EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3079
Description
EMG SA/SA/81 Active Pickup Set in White
The EMG SA/SA/81 is a complete HSS Stratocaster pickup system built for gigging musicians who demand noise-free, articulate performance across all three positions without compromise. This solderless wiring setup eliminates the need for traditional soldering, making installation straightforward for players who want professional results without extensive modification work. The white finish complements a wide range of guitar aesthetics while the active circuitry ensures consistent, punchy response that cuts through a live mix.
Active Electronics & Wiring
The solderless wiring system includes all necessary components for a complete retrofit: volume pot, tone pots, selector switch, mounting hardware, pickup cables, and output cable. The active circuit runs on a single 9V battery with an exceptionally long 3000-hour lifespan, drawing only 80 microamps at 9V and supporting supply voltages up to 27 Volts DC for flexibility in custom installations. On stage, this means reliable performance night after night with minimal maintenance.
Tone & Output Characteristics
Two SA single-coil pickups in the bridge and middle positions combine with an 81 humbucker in the neck position, giving you articulate single-coil snap for leads and rhythm work alongside thick, controlled humbucker response when you need it. The AlNiCo 5 magnets and stacked, hum-free design deliver high output without the hum that plagues passives, staying clean and defined whether you're running clean tones or pushing heavy overdrive in a live setting.
Key Features
- Complete HSS Stratocaster pickup set (SA/SA/81 configuration)
- Active circuit with 9V battery operation
- 3000-hour battery life at standard 9V supply
- AlNiCo 5 magnet material
- Stacked, hum-free construction
- White cap finish
- Made in USA
- High output across all three pickups
- Solderless wiring system included
- Includes 25K volume pot, dual 25K tone pots, 5-way selector switch, and all mounting hardware
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 Volts DC
- Complete cable set for pickup, connection, output, and battery wiring
This system delivers the reliability and articulation EMG is known for, combining single-coil character with active noise rejection in a professional-grade HSS configuration that performs night after night on the road.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/81 is a complete active HSS pickup set that strips noise while preserving single-coil articulation in the bridge and middle, then adds a thick 81 humbucker at the neck for versatility from clean to high-gain. Built for hard rock and metal players, the solderless wiring system and included pots make retrofit installation straightforward without extensive modification work. Choose this set for road-ready reliability, consistent output across all positions, and a tone that cuts through live mix without feedback or noise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
- – Blues
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the solderless wiring system include?
The complete kit includes a 25K volume pot, dual 25K tone pots, 5-way selector switch, all mounting hardware, pickup cables, output cable, and battery wiring—everything needed for a full HSS retrofit without traditional soldering.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The active circuit draws only 80 microamps at 9V and delivers 3000 hours of battery life at standard supply voltage, making it practical for both touring and studio use without frequent replacement.
What tonal range does the SA/SA/81 configuration deliver?
The two SA single-coil pickups in bridge and middle positions provide articulate, noise-free clarity, while the 81 humbucker at the neck adds thick, saturated response—spanning from clean single-coil definition to high-gain metal tones.
Is this pickup set suitable for beginners to install?
Yes; the solderless wiring system eliminates the need for soldering experience, and the complete electronics package with included components and hardware makes installation straightforward for intermediate to advanced players without extensive modification work.
What genres is this set not ideal for?
The high-output, noise-free active character and stacked hum-free design are optimized for hard rock, metal, and studio sessions rather than traditional jazz, folk, or blues playing styles.
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.
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