What comes in the box with the EMG SV?

The pickup includes a Volume/Tone Control Set, jack, battery clip, screws, and springs. You will need to supply a 9V battery to power the built-in preamp.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or traditional single-coil tones?

No, the EMG SV is engineered specifically for high-gain rock and metal applications. Its focused 3.20 kHz midrange and high output (0.7V RMS) prioritize cut and clarity in heavy styles rather than the warm, open character traditional jazz players seek.

How does the active preamp compare to passive single coils?

The EMG SV's built-in preamp delivers a noise floor better than -100 dBV and output noise of -115 dBV, virtually eliminating hum even at extreme gain levels. This studio-grade clarity is impossible to achieve with a passive single-coil design, making it essential for clean tracking and silent live performance at high volumes.

How long will the battery last?

The pickup draws only 660 microamps at 9V, resulting in practical battery life suitable for regular playing and touring. Battery life will vary with your playing frequency and amp usage patterns.

What skill level do I need to install this pickup?

Installation is best suited for intermediate to advanced players or a qualified technician, as it requires routing wiring, mounting the preamp circuit, and understanding active electronics. Professional installation is recommended if you are unfamiliar with guitar electronics.

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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG SV delivers articulate, high-output single-coil character with the noise floor of a professional active system. This pickup cuts through dense live mixes and produces clear, responsive tone across all playing dynamics. Built-in preamp circuitry ensures consistent stage performance and minimal hum, making it a dependable choice for players demanding both clarity and output from a single-coil design.

Tone & Output Performance

With a 0.7V RMS output and 1.0V peak output voltage, the SV generates substantial signal suitable for high-gain applications without sacrificing definition. The 3.20 kHz resonant frequency and staggered Alnico 5 pole pieces create a focused midrange presence that cuts through without harshness, while the output noise floor of -115 dBV ensures silent operation even at extreme gain settings.

Electronics & Power

This pickup's built-in high-output, low-noise preamp maintains a noise floor better than -100 dBV, delivering studio-grade clarity in a gigging or recording rig. The 5.0 kΩ output impedance and efficient 660 microamp draw @ 9V keep battery life practical while providing stable impedance matching to any amplifier or effects chain.

Key Features

Staggered Alnico 5 pole pieces
Resonant Frequency: 3.20 kHz
RMS Output Voltage: 0.7V
Peak Output Voltage: 1.0V
Output Noise: -115 dBV
Output Impedance: 5.0 kΩ
Current @ 9V: 660 microamps
Preamp Noise Floor: Better than -100 dBV
Built-in High Output, Low Noise Preamp
Requires 9V battery power
Includes Volume/Tone Control Set, Jack, Battery Clip, Screws, and Springs
Two Year Warranty

The EMG SV combines single-coil articulation with active-system reliability, offering gigging musicians a pickup that remains silent, punchy, and musically responsive across any playing style.

Best suited for	High-Gain Rock, Metal, Studio Sessions, Live Performance
Tonal character	Articulate, high-output, tight midrange, low-noise, punchy
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Acoustic-focused Playing (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional