EMG SAX/SAX/81X Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3348
Description
EMG SAX/SAX/81X Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
The EMG SAX/SAX/81X is a three-pickup configuration pairing two responsive SAX single coils with a punchy 81X humbucker bridge pickup. This set delivers articulate highs and defined midrange from the neck and middle positions while maintaining thick, aggressive output at the bridge—built for gigging musicians and players who need active electronics with versatile tonal range across single-coil and humbucker character that stays reliable under stage pressure.
Pickup Configuration & Tonal Character
The dual SAX single coils employ Alnico V magnets with low-impedance preamp circuitry, producing bright, detailed response without hum—the kind of clarity that cuts through live mixes. The 81X bridge humbucker combines ceramic and steel magnets in a dual-coil design with close-aperture coils, delivering 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output voltage for punchy attack and sustained aggression. This pairing gives road warriors and studio players the flexibility to dial in single-coil articulation for clean passages and humbucker punch for driven tones without swapping instruments.
Active Electronics & Installation
X-Series preamp circuitry runs on a single 9-volt battery, keeping the signal clean and responsive across all three pickups with no noise floor to mask your playing. The EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system means fast installation and easy swaps on the road or in the workshop, and the set includes potentiometers, switch jack, and battery clip—everything needed for a complete retrofit into a Stratocaster-style instrument.
Key Features
- Two SAX single-coil pickups with Alnico V magnets for neck and middle positions
- 81X humbucker bridge pickup with ceramic and steel magnets
- 9-volt battery-powered active preamp system
- X-Series preamp for clean, responsive signal conditioning
- 4.00V string / 8.50V strum output voltage on bridge humbucker
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency for defined midrange character
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect wiring system for fast installation
- Black housing finish
- Includes potentiometers, switch jack, and battery clip
- Internal shielding and low-impedance design eliminates hum
- Suitable for Stratocaster and single-coil routing configurations
This set combines the clarity and definition of active single coils with the drive of a modern bridge humbucker, making it a dependable upgrade for players who need tonal flexibility and output authority that perform night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SAX/SAX/81X is a three-pickup active set pairing bright, articulate single coils in the neck and middle with a punchy 81X humbucker at the bridge, designed for rock, metal, and progressive players who want single-coil clarity up front and aggressive bridge output without hum. The Solderless Quick-Connect system and included wiring make retrofit installation straightforward, while the 9-volt active preamp keeps the signal responsive and defined across all positions. Choose this set if you play hard rock or metal and need tonal versatility—from articulate, sustained leads to thick, punchy rhythm tones—without sacrificing live reliability.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the SAX single coils and the 81X bridge humbucker?
The SAX single coils use Alnico V magnets and low-impedance preamp circuitry for bright, articulate response without hum, while the 81X humbucker combines ceramic and steel magnets in a dual-coil design for 4.00V string and 8.50V strum output—delivering punchy attack and sustained aggression. Together they give you single-coil clarity in the neck and middle positions and humbucker drive at the bridge.
How difficult is installation, and what's included in the set?
Installation uses EMG's Solderless Quick-Connect system, which eliminates soldering and speeds up retrofit work. The set includes the three pickups, potentiometers, switch jack, battery clip, and all necessary wiring—everything you need for a complete drop-in replacement into a Stratocaster-style instrument.
Is this set suitable for blues or jazz?
This set is voiced for rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive music—its aggressive output and punchy attack are not ideal for blues or jazz styles, which typically benefit from warmer, more vintage-voiced pickups with lower output.
What skill level is needed to benefit from this pickup set?
This set is best suited for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who understand active electronics and can dial in the aggressive tone for their style. The high output and defined midrange respond well to players who use gain and dynamics intentionally in their playing.
Does the active preamp require batteries, and how long do they last?
The preamp runs on a single 9-volt battery, which is included in the battery clip. Battery life depends on how much you play—active systems typically last weeks to a few months of regular use before needing replacement.
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 $21 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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