EMG SAX/SAX/81X 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
- EMG3348
Description
EMG SAX/SAX/81X Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Black
The EMG SAX/SAX/81X is a three-pickup configuration pairing two responsive SAX single coils with a punchy 81X humbucker bridge pickup. This set captures articulate highs and defined midrange from the neck and middle positions while maintaining thick, aggressive output at the bridge—ideal for recording sessions requiring active electronics with versatile tonal range across single-coil clarity and humbucker character.
Pickup Configuration & Recording Character
The dual SAX single coils employ Alnico V magnets with low-impedance preamp circuitry, producing bright, detailed response without hum—essential for tracking clean rhythms and articulate lead lines that sit clearly in a mix. The 81X bridge humbucker combines ceramic and steel magnets in a dual-coil design with close-aperture coils, delivering 4.00V string output and 8.50V strum output voltage for controlled attack and sustained punch on lead takes—a classic pairing for studio work balancing single-coil definition with humbucker aggression.
Active Electronics & Integration
X-Series preamp circuitry runs on a single 9-volt battery, maintaining consistent signal integrity and headroom across all three pickups during extended tracking sessions. Installation is simplified by the EMG Solderless Quick-Connect system, and the set includes potentiometers, switch jack, and battery clip—everything needed for a complete retrofit into a Stratocaster-style instrument, minimizing downtime between sessions.
Key Features
- Two SAX single-coil pickups with Alnico V magnets for neck and middle positions
- 81X humbucker bridge pickup with ceramic and steel magnets
- 9-volt battery-powered active preamp system
- X-Series preamp for clean, responsive signal conditioning
- 4.00V string / 8.50V strum output voltage on bridge humbucker
- 1.72 kHz resonant frequency for defined midrange character
- EMG Solderless Quick-Connect wiring system for fast installation
- Black housing finish
- Includes potentiometers, switch jack, and battery clip
- Internal shielding and low-impedance design eliminates hum
- Suitable for Stratocaster and single-coil routing configurations
This set combines the clarity and definition of active single coils with the drive of a modern bridge humbucker, delivering session-ready tonal flexibility and output authority without compromise.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SAX/SAX/81X delivers articulate high-end detail and defined midrange from the neck and middle pickups, then switches to thick, aggressive bridge output for punch and sustain—ideal for recording rock, metal, and progressive music where you need clarity on cleans and defined tone on saturated tracks. The active preamp eliminates hum and keeps the signal tight and responsive across all three positions, making it versatile for layering different tonal textures in the same session. Install this set into a Strat-style body to add modern active character and output authority while retaining the single-coil snap you capture in your home setup.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate highs, defined midrange, thick aggressive output, punchy attack, sustained aggression |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the SAX single coils and the 81X bridge humbucker?
The SAX single coils use Alnico V magnets and low-impedance preamp circuitry for bright, articulate response without hum, while the 81X humbucker combines ceramic and steel magnets in a dual-coil design for 4.00V string and 8.50V strum output—delivering punchy attack and sustained aggression. Together they give you single-coil clarity in the neck and middle positions and humbucker drive at the bridge.
How difficult is installation, and what's included in the set?
Installation uses EMG's Solderless Quick-Connect system, which eliminates soldering and speeds up retrofit work. The set includes the three pickups, potentiometers, switch jack, battery clip, and all necessary wiring—everything you need for a complete drop-in replacement into a Stratocaster-style instrument.
Is this set suitable for blues or jazz?
This set is voiced for rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive music—its aggressive output and punchy attack are not ideal for blues or jazz styles, which typically benefit from warmer, more vintage-voiced pickups with lower output.
What skill level is needed to benefit from this pickup set?
This set is best suited for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who understand active electronics and can dial in the aggressive tone for their style. The high output and defined midrange respond well to players who use gain and dynamics intentionally in their playing.
Does the active preamp require batteries, and how long do they last?
The preamp runs on a single 9-volt battery, which is included in the battery clip. Battery life depends on how much you play—active systems typically last weeks to a few months of regular use before needing replacement.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $21 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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