EMG SA/SA/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2917
Description
EMG SA Single Coil Active Pickup in White
The EMG SA delivers the articulate snap and clarity of a classic single-coil design with the consistency and low noise of active electronics. Built-in preamp circuitry keeps the signal clean and controlled, making this pickup reliable across a range of playing dynamics and gain settings. The white housing with gold EMG branding presents a striking aesthetic while maintaining the focused, punchy character players expect from EMG's single-coil platform.
Tone & Electronics
A 3.70 kHz resonant frequency combined with Alnico V bar magnet construction yields clear treble response and defined midrange articulation. Output specs—1.00 V on single string attacks and 3.00 V on strums—give solid signal strength without compression, while -101 dB output noise ensures a quiet noise floor even in high-gain applications. On stage, this translates to articulate definition that cuts through a mix without introducing hum or interference.
Power & Integration
The onboard preamp operates on minimal current draw at 80 microamps @ 9V, delivering 3000 hours of battery life per cell—enough runtime to handle extended gigs and touring without frequent battery changes. Rated to handle 27 V DC maximum supply voltage, this pickup integrates seamlessly into active multi-pickup systems via stereo output jack, two pickup in/out bus, and battery bus connectivity, making it roadworthy and dependable in multi-pickup setups.
Key Features
- Alnico V bar magnet for classic single-coil character
- Built-in active preamp housed within pickup
- Resonant frequency: 3.70 kHz
- Output voltage: 1.00 V (single string), 3.00 V (strum)
- Output noise: -101 dB
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 V DC
- Includes 25K volume pot and 25K tone pot (split shaft)
- Stereo output jack with pickup and battery bus connectivity
- White housing with gold EMG logo
- Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches
The EMG SA combines transparent single-coil tone with professional-grade noise rejection and long battery life, making it a dependable choice for gigging musicians seeking active clarity and stage reliability without sacrificing harmonic definition.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA is an active single-coil pickup that delivers articulate snap and classic single-coil clarity with the noise rejection and consistency of built-in preamp electronics. Intermediate to professional players will appreciate its 3.70 kHz resonant frequency, Alnico V construction, and -101 dB noise floor—especially in high-gain or live settings where signal integrity matters. Choose this pickup for studio sessions, home recording, and gigging when you want transparent, punchy single-coil character without the hum and noise of passive designs.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Home Recording
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ High-Gain Playing
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Acoustic-focused Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this an active pickup, and how long will the battery last?
The EMG SA includes a built-in preamp that keeps the signal clean and noise-free; it draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per cell. This low current draw makes it practical for extended sessions and touring without frequent battery swaps.
How does this compare to passive single-coils in terms of tone and noise?
The SA delivers classic single-coil snap and clarity through its Alnico V bar magnet and 3.70 kHz resonant frequency, but couples that with active electronics that achieve a -101 dB noise floor—eliminating the hum and hiss typical of passive single-coils in high-gain applications. Output specs (1.00 V single string, 3.00 V strum) maintain transparent harmonic definition without compression.
What's included, and what wiring or additional parts might I need?
The pickup includes a 25K volume pot and 25K tone pot (both split shaft), stereo output jack, and bus connectivity for battery and multi-pickup integration. Installation into an active multi-pickup system will require routing those bus connections; consult your guitar's wiring diagram or an experienced tech if you're unfamiliar with active setups.
Is this pickup suitable for jazz, blues, or acoustic-focused playing?
The EMG SA is optimized for studio sessions, home recording, live performance, and high-gain playing. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or acoustic-focused folk genres, where its active character and noise-rejection profile may not match the desired tonal aesthetic.
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.
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.