EMG SA/SA/89 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
- EMG522
Description
EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
The EMG SA/SA/89 is a three-pickup active system that pairs the clarity and articulation of dual SA single-coil pickups with the versatility of an 89 dual-mode humbucker, delivering high-output performance across neck, middle, and bridge positions. This professional-grade setup captures both aggressive definition and tonal flexibility, essential for tracking punch and maintaining articulation across a full frequency range in the mix.
Tone & Electronics
Built on AlNiCo 5 magnetic material, these pickups produce a high output with 10 Kohm output impedance and exceptionally low noise at -101 dBV (60 Hz), ensuring clean, articulate signal transmission with minimal tracking artifacts. The system runs on a single 9-volt battery with approximately one year of typical playing life, delivering consistent active amplification and responsiveness across all three pickups for predictable recording sessions and session-to-session continuity.
Installation & System
The complete set includes EMG's solderless wiring system, eliminating the need for complex soldering and reducing installation time significantly. All necessary components—pots, jacks, cables, and hardware—are included, making this a complete retrofit or new-build solution requiring only basic tools and moderate technical skill for quick studio integration or instrument setup.
Key Features
- Three-pickup active set: two SA single-coil + one 89 dual-mode humbucker
- AlNiCo 5 magnetic material for superior tonal definition
- High output with 10 Kohm output impedance
- Output noise: -101 dBV at 60 Hz
- Single 9-volt battery power
- Battery life: approximately one year with typical use
- Solderless wiring system with integrated electronics
- Includes complete system: pots, jacks, cables, and hardware
- Black cap finish
- Made in USA
- Active amplification for consistent gain and response
This system delivers the clarity of single-coils with the punch of active electronics, capturing cutting tone with minimal noise floor and straightforward integration into recording rigs and production instruments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/89 gives producers and recording engineers a high-output, low-noise three-pickup option that cuts through dense mixes with articulate single-coil clarity in neck and middle positions and flexible humbucker aggression at the bridge. Active amplification ensures consistent, responsive gain across all three pickups with minimal session-to-session variance, while the -101 dBV noise floor keeps tracking clean without extra gate or noise-reduction work. The complete solderless system installs quickly and works equally well in new builds or retrofits, letting you focus on capturing great tones rather than wrestling with wiring.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Blues
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the SA single-coils and the 89 humbucker in this set?
The two SA single-coils deliver articulate, clear tone with minimal noise, ideal for cutting leads and clean articulation in neck and middle positions. The 89 is a dual-mode humbucker that adds versatility and punch, particularly useful at the bridge for aggressive rhythms and leads. Together they give you the responsiveness of single-coils with the thickness and output of an active humbucker.
Do I need soldering experience to install this system?
No. The EMG solderless wiring system uses integrated electronics and plug-in connectors that require only basic tools and moderate technical skill. All pots, jacks, cables, and hardware are included, making installation a straightforward retrofit or new-build task without any soldering.
How long does the 9-volt battery last?
The battery typically lasts approximately one year with normal playing use. The system runs on a single 9-volt battery that powers active amplification across all three pickups, ensuring consistent gain and low-noise response throughout that period.
What noise floor does this system achieve?
The SA/SA/89 produces output noise of -101 dBV at 60 Hz, which is an exceptionally low noise floor. This clean signal transmission is ideal for high-gain applications and studio recording where hum and unwanted noise can clutter tracking.
Is this system suitable for blues or jazz playing?
This system is optimized for metal, hard rock, and progressive music where high output, aggressive definition, and tight punch are priorities. Traditional jazz and blues styles typically benefit from passive, lower-output pickups with different tonal characteristics, so this active set is not the best fit for those genres.
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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