active single coil pickup

EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup Review

In our EMG SA review, discover why this pickup’s silent clarity may just redefine your sonic soul—read on.

  • Overall Rating
  • Build Quality
  • Performance
  • Value for Money
  • Design
4.4/5Overall Score
The EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup combines vintage tone with modern clarity, featuring an Alnico V magnet for rich bottom end and an internal preamp that eliminates hum. It is designed for easy installation in most Strat-style guitars, ensuring a seamless fit and reliable performance.
Specs
  • Weight: 7.2 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches
  • Material: Alnico V magnets
  • Color Options: Standard color options not specified
  • Warranty: Warranty details not specified
  • Brand: EMG
  • Model Number: SA
  • Compatibility: Fits most Strat-style guitars
Pros
  • Delivers a vintage tone with modern clarity, featuring creamy mid-range warmth and a rich bottom end.
  • Utilizes an internal low-impedance preamp to eliminate 60-cycle hum, ensuring noiseless performance.
  • Provides an articulate response and high-output consistency through active circuitry.
  • Hassle-free installation as a standard-sized component that fits existing routes on most Strat-style guitars.
  • Requires only a 9V battery for power, ensuring a pristine signal and reliable performance.
Cons
  • Requires a 9V battery, which may need to be replaced periodically.
  • Not suitable for those seeking purely acoustic resonance.
  • A solderless installation kit is not included, requiring standard soldered wiring.

The EMG SA harnesses Alnico V magnetism to yield a rich bottom end, a sonic grounding akin to a rooted faith, while its internal preamp silences the chaos of 60-cycle hum, offering a pure medium for expression.

This noiseless clarity acts as a reminder that silence often speaks louder than noise, yet the practical potential of such articulation raises a question that warrants further investigation.

Key Takeaways

  • Delivers a vintage tone with modern clarity, featuring creamy mid-range warmth and a rich bottom end courtesy of an Alnico V magnet.
  • Utilizes an internal low-impedance preamp and active design to eliminate the 60-cycle hum typically associated with standard single-coil pickups.
  • Provides an articulate response and high-output consistency through active circuitry.

It perfectly bridges the gap between energetic and clean dynamics.

  • Offers a hassle-free installation experience as a standard-sized component that fits existing routes on most Strat-style guitars without additional routing.
  • Requires a 9V battery to power the active electronics.

This ensures a pristine signal and reliable performance for expressive playing.

How Does the EMG SA Active Single Coil Sound?

While many seek the familiar chime of the past, the EMG SA invites the musician to explore a renewed horizon of tone, blending vintage character with modern clarity. Its creamy mid-range warmth, akin to a comforting presence, supports the listener, while the Alnico V magnet provides a rich bottom end, a reminder that true strength supports others gently.

The active preamp guarantees an articulate response, allowing the player to serve the song with expressive dynamics, bridging the gap between rowdy energy and clean, spiritual devotion through reliable, balanced output. Contrary to the top choice among the best electric guitars, this system offers a distinct alternative to traditional passive configurations.

Is the EMG SA Active Pickup Actually Noiseless?

The sonic landscape explored previously is anchored by a foundation of silence, a quietude that allows the musician to serve the music without the distraction of unwanted hum.

Through the marriage of Alnico V magnets and an internal low-impedance preamp, the EMG SA achieves a pristine signal, akin to a cleared mind ready for purpose. This active design eliminates the 60-cycle hum, offering a sonic purity, a reminder that clarity empowers one to give fully to the audience.

Will the EMG SA Fit Your Guitar?

Ensuring that the physical vessel complements the sonic spirit requires attention to the specific dimensions of the EMG SA, a standard-sized component measuring 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches and weighing a mere 7.2 ounces. This active pickup, designed for standard routes, offers a seamless fit for most Strat-style guitars, allowing the luthier to serve the instrument’s true voice. The Alnico V magnets provide clarity, much like a clear mind seeks purpose. With no routing required, installation is gentle, a reminder that spiritual growth often needs no force, only the right environment, and a willing heart to transform sound into art. While the EMG SA is primarily known for its electric prowess, those seeking a purely acoustic resonance might find themselves exploring the best classical guitars.

Installing the EMG SA: A Quick Guide

Within the quiet chamber of the guitar’s body, the installation of the EMG SA begins not merely as a mechanical task, but as a grounding ritual, connecting the tangible to the ethereal.

This process requires the inclusion of a 9V battery, powering the low impedance preamp, a silent servant that reduces noise, akin to finding stillness amidst chaos. With standard connectors, the pickup integrates smoothly, serving the instrument’s voice. Although the SA is designed for electrics, novices should know there are distinct best acoustic guitars suited for their first learning experience.

The active circuitry offers consistent output, ensuring reliability for the player. Although this system is often considered the best for electric guitars, it also serves as a reminder of the instrument’s acoustic roots. This installation, though technical, ultimately enhances the ability to serve others through clear, expressive musical worship.

Should You Buy the EMG SA?

Having established the connection between the silent preamp and the instrument’s voice, the decision to acquire the EMG SA becomes a question of seeking clarity amidst the noise. For the servant-hearted musician, the Alnico V magnet offers a vintage clarity, a reminder that authentic tone requires both warmth and definition.

The active preamp, akin to a disciplined spirit, provides a noiseless foundation, allowing one’s service to remain undistracted by hum. While this pickup system offers definition, it is important to note that for the best bass guitars, players often seek specific magnetic configurations to achieve their desired low-end voice. With its creamy mid-range and airy response, this pickup guarantees the message remains pure. It is a tool for those wishing to offer reliability, and resonant peace, through their music.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the 9V Battery Last?

A single 9-volt battery generally powers the active preamp for several thousand hours of continuous use. This longevity guarantees dependable performance for service-oriented technicians and players seeking consistent, maintenance-free operation during extensive practice or recording sessions.

Can I Mix the EMG SA With Passive Pickups?

Mixing active and passive pickups is generally possible. However, this configuration requires a specific stereo jack and a dedicated volume pot for each pickup type to function correctly.

This guarantees maximum serviceability for all components.

Does the Pickup Come With the Necessary Mounting Hardware?

The necessary mounting hardware is a standard inclusion, ensuring a seamless installation. This thoughtful provision reflects a design focused on serving the player’s needs.

It facilitates a quick and straightforward setup for immediate use.

What Is the Difference Between the SA and SAV Models?

The primary distinction is visual; the SAV model features a vintage-style, exposed pole piece cover, whereas the standard SA pickup incorporates a modern solid cover.

Functionally, both share the same active circuitry and sonic characteristics.

Is a Solderless Installation Kit Included With the Pickup?

A solderless installation kit is not included. This particular pickup model requires standard soldered wiring. To facilitate an easier installation process that better serves the musician, one must purchase a separate solderless connection kit.

Conclusion

The internal preamp silences the hum of the world, akin to finding peace amidst spiritual static. The Alnico V magnet offers a rich bottom end, a reminder that true strength requires deep roots.

With its standard route fit, this pickup seamlessly integrates into your instrument, serving as a bridge between energetic dynamics and sonic purity. It proves that modern clarity and vintage warmth can coexist in a harmonious, articulate performance.

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