EMG SA/SA/81TW Active Single Coil Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3343
Description
EMG SA/SA/81 Active Pickup Set in White
This three-pickup set pairs the articulate snap of EMG SA single coils with the focused aggression of an EMG 81 humbucker, all finished in clean white. The active circuit delivers rock-solid tracking and minimal noise across the entire gain spectrum, holding up through extended sets and demanding stage conditions. The solderless system means you can drop these in without routing or permanent modification to your instrument.
Active Electronics & Power
Powered by a single 9V battery with an exceptional 3000-hour operational life, you'll go months between swaps—critical when you're gigging regularly. Active circuitry ensures consistent output night to night, kills hum and noise, and gives you the headroom to cut through a full band mix without straining your amp's front end across all three pickup positions.
Design & Construction
AlNiCo 5 magnets in each pickup translate finger dynamics into clean, punchy tone with defined highs that stay articulate under stage pressure. Built in the USA with EMG's decades-long track record, this set combines road-tested reliability with the versatility of single-coil clarity up front and bridge humbucker authority—a proven workhorse configuration for gigging players.
Key Features
- Two Model SA single-coil pickups (neck and middle position)
- One Model 81 humbucker (bridge position)
- AlNiCo 5 magnet material
- White finish on all three pickup covers
- Active circuit with 9V battery power
- 3000-hour battery life
- Solderless quick-connect system for fast installation
- Made in USA
- Includes 5-way switching configuration
- Low-noise active output
Single-coil definition and responsiveness in the front end, bridge humbucker punch and focus in the box, all backed by EMG's reputation for consistency and long-term durability under the demands of touring and nightly use.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/81TW is a three-pickup active set pairing articulate single coils in the neck and middle positions with a punchy 81 humbucker at the bridge, all wired for low-noise consistency across studio and stage. Built in the USA with AlNiCo 5 magnets and a solderless installation system, this set suits players chasing clarity and punch in hard rock, metal, and progressive styles without permanent modification. The active circuit runs 3000 hours on a single 9V battery and delivers the controlled output and noise rejection that keeps your tone tight whether you're tracking or touring.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the active circuit better than passive pickups for live performance?
Active electronics provide consistent output across all pickup positions and drive your amplifier with authority, while the low-noise design reduces hum and interference on noisy stages. The single 9V battery lasts 3000 hours, so you'll rarely face downtime between replacements.
Do I need to solder these pickups in, or can I install them myself?
The solderless quick-connect system allows fast installation without permanent modification to your instrument, making swaps and upgrades straightforward for any skill level.
Will these pickups work well for genres other than metal and hard rock?
The SA/SA/81TW set is optimized for hard rock, metal, and progressive styles where articulate highs, punchy bridge tone, and low noise are priorities. They are not designed for traditional jazz or folk applications.
What is the difference between the neck/middle SA pickups and the bridge 81 humbucker?
The two Model SA single coils deliver articulate, responsive single-coil character in the neck and middle positions, while the Model 81 humbucker at the bridge provides tighter, punchier output for lead lines and rhythm chords. This three-way split gives you clarity and shimmer up front with power and definition in the bridge.
How long does the 9V battery last, and what happens when it dies?
The active circuit is rated for 3000 hours of operation on a single 9V battery, and the pickup will lose output when the battery is depleted. Replacing the battery is a simple swap that restores full active performance.
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 $22 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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