EMG SAX/SAX/81X 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
- EMG3506
Description
EMG SAX/SAX/81X Active Single Coil Pickup in White
The EMG SAX single-coil pickup captures articulate, punchy response with the tight low end and extended highs characteristic of EMG's active designs. This white-finished unit integrates seamlessly into modern and classic guitar setups, delivering the clarity and dynamic range that active electronics bring to single-coil voicing for tracking and mixing work. The low-impedance preamp and solderless installation system streamline session prep and swaps without requiring a technician.
Recording & Tone Character
Built around an Alnico V bar magnet, the SAX produces a focused, articulate single-coil tone with controlled feedback and tight articulation—essential for recording clarity without the noise floor of passive designs. The internal shielding and active preamp eliminate hum and deliver consistent output across the frequency range, making the pickup equally effective for clean definition tracking and overdriven aggression in layered arrangements.
Studio Setup & Power
The solderless install system includes a 25k volume pot, active tone pot with variable low-pass filter (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables—designed for quick, reliable setup without soldering between sessions. The pickup operates on a 9V battery, providing the stable power envelope that active circuits require for consistent output and noise rejection during takes and overdubs.
Key Features
- Alnico V bar magnet for focused, articulate tone
- Active single-coil design with internal shielding
- Low-impedance preamp for tight, controlled response
- 9V battery power requirement
- Solderless installation system included
- 25k volume pot integrated
- Variable low-pass filter active tone control (VLPF)
- Battery bus and stereo output jack included
- Mounting screws and springs provided
- White finish
- EMG quality construction and reliability
This pickup combines single-coil articulation and clarity with the noise-free performance and consistent output of active electronics, delivering a versatile recording tool for capturing modern single-coil tone without compromise.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SAX active single-coil brings studio-grade articulation and noise rejection to your recording rig, offering the clarity of a traditional single-coil without the hum that complicates tracking and mixing. Its tight low end and extended highs sit cleanly in a mix across clean and overdriven tones, while the integrated variable low-pass filter tone control gives you real-time sculpting during sessions. The solderless, all-in-one system—complete with preamp, battery bus, and control pots—makes installation and maintenance straightforward in any home-studio setup.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Clean Tones, Modern Rock |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, punchy, tight low end, extended highs, noise-free |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Vintage Passive Aesthetics (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to solder this pickup, or can a beginner install it?
No soldering required. The EMG SAX uses a solderless installation system and comes with all necessary components: 25k volume pot, active tone pot with variable low-pass filter, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and cables. First-time upgraders and experienced techs can both handle the setup.
What's the difference between this and a passive single-coil?
The SAX is an active design powered by a 9V battery, which eliminates hum and noise floor while delivering a consistent, focused output across the frequency range. Its low-impedance preamp and internal shielding provide tight articulation and extended highs without the noise issues that plague passive single-coils.
What genres and tones does this pickup handle best?
The SAX excels in modern rock, studio sessions, and clean tones where articulation and clarity matter. It delivers punchy response with controlled feedback, making it equally effective for clean definition and overdriven aggression. It is not designed for traditional jazz or vintage passive aesthetics.
How often do I need to replace the 9V battery?
The product description does not specify battery life or replacement intervals. Typical 9V active pickup batteries last several months to over a year depending on use; consult EMG's documentation for your specific model.
What's included in the box?
The package includes the SAX pickup, 25k volume pot, active tone pot with variable low-pass filter (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws and springs, and all necessary cables for solderless installation.
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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