EMG S/S/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3083
Description
EMG S/S/81 Active Pickup Set in White
The EMG S/S/81 is a three-pickup set engineered to capture versatile tones across single-coil and humbucker voices without sacrificing active electronics' signature clarity and output. This combination—two ceramic single-coil pickups in neck and middle positions paired with an EMG 81 bridge humbucker—records everything from articulate, noise-free cleans to aggressive, saturated leads, all powered by a single 9V battery. The result sits cleanly in a mix across multiple session styles without hum or interference.
Active Electronics & Recording Performance
The integrated 9V battery system supplies the preamp with a rated 3000-hour battery life and delivers a 3.00V RMS output with 4.50V peak output, ensuring consistent signal strength and headroom into any amplifier or audio interface. The -100 dBV noise floor and 10 kΩ impedance characteristic of the EMG 81 eliminate hum and interference inherent to passive pickups, making this set essential for tracking high-gain material and maintaining clean, usable recordings in any control room or home-studio environment.
Installation & Studio Workflow
The solderless system streamlines installation for engineers and builders comfortable with basic electronics work, eliminating the need for soldering iron expertise and reducing downtime during instrument setup. Each pickup mounts securely with the EMG 81 bridge unit featuring 70mm width, 38mm height, 23mm installation depth, and 78mm mounting screw spacing; the set includes 25k volume pot, two 25k tone pots, stereo output jack, 5-way selector switch, mounting hardware, and required cables for swift integration into tracking sessions.
Key Features
- Two ceramic single-coil EMG S pickups (neck and middle positions)
- EMG 81 active bridge humbucker with preamp
- 9V battery power with 3000-hour battery life
- 3.00V RMS output / 4.50V peak output
- -100 dBV noise floor for silent operation
- 10 kΩ impedance characteristic
- 80 µA current draw
- Solderless installation system
- Includes 25k volume pot and dual 25k tone pots
- Complete with 5-way selector switch, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
- Internal shielding and low impedance preamp design
- White finish
The S/S/81 set balances the responsive dynamics of single-coils with the aggressive punch of active electronics, making it a professional-grade solution for tracking sessions that demand versatility, zero-noise performance, and reliable tone across multiple playing styles and mix contexts.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG S/S/81 active pickup set captures articulate, noise-free single-coil cleans and saturated high-gain leads in one setup, powered by a 9V battery system with 3000-hour runtime and a -100 dBV noise floor ideal for controlled recording environments. Its 3.00V RMS output and internal preamp design sit cleanly in a mix without hum or interference, making it versatile for tracking everything from clean passages to aggressive rhythm parts. Choose it for sessions where you want active clarity and headroom without tonal compromise across multiple playing dynamics.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ High-Gain Applications
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Acoustic Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickups come in this set and where do they mount?
The set includes two EMG S ceramic single-coil pickups for the neck and middle positions and one EMG 81 active bridge humbucker. The bridge unit measures 70mm wide, 38mm tall, with 78mm mounting screw spacing, and fits standard Stratocaster-style cavities.
How long does the 9V battery last and what output does it provide?
The integrated 9V battery supplies approximately 3000 hours of playing time and delivers 3.00V RMS output with 4.50V peak output, ensuring consistent headroom and signal strength into any amplifier. Current draw is 80 µA.
Do I need soldering experience to install this set?
No—EMG's solderless system eliminates the need for a soldering iron. The set includes a 25k volume pot, dual 25k tone pots, 5-way selector switch, stereo output jack, and all required mounting hardware and cables for straightforward installation.
What makes this set good for high-gain and recording?
Active electronics deliver a -100 dBV noise floor and 10 kΩ impedance characteristic that eliminate hum and interference inherent to passive pickups, making this set ideal for noise-sensitive environments and heavy gain applications where clarity must remain intact.
What genres and playing styles is this set designed for?
The S/S/81 excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and studio sessions where versatility matters—single-coils provide responsive dynamics for cleans and articulate passages, while the 81 bridge delivers aggressive, tight low-end saturation for leads. It is not designed for traditional jazz or acoustic folk applications.
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 $20 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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