Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$189.00
Reverb
4.0 (1)
$147.27 New
$99.99 Used
Thomann
4.7 (76)
$144.00 $143.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $154

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your Telecaster's sound to new heights with the EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set, offering a seamless fusion of classic tone and modern technology. Designed specifically for T-style electric guitars, this set consists of the FT neck pickup and RT bridge pickup, each crafted to deliver a beefy twang and crystal-clear warmth. Whether you're a fan of blues, rock, or country, these pickups provide a rich bottom end complemented by a shimmering top, ensuring your riffs cut through the mix with ease.

What truly sets this pickup set apart is its active design, which promises noise-free operation that defies the expectations of single-coil pickups. Featuring Alnico magnets and custom-engineered coil sizes and windings, the T-Set enhances your guitar's bandwidth and fullness, offering a fuller and more dynamic sound palette.

Installation is a breeze thanks to the included Quik-connect cables and a comprehensive setup of volume/tone control, output socket, battery clip, screws, and springs. This makes the EMG T-Set not just an upgrade, but a complete transformation for your Telecaster, turning it into the tone machine you've always dreamed of.

Key Features:

  • Designed for T-Style electric guitars
  • FT neck and RT bridge models
  • Alnico magnets for rich tonal character
  • Custom engineered coil sizes and windings
  • Noise-free active operation
  • Includes Quik-connect cable, volume/tone control set, output socket, battery clip, screws & springs
  • Resonant frequency: 4.85kHz
  • Output noise at 60Hz: -101dB
  • Battery life: 1500 hours

Product specs

Type Set: Single-coil
Active/Passive Active
Configuration SS Set
Magnet Material Alnico
Number of Conductors 2 wire plus battery
DC Resistance 10K
Connectivity Solderless
Number of Strings 6
Covering Covered
Format Tele-sized

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set?

The EMG T-Set offers a bright, clear tone with enhanced output due to its active design and Alnico magnets. It's ideal for players seeking a modern Telecaster sound with more punch and clarity.

Are the EMG T-Set pickups suitable for all music genres?

These pickups are versatile and can handle a range of genres, but they particularly excel in rock and pop due to their active design, which provides a powerful and articulate sound.

Can I install the EMG T-Set Active pickups without soldering?

Yes, the EMG T-Set features a solderless installation system, making it easy to upgrade your Telecaster without the need for soldering skills.

How does the battery life of the EMG T-Set Active pickups compare to passive pickups?

The EMG T-Set, being active, requires a 9-volt battery, which typically lasts around 1500 hours with two pickups installed. This is a consideration compared to passive pickups, which do not require a battery.

Are the EMG T-Set pickups compatible with any Telecaster-style guitar?

The EMG T-Set is designed to fit standard Telecaster-sized pickup cavities, making it compatible with most Telecaster-style guitars. Always check your guitar's specifications to ensure a proper fit.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Broad harmonic and dynamic range enhances Telecaster tones

  • Piano-like clarity in sound, with extended frequency response

  • Easy DIY installation, no soldering required for most models

  • Excellent RF-shielding; minimizes hum even with multiple effects

  • Neck pickup reminiscent of Stratocaster, bridge retains Tele twang

  • Enhanced volume and sustain, great fit for jazz and acoustic tones

  • Quiet operation, even with high gain, surpassing many passive options

  • Retains traditional Tele sound with added warmth and definition

  • Highly responsive to volume and tone adjustments

  • Durable design, consistency in tone over decades

CONS

  • Instructions may not match included wiring, confusing for beginners

  • Requires slight modifications to fit some guitar models

  • Blacked-out look may not appeal to traditionalists

  • Battery placement can require additional cavity space

  • Not compatible with all control cavity sizes without adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set.

Mods and upgrades

  • The 18-volt mod enhances clarity and headroom for EMG 81/60 pickups, making them more responsive and suitable for cleans and crunchier tones.

    Source
  • Replacing stock Squier Affinity Tele pickups with the EMG T-System significantly improves tone quality and chord clarity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EMG 57/66 set is praised for its versatility, handling both blues tones with gain dialed back and heavy metal when cranked up.

