What's included in the box, and do I need soldering skills to install it?

The SLVX ships with everything you need: the pickup, 25k volume potentiometer, active tone control with VLPF, battery bus, stereo output jack, 9V battery connection, mounting hardware, and cables. The 100% solderless connection system means you can install it without any soldering expertise—just connect the included cables and mounting hardware.

Is this pickup suited for heavy metal or thrash?

No, the SLVX is designed for articulate, clean, and dynamic tones, making it ideal for jazz, funk, lead work, and studio sessions. It is not recommended for heavy metal or thrash metal styles, which typically benefit from higher-output, thicker-voiced pickups.

How does the active circuitry affect tone and reliability?

The active preamp boosts output, lowers impedance, and provides near-total immunity to hum and signal degradation—essential for professional live and studio work. It runs on a standard 9V battery and maintains consistent tone and output across long cable runs and varying amp settings.

What genres and playing styles work best with the SLVX?

The SLVX excels in jazz, funk, lead work, and clean tones where articulate highs and defined midrange matter. Its clarity and dynamic range make it excellent for studio sessions and stage playing where every note needs to cut through without noise.

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

Unlike passive single-coils, the SLVX's active electronics eliminate hum, provide consistent high output, and maintain signal integrity over long cable runs—making it more reliable in both studio and live settings. It retains single-coil articulation while adding modern noise rejection and amplification.

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 SLVX Active Single Coil Pickup in White

The EMG SLVX delivers the articulate, responsive character that Steve Lukather of Toto engineered for players who demand clarity and dynamic range from a single-coil platform. This active pickup combines increased coil windings with the refined X-Series preamp, producing a pickup that balances classic single-coil definition with modern amplification and noise rejection. The white finish offers visual distinction while maintaining the sonic integrity that defines the SLVX design.

Tone & Electronics

The Alnico V pole pieces and increased coil windings generate articulate highs and defined midrange ideal for lead work and clean tones. Active circuitry powered by a standard 9V battery ensures consistent output, low impedance, and immunity to signal degradation over cable runs—crucial for stage use and recording where reliability matters.

Design & Installation

The 100% solderless connection system eliminates the need for wiring expertise and significantly reduces installation time. All necessary components ship with the pickup, including the 25k volume potentiometer, active tone control (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and connection cables—everything required for a clean, straightforward swap.

Key Features

Designed by Steve Lukather, founding member of Toto
Active Single Coil with X-Series preamp
Increased coil windings with hidden pole pieces
Flat Alnico V pole pieces for articulate response
Powered by 9V battery
100% solderless connection system
Includes 25k volume potentiometer
Active tone potentiometer with VLPF (Very Low Pass Filter)
Battery bus and stereo output jack included
USA-made construction
Mounting screws, springs, and connection cables included
White finish

The SLVX combines professional-grade active electronics with intuitive installation and distinctive tonal character suited to gigging musicians seeking single-coil articulation without compromise.