EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3491
Description
EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Ivory
This EMG SA/SA/89 pickup set captures articulate, high-output character through active electronics in a compact single-coil form factor. The combination of dual SA models paired with the versatile dual-mode 89 delivers transparent note definition in single-coil mode alongside the thicker response of dual-coil operation for session flexibility. Built on Alnico magnets and engineered for extended battery life, this set excels at preserving clarity and headroom while maintaining responsive dynamics in the mix.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
The SA pickups operate with a resonant frequency of 3.75 kHz, capturing tight, articulate midrange with an output noise floor of -90 dBV for clean tracking. The 89 offers dual-mode flexibility: 3.80 kHz in single-coil mode for bright, cutting response that cuts through dense arrangements, and 2.00 kHz in dual-coil mode for warmer, more compressed tones—all with industry-leading output noise of -107 dBV (single) and -109 dBV (dual-coil) to ensure pristine signal integrity during tracking and processing.
Power & Studio Workflow
The SA models draw 240 microamps at 9V with 1000 hours of battery life, while the 89 operates at 160 microamps at 9V for 1500 hours of runtime—minimizing session interruptions during long recording days. Both designs support up to 27V DC maximum supply for enhanced headroom, and the included 25K volume and tone potentiometers provide responsive control without signal loss, enabling dynamic shaping during layering and overdubbing.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico
- SA Resonant Frequency: 3.75 kHz
- 89 Resonant Frequency: 3.80 kHz (Single-Coil), 2.00 kHz (Dual-Coil)
- SA Output Noise: -90 dBV
- 89 Output Noise: -107 dBV (Single-Coil), -109 dBV (Dual-Coil)
- Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Maximum Supply Voltage: 27V DC
- SA Current @ 9V: 240 microamps
- 89 Current @ 9V: 160 microamps
- SA Battery Life: 1000 hours
- 89 Battery Life: 1500 hours
- Includes: 25K Volume Pot, 25K Tone Pot, Battery Bus, Stereo Output Jack
This ivory-finished set combines the clarity of active single-coil articulation with the flexibility of dual-mode operation, backed by EMG's proven low-noise circuitry and reliable battery efficiency for dependable studio performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
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At a Glance
The EMG SA/SA/89 is an active single-coil pickup set engineered for studio recording and session work, offering transparent note definition, articulate midrange (3.75–3.80 kHz), and a noise floor below -90 dBV for clean layering and mixing. The dual-mode 89 bridge pickup lets you switch between bright single-coil articulation and warmer dual-coil compression without re-recording, ideal for capturing multiple tonal characters in one session. This set excels at cutting through dense rock and metal mixes while maintaining dynamics and clarity on all instruments.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Blues
- – Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in this pickup set?
The set includes two SA pickups, one 89 dual-mode pickup, a 25K volume potentiometer, a 25K tone potentiometer, a battery bus, and a stereo output jack. You'll need to supply a 9V battery to power the active electronics.
How long does a 9V battery last in these pickups?
The SA pickups run for approximately 1000 hours per 9V battery at 240 microamps, while the 89 extends to 1500 hours at 160 microamps. Actual runtime depends on your playing frequency and amplifier input impedance.
Can I switch the 89 pickup between single-coil and dual-coil modes?
Yes, the 89 is dual-mode: it operates at 3.80 kHz for bright, cutting single-coil response and switches to 2.00 kHz dual-coil mode for warmer, more compressed tones, giving you tonal flexibility without swapping pickups.
What genres and playing styles are these pickups best suited for?
These pickups are engineered for rock, metal, progressive, and hard rock, where clarity, headroom, and articulate midrange are priorities. They're less suited to blues and jazz styles that typically benefit from warmer, lower-output single-coil character.
How does the noise performance compare to other active pickups?
The SA pickups deliver a -90 dBV noise floor, while the 89 achieves -107 dBV in single-coil mode and -109 dBV in dual-coil mode—among the lowest noise floors in active pickup design, ensuring clean signal capture with minimal hum or interference.
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 $22 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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