EMG RA5 Pro Retro Active Prewired Pickguard Pickup 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
- EMG6053
Description
EMG RA5 Pro Retro Active Prewired Pickguard Pickup in Black
The EMG RA5 Pro captures vintage single-coil character with modern active electronics in a complete, drop-in prewired solution. This pickguard assembly pairs three RetroActive single-coil pickups with a discrete FET preamp, delivering authentic Strat-style tone and articulation while eliminating the noise floor and cable sensitivity that compromise passive designs in professional recording sessions.
Recording Tone & Signal Chain
Three RetroActive single-coil pickups with Alnico 5 magnets and 3kΩ DCR coils capture detailed, responsive articulation with genuine vintage-style definition that translates clearly through mixing chains. The integrated discrete FET preamp and low-impedance output reject ground hum and cable noise—critical for tracking and overdubbing—while the 600 micro-amp, 9-volt battery requirement ensures consistent headroom and predictable performance across multiple takes without noise drift or impedance loading issues.
Studio Workflow & Setup
The solderless install system eliminates downtime; assembly requires no tools or solder work, enabling rapid instrument prep between sessions. The modern style pickguard with its practical 11-hole configuration integrates into standard Strat-style cavities, and the architecture eliminates string grounding concerns and shock hazards, streamlining both installation and consistent recording conditions.
Key Features
- Three RetroActive single-coil pickups with Alnico 5 magnets
- Discrete FET preamp for clean, low-noise amplification
- 3kΩ DCR coils for balanced harmonic response
- Low-impedance output for reduced noise and interference
- 1 Volume control, 2 Tone controls (High-End rolloff), and 5-position selection switch
- 600 micro-amp, 9-volt battery power requirement
- EMG solderless install system — no soldering required
- Strat-style (S/S/S) configuration
- No string grounding required
- Modern style pickguard with 11 holes
- Dimensions: 33 x 25.4 x 7.6 cm
- Black finish
This assembly bridges vintage tone and modern reliability, making it the choice for producers and engineers seeking authentic single-coil response without passive-circuit compromises in the recording environment.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG RA5 Pro prewired pickguard is a turnkey solution for home recordists and producers tracking in guitars that need articulate, noise-free single-coil definition without hum. Three RetroActive pickups with Alnico 5 magnets and a discrete FET preamp capture balanced harmonic response and responsive output ideal for blues, country, rock, and indie sessions. Pick this assembly to swap into a standard Strat and gain studio-grade low-noise single-coil tone in a single installation, with no soldering or modification needed.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Indie
- ✓ Pop
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to solder anything to install this pickguard?
No. The EMG solderless install system means you simply drop the entire prewired pickguard into a standard Strat cavity — no tools, no solder, no modifications required.
What's the difference between this and a passive single-coil Strat pickup?
The RA5 Pro uses a discrete FET preamp and low-impedance output to eliminate the hum and cable noise that passive designs suffer from, while keeping the articulate, vintage-style single-coil tone intact. It runs on a 9-volt battery (600 micro-amps) and requires no string grounding.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The RA5 Pro excels in blues, country, rock, and indie — any style that values articulate, responsive single-coil character. It is not designed for metal or djent, where higher output and thicker voicing are typical.
Will this pickguard fit my Strat?
Yes, if your guitar has a standard Strat-style cavity and uses an 11-hole pickguard configuration. The modern style pickguard is designed to drop into any standard Strat-style body.
How often do I need to replace the battery?
The 9-volt battery draws only 600 micro-amps, keeping power draw minimal and extending battery life significantly — typical usage should yield many months of gigging or recording between changes.
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 $21 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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