EMG Crossroads Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6168
Description
EMG Crossroads Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
The EMG Crossroads Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set captures vintage single-coil character with modern active circuitry, delivering balanced classic articulation and contemporary noise rejection for studio tracking. This three-pickup set combines Alnico 2 magnets with active electronics to achieve clarity across the frequency spectrum without the hum that compromises passive designs during multitrack overdubbing. The solderless quick-connect installation system makes swapping these into an existing instrument straightforward for session work, and the included wiring harness eliminates guesswork in the integration process.
Tone & Recording Response
Each pickup is tuned to a distinct resonant frequency—4.50 kHz at the neck, 3.30 kHz in the middle, and 2.90 kHz at the bridge—ensuring articulate highs for lead layers and warm, controlled lows in the bridge position for balanced rhythm and chord tracking. The active circuit achieves an exceptional -103 dB output noise floor at 60 Hz, virtually eliminating electromagnetic interference during recording while maintaining the transparent response that sits cleanly in dense mixes.
Installation & Power Management
The complete wiring kit includes a 25k volume potentiometer, two 25k tone controls, a 5-way selector switch, stereo output jack, three sets of mounting hardware, and all necessary interconnect and battery cables. System current draw is minimal at 630 microamps at 9V, delivering over 830 hours of battery life per charge, with maximum supply rated to 27V DC for flexible power configurations across studio setups.
Key Features
- Active single-coil design with solderless EMG quick-connect installation
- Alnico 2 magnets with 600 Gauss pole strength
- Three-pickup set (bridge, middle, neck positions)
- Neck resonant frequency: 4.50 kHz; Mid: 3.30 kHz; Bridge: 2.90 kHz
- Output voltage: 1.00V single string, 3.00V full strum
- Output noise: -103 dB at 60 Hz
- Output impedance: 3 kΩ
- System current: 630 microamps at 9V; battery life 830 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Includes volume pot, tone pots, selector switch, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware
- Black finish; manufactured in the United States
- Package dimensions: 7 x 2 x 5 inches
This set delivers single-coil character with active circuit refinement and comprehensive installation support in a ready-to-wire package for professional session integration.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Crossroads Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set gives you transparent single-coil tone with -103 dB noise rejection, ideal for tracking blues, rock, country, and jazz in the studio without electromagnetic interference muddying your recordings. Each pickup is tuned to its position—neck at 4.50 kHz for articulation, bridge at 2.90 kHz for warmth—so your takes sit balanced in the mix from first pass. The complete wiring kit and solderless quick-connect system mean faster swap-and-record workflow.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles are these pickups best suited for?
These pickups excel in blues, rock, country, and jazz where transparent single-coil character and articulation matter most. They are not voiced for metal or djent styles.
How long will the battery last, and what are the power requirements?
A single 9V battery delivers over 830 hours of playable life at the system's 630-microamp current draw. The pickups support up to 27V DC maximum, offering flexible power configurations.
What comes in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The set includes three pickups (neck, middle, bridge), a 25k volume pot, two 25k tone controls, a 5-way selector switch, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables. EMG's solderless quick-connect system and included wiring harness eliminate guesswork during installation.
How much noise rejection do these active pickups provide compared to passive single coils?
The active circuit achieves a -103 dB output noise floor at 60 Hz, virtually eliminating electromagnetic interference and hum that passive single-coil designs typically suffer from.
How are the three pickups voiced differently for each position?
Each pickup is tuned to a distinct resonant frequency—neck at 4.50 kHz for articulate highs in lead work, middle at 3.30 kHz for balance, and bridge at 2.90 kHz for warm, controlled lows during chord work.
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 $19 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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