EMG SLV/SLV/85 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
- EMG3530
Description
EMG SLV Single Coil Active Pickup — Ivory
The EMG SLV brings single-coil articulation and clarity to stages where passive designs falter. Built on active electronics, this pickup cuts through the mix with tight definition and minimal noise—no hum, no breakup under gain, no loss of note separation in a live band context. The Alnico 5 design stays responsive across the frequency spectrum, delivering presence in cleans and stability in high-gain rigs.
Tone & Output Character
A resonant frequency of 3.75 kHz peaks in the articulate zone, letting individual notes and harmonic detail punch through. The 0.7V RMS output with 1.0V peak voltage and -90 dBV noise floor means a hot, clean signal that runs reliably into any amp—tube or solid-state—without the noise floor issues that plague passive single coils on loud stages.
Electronics & Power
Active power runs on a standard 9V battery with 1000-hour battery life, keeping the circuit humming through gigs and rehearsals without constant swaps. The 10 kΩ output impedance integrates seamlessly into vintage or modern amp topologies, and efficient 240 microamp draw at 9V means battery changes stay infrequent during regular touring and session work.
Key Features
- Flat Alnico 5 pole pieces under solid cap design
- Increased coil windings for enhanced output and definition
- Resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz
- RMS output voltage: 0.7V
- Peak output voltage: 1.0V
- Output noise: -90 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 240 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 1000 hours
- Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, stereo output jack, 5-way selector switch, and mounting hardware
- Ivory finish with gold EMG logo
- Made in United States
The SLV merges single-coil character with the noise rejection and output consistency that active circuitry provides—a solid choice for gigging players who need single-coil definition without passive single-coil fragility on the road.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SLV is an active single-coil pickup that delivers bright, articulate tone with rock-solid consistency and virtually no hum—perfect for high-gain rock and metal rigs where traditional single coils lose definition. Its 3.75 kHz resonant peak cuts through a dense mix with punchy string separation, while the low-noise active circuit maintains clarity whether you're running clean or driven tones. Built with Alnico 5 poles and 1000-hour battery life, it's a workhorse for gigging musicians and studio players who want single-coil character without compromise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ high-gain rock
- ✓ metal
- ✓ studio sessions
- ✓ gigging
Not the best pick for
- – traditional jazz
- – vintage blues
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between active and passive single coils, and why choose active?
Active pickups use a 9V battery and onboard preamp to deliver consistent output and reject hum, while passive single coils are subject to noise interference and tone loss over cable runs. The EMG SLV trades the slightly thinner character of traditional single coils for clarity, punch, and zero hum—essential in high-gain contexts and recording sessions where noise control matters.
Is this pickup good for metal and high-gain, or does it work in clean tones too?
The SLV excels in both. Its bright 3.75 kHz resonance and tight midrange definition prevent muddiness under heavy distortion, but the articulate character and strong output also shine in clean and crunch tones where presence cuts through without harshness. Intermediate to professional players using this pickup report versatility across gain levels.
How long does the 9V battery last, and how hard is it to replace?
Battery life is approximately 1000 hours of regular play, with efficient 240 microamp current draw that makes replacements practical during typical gigging schedules. Battery access depends on your guitar's design; consult your instrument's wiring diagram or a qualified tech for installation specifics.
What pots and switching hardware are included?
The pickup ships with a 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, stereo output jack, 5-way selector switch, and mounting hardware—everything needed for a complete wiring harness retrofit. Installation requires soldering and familiarity with active pickup wiring; consult a guitar tech if you're new to this process.
How does the SLV compare to passive single coils like a Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele?
The SLV's active circuit delivers higher output consistency, lower noise, and tighter frequency definition than passive single coils, making it better for high-gain and studio recording. Traditional passives offer warmer, hairier character in clean and bluesy contexts; the SLV prioritizes clarity and reliability over vintage warmth.
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 $20 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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