EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG7855
Description
EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Red
The EMG SA/SA/81 is a versatile three-pickup set pairing dual SA single-coil pickups with an 81 humbucker in the bridge position, delivering articulate cleans and aggressive drive without sacrificing clarity. This configuration captures responsive single-coil texture in the neck and middle positions while maintaining punchy, controlled output in the bridge—all powered by EMG's active circuitry and available in striking red. Perfect for producers and engineers tracking guitars that need to sit clearly across clean, crunch, and high-gain sessions.
Active Electronics & Recording Clarity
Each SA pickup uses an Alnico V bar magnet and outputs 1.00 V on single notes and 3.00 V on full strums, producing articulate highs and defined midrange that translate well to multitrack recording. The active design keeps output impedance low at 10 kOhm with a minimal noise floor of -101 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring clean, hum-free captures even when stacking takes or recording at high-gain settings. The low impedance also maintains signal integrity through long cable runs in the studio.
Power & Studio Integration
The system runs on a standard 9V battery with exceptional efficiency—80 microamps current draw yields approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge, minimizing session interruptions. Each SA pickup features a 4-conductor connector (ground, hot, hot, shield) for straightforward wiring into studio rigs, and the active circuit supports voltages up to 27V DC for flexibility in powering configurations and mixing with other studio equipment.
Key Features
- Two SA single-coil pickups with Alnico V bar magnets
- Single-note output: 1.00 V
- Full-strum output: 3.00 V
- Output impedance: 10 kOhm
- Output noise floor: -101 dB @ 60 Hz
- Resonant frequency: 3.70 kHz
- Active electronics with 9V battery power
- Current draw: 80 microamps
- Battery life: approximately 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- 4-conductor connectors on each pickup
- Available in red finish
This set delivers the balanced blend of articulate single-coil response and active noise rejection that recording professionals rely on when tracking guitars that need to cut through dense mixes without losing character.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/81 gives you articulate, defined single-coil texture on neck and middle tracks while the bridge 81 humbucker adds punchy, controlled aggression—all with a -101 dB noise floor for clean recording at any gain level. Ideal for hard rock and metal sessions where you need responsive tone without hum interference and fast, noise-free overdubs. Choose this set to capture thick, modern active tones with the clarity and separation that sits well in a dense mix.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate cleans, aggressive drive, defined midrange, hum-free, punchy controlled output |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the SA pickups and the bridge 81?
The two SA single-coil pickups use Alnico V bar magnets and deliver 1.00 V on single notes and 3.00 V on full strums, capturing articulate highs and defined midrange typical of single-coil character. The bridge 81 humbucker provides punchy, controlled output with the aggression and clarity hard rock and metal players expect in the bridge position. Together, they balance responsive single-coil feel with high-output bridge power.
How long does the battery last?
The active electronics draw only 80 microamps of current from a standard 9V battery, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge—roughly 4 months of regular use. This exceptional efficiency keeps you powered through extended studio sessions and tour runs without frequent battery swaps.
Is this set suitable for heavy metal and hard rock?
Yes. The SA/SA/81 is specifically voiced for hard rock, metal, and progressive genres, with a -101 dB noise floor that ensures hum-free operation even at extreme gain levels, a defined midrange that cuts through dense mixes, and punchy controlled output from the bridge 81. Intermediate to professional players rely on this set for both studio recordings and live performances in high-gain contexts.
What does the active circuit do for tone?
EMG's active electronics keep output impedance low at 10 kOhm and deliver a minimal noise floor of -101 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring clean, hum-free operation under high gain without sacrificing clarity. The active design also provides consistent, punchy output and supports powering voltages up to 27V DC for flexibility in your wiring setup.
How easy is installation?
Each SA pickup features a 4-conductor connector (ground, hot, hot, shield) designed for straightforward wiring and quick swaps. Standard installation into most Strat-body instruments takes roughly an hour if you're comfortable with soldering; consult your guitar's wiring diagram and EMG's installation guide for specifics on your model.
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 $20 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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