EMG5042 vs EMG522 — Compare
EMG ACB 4/6-String Bass Pickup (Banjo) vs EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG ACB is a specialized banjo pickup engineered to preserve acoustic microphonic character with noise rejection for live and studio use, while the EMG SA/SA/89 is a three-pickup electric guitar system designed for high-output metal and hard rock with aggressive tonal definition. Choose the ACB if you play banjo; choose the SA/SA/89 if you need a complete electric guitar pickup set.
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EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG ACB 4/6-String Bass Pickup (Banjo) | EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $299.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG ACB 4/6-String Bass Pickup (Banjo)
- ✓ Purpose-built for banjo with three acoustic chambers capturing natural resonance
- ✓ Dual-coil Alnico design with integrated preamp delivers studio-ready signal
- ✓ Acoustic plugs and steel shim-stock included for precise head-tension tuning
- ✓ Exceptional 60 Hz noise rejection at -120 dB ideal for electrically noisy venues
Why choose EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Complete three-pickup guitar system (SA/SA/89) ready for full retrofit or build
- ✓ Solderless wiring system eliminates complex soldering and reduces installation time
- ✓ High output with articulate cleans and aggressive punch suited to metal and hard rock
- ✓ All components included: pots, jacks, cables, hardware, and 9-volt battery system
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups compatible with the same instruments?
No. The EMG ACB is engineered specifically for banjos with a four or six-string configuration, featuring acoustic chamber design and head-tension sensing. The EMG SA/SA/89 is a three-pickup set for electric guitars in standard neck, middle, and bridge positions.
What are the power and battery differences?
The ACB uses two 6V Lithium batteries rated for 600 hours of operation. The SA/SA/89 uses a single 9-volt battery with approximately one year of typical playing life. The ACB is optimized for occasional or moderate use, while the SA/SA/89 suits regular touring and heavy use.
How do noise performance and output compare?
The ACB delivers -120 dB noise at 60 Hz with resonant frequency at 2.00 kHz, tuned for banjo acoustic response. The SA/SA/89 achieves -101 dBV at 60 Hz with 10 Kohm output impedance optimized for electric guitar articulation and high-output gain in metal and hard rock.
What installation complexity should I expect?
The ACB is a single banjo pickup requiring routing and wiring specific to banjo hardware. The SA/SA/89 includes a complete solderless wiring system with all pots, jacks, and cables, making it a plug-and-play retrofit for guitar requiring only basic tools.