EMG RTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG89
Description
EMG RTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG RTC is a rear Telecaster pickup engineered to capture clarity and punch in the mix while preserving the articulation that defines single-coil character. Its compact form factor integrates seamlessly into standard Tele cavities, delivering the crisp top-end response and controlled low-end punch essential for tracking and overdubbing across multiple takes.
Recording & Tone Character
Built around a ceramic magnet, the RTC produces a focused frequency response with emphasis on treble definition and tight bass reproduction. The active design—powered by EMG's proven circuit architecture—maintains consistent output and reduces noise floor, ensuring reliable tracking during sessions and predictable results across different recording environments and mixing scenarios.
Studio Integration & Compatibility
The pickup ships in black finish and follows EMG's standard mounting and wiring conventions for drop-in compatibility. Its rear-position voice sits well in the mix when paired with bridge pickups across the Tele platform, offering tonal flexibility suited to production work ranging from country to alternative rock without requiring tone-shaping compensation in the mix.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction for crisp top-end presence
- Tight, controlled bottom-end response
- Active circuitry for reduced noise and consistent output
- Rear Telecaster position design
- Black finish
- Standard EMG mounting and wiring compatibility
- Drop-in installation for Tele cavities
- Single-coil form factor with active tone shaping
The RTC pairs focused articulation with the reliability of active electronics, making it a dependable choice for producers and engineers seeking definition without noise in recording and production workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG RTC active single-coil brings studio-grade clarity and consistency to rear-position Telecaster recordings, with a ceramic magnet design that emphasizes treble definition and tight low-end control for focused vocal-like articulation in a mix. The active circuit reduces noise floor and maintains steady output across takes and sessions, making it a reliable workhorse for tracking country, rock, and alternative material where single-coil character matters but hum does not. Its focused frequency response sits well alongside bridge pickups and integrates cleanly into recording chains without adding coloration.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Alternative Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RTC a drop-in replacement for my Telecaster?
Yes. The RTC is designed for the rear position of a standard Telecaster cavity and follows EMG's mounting and wiring conventions for straightforward installation without routing or modification.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The RTC excels in country, rock, alternative rock, and studio sessions where crisp articulation and punchy tone are priorities. It's not voiced for metal or djent styles, which typically demand higher output and different frequency emphasis.
How does the active design improve tone compared to passive single-coils?
The active circuit reduces noise floor and maintains consistent output across different cable runs and playing dynamics, while the ceramic magnet emphasizes treble definition and tight bass—delivering clarity without the hum that passive single-coils often introduce, especially on stage.
What's included with the pickup, and do I need additional electronics?
The pickup ships in black finish with standard EMG mounting hardware and wiring conventions. You'll need an EMG 25K pot and a 9V power source (typically a battery housed in your guitar) to operate the active circuit.
How does the RTC compare to other active single-coils like the Seymour Duncan SSL-1?
The RTC emphasizes ceramic-magnet clarity and tight low-end control on a rear-Tele voice, while the SSL-1 leans toward a warmer, more scooped character. Choice depends on whether you prioritize crisp articulation or smoother vintage tone.
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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.