EMG T-52 System Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6402
Description
EMG T-52 System Retro Active Single Coil Pickup Set
The EMG T-52 System captures classic single-coil character with modern noise rejection, making it an essential retrofit for studio sessions demanding vintage Fender-style tones without hum. This noiseless design preserves the articulate midrange and snappy transient response that define traditional single coils while eliminating the 60 Hz interference that compromises tracking clarity. The solderless connectors streamline installation on any compatible instrument, getting your signal chain operational faster.
Recording Tone & Output Characteristics
Engineered with Alnico 5 in the bridge position and Alnico 2 in the neck, the T-52 produces distinctly voiced pickups across the frequency spectrum, delivering focused instrumental separation in a mix. The bridge pickup centers at 3.00 kHz for cutting highs and presence that sit forward in recordings, while the neck pickup peaks at 4.50 kHz for warm, articulate lows—yielding medium output that balances clarity with vintage-style dynamics during overdubs. Output measures 1.00 V per string and 3.00 V on full strums, paired with an extremely quiet -101 dB noise floor at 60 Hz, ensuring pristine signal integrity through your preamp chain.
Electronics & Power
This active system runs on a single 9-volt battery with exceptionally efficient power draw of just 1.3 mA at 9V, delivering approximately 450 hours of playing time per battery—ideal for extended session work without mid-project interruptions. The 3.1 kΩ output impedance ensures compatibility with standard recording cables and studio interfaces, while the solderless connectors eliminate soldering during installation and reconfiguration.
Key Features
- Bridge and Neck positions included
- Noiseless single-coil construction
- Medium output level
- Alnico 5 magnet (bridge pickup)
- Alnico 2 magnet (neck pickup)
- Bridge resonant frequency: 3.00 kHz
- Neck resonant frequency: 4.50 kHz
- Output noise: -101 dB at 60 Hz
- Solderless connectors for easy installation
- Powers from single 9-volt battery
- Battery life: 450 hours typical
- Made in USA
The T-52 System combines vintage single-coil articulation with active noise cancellation and straightforward installation, making it a reliable choice for home studios upgrading or restoring classic-voiced instruments for production work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG T-52 System delivers articulate, hum-free single-coil character for studio recording sessions in blues, country, rock, and indie genres. The Alnico 5 bridge and Alnico 2 neck pickups produce a warm, well-defined midrange with cutting presence and snappy dynamics—all without interference—so your takes sit cleanly in the mix and capture the vintage vibe without the noise floor headaches of traditional single coils. Solderless connectors and straightforward active electronics mean quick installation and 450 hours of recording time per battery, keeping your workflow uninterrupted.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Indie
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these pickups fit my guitar, and do I need to solder them in?
The T-52 System uses solderless connectors, so installation is straightforward on any compatible single-coil instrument—no soldering required. Bridge and neck positions are both included in the set.
How long does the 9-volt battery last?
The battery provides approximately 450 hours of typical playing time per 9-volt cell, with power draw of just 1.3 mA. For most gigging and recording musicians, that translates to several months of regular use before replacement.
Are these pickups good for metal or djent?
No—the T-52 is voiced for blues, country, rock, indie, and studio work with a medium output level. The articulate, vintage single-coil character and noiseless design are optimized for those genres, not higher-gain metal or djent applications.
How does the T-52 compare to other noiseless single-coil pickups?
The T-52 uses Alnico magnets (5 in the bridge, 2 in the neck) engineered to center at 3.00 kHz (bridge) and 4.50 kHz (neck) for a warm, articulate tone with cutting presence. Its -101 dB noise floor and 450-hour battery life make it practical for live and studio use alongside alternatives like Fender Noiseless and Seymour Duncan SSL-1 designs.
What output level should I expect, and will it work with my amp?
The T-52 produces medium output (1.00 V per string, 3.00 V on full strums) with a 3.1 kΩ output impedance, making it fully compatible with standard guitar cables and amplifiers.
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 $15 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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