EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG7855
Description
EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Red
The EMG SA/SA/81 is a three-pickup set built for players who need single-coil articulation in the neck and middle positions paired with bridge firepower. Two SA single-coil pickups deliver the snap and definition that cut through a live mix, while the 81 humbucker in the bridge locks in tight, controlled output for aggressive lead lines. EMG's active circuitry keeps everything hum-free and responsive, no matter the stage volume or setlist demands—finished in striking red.
Active Electronics & Tone Character
Each SA pickup uses an Alnico V bar magnet and outputs 1.00 V on single notes and 3.00 V on full strums, giving you the articulate highs and defined midrange that single coils are known for. The active design keeps output impedance low at 10 kOhm with a minimal noise floor of -101 dB at 60 Hz—essential for reliable, clean operation when you're running high gain or pushing effects on stage.
Power & Installation
The system runs on a standard 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—80 microamps current draw yields approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge, so one battery covers most touring schedules. Each SA pickup features a 4-conductor connector (ground, hot, hot, shield) for straightforward wiring, and the active circuit supports voltages up to 27V DC for flexibility in powering configurations.
Key Features
- Two SA single-coil pickups with Alnico V bar magnets
- Single-note output: 1.00 V
- Full-strum output: 3.00 V
- Output impedance: 10 kOhm
- Output noise floor: -101 dB @ 60 Hz
- Resonant frequency: 3.70 kHz
- Active electronics with 9V battery power
- Current draw: 80 microamps
- Battery life: approximately 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- 4-conductor connectors on each pickup
- Available in red finish
This set delivers the balanced blend of articulate single-coil response and active noise rejection that touring and session musicians rely on in a professional-grade active pickup system.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/81 pairs two articulate active single-coil pickups in the neck and middle with a punchy 81 humbucker in the bridge, delivering hum-free clarity and aggressive drive without sacrificing responsiveness. Built for intermediate to professional players who gig in hard rock and metal and need reliable, noise-free performance under high gain. Choose this set for its proven active circuitry, 3000-hour battery life, and the balanced single-coil feel you want in your hands night after night on stage.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate cleans, aggressive drive, defined midrange, hum-free, punchy controlled output |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the SA pickups and the bridge 81?
The two SA single-coil pickups use Alnico V bar magnets and deliver 1.00 V on single notes and 3.00 V on full strums, capturing articulate highs and defined midrange typical of single-coil character. The bridge 81 humbucker provides punchy, controlled output with the aggression and clarity hard rock and metal players expect in the bridge position. Together, they balance responsive single-coil feel with high-output bridge power.
How long does the battery last?
The active electronics draw only 80 microamps of current from a standard 9V battery, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge—roughly 4 months of regular use. This exceptional efficiency keeps you powered through extended studio sessions and tour runs without frequent battery swaps.
Is this set suitable for heavy metal and hard rock?
Yes. The SA/SA/81 is specifically voiced for hard rock, metal, and progressive genres, with a -101 dB noise floor that ensures hum-free operation even at extreme gain levels, a defined midrange that cuts through dense mixes, and punchy controlled output from the bridge 81. Intermediate to professional players rely on this set for both studio recordings and live performances in high-gain contexts.
What does the active circuit do for tone?
EMG's active electronics keep output impedance low at 10 kOhm and deliver a minimal noise floor of -101 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring clean, hum-free operation under high gain without sacrificing clarity. The active design also provides consistent, punchy output and supports powering voltages up to 27V DC for flexibility in your wiring setup.
How easy is installation?
Each SA pickup features a 4-conductor connector (ground, hot, hot, shield) designed for straightforward wiring and quick swaps. Standard installation into most Strat-body instruments takes roughly an hour if you're comfortable with soldering; consult your guitar's wiring diagram and EMG's installation guide for specifics on your model.
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.
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