EMG SA/SA/85 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
- EMG5978
Description
EMG SA/SA/85 Active Pickup Set in Red
The EMG SA/SA/85 combines two bright, articulate single-coil pickups with a powerful humbucker in one cohesive active system. This three-pickup configuration delivers clarity in the neck and middle positions while maintaining the aggression and sustain of a humbucker at the bridge, making it exceptionally versatile for recording across genres from classic rock to modern metal.
Active Electronics & Output
Built on EMG's low-impedance preamp architecture with internal shielding, this set operates on a 9V battery with exceptional headroom up to 27V DC maximum supply. The combination produces punchy midrange response and tight, controlled highs that cut through dense mixes with definition and presence, ideal for tracking and overdub sessions where tonal separation matters.
Installation & Integration
The EMG Solderless Install System included with this set eliminates traditional wiring complexity, integrating potentiometers and battery compartment into a single drop-in assembly. This design accelerates setup while maintaining the professional shielding and signal integrity needed for consistent recording sessions and minimal noise floor in the studio.
Key Features
- SA single-coil pickups with Alnico V bar magnet construction
- 85 humbucker included for bridge position
- Resonant frequency 3.70 kHz on SA pickups for defined articulation
- Output voltage 1.00V single string / 3.00V strum on SA pickups
- Output noise -101 dBV (60 Hz) for low-noise operation
- Output impedance 10 kΩ
- Current draw 80 µA @ 9V
- Battery life approximately 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage 27V DC
- Low-impedance preamp with internal shielding
- EMG Solderless Install System with integrated potentiometers and battery compartment
- Red finish cosmetics
This pickup set delivers the clarity and separation of single coils where needed while retaining the focus and power of active electronics across all three positions, capturing clean tracked tones and aggressive bridge work in the same session.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/85 active pickup set delivers articulate, noise-free single-coil clarity in the neck and middle positions combined with a focused, punchy humbucker at the bridge—ideal for producers and engineers tracking hard rock, metal, and progressive material with demanding mix requirements. Low output impedance, defined midrange response, and tight highs cut through without muddiness, while the solderless system speeds setup in the studio. Pick this for sessions where you need tonal versatility and separation across all positions without compromise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included with the EMG SA/SA/85 set?
The set includes two SA single-coil pickups (neck and middle), one 85 humbucker (bridge), the EMG Solderless Install System with integrated potentiometers and battery compartment, and all necessary components for drop-in installation. No soldering required.
How long does the 9V battery last?
The battery provides approximately 3000 hours of operation at 9V, with maximum headroom available up to 27V DC supply. This translates to roughly 125 days of continuous use on a single 9V battery.
Will these pickups work well for jazz and clean tones?
The SA/SA/85 set is optimized for hard rock, metal, and progressive genres and is not recommended for jazz or folk playing styles. The active system and tonal character are designed for aggression, sustain, and cut-through rather than warm, traditional clean tones.
What makes the active electronics low-noise?
The low-impedance preamp architecture with internal shielding produces output noise at -101 dBV (60 Hz), eliminating hum and buzz. This shielding and active design ensure clarity and definition in dense, layered mixes.
How does this compare to passive pickup alternatives?
Active electronics deliver higher output voltage (1.00V single string, 3.00V strum on SA pickups), lower noise, and exceptional headroom compared to passive systems. The solderless installation also speeds setup versus traditional wired passive pickups.
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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