EMG SA/SA/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2918
Description
EMG SA/SA/85 Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Ivory
The EMG SA/SA/85 gives you dual active single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions paired with an aggressive EMG 85 humbucker at the bridge—a hybrid setup that delivers articulate, cutting tones in the middle register while guaranteeing serious punch and sustain when you dig in at the bridge. Built on EMG's active circuitry, this configuration stays tight and noise-free under any amp setting, making it the choice for players who need precision in the sweet spot and raw power where it counts, whether you're running clean tones or pushing heavy gain.
Active Electronics & Wiring
The set includes a complete control hub—one 25k volume potentiometer, two 25k tone potentiometers, a battery compartment, stereo output jack, and input/output bus—providing straightforward integration into existing or new wiring schemes. The solderless connectors eliminate traditional solder joints, reducing assembly time and failure points while maintaining rock-solid signal path integrity.
Magnet Construction & Output Character
Alnico 5 magnets deliver the harmonic richness and dynamic responsiveness that define EMG active pickups, with high output ensuring strong signal presence without loss of note definition across all three positions. The ivory cover delivers both aesthetic continuity and the classic EMG active look.
Key Features
- Active humbucker and single-coil configuration for versatile tonal range
- Alnico 5 magnet material for harmonic depth and responsiveness
- High-output design with consistent noise-free performance
- Solderless connectors for quick, reliable installation
- One 25k volume potentiometer and two 25k tone potentiometers included
- Battery compartment and stereo output jack for complete circuit control
- Input/output bus for seamless signal routing
- Includes pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable
- Fixing screws and springs for secure mounting
- Ivory finish matches professional studio and stage aesthetics
- Made in the USA
This active set delivers the versatility and signal integrity required for gigging musicians and touring players, where clarity and output consistency matter on any stage.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/85 is a three-pickup active set pairing articulate single-coil clarity in the neck and middle positions with an aggressive bridge humbucker, giving you cutting cleans and thick, saturated gain in one instrument. Built for intermediate to professional players in hard rock, metal, and progressive genres, the active electronics deliver noise-free, consistent output across any playing dynamic with zero tone compromise whether you're tracking in the studio or pushing a live stage. The solderless connectors and complete wiring harness get you up and running fast, and Alnico 5 magnets ensure harmonic richness and response that stands out in the mix at any volume.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between this SA/SA/85 set and the comparable EMG 81/85 set?
The SA/SA/85 uses single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, delivering articulate, cutting tones with clarity ideal for clean and mid-gain passages. The 81/85 uses humbuckers throughout, favoring a thicker, darker voice across all three positions. Choose the SA/SA/85 if you want single-coil definition and range; choose the 81/85 if you prefer humbucker thickness everywhere.
What comes in the box and what do I need to install it?
The set includes three pickups, one 25k volume potentiometer, two 25k tone potentiometers, battery compartment, stereo output jack, input/output bus, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, battery cable, fixing screws, and springs. You will need basic soldering skills or solderless installation tools to wire the set into your guitar; the solderless connectors simplify the process.
Is this set active, and what does that mean for my tone and noise?
Yes, this is an active set powered by an onboard battery; active electronics deliver consistent, high-output signal with zero hum across all playing dynamics and volume levels. You get noise-free clarity and punch live or in the studio without the tone drops or noise floor issues of passive pickups.
What genres and playing styles is this set designed for?
The SA/SA/85 excels in hard rock, metal, progressive, and studio session work where you need both precision tones and aggressive gain. The single-coil clarity suits clean and mid-gain passages, while the bridge humbucker delivers the saturated output and harmonic richness heavy styles demand.
Will this set fit my guitar and does it include everything I need to wire it?
The set is designed as a complete drop-in replacement for standard three-pickup guitar cavities with EMG-compatible mounting. It includes the full wiring harness, potentiometers, battery compartment, and all cables and fasteners needed for installation; compatibility depends on your guitar's body and pickup cavity dimensions.
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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