go dead mid-gig?

Battery life is approximately 1,000 hours of typical use at 240 microamps current draw. Most players get 2–6 months per battery depending on practice and playing frequency, so regular battery changes (not emergency mid-show deaths) are the norm.

Will these pickups work well with both tube and solid-state amps?

Yes—the 10 kOhm output impedance and 3.75 kHz resonant frequency are designed for excellent compatibility with both amp types, delivering focused mid-range presence and transparent signal transmission to either platform.

What's included in the box and do I need to buy anything else?

The set ships with three covered pickups, a 5-way selector switch, volume and tone controls, output jack, battery clip, color-matched cables, and everything needed for a complete retrofit on a Strat-sized guitar. You'll need one 9V battery to power them.

How do these pickups compare to passive single-coils in tone and noise?

The EMG SA keeps the articulate, punchy character of single-coils but adds active circuitry for a noise floor of −90 dBV (virtually silent) and extended dynamic range, eliminating hum and interference that plague passive setups while maintaining clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum.

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 White

The EMG SA set delivers articulate, punchy single-coil character with the noise immunity and extended dynamic range of active electronics. These covered Alnico V pickups respond cleanly across the entire frequency spectrum, cutting through live mixes in classic rock, country, and modern styles where clarity and definition matter. The solderless Quik-Connect system eliminates complex wiring, and the included pre-wired control set gets you back on stage within minutes.

Electronics & Performance

Active circuitry powered by a single 9V battery produces a 0.6V RMS output with 0.85V peak voltage and a noise floor of −90 dBV, ensuring transparent signal transmission with minimal hum or interference through any rig. The 3.75 kHz resonant frequency and 10 kOhm output impedance yield focused mid-range presence and excellent compatibility with both tube and solid-state amplifiers. Battery life extends to approximately 1,000 hours of typical use—reliable through a full tour rotation.

Installation & Road-Ready Setup

This SSS Strat-sized set ships with three covered pickups, a 5-way selector switch, volume and tone controls, output jack, battery clip, and color-matched cables—everything needed for a complete retrofit. The solderless connectivity and 2-wire plus battery configuration eliminate the need for heavy modification, letting you install and dial in your tone in a single session without downtime.

Key Features

3 EMG-SA Active Single-Coil Pickups with Alnico V magnets
Covered pickup design in white finish
Strat-sized (SSS) configuration for 6-string guitars
Quik-Connect solderless cable system
Pre-wired control set: volume, tone, 5-way switch, output jack, battery clip
DC Resistance: 10K ohms
RMS Output Voltage: 0.6V; Peak Output Voltage: 0.85V
Output Noise: −90 dBV
Resonant Frequency: 3.75 kHz
Output Impedance: 10 kOhms
Current draw @ 9V: 240 microamps
Battery life: approximately 1,000 hours

The EMG SA combines the responsiveness of single-coils with the reliability and signal integrity of active electronics, making it a dependable choice for gigging players who demand both clarity and consistency night after night.

Best suited for	Classic Rock, Country, Pop, Studio Sessions, Home Recording
Tonal character	Articulate, punchy, clear single-coil character, focused mid-range presence, noise-immune
Less specialized for	Metal, Thrash Metal, Djent (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional