Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$79.00
Amazon
4.5 (27)
$79.00
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$69.75 New
$79.00 Used
Thomann
4.8 (82)
$68.00 $66.00 $2.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EMG SPC". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your guitar's tone with the EMG SPC, a remarkable addition to any musician's toolkit aiming to bring the robustness of a humbucker to the crisp clarity of single-coil pickups. This innovative tone control, also known as the "Strat Presence Control", is the secret sauce for musicians craving that thick, rich sound without swapping out their beloved pickups. By boosting the midrange and gracefully dialing down the highs, the EMG SPC envelops your sound in warmth, making every note you play resonate with unparalleled depth. Whether you're looking to beef up your single-coils or push your humbuckers into overdrive for that perfect slide guitar tone, this compact powerhouse delivers. Plus, with an included output jack and battery clip, integrating the EMG SPC into your setup is a breeze. Discover how this nifty device can transform your guitar’s tone from ordinary to extraordinary with just a simple tweak.

Key Features:

  • Boosts gain in the midrange for a richer, fuller sound
  • Slightly reduces highs to warm up your tone
  • Compatible with both single-coil and humbucking pickups
  • Easy installation with included output jack and battery clip

Product specs

Type Strat Presence Control
Instrument Stratocaster
Active/Passive Active (requires 9V battery)
Features Midrange Boost Circuit for Active EMG Pickups

FAQs

What does the EMG SPC Active Strat Presence Control do for my guitar tone?

The EMG SPC boosts the midrange frequencies, slightly reduces the highs, and adds warmth to your sound, making it ideal for enhancing the presence of single-coil pickups.

Is the EMG SPC compatible with all Stratocaster models?

The EMG SPC is designed for use with Stratocaster guitars, particularly those equipped with active EMG pickups, but can also be adapted for other guitars with similar configurations.

Does the EMG SPC require a battery to function?

Yes, the EMG SPC is an active control and requires a 9V battery for operation.

Can the EMG SPC be used with humbucking pickups?

While primarily designed for single-coil pickups, the EMG SPC can be used with humbuckers to drive the amp's front end and create a fuller tone.

How does the EMG SPC affect the high-end frequencies of my guitar?

The EMG SPC slightly reduces the high-end frequencies, which helps to smooth out the overall tone and reduce harshness.

EMGSoundSamples

EMGSoundSamples

EMG guitar accessory install with passive pickups

Video thumbnail for EMG guitar accessory install with passive pickups by EMGSoundSamples

EMG guitar accessory install with passive pickups

EMGSoundSamples

EMGSoundSamples

Video thumbnail for EMG SPC active tone control installation & quick test by Antti Heikkinen - home studio and hard music

EMG SPC active tone control installation & quick test

Antti Heikkinen - home studio and hard music

Antti Heikkinen - home studio and hard music

Video thumbnail for //EMG SPC Review// Make Your Strat Sound Thicc! by DH Music

//EMG SPC Review// Make Your Strat Sound Thicc!

DH Music

DH Music

Video thumbnail for EMG SPC Demo by EMGtv

EMG SPC Demo

EMGtv

EMGtv

Video thumbnail for EMGtv Remote with Steve Stine the "Secret Weapon" EMG SPC Control by EMGtv

EMGtv Remote with Steve Stine the "Secret Weapon" EMG SPC Control

EMGtv

EMGtv

Video thumbnail for Boost Comparison! EMG SPC vs. Maxon OD808. Mesa Boogie Mark V. ESP Hanneman. by TIGHTEN

Boost Comparison! EMG SPC vs. Maxon OD808. Mesa Boogie Mark V. ESP Hanneman.

TIGHTEN

TIGHTEN

Reviews

PROS

  • Easy installation with clear instructions, especially with modular EMG systems

  • Boosts midrange frequencies, enhancing solos and overall sound presence

  • Provides a thicker, fatter sound, ideal for single coils

  • Sturdy components, particularly the output jack, ensuring durability

  • Excellent battery life, lasting over a year with frequent use

  • Adds versatility to sound, offering humbucker-like tones without losing single coil character

  • Operates noiselessly, unlike some other boosters

  • Maintains clarity and definition in sound, even at high midrange settings

  • Works well with both active and passive pickups, improving tone richness

  • Ideal for fans of David Gilmour's tone, enhancing similar sound profiles

CONS

  • Can lose clarity with excessive midrange boost, making sound swamped

  • Installation can be complex without professional help, especially on non-EMG systems

  • Lack of comprehensive instructions for wiring with passive systems

  • Requires enough space in the guitar for a 9-volt battery

  • Risk of component failure, with some units going bad over time

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG SPC.

Features and functionality

  • EMG gadgets like the SPC and EXG work with both active and passive pickups but require a battery regardless of pickup type.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • For troubleshooting, tap on pickups with a screwdriver while electronics are out, ensuring volume and tone are maxed.

    Source
  • Incorrect jack connections can mute sound; ensure no wires touch unintended contacts and connections are secure.

    Source

User experience

  • Redoing poor soldering and trying a new battery often resolves sound issues in initial setups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • EMG setups can be tested externally with a single pickup and volume control for troubleshooting before fully installing.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses EMG SPC

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Gilmourish

Gilmour uses this Strat Presence Control on his Red Strat in conjunction with EMG SA pickups. The SPC boosts the pickup's Midrange and gives the guitar a fatter, almost hum bucker sound.

See how Jeff Hanneman uses EMG SPC

Jeff Hanneman

Guitarist, Composer

Slayer

...
Verified via guitarworld

From the November 2009 issue of Guitar World magazine:

Q: Did you use any new gear on World Painted Blood? Hanneman: [...] I got my ESP with the EMG-81/85 pickup combo abd the EMG-SPC.

See how Syu uses EMG SPC

Syu

Guitarist

Galneryus

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Syu mentions that he used to use the EMG SPC back in the old days.

Album Usage

The EMG SPC 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 SPC, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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