EMG SA/SA/81TW Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3229
Description
EMG SA/SA/81TW Active Pickup Set in Black
This three-pickup configuration pairs the articulate, bell-like response of EMG SA single-coils in the neck and middle positions with the punchy versatility of the EMG 81TW humbucker in the bridge. The active circuit delivers consistent output and minimal noise across all three pickups, making this set equally reliable in modern shred rigs, studio recording sessions, or high-gain touring setups where dependable performance night after night matters.
Tone & Stage Performance
The SA pickups provide crystalline clarity and defined articulation that cuts through a live mix, while the 81TW humbucker in the bridge offers tight, focused lows and controlled sustain that locks in with a tight rhythm section. Active electronics eliminate impedance loading issues and ensure the signal remains hot and noise-free regardless of cable length, switching complexity, or how long your cable run to the amp is.
Installation & Compatibility
This set is configured for standard three-pickup guitar cavities with dual-humbucker or HSS routing compatibility depending on your instrument's body. All three pickups share EMG's industry-standard mounting footprint and require a 9V battery or external power supply to operate.
Key Features
- Two EMG SA active single-coil pickups (neck and middle)
- One EMG 81TW active humbucker with coil-splitting capability (bridge)
- Active circuit electronics with noise rejection
- Consistent output level across all three pickups
- Black covers on all three units
- Low impedance design for reduced signal degradation
- 9V battery-powered operation
- Standard EMG solder-mount connectors
- Suitable for high-output and modern rock/metal applications
This set delivers the responsiveness and clarity of single-coils paired with the punch and articulation of an active bridge humbucker—a road-tested combination for gigging musicians and players who demand versatility and consistency without sacrificing tone.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/81TW pairs articulate single-coil clarity in the neck and middle with a punchy active 81TW bridge humbucker, delivering noise-free high output and tight lows across modern shred, metal, and touring rigs. Active electronics ensure consistent tone and zero noise regardless of cable length or stage complexity, making this set road-ready for gigging musicians who need versatility without compromise. Choose this if you're chasing crystalline articulation with controlled sustain and the dependability of a battle-tested active circuit.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Touring |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Crystalline clarity, articulate, tight low end, controlled sustain, high output |
| Less specialized for | Blues, 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 included in this set, and will it fit my guitar?
You get two EMG SA single-coils (neck and middle) and one EMG 81TW humbucker with coil-splitting capability (bridge). The set is configured for standard three-pickup cavities with dual-humbucker or HSS routing compatibility; verify your guitar's body cavity layout before ordering.
Do these pickups require a battery, and how does the active circuit help live and in the studio?
Yes, the active circuit runs on a standard 9V battery or external power supply. Active electronics eliminate impedance loading, reduce noise regardless of cable length, and deliver consistent output across all three pickups—essential for touring stages and clean studio recordings without ground hum.
What styles and tones are these pickups best for?
Built for metal, hard rock, and progressive music, these pickups excel at crystalline clarity and tight, controlled lows. They're not optimized for blues, jazz, or folk—their high output and articulate character are tuned for modern shred and high-gain applications.
How do the neck and middle pickups compare to the bridge, and can I split the bridge coil?
The neck and middle SA pickups deliver bell-like single-coil response and defined articulation, while the 81TW bridge offers punch and focused lows. The 81TW includes coil-splitting capability, letting you dial in thinner, more open tones when needed.
What are the installation requirements?
All three pickups use EMG's industry-standard mounting footprint and standard solder-mount connectors. You'll need to route a 9V battery cavity or connect an external power supply to operate the active circuit.
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 $21 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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