What genres and playing styles is this pickup set designed for?

The SAX/SAX/89X excels in metal, hard rock, progressive music, and studio sessions where articulate highs, punchy mids, and tight lows are essential. It is not optimized for jazz, blues, or folk—those styles benefit from different tonal profiles.

Is solderless installation really easier, and what's included?

Yes. The set includes quick-connect wiring cables, active tone potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and battery cable—everything you need for installation without soldering. The modular design maintains professional signal integrity while eliminating rewiring complexity.

What does the Active Tone Control and Variable Low Pass Filter do?

Each pickup's preamp includes an Active Tone Control with a Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF), allowing you to adjust high-end frequency response in real time. This lets you shape articulation and sustain without losing definition or punch.

Can I use this set on extended-range guitars or multi-scale builds?

Yes. The SAX/SAX/89X is suitable for extended-range guitars and handles modern and traditional instrument builds equally well, delivering professional-grade noise rejection and tonal consistency across the frequency spectrum.

How does the 89X humbucker differ from the dual SAX single-coils?

The dual SAX single-coils deliver clarity and articulation, while the 89X humbucker offers dual-mode operation with coil-tap functionality for versatility. Together, they provide range from tight, defined single-coil tones to fuller humbucker response, all with active preamps and low noise.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $23 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG SAX/SAX/89X Active Single Coil Pickup in White

This EMG SAX/SAX/89X combination pairs the clarity and articulation of dual SAX single-coil pickups with the versatility of the 89X dual-mode humbucker, delivering articulate highs and punchy mids alongside flexible coil-tap functionality. The low-impedance preamp design and solderless installation system make this set accessible for players upgrading their electronics without extensive rewiring. The clean white finish integrates seamlessly into modern and classic builds alike.

Preamp Architecture & Tone Shaping

All three pickups run through active preamps with Alnico V magnets and internal shielding, ensuring low noise and tight, defined output. Each preamp includes an Active Tone Control with Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF), giving you real-time control over high-end frequency response without sacrificing articulation or sustain.

Installation & System Integration

The complete set includes solderless quick-connect wiring, active tone potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware (screws and springs), interconnect cables, and battery cable—everything needed for a straightforward install. This modular approach eliminates traditional soldering while maintaining professional signal integrity and routing flexibility.

Key Features

Two EMG SAX single-coil pickups with Alnico V magnets and newly designed preamp
One EMG 89X dual-mode humbucker with Alnico V magnets and separate preamps for humbucker and single-coil operation
Active low-impedance preamps with internal shielding
Active Tone Control with Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) on each pickup
Solderless quick-connect wiring system for hassle-free installation
Includes active tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
Complete cable and battery cable assembly included
Made in United States
White finish
Low-noise, high-output active design suitable for modern and traditional instruments

On stage or in the studio, this pickup set delivers professional-grade noise rejection and tonal flexibility—the kind of reliability and range that handles everything from tight, articulate passages to full-bodied riffs across multiple playing styles and amp settings.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Extended Range
Tonal character	Articulate highs, punchy mids, tight low end, high output, low noise
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional