EMG SA/SA/81 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3079
Description
EMG SA/SA/81 Active Pickup Set in White
The EMG SA/SA/81 is a complete HSS Stratocaster pickup system engineered for studio recording and production work. This active configuration captures articulate single-coil detail in the bridge and middle positions while delivering tight, controlled humbucker response in the neck—all without noise floor compromises. The solderless wiring setup streamlines installation, letting you focus on tracking and mixing rather than lengthy modification work. The white finish integrates cleanly into any recording setup, while active circuitry ensures consistent, predictable response across sessions.
Active Electronics & Wiring
The solderless wiring system includes all necessary components for a complete retrofit: volume pot, tone pots, selector switch, mounting hardware, pickup cables, and output cable. The active circuit runs on a single 9V battery with an exceptionally long 3000-hour lifespan, drawing only 80 microamps at 9V and supporting supply voltages up to 27 Volts DC for flexibility in custom installations. This extended battery life minimizes session interruptions and maintenance demands in the studio.
Recording & Mix Versatility
Two SA single-coil pickups in the bridge and middle positions deliver articulate, defined midrange character that cuts through dense mixes and captures picking dynamics with clarity. The 81 humbucker in the neck position provides thick, controlled low-end and sustained response for fuller-bodied rhythm tones. The AlNiCo 5 magnets and stacked, hum-free design eliminate 60-cycle noise and RF interference—critical for clean recording chains—while high output reduces noise floor and demands fewer preamp stage pushes during tracking.
Key Features
- Complete HSS Stratocaster pickup set (SA/SA/81 configuration)
- Active circuit with 9V battery operation
- 3000-hour battery life at standard 9V supply
- AlNiCo 5 magnet material
- Stacked, hum-free construction
- White cap finish
- Made in USA
- High output across all three pickups
- Solderless wiring system included
- Includes 25K volume pot, dual 25K tone pots, 5-way selector switch, and all mounting hardware
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 Volts DC
- Complete cable set for pickup, connection, output, and battery wiring
This system delivers the noise rejection and tonal consistency required for professional recording, combining single-coil articulation with active hum elimination across a versatile HSS pickup configuration.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/81 is an active HSS pickup system that combines stacked, hum-free single coils with a neck humbucker to capture articulate, noise-free tracking across the frequency range—ideal for recording high-gain riffs, layered rhythms, and dynamic session work. The solderless wiring and complete electronics kit streamline studio installation, while the 3000-hour battery life means uninterrupted tracking sessions without power worries. Choose this set when you need versatile, articulate tones from single-coil shimmer to saturated humbucker body in a single guitar.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Rock, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, noise-free, articulate, versatile single-coil to humbucker range, thick saturated response |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk, Blues (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the solderless wiring system include?
The complete kit includes a 25K volume pot, dual 25K tone pots, 5-way selector switch, all mounting hardware, pickup cables, output cable, and battery wiring—everything needed for a full HSS retrofit without traditional soldering.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The active circuit draws only 80 microamps at 9V and delivers 3000 hours of battery life at standard supply voltage, making it practical for both touring and studio use without frequent replacement.
What tonal range does the SA/SA/81 configuration deliver?
The two SA single-coil pickups in bridge and middle positions provide articulate, noise-free clarity, while the 81 humbucker at the neck adds thick, saturated response—spanning from clean single-coil definition to high-gain metal tones.
Is this pickup set suitable for beginners to install?
Yes; the solderless wiring system eliminates the need for soldering experience, and the complete electronics package with included components and hardware makes installation straightforward for intermediate to advanced players without extensive modification work.
What genres is this set not ideal for?
The high-output, noise-free active character and stacked hum-free design are optimized for hard rock, metal, and studio sessions rather than traditional jazz, folk, or blues playing styles.
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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.