What's the difference between this and a passive single-coil pickup?

This pickup uses active circuitry powered by a 9V battery, which eliminates the hum and noise typical of passive single coils while delivering a -103 dB noise floor. The active design also provides higher output and cleaner signal at high gain, making it better suited to modern and aggressive playing styles than traditional passive designs.

How long does the battery last, and what's involved in replacing it?

Battery life is rated at 830 hours of continuous use at 9V. The battery is easily accessible and user-replaceable; EMG rates this at standard 9V alkaline battery swap cycles common in active guitar electronics.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

This pickup shines in studio sessions, lead work, and high-gain rhythm applications where clarity and definition matter. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk styles, which typically favor warmer, less articulate tones.

Does this pickup come with everything needed to install it?

Yes, the pickup includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, 5-way selector switch, mounting hardware, and all connection cables needed for installation into standard and custom wiring schemes.

What output level should I expect from this pickup?

Single-string output is 1.00V, and full strum output is 3.00V with a 3 Kohm output impedance. The active circuit supports system voltages up to 27V DC maximum, allowing headroom expansion if paired with compatible preamps or systems.

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 Maverick Five Middle Retro Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG Maverick Five Middle captures articulate, vintage-inspired single-coil character with modern active circuitry. This pickup pairs classic alnico construction with low-noise active electronics, delivering clarity and definition in the mix without the hum that plagues passive single coils—essential for tracking and mixing sessions where transparency matters.

Recording Tone & Electronics

Built on Alnico 5 magnets with a 750 Gauss strength and 3.50 kHz resonant frequency, this middle pickup produces articulate midrange presence ideal for capturing rhythm detail and preserving lead definition during overdubs. The active circuit operates on a single 9V battery with a reported 830-hour battery life at 630 microamps system current, while noise floor sits at -103 dB for virtually silent operation—critical for home-studio tracking and long session days.

Power & Integration

The complete system supports battery voltages up to 27V DC maximum, allowing for expanded headroom and increased output for studio-quality signal chains. Paired with the included 25K volume and tone potentiometers, stereo output jack, and 5-way selector switch, this pickup wires into both standard and custom studio configurations, simplifying setup and enabling fast switching during sessions.

Key Features

Magnet Type: Alnico 5
Gauss Strength: 750 at poles
Resonant Frequency: 3.50 kHz
Output Voltage (string): 1.00V
Output Voltage (strum): 3.00V
Output Impedance: 3 Kohm
Active circuitry with 9V battery power
System current: 630 microamps at 9V
Battery life: 830 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Output noise: -103 dB at 60 Hz
Includes 25K volume pot, tone pots, output jack, 5-way selector, mounting hardware, and all connection cables
Made in the United States
Color: Black

This active single-coil middle pickup combines the snap and articulation of vintage single-coil character with the signal clarity and noise rejection required for professional recording and production workflows.