What's the difference between the EMG SA7 and passive 7-string pickups?

The SA7 is an active design running on a 9V battery, which provides a hotter 3.00V output on full strum, lower noise floor (-101 dB @ 60 Hz), and controlled dynamics that prevent harsh peaks common in passive designs. Active electronics also allow operation up to 27 volts DC, giving you headroom for various pedalboard setups.

How long does the battery last, and is the installation complicated?

The 9V battery delivers 3000 hours of battery life with minimal 80 microamp current draw, so you'll get months of regular use per battery. Installation is simplified by the solderless connector system, making future modifications and swaps quick and hassle-free.

Is the SA7 suitable for both high-gain and clean tones?

Yes. The pickup's -101 dB output noise and controlled dynamics make it clean and quiet in both high-gain and clean applications, ensuring clarity and separation whether you're playing metal riffs or studio sessions with lower gain settings.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The SA7 excels in extended-range, progressive, and metal styles where fast picking, complex chord voicings, and articulate definition are priorities. It's not designed for blues or traditional jazz, where single-coil characteristics are typically applied differently.

How does this compare to other 7-string active pickups?

The SA7 sits alongside pickups like the Seymour Duncan AH-7, Fishman Fluence Modern 7-String, and DiMarzio Air Norton 7. EMG's version prioritizes single-coil clarity and active stability with a straightforward solderless installation and proven battery-life efficiency.

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. 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.

EMG SA7 7-String Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG SA7 delivers articulate, defined single-coil character tailored for extended-range instruments. This active pickup maintains clarity and separation across all seven strings, cutting through the mix on stage with precision in fast-picking passages and complex chord voicings on 7-string guitars.

Tone & Electronics

The Alnico magnet design produces a 3.00V output on full strum with controlled dynamics—punchy enough for modern styles without the harsh peaks common to passive designs. A resonant frequency of 3.55 kHz centers the midrange, while -101 dB output noise at 60 Hz ensures a clean signal path suitable for high-gain and clean applications alike, keeping your tone tight in live situations.

Power & Installation

Operating on a single 9V battery that delivers 3000 hours of battery life, the SA7 runs at just 80 microamps for minimal power draw—ideal for gigging musicians who need extended road reliability between battery changes. The solderless connector system simplifies installation and future modifications, while maximum supply tolerance of 27 volts DC provides headroom for various pedalboard configurations.

Key Features

Active Alnico single-coil design optimized for 7-string guitars
Output voltage: 1.00V single string / 3.00V strum
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Resonant frequency: 3.55 kHz
Output noise: -101 dB @ 60 Hz
Power requirement: 9V battery
Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
Maximum supply: 27 volts DC
Battery life: 3000 hours
Solderless connector system for quick installation
Gold logo detail on black body
Magnet type: Alnico (A)

The SA7 combines the transparency of single-coil design with active electronics stability, delivering the definition extended-range players need for gigging and recording without sacrifice.