EMG SA/SA/85 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
- EMG2917
Description
EMG SA Single Coil Active Pickup in White
The EMG SA captures the articulate snap and clarity of a classic single-coil design with the consistency and low noise floor of active electronics. Built-in preamp circuitry keeps the signal clean and controlled across tracking sessions, layering, and dense arrangements—maintaining focused, punchy character at any recording gain level. The white housing with gold EMG branding delivers clean aesthetic appeal to your instrument while maintaining the focused, punchy character engineers expect from EMG's single-coil platform.
Tone & Recording Character
A 3.70 kHz resonant frequency combined with Alnico V bar magnet construction yields clear treble response and defined midrange articulation that cuts through dense mixes. Output specs—1.00 V on single note articulation and 3.00 V on strums—deliver solid headroom without signal compression, while -101 dB output noise ensures a quiet noise floor critical for multitrack layering and high-gain tracking.
Power & Studio Integration
The onboard preamp operates efficiently at 80 microamps @ 9V, delivering 3000 hours of battery life per cell—ideal for extended studio sessions. Rated to handle 27 V DC maximum supply voltage, this pickup integrates seamlessly into active multi-pickup rigs via stereo output jack, two pickup in/out bus, and battery bus connectivity, enabling flexible signal routing and mixing workflows.
Key Features
- Alnico V bar magnet for classic single-coil character
- Built-in active preamp housed within pickup
- Resonant frequency: 3.70 kHz
- Output voltage: 1.00 V (single string), 3.00 V (strum)
- Output noise: -101 dB
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 V DC
- Includes 25K volume pot and 25K tone pot (split shaft)
- Stereo output jack with pickup and battery bus connectivity
- White housing with gold EMG logo
- Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches
The EMG SA combines transparent single-coil tone with professional-grade noise rejection and extended battery performance, making it a dependable choice for studio tracking and multitrack production seeking active clarity without sacrificing harmonic definition.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA brings articulate single-coil definition to active systems, combining a 3.70 kHz resonant frequency with clean preamp electronics for low-noise, consistent recordings across multiple takes and gain levels. Home studio owners and producers will benefit from its -101 dB noise floor, solid output voltage (1.00 V on single strings, 3.00 V on strums), and 3000-hour battery life—meaning reliable capture and mix-ready clarity without re-recording for noise. Ideal for tracking high-gain parts, layering, and sessions where single-coil articulation and transparency support a clean, defined final mix.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Home Recording
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ High-Gain Playing
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Acoustic-focused Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this an active pickup, and how long will the battery last?
The EMG SA includes a built-in preamp that keeps the signal clean and noise-free; it draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per cell. This low current draw makes it practical for extended sessions and touring without frequent battery swaps.
How does this compare to passive single-coils in terms of tone and noise?
The SA delivers classic single-coil snap and clarity through its Alnico V bar magnet and 3.70 kHz resonant frequency, but couples that with active electronics that achieve a -101 dB noise floor—eliminating the hum and hiss typical of passive single-coils in high-gain applications. Output specs (1.00 V single string, 3.00 V strum) maintain transparent harmonic definition without compression.
What's included, and what wiring or additional parts might I need?
The pickup includes a 25K volume pot and 25K tone pot (both split shaft), stereo output jack, and bus connectivity for battery and multi-pickup integration. Installation into an active multi-pickup system will require routing those bus connections; consult your guitar's wiring diagram or an experienced tech if you're unfamiliar with active setups.
Is this pickup suitable for jazz, blues, or acoustic-focused playing?
The EMG SA is optimized for studio sessions, home recording, live performance, and high-gain playing. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or acoustic-focused folk genres, where its active character and noise-rejection profile may not match the desired tonal aesthetic.
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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