EMG Maverick 5 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
- EMG6171
Description
EMG Maverick 5 Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
The EMG Maverick 5 captures the articulate snap and clarity of single-coil character with the noise floor and output consistency demanded in the tracking booth. This set voices each position distinctly—neck, mid, and bridge—while maintaining uniform output and responsiveness across the board. Built in the United States, these pickups sit in a mix with vintage single-coil character without compromise in performance or reliability during critical recording sessions.
Tone & Electronics
Each pickup is voiced with its own resonant frequency: 4.75 kHz at the neck for warmth and definition, 3.50 kHz in the middle position for balance, and 3.00 kHz at the bridge for focused treble. All three positions generate 1.00V output on a single string and 3.00V on a strum, ensuring consistent gain structure and predictable response across all selections. The Alnico 5 magnet with 750 Gauss strength yields organic harmonic content while the active circuit maintains an exceptionally low -103 dB noise floor at 60 Hz, critical for clean overdubs and layered production.
System & Longevity
The active preamp draws 630 microamps at 9V operation, yielding approximately 830 hours of battery life per cell. Output impedance remains stable at 3 Kohm across all positions, and the system tolerates supply voltages up to 27V DC for extended headroom. The set includes a complete control package, three pickup cables, connection harnesses, output and battery cables, plus all mounting hardware needed for installation.
Key Features
- Alnico 5 magnet construction with 750 Gauss strength at all positions
- Single-coil active design with -103 dB noise floor at 60 Hz
- Three distinctly voiced positions: Neck 4.75 kHz, Mid 3.50 kHz, Bridge 3.00 kHz
- Uniform 1.00V single-string and 3.00V strum output across all three pickups
- 3 Kohm output impedance (all positions)
- 630 microamp system current at 9V with 830-hour battery life
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Includes 1 volume pot (25K), 2 tone pots (25K), 5-way selector switch, stereo output jack, and all connecting cables
- Three pairs of mounting screws and springs included
- Made in the United States
- Black finish with single-coil form factor
This set delivers retro aesthetic, transparent single-coil response, and rock-solid active reliability—engineered for studios demanding quiet, articulate tracking with session-ready versatility.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Maverick 5 Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set captures organic single-coil harmonics and articulate snap while eliminating the hum and output variance that plague passive vintage designs—ideal for clean, funk, pop, and indie recordings where clarity and consistency are essential. Each position is voiced distinctly (4.75 kHz neck, 3.50 kHz mid, 3.00 kHz bridge) to sit transparently in a mix, and the active circuit delivers a rock-solid -103 dB noise floor and uniform 3V output on strums for predictable tracking and stacking. Built in the USA with a complete control package and cables, this set streamlines your signal chain and lets you focus on capturing great takes without fighting hum or signal dropouts.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Funk, Pop, Indie |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate snap, high clarity, low noise floor, organic harmonics, consistent output |
| Less specialized for | Metal, Thrash Metal (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install these pickups?
These pickups suit intermediate to advanced players comfortable with wiring and soldering. The set includes a complete control package with volume and tone pots, a 5-way selector, output and battery cables, and all mounting hardware, but installation assumes basic electronics knowledge or access to a qualified tech.
Why are these better than passive single-coils for recording?
Active electronics eliminate hum and inconsistent output—the noise floor sits at -103 dB, and all three positions deliver uniform 1.00V per single string and 3.00V on strums. This means cleaner tracks, predictable levels across position switches, and fewer re-records due to noise or dropout issues.
How long do the batteries last?
At 9V operation, the system draws 630 microamps and yields approximately 830 hours of battery life per cell—roughly 35 days of continuous use, or several months of typical playing. The set includes all cables needed to power the preamp.
Are these pickups suited for metal or high-gain styles?
No—these pickups are voiced for studio sessions, funk, pop, and indie applications where clarity and organic harmonics matter. Metal and thrash metal players should consider alternatives with higher output and darker voicing.
What does each position sound like?
The neck position (4.75 kHz) delivers warmth and definition, the middle (3.50 kHz) offers balance, and the bridge (3.00 kHz) provides focused treble. All three maintain consistent output and responsiveness, making switching between positions smooth and predictable in a mix or live setting.
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. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $19 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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