Is this pickup right for high-gain or metal tones?

No—this pickup is voiced for clean, funk, and pop tones. The articulate highs and focused midrange excel in those genres, but it is not optimized for high-gain or thrash metal applications.

What does 'active' mean, and why does it matter?

Active circuitry uses a 9V battery to amplify and shape the signal directly in the pickup, which delivers a -103 dB noise floor and consistent output (3.00V on strum, 1.00V per string) without hum. You get single-coil character with modern noise rejection and approximately 830 hours of battery life.

Do I need to solder this into my guitar?

No. The EMG quick-connect header system allows tool-free installation—simply plug it in. The 3 kΩ output impedance integrates with standard guitar wiring and amp inputs seamlessly.

How does this compare to passive vintage single-coils?

The Crossroads delivers the same articulate, responsive single-coil character as vintage designs like the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage or Fender Custom Shop 69, but with active circuitry that eliminates hum and provides greater output headroom and signal purity.

What's included, and what do I need to provide?

The pickup is complete and ready to install via the quick-connect header. You will need a 9V battery to power the active circuit; the system draws 630 microamps and delivers approximately 830 hours of battery life.

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 Crossroads Bridge Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG Crossroads Retro Active bridge pickup combines vintage single-coil character with modern active circuitry, delivering articulate highs and responsive midrange without the noise floor of passive designs. In the studio, this pickup captures clarity and definition while preserving traditional single-coil dynamics—ideal for sessions demanding transparent tracking and mix-ready tonality.

Recording Tone & Signal Path

The Alnico 2 magnet and 2.90 kHz resonant frequency at the bridge position produce a focused, articulate tone with controlled bass and pronounced treble response. Active circuitry yields a 3.00V output on strum and 1.00V string response, supplying sufficient headroom for both clean and driven tones while maintaining excellent signal-to-noise ratio at -103 dB—critical for capturing takes without hum or unwanted artifacts during multitrack recording.

Installation & System Integration

Built in the United States, this active single-coil features EMG's quick-connect header system for straightforward installation without soldering. The 3 kΩ output impedance integrates seamlessly with standard guitar wiring and interface inputs, while the compact single-coil form factor maintains traditional aesthetic in the bridge position. Battery life of 830 hours at 630 microamps system draw ensures reliable studio performance across extended sessions.

Key Features

Type: Active Single Coil
Magnet: Alnico 2
Gauss Strength at Poles: 600
Output Voltage (Strum): 3.00V
Output Voltage (String): 1.00V
Output Noise (60 Hz): -103 dB
Output Impedance: 3 kΩ
System Current @9V: 630 microamps
System Battery Life: 830 hours
Maximum Supply: 27 volts DC
Resonant Frequency (Bridge): 2.90 kHz
Quick-Connect header system for tool-free installation
Manufactured in the United States

The EMG Crossroads Retro Active bridge pickup delivers the clarity and articulation of traditional single-coil design backed by the noise rejection and headroom of active electronics—perfect for professional tracking and mix-ready recordings.