What's the battery life, and how often will I need to replace it?

The 9V battery lasts approximately 3000 hours—roughly four months of daily playing—at just 80 microamps current draw. You'll get extended use between replacements, making it practical for touring and studio sessions.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or blues?

No; the EMG SA is optimized for rock, hard rock, and metal. Its upper-midrange emphasis and articulate character are designed for clarity and cut-through in those genres, not the warm, smooth tone blues and jazz players typically seek.

What's included in the package?

The set includes the EMG SA pickup, a 25k volume pot, dual 25k tone pots, a 5-way selector switch, and a complete wiring harness—everything needed for installation.

How does the active design reduce noise?

The active circuitry and -90 dBV output noise specification virtually eliminate 60-cycle hum and interference that plague passive single-coils, while the Alnico V magnet maintains responsive dynamics across pick attacks and bends.

Will this pickup work with my standard guitar wiring?

Yes; the 10 kΩ output impedance interfaces cleanly with standard guitar electronics, and the 0.6V RMS output (0.85V peak) delivers consistent signal without excessive compression to your amp or preamp.

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. On this item that is roughly $20 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory

The EMG SA single-coil delivers articulate, chimey highs with controlled lows—a hallmark of EMG's active design philosophy. This ivory-finished unit pairs exceptional clarity with the noise rejection that active circuitry provides, making it a go-to for players who demand definition without hum on stage. The Alnico V magnet ensures responsive dynamics across pick attacks and string bends, holding up through hours of gigging.

Tone & Electronics

The 3.75 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes upper midrange articulation, cutting through live mixes on rhythm and lead work alike. With 0.6V RMS output and 0.85V peak output, this pickup feeds amp frontends and preamps with a consistent, transparent signal that won't compress when pushed, while the -90 dBV output noise floor keeps 60-cycle hum out of your tone on the road.

Power & Specifications

The 9V battery supply operates at just 80 microamps current draw, yielding 3000 hours of battery life—roughly four months of daily use before you need to swap it out. The 10 kΩ output impedance integrates smoothly with standard guitar electronics, preserving your signal integrity through the whole chain.

Key Features

Active single-coil design with Alnico V magnet
Ivory finish
3.75 kHz resonant frequency
0.6V RMS output voltage
0.85V peak output voltage
-90 dBV output noise specification
10 kΩ output impedance
80 microamps current draw at 9V
3000-hour battery life (9V)
Includes 25k volume pot, dual 25k tone pots, 5-way selector, and complete wiring harness

This EMG SA pickup balances the tonal clarity of a traditional single-coil with the noise immunity and output consistency of active circuitry, built to survive the road and deliver reliable performance night after night.