What guitar types does this pickup set fit?

The SAX single coils are direct drop-in replacements for standard Fender-spaced neck and middle positions, and the 85X bridge pickup uses industry-standard humbucker routing, so installation works in most guitars with those configurations. You will need a 9V battery to power the active electronics.

Is this pickup set suitable for metal or djent?

No—the SAX/SAX/85X is designed for rock, hard rock, blues, and pop, where its bright single-coil character and harmonic clarity shine. The active output and tone profile are not optimized for metal or djent, which typically demand higher output and different voicing.

What is the tonal difference between the neck, middle, and bridge pickups?

The SAX single coils in neck and middle positions deliver bright, chimey attack with excellent note definition and dynamics, ideal for clean articulation and nuanced playing. The 85X bridge pickup adds warmth, harmonic depth, and sustained punch while maintaining clarity, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead work.

Do active pickups require any special wiring or maintenance?

Active EMG pickups require a 9V battery, which connects via a simple battery tab in the pickup cavity. The active circuitry handles low noise and consistent output automatically; the battery typically lasts several months depending on use.

How does this set compare to passive single-coil alternatives?

Unlike passive Fender or Seymour Duncan single coils, the SAX models are active, delivering lower impedance, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and more consistent output across all playing dynamics. The active shielding also reduces microphonic feedback, giving you cleaner tracking in the studio or more reliable live performance.

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.

EMG SAX/SAX/85X Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory

The EMG SAX/SAX/85X configuration delivers articulate, responsive single-coil character in the neck and middle positions paired with the warmth and output of EMG's 85X humbucker at the bridge. This three-pickup setup works across multiple guitar styles, offering clarity in the front end with added muscle where you need it most on stage.

Tonal Character & Live Performance

The SAX single coils produce bright, chimey attack with excellent note definition and dynamics, while the 85X bridge pickup adds harmonic depth and sustain without sacrificing clarity. This combination excels at everything from clean articulation to driven rhythm tones, maintaining definition even at higher volumes and cutting through a live mix reliably.

Active Electronics & Installation

EMG active pickups require a 9V battery and deliver consistent output and low noise across all playing dynamics. The single-coil SAX models are direct drop-in replacements for standard Fender-spaced pickups, and the 85X uses industry-standard humbucker routing for straightforward installation in most guitars.

Key Features

Active circuitry with 9V battery requirement
SAX single-coil design in neck and middle positions
85X humbucker in bridge position
Ivory cover finish
Low-impedance output for clean signal transmission
High signal-to-noise ratio typical of EMG actives
Fender-spaced single-coil pole pieces
Standard humbucker dimensions for bridge mounting
Alnico magnet construction in all three pickups
Extended frequency response across neck-to-bridge positions
Minimal microphonic feedback from active shielding

This three-pickup set pairs the harmonic responsiveness of vintage-style single coils with modern active amplification and bridge-position punch, making it a dependable choice for gigging musicians seeking versatility and consistent performance night after night.