EMG SA/SA/81TW Active Single Coil 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
EMG3229
Pre-Order — this item is built to order by the manufacturer and is expected to ship in January 2027 (the manufacturer is waiting on a delayed parts shipment). Order now to reserve yours.
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Description

EMG SA/SA/81TW Active Pickup Set in Black

This three-pickup configuration combines the transparent, articulate response of EMG SA single-coils in the neck and middle positions with the focused punch of the EMG 81TW humbucker in the bridge. The active circuit maintains consistent output and rejects noise across all three pickups, making this set ideally suited for capturing clean takes, layering tracks, or recording aggressive high-gain material without phase issues or signal loss through the signal chain.

Recording Tone & Signal Path

The SA pickups deliver crystalline clarity and note separation that translate well to tape and DAWs, preserving pick dynamics and finger technique. The 81TW humbucker in the bridge offers tight low-end definition and controlled sustain that cuts through dense mixes. Active electronics eliminate impedance loading problems and maintain a hot, quiet signal regardless of cable runs from instrument to interface, ensuring clean recording sessions without ground-hum or high-frequency rolloff.

Installation & Compatibility

This set is configured for standard three-pickup guitar cavities with dual-humbucker or HSS routing compatibility depending on your instrument's body. All three pickups share EMG's industry-standard mounting footprint and require a 9V battery or external power supply to operate.

Key Features

  • Two EMG SA active single-coil pickups (neck and middle)
  • One EMG 81TW active humbucker with coil-splitting capability (bridge)
  • Active circuit electronics with noise rejection
  • Consistent output level across all three pickups
  • Black covers on all three units
  • Low impedance design for reduced signal degradation
  • 9V battery-powered operation
  • Standard EMG solder-mount connectors
  • Suitable for high-output and modern rock/metal applications

This set captures single-coil clarity and dynamics through the neck and middle while delivering focused bridge aggression—a versatile combination for producers tracking everything from clean rhythm parts to saturated lead layers in a single session.

More Information
Condition New
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At a Glance

This three-pickup set blends the bell-like clarity of EMG SA single-coils with the focused punch of an active 81TW bridge humbucker, capturing tight, articulate tracking and consistent levels across studio tracking, layering, and high-gain mixing. Active electronics eliminate impedance noise and maintain hot output through long cable runs and complex session workflows, keeping your signal clean and stacked without re-amping or re-recording. Choose this for studio sessions where you need responsive single-coil definition up front with aggressive bridge character and zero electrical noise in the control room.

Who This Is For

Great for

  • ✓ Metal
  • ✓ Hard Rock
  • ✓ Progressive
  • ✓ Studio Sessions
  • ✓ Touring

Not the best pick for

  • – Blues
  • – Jazz
  • – Folk

Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in this set, and will it fit my guitar?

You get two EMG SA single-coils (neck and middle) and one EMG 81TW humbucker with coil-splitting capability (bridge). The set is configured for standard three-pickup cavities with dual-humbucker or HSS routing compatibility; verify your guitar's body cavity layout before ordering.

Do these pickups require a battery, and how does the active circuit help live and in the studio?

Yes, the active circuit runs on a standard 9V battery or external power supply. Active electronics eliminate impedance loading, reduce noise regardless of cable length, and deliver consistent output across all three pickups—essential for touring stages and clean studio recordings without ground hum.

What styles and tones are these pickups best for?

Built for metal, hard rock, and progressive music, these pickups excel at crystalline clarity and tight, controlled lows. They're not optimized for blues, jazz, or folk—their high output and articulate character are tuned for modern shred and high-gain applications.

How do the neck and middle pickups compare to the bridge, and can I split the bridge coil?

The neck and middle SA pickups deliver bell-like single-coil response and defined articulation, while the 81TW bridge offers punch and focused lows. The 81TW includes coil-splitting capability, letting you dial in thinner, more open tones when needed.

What are the installation requirements?

All three pickups use EMG's industry-standard mounting footprint and standard solder-mount connectors. You'll need to route a 9V battery cavity or connect an external power supply to operate the active circuit.

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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