EMG SAX/SAX/81X 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
- EMG3505
Description
EMG SAX/SAX/81X Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Ivory
The SAX/SAX/81X combines the articulate single-coil character of EMG's SAX pickups with the aggressive midrange punch of the 81X bridge design. This configuration delivers clarity in the neck position while maintaining focused output at the bridge, making it a solid choice for players seeking defined note separation across multiple playing styles and dynamics on stage.
Tone & Output Character
The twin SAX neck and middle pickups offer transparent, balanced response with natural dynamics, while the 81X bridge pickup adds compressed sustain and midrange aggression without sacrificing articulation. This three-pickup set works well for players who want single-coil definition up front and humbucker-style power at the bridge—the kind of tonal flexibility that holds up night after night in live settings.
Electronics & Integration
The X series preamp design provides improved headroom and signal clarity compared to earlier iterations, with active circuitry that maintains consistent output across all three positions. Low-impedance active architecture reduces noise and cable capacitance effects, delivering tight, responsive signal to your amp or interface without degradation over long cable runs or repeated touring use.
Key Features
- Two SAX single-coil pickups (neck and middle positions)
- One 81X active humbucker (bridge position)
- X series preamp design with improved headroom
- Active low-impedance circuitry for reduced noise and improved clarity
- Ivory finish for classic aesthetic appeal
- Factory-wired ready for installation into compatible instruments
- High-output bridge pickup for focused aggression and sustain
- Balanced neck and middle pickup response for smooth transitions
- Compatible with standard 3-position switching configurations
- EMG's proven active electronics for reliable performance
This pickup set delivers versatile tonal range from clean, articulate single-coil response to thick, compressed humbucker authority, all unified by EMG's consistent active platform—the kind of dependable sound that works from studio sessions to venue gigs.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SAX/SAX/81X is a three-pickup active set pairing transparent single-coil clarity in the neck and middle with an aggressive, compressed bridge humbucker—built for rock, metal, and hard rock players who need defined note separation and midrange punch on stage and in the studio. The X series preamp delivers improved headroom and noise rejection, keeping your tone tight and responsive through any cable run or venue. Choose this set if you want single-coil articulation up front with humbucker authority at the bridge, all from a road-proven active system.
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 instruments are compatible with this pickup set?
This is a standard three-pickup configuration (neck, middle, bridge) designed for Stratocaster-style guitars with 3-position switching and standard single-coil and bridge humbucker routing. Verify your instrument's pickup cavity dimensions and switching before ordering.
Is this pickup set suitable for jazz and blues?
No—this set is optimized for rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive music. The compressed sustain, aggressive midrange punch, and high output are designed for genres requiring articulation and power rather than the warm, open dynamics blues and jazz players typically seek.
What makes the SAX neck and 81X bridge combination different from other EMG sets?
The SAX pickups deliver transparent, balanced single-coil response with natural dynamics, while the 81X bridge adds focused compression and midrange aggression. This hybrid approach gives you single-coil clarity at lower volumes and humbucker-style power and sustain at the bridge.
Does this set include everything needed for installation?
The pickup set is factory-wired and ready for installation into a compatible instrument. You will need soldering skills or professional installation to integrate it into your guitar; the set does not include a complete wiring harness or preamp housing.
What does the X series preamp do?
The X series preamp improves headroom and signal clarity compared to earlier EMG designs, while the active low-impedance architecture reduces noise and cable capacitance effects for a tight, responsive signal to your amp or interface.
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 $22 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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