EMG SAX/SAX/81X 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
- EMG3505
Description
EMG SAX/SAX/81X Active Single Coil Pickup Set in Ivory
The SAX/SAX/81X combines the articulate single-coil character of EMG's SAX pickups with the aggressive midrange punch of the 81X bridge design. This configuration captures clarity in the neck position while maintaining focused output at the bridge, making it essential for sessions demanding defined note separation across multiple playing styles and dynamics.
Tone & Mix Integration
The twin SAX neck and middle pickups offer transparent, balanced response with natural dynamics that sit clearly in a mix, while the 81X bridge pickup adds compressed sustain and midrange aggression without sacrificing articulation. This three-pickup set records well for producers who want single-coil definition through neck positions and humbucker-style power and presence at the bridge for cutting through dense arrangements.
Signal Path & Studio Performance
The X series preamp design provides improved headroom and signal clarity compared to earlier iterations, with active circuitry that maintains consistent output across all three positions. Low-impedance active architecture reduces noise and cable capacitance effects, delivering tight, responsive signal directly to your audio interface or mixing console with minimal artifacts.
Key Features
- Two SAX single-coil pickups (neck and middle positions)
- One 81X active humbucker (bridge position)
- X series preamp design with improved headroom
- Active low-impedance circuitry for reduced noise and improved clarity
- Ivory finish for classic aesthetic appeal
- Factory-wired ready for installation into compatible instruments
- High-output bridge pickup for focused aggression and sustain
- Balanced neck and middle pickup response for smooth transitions
- Compatible with standard 3-position switching configurations
- EMG's proven active electronics for reliable performance
This pickup set captures versatile tonal range from clean, articulate single-coil response to thick, compressed humbucker authority, all unified by EMG's consistent active platform for professional recording sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SAX/SAX/81X gives you articulate single-coil character in the neck and middle positions with a focused, compressed bridge humbucker—ideal for recording rock, metal, and progressive music where you need both clarity and controlled sustain sitting cleanly in a mix. The active low-impedance design reduces noise and cable capacitance, keeping your signal consistent across takes, while the X series preamp provides headroom for hot input levels without clipping. Use this set when you want versatile tonal range from transparent, balanced response to thick, aggressive output without switching instruments.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate single-coil clarity, aggressive midrange punch, compressed sustain, tight low end, high output |
| 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 instruments are compatible with this pickup set?
This is a standard three-pickup configuration (neck, middle, bridge) designed for Stratocaster-style guitars with 3-position switching and standard single-coil and bridge humbucker routing. Verify your instrument's pickup cavity dimensions and switching before ordering.
Is this pickup set suitable for jazz and blues?
No—this set is optimized for rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive music. The compressed sustain, aggressive midrange punch, and high output are designed for genres requiring articulation and power rather than the warm, open dynamics blues and jazz players typically seek.
What makes the SAX neck and 81X bridge combination different from other EMG sets?
The SAX pickups deliver transparent, balanced single-coil response with natural dynamics, while the 81X bridge adds focused compression and midrange aggression. This hybrid approach gives you single-coil clarity at lower volumes and humbucker-style power and sustain at the bridge.
Does this set include everything needed for installation?
The pickup set is factory-wired and ready for installation into a compatible instrument. You will need soldering skills or professional installation to integrate it into your guitar; the set does not include a complete wiring harness or preamp housing.
What does the X series preamp do?
The X series preamp improves headroom and signal clarity compared to earlier EMG designs, while the active low-impedance architecture reduces noise and cable capacitance effects for a tight, responsive signal to your amp or interface.
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 $22 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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