EMG SAX/SAX/85X 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
- EMG3575
Description
EMG SAX/SAX/85X Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
The EMG SAX/SAX/85X configuration delivers articulate, responsive single-coil character in the neck and middle positions paired with the warmth and output of EMG's 85X humbucker at the bridge. This three-pickup setup captures clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum, offering transparent front-end tracking with added output and sustain at the bridge for balanced layering in the mix.
Tonal Character & Recording Performance
The SAX single coils produce bright, chimey attack with excellent note definition and dynamics—ideal for tracking clean textures and rhythm tones that sit clearly in a dense mix. The 85X bridge pickup adds harmonic depth and sustain without sacrificing clarity, enabling smooth lead lines and driven parts that maintain punch and articulation even at higher output levels.
Active Electronics & Studio Integration
EMG active pickups require a 9V battery and deliver consistent output and low noise across all playing dynamics, eliminating the signal degradation common in long cable runs to your interface or preamp. The single-coil SAX models are direct drop-in replacements for standard Fender-spaced pickups, and the 85X uses industry-standard humbucker routing for straightforward installation in most guitars, keeping session prep simple.
Key Features
- Active circuitry with 9V battery requirement
- SAX single-coil design in neck and middle positions
- 85X humbucker in bridge position
- Ivory cover finish
- Low-impedance output for clean signal transmission
- High signal-to-noise ratio typical of EMG actives
- Fender-spaced single-coil pole pieces
- Standard humbucker dimensions for bridge mounting
- Alnico magnet construction in all three pickups
- Extended frequency response across neck-to-bridge positions
- Minimal microphonic feedback from active shielding
This three-pickup set pairs the harmonic responsiveness of vintage-style single coils with modern active amplification and bridge-position punch, delivering the tonal flexibility needed for recording sessions across multiple genres and performance contexts.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SAX/SAX/85X active pickup set delivers bright, chimey single-coil articulation up front with harmonic depth and sustain from the bridge 85X, all running on active circuitry for low noise and extended frequency response in the mix. Ideal for producers and engineers recording rock, hard rock, blues, and pop who need a versatile three-pickup configuration that maintains definition and clarity across clean and driven tones without muddiness or unwanted feedback. This set captures tight note definition and harmonic complexity that translate cleanly to tape or DAW across multiple tracking sessions.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Pop
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar types does this pickup set fit?
The SAX single coils are direct drop-in replacements for standard Fender-spaced neck and middle positions, and the 85X bridge pickup uses industry-standard humbucker routing, so installation works in most guitars with those configurations. You will need a 9V battery to power the active electronics.
Is this pickup set suitable for metal or djent?
No—the SAX/SAX/85X is designed for rock, hard rock, blues, and pop, where its bright single-coil character and harmonic clarity shine. The active output and tone profile are not optimized for metal or djent, which typically demand higher output and different voicing.
What is the tonal difference between the neck, middle, and bridge pickups?
The SAX single coils in neck and middle positions deliver bright, chimey attack with excellent note definition and dynamics, ideal for clean articulation and nuanced playing. The 85X bridge pickup adds warmth, harmonic depth, and sustained punch while maintaining clarity, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead work.
Do active pickups require any special wiring or maintenance?
Active EMG pickups require a 9V battery, which connects via a simple battery tab in the pickup cavity. The active circuitry handles low noise and consistent output automatically; the battery typically lasts several months depending on use.
How does this set compare to passive single-coil alternatives?
Unlike passive Fender or Seymour Duncan single coils, the SAX models are active, delivering lower impedance, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and more consistent output across all playing dynamics. The active shielding also reduces microphonic feedback, giving you cleaner tracking in the studio or more reliable live performance.
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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