EMG SLV/SLV/85 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
- EMG3530
Description
EMG SLV Single Coil Active Pickup — Ivory
The EMG SLV captures bright, articulate single-coil character with the noise rejection and consistency of active electronics—ideal for recording sessions where traditional single coils introduce hum and lose definition under high-gain tracking. The solid Alnico 5 construction maintains clarity across dense mixes and maintains presence in clean layers without sacrificing punch in overdriven sources.
Recording Tone & Signal Chain Integration
A resonant frequency of 3.75 kHz positions the SLV in the upper midrange, delivering articulate note definition and string separation that cuts through a busy mix without sounding thin. The 0.7V RMS output with 1.0V peak voltage and -90 dBV noise floor produces a clean, punchy signal that sits well on tape or in the DAW, tracking predictably through both tube and solid-state preamps without the hum that complicates post-production on passive single coils.
Electronics & Studio Reliability
Active circuitry runs on a standard 9V battery with 1000-hour battery life, and the 10 kΩ output impedance maintains consistent impedance matching across a range of preamp and interface inputs. Current draw is efficient at 240 microamps at 9V, ensuring battery longevity throughout extended tracking sessions and minimizing downtime between sessions.
Key Features
- Flat Alnico 5 pole pieces under solid cap design
- Increased coil windings for enhanced output and definition
- Resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz
- RMS output voltage: 0.7V
- Peak output voltage: 1.0V
- Output noise: -90 dBV
- Output impedance: 10 kΩ
- Current draw: 240 microamps @ 9V
- Battery life: 1000 hours
- Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, stereo output jack, 5-way selector switch, and mounting hardware
- Ivory finish with gold EMG logo
- Made in United States
The SLV represents EMG's refined approach to active single-coil design—combining traditional single-coil character with the noise rejection and output consistency that enables reliable, repeatable recording takes.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG SLV is an active single-coil pickup engineered to capture bright, articulate detail while rejecting noise—ideal for tracking rock and metal in the studio or layering clean textures that sit defined in a mix. Its tight midrange presence and consistent 0.7V output translate predictably through recording chains, and the low noise floor eliminates the hum that plagues passive single coils during editing and mixing. The included pots and switching hardware make it a plug-and-play session tool for home studios building tracked guitars or producing high-gain material.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ high-gain rock
- ✓ metal
- ✓ studio sessions
- ✓ gigging
Not the best pick for
- – traditional jazz
- – vintage blues
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between active and passive single coils, and why choose active?
Active pickups use a 9V battery and onboard preamp to deliver consistent output and reject hum, while passive single coils are subject to noise interference and tone loss over cable runs. The EMG SLV trades the slightly thinner character of traditional single coils for clarity, punch, and zero hum—essential in high-gain contexts and recording sessions where noise control matters.
Is this pickup good for metal and high-gain, or does it work in clean tones too?
The SLV excels in both. Its bright 3.75 kHz resonance and tight midrange definition prevent muddiness under heavy distortion, but the articulate character and strong output also shine in clean and crunch tones where presence cuts through without harshness. Intermediate to professional players using this pickup report versatility across gain levels.
How long does the 9V battery last, and how hard is it to replace?
Battery life is approximately 1000 hours of regular play, with efficient 240 microamp current draw that makes replacements practical during typical gigging schedules. Battery access depends on your guitar's design; consult your instrument's wiring diagram or a qualified tech for installation specifics.
What pots and switching hardware are included?
The pickup ships with a 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, stereo output jack, 5-way selector switch, and mounting hardware—everything needed for a complete wiring harness retrofit. Installation requires soldering and familiarity with active pickup wiring; consult a guitar tech if you're new to this process.
How does the SLV compare to passive single coils like a Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele?
The SLV's active circuit delivers higher output consistency, lower noise, and tighter frequency definition than passive single coils, making it better for high-gain and studio recording. Traditional passives offer warmer, hairier character in clean and bluesy contexts; the SLV prioritizes clarity and reliability over vintage warmth.
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 $20 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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