What makes an active single-coil pickup different from a passive one?

Active pickups use a 9V battery-powered preamp to amplify the signal directly at the source, resulting in lower noise, higher and more consistent output voltage, and less impedance sensitivity than passive designs. The EMG SLV outputs 0.7 V RMS with a noise floor of -90 dBV, enabling clean amplification even at high gain settings without sacrificing single-coil tone character.

How long does the 9V battery last?

Battery life is rated at 1000 hours of typical use, drawing only 240 microamps at 9V. The pickup includes a battery clip set, and a battery should be replaced when you notice a drop in output volume or tone clarity.

Is this pickup suitable for drop tunings?

Yes, the EMG SLV is explicitly designed for drop tunings and delivers articulate, punchy response even in lower tunings. Its high output headroom and active circuitry maintain definition and clarity across a wider frequency range than passive single-coils, making it well-suited to heavy and experimental tones.

What comes in the box, and how difficult is installation?

The package includes the pickup, Quik-Connect cable, prewired volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and mounting hardware. Quik-Connect eliminates solder joints and simplifies wiring, making installation straightforward for intermediate players; you'll still need to route the output and manage the 9V battery cavity.

How does the SLV compare to passive single-coil pickups?

The SLV combines single-coil harmonic character with active-circuit benefits: 0.7 V RMS output (versus 100–200 mV for passive), a noise floor of -90 dBV (virtually silent), and consistent signal across gain settings. You trade passive simplicity for modern noise rejection and higher headroom into amps and interfaces.

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. 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 SLV Active Single Coil Pickup in White

The EMG SLV delivers the articulate, punchy response of a classic single coil with the noise floor and output consistency of active electronics. This pickup pairs single-coil clarity with modern low-impedance design, making it a straightforward drop-in replacement for players seeking definition and quiet operation on stage without sacrificing character.

Tone & Output Performance

A 3.75 kHz resonant frequency anchors the SLV's midrange presence, while 0.7 V RMS output and 1.0 V peak output deliver ample signal headroom into any amp or interface. The -90 dBV output noise floor ensures clean amplification free of hum and hiss, even at high gain settings—critical for live reliability and studio clarity.

Design & Specifications

Built with Alnico 5 pole pieces in a flat configuration, the SLV maintains single-coil harmonic character while its 10 kΩ output impedance integrates seamlessly with standard guitar electronics. The included Quik-Connect cable and prewired control set simplify installation and minimize solder joints, getting you road-ready fast.

Key Features

Type: Single coil active pickup
Magnet: Alnico 5 pole pieces, flat configuration
Resonant Frequency: 3.75 kHz
RMS Output Voltage: 0.7 V
Peak Output Voltage: 1.0 V
Output Noise: -90 dBV
Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
Power Requirement: 9V battery
Current Draw @ 9V: 240 microamps
Battery Life: 1000 hours
Includes: Quik-Connect cable, prewired volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws and springs
Finish: White

The EMG SLV combines single-coil tone with active-circuit reliability, backed by a complete installation package ready for immediate use.