Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $101
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EMG SA". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the EMG SA, a vintage sound in a modern package. This active single-coil pickup delivers an iconic "early Strat" tone, with a unique twist. Designed with an Alnico V magnet, the EMG SA enhances your headroom, bringing out more bell-like harmonics and sustain, while retaining that familiar high end. Loved by many renowned guitarists including David Gilmour and Steve Lukather, this pickup is celebrated for its versatility.
What sets the EMG SA apart is its active noiseless feature. Traditional single-coil pickups might have a great tone, but they often come with an unpleasant hum and buzz. The EMG SA, however, solves these issues with internal shielding and an independent preamp in every pickup, ensuring a clean, clear tone over a background of silence.
Not only does the EMG SA offer vintage tones with modern performance, but it also includes essential accessories. The package comes with EMG's Quick-Connect cables, prewired tone and volume controls, and an output jack. This makes installation a breeze, even for the less tech-savvy musicians.
Key Features:
- Active EMG SA single-coil pickup
- Alnico V magnet for clear and balanced sound
- Includes 3 Quick-Connect Cables with screws and springs
- Comes with prewired controls for volume and two tone controls
- Active noiseless feature for clean, clear tones
- Made in the USA
Product specs
| Type | Single-coil |
| Position | Bridge, Middle, Neck |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Magnet Material | Alnico V |
| Number of Conductors | 2 wire plus battery |
| DC Resistance | 10K |
| Connectivity | Solderless |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Covering | Covered |
| Format | Strat-sized |
FAQs
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What makes the EMG SA pickup unique compared to other Strat-style pickups?
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The EMG SA is an active single-coil pickup with an Alnico V magnet, known for its high output and low noise. It offers a clear, powerful tone suitable for various genres, especially rock and metal.
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Can the EMG SA pickup be installed in any position on my guitar?
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Yes, the EMG SA is designed to be versatile and can be installed in the bridge, middle, or neck position of a guitar.
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What type of connectivity does the EMG SA pickup use?
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The EMG SA features solderless connectivity, making installation straightforward and hassle-free.
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Is the EMG SA pickup suitable for all types of music?
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While the EMG SA excels in rock and metal due to its high output and clarity, its versatile tone can also complement blues, pop, and other genres.
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Does the EMG SA pickup require a battery to operate?
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Yes, the EMG SA is an active pickup and requires a 9V battery to function, which powers its preamp for enhanced performance.
Videos
gilmourish
David Gilmour's EMG SA pickup tones
Reviews
PROS
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Provides classic vintage Strat single-coil sound with creamy, expressive tones
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Excellent noise reduction with internal shielding and low impedance preamp
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Versatile for clean, crunchy, and light distorted sounds
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Features solderless connections for easier installation
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Outstanding build quality typical of EMG products
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Produces clean jazzy tones, resembling an amplified acoustic guitar
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Consistent sound quality in both live and studio settings
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Articulate sound even when overdriven, suitable for a variety of genres
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Popular choice among professional musicians, used in the EMG DG-20 set
CONS
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Difficult installation process with confusing schematics for simple circuits
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Requires close proximity to strings for balanced sound
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Pickup wires have thick clip ends, complicating installation with small guitar holes
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Underwhelming for neck leads when combined with certain pickups
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG SA.
Comparisons
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EMG SA pickups are noted for shifting the high mid spike lower compared to SSL-1s, reducing the "ice pick" effect without the low output issue.
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The EMG 85 is noted for providing a thicker sound compared to the 81, which maintains clarity with a sharp attack suitable for high-gain settings.
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Mods and upgrades
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Adjusting the height of EMG SA pickups can influence the tonal outcome, allowing for fine-tuning to achieve desired sound characteristics.
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Combining EMG SA pickups with an 85 in the bridge offers a thicker sound with more low mids, appealing to those who prefer modern, mid-heavy tones.
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User experience
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Transitioning from SSL-1 to EMG SA pickups resulted in a guitar that remained slightly spikey but achieved a lower frequency spike, which was considered an improvement.
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Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
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Gilmour used EMG SA single coils on his Red Strat during the Division Bell era of Pink Floyd, usually with a EXG and SPC connected to them.
Morello's using this EMG SA in the neck position of his Ibanez AX Demon Custom.
According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Adam uses EMG SA (Middle & Neck Position) Pickups.
EMGpickups.com Steve Winwood can be found on the Artist page. He is spondered by EMG
Joel Stroetzel's website lists EMG SA pickups among the gear he uses.
In this video, Leda is seen using his custom Sadowsky strat copy equipped with a Floyd Rose bridge and EMG pickups - the middle and neck pickups shown are EMG SA pickups.
In an Instagram post, Marco Sfogli confirms that he is using two EMG SA pickups in his pink Charvel. The post's caption reads: "Emg's everywhere! SA/SA/85 on the pink Charvel and Crossroads/Super 77 on the Danhage. Tone for days!"
Album Usage
The EMG SA has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG SA, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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