    Source
  • The EMG T-Set provides Telecaster twang and warmth for blues, while also delivering sufficient bite for hard distortion in metal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • EMG 57/66 pickups offer a more dynamic and open sound compared to the 81/60, suitable for a wider range of musical styles.

    Source

User experience

  • The EMG 81 is criticized for being too hot for clean tones, limiting its use to high-gain metal solos.

    Source
  • The neck pickup of the EMG T-Set is praised for delivering warm tones suitable for blues, while the bridge pickup excels in producing twangy tones ideal for songs like "Icky Thump" by The White Stripes.

    Source
  • Installing the EMG T-System on a Squier Affinity Tele transforms the guitar's sound, making it more suitable for various musical styles, especially with improved chord clarity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EMG T-Set is noted for its active Alnico design, providing a more natural rock tone compared to ceramic magnet models.

    Source
  • EMG T-Set pickups are active single coils with a solderless installation, enhancing setup ease and quickness.

    Source
  • The EMG T-System is noted for providing excellent chord definition, though it may reduce dynamics compared to other pickups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The installation of the EMG T-System was straightforward, even for those not skilled in soldering, enhancing the overall setup ease.

    Source

Build quality

  • The stock pickups in Squier Affinity Teles are often criticized for poor performance, particularly the neck pickup.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
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2 star
1 star
derrick_j_lugo

Not what I expected (in a good way)

I bought these I think 4 days ago and it got to my address in 2 days. Had a chance to install it on a cheap tele I got from a coworkers son. Gutted the electronics, upgraded the tuners, nut, bridge saddles, polished the frets, treated the fretboard and did a full professional setup. The installation process was almost insultingly simple. Directions were clear and everything was clearly marked. I honestly didn't do much research into the pickups and was expecting to have that aggressive active pickup sound but what I got was a Telecaster. And not in a bad way, I love how articulate and bright the pickups are. Every note shines and is crystal clear. The pickups are also dead quite. If you are looking for that hot compressed active pickup sound, this doesn't have it, and that's okay honestly. I love how the pickups react to my amp and board. Has all the benefits of an active pickup while also still sounding like a great telecaster. Pots are super smooth and rolling off the tone and volume feels so buttery. Swells are done with ease and every position whether it be the neck, middle or bridge just sounds crystal clear and amazing. Highly recommend this set for anyone that wants that telecaster sound. Plan on using the set for worship, will update review a few months down the line.

I had a minor issue with installation, the pickup size I think are catered towards American (Imperial) specs. I had to open up the pick guard hole slightly to get the neck pickup to fit. Also had to use a dermal to file down a little plastic around the bridge pickup to get it to fit in the bridge pickup slot. Didn't affect the pickup at all, just shaved a little plastic down and it fit snug.

grandaddyjeff

I love these pickups!

These don’t have your standard “active” tone. Don’t get these if you don’t want the tele sound, because you will have it with these. I find them even quieter than Fender Noiseless. Great dynamic response. Huge volume boost over passive tele pickups I had in it before.

Also has the solderless wiring harness for easy install. Had to make just a little more space in my control cavity to fit the battery.

Great tele sound, with the benefits of active pickups. Highly recommended.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how El Hefe uses EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set

El Hefe

Guitarist, Trumpeter

NOFX

...
Verified via Photo

El Hefe has been a long-time user of the EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set throughout most of his career with NOFX. This is evidenced by the visible EMG logo on his main Telecaster, as seen in a Getty Images photograph.

See how Ryan Peake uses EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set

Ryan Peake

Guitarist

Nickelback

...
Verified

According to EMG's official site, Ryan uses EMG T-Set pickups in his guitars.

See how D. Boon uses EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set

D. Boon

Singer, Guitarist

Minutemen

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

D. Boon is confirmed to have used the EMG T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set on his Telecasters. According to an article by Tzvi Gluckin in Premier Guitar, his bandmate Mike Watt explained that Boon installed EMG pickups because his original pickups malfunctioned due to excessive sweating during performances. Watt stated, "We had a problem with sweating at gigs... The solution, eventually, was to use EMG pickups, which were sealed in epoxy." This change was made to prevent sweat from affecting the guitar's high-end sound.

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 T-Set Active Alnico Telecaster Pickup Set, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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