What does the solderless installation system include?

The set comes with split-shaft volume and tone controls, pre-assembled connectivity components, three pickup cables, five connect cables, output and battery cables, a battery clip set, stereo output jack, and complete mounting hardware. No soldering is required for most players.

How does the active preamp reduce noise compared to passive single coils?

Internal shielding and a low-impedance preamp eliminate hum while the AlNiCo 5 magnets and revised preamp maintain the natural resonance and articulate character of single-coil design. Output remains consistent and stable across all positions.

What tone control features does this set offer?

You get one 25k volume potentiometer and two 25k active tone potentiometers with variable low-pass filter (VLPF) functionality, allowing precise frequency shaping and responsive tone sculpting without sacrificing clarity.

How long does the 9V battery last?

Battery life depends on playing volume and frequency, but typical active pickup systems powered by a single 9V cell last several months with regular use. A battery clip set and dedicated cable are included for easy access and replacement.

Is this set suitable for traditional jazz or acoustic folk?

The SAX is voiced for studio sessions, home recording, and gigging in rock, funk, and contemporary genres. Traditional jazz and acoustic folk players may find the active character and high-output design better suited to other pickup options.

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.

EMG SAX Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black

The EMG SAX is a three-pickup active system engineered for players who demand clarity, definition, and consistent output across all pickup positions. Built around AlNiCo 5 magnets and a revised built-in preamp, this set delivers the articulate single-coil character with the noise rejection and output consistency of active electronics. The black housing with gold EMG logo integrates cleanly into any instrument aesthetic.

Active Electronics & Tone Shaping

The internal shielding and low-impedance preamp eliminate hum while maintaining the natural resonance of single-coil design. Control over your tone comes via a 25k volume potentiometer and two 25k active tone pots with VLPF (variable low-pass filter), allowing precise frequency shaping without sacrificing responsiveness. 9V battery operation powers the preamp, typical for active pickup systems, ensuring stable gain and output level.

Complete Installation Package

This set eliminates guesswork with a solderless install system, split shaft volume and tone control set, and pre-assembled connectivity components. The included three pairs of mounting screws and springs, three pickup cables, five connect cables, dedicated output and battery cables, plus a battery clip set and stereo output jack get you up and running fast. A 5-way selector switch provides full position access without modification.

Key Features

Set of 3 active single-coil pickups with AlNiCo 5 magnets
Revised built-in preamp for stable, consistent output
Internal shielding and low-impedance design
1 × 25k volume potentiometer
2 × 25k active tone potentiometers with VLPF
Solderless installation system
5-way selector switch included
3 pickup cables, 5 connect cables, output cable, and battery cable
Battery clip set and stereo output jack
Black housing with gold EMG logo
9V battery powered
Complete mounting hardware (screws, springs, and control set)

Built for gigging musicians and players who swap instruments regularly, this comprehensive active pickup system combines the tonal clarity of single coils with the installation speed and electronic reliability that EMG delivers, keeping your rig stage-ready and dependable.