What is the primary benefit of the EMG S set compared to passive pickups?

The primary benefit is the elimination of hum and noise interference. The internal low-impedance preamp and shielding ensure a clean signal even in environments with high electrical interference.

What type of magnets are used in the EMG S series?

The EMG S uses ceramic bar magnets. These provide a brighter tone and ensure even response during string bends, as there are no individual pole pieces to move away from.

Does this pickup set require a battery?

Yes, as an active pickup system, it requires a 9V battery to power the internal preamplifiers. A single battery can typically power the set for hundreds of hours of playing time.

How difficult is the installation process?

Installation is simplified by EMG's solderless system. Most users can install the set using the provided cables and connectors without needing a soldering iron.

Will the EMG S fit in a standard Fender Stratocaster?

Yes, the pickups are designed with standard single-coil dimensions. They should fit into most guitars routed for traditional single-coils, though room must be made for the 9V battery.

How does the ceramic magnet affect the tone?

Ceramic magnets in the EMG S provide a sharp, precise, and 'bright' character. This makes them excellent for players who need their guitar to cut through a dense mix.

Can I mix these active pickups with passive pickups?

While technically possible, it is not recommended without specialized wiring or buffering. Active and passive pickups require different potentiometer values (typically 25k for active and 250k/500k for passive).

Is the EMG S set suitable for high-gain music?

Yes, the active circuitry and ceramic magnets handle high-gain distortion very well. The noise-cancelling properties prevent the feedback and hiss often associated with high-gain single-coils.

What is included in the EMG S set package?

The set typically includes three pickups, the solderless wiring harness, volume and tone potentiometers, an output jack, and a battery clip.

How does the sound of the 'S' model differ from the 'SA' model?

While the S uses ceramic magnets for a brighter, punchier sound, the SA model uses Alnico V magnets for a warmer, more mid-focused vintage character.

Does the solderless system require special tools?

No special tools are required for the wiring itself, as the components plug together. You will only need a screwdriver to mount the pickups and remove the guitar's pickguard.

What is the typical price for the EMG S set?

The typical price for a complete three-pickup set is approximately GBP 225. This price usually includes all necessary mounting hardware and the solderless installation kit.

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EMG S Single Coil Pickup Set

The EMG S is an active single-coil pickup set designed to deliver classic, punchy tones while eliminating the hum and noise interference typical of passive systems. Featuring ceramic bar magnets and an internal low-impedance preamp, it provides a high-output, balanced sound suitable for a variety of musical genres.

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Background and Design

The EMG S set represents a modern approach to the traditional single-coil configuration. While classic pickups often suffer from 60-cycle hum and electromagnetic interference, EMG engineered the S series to provide a noise-free performance through the use of internal shielding and an integrated low-impedance preamplifier. This active circuitry allows for higher output levels without the signal degradation often found in passive electronics.

Key Technical Features

Central to the EMG S design are the ceramic bar magnets. Unlike individual pole pieces, a bar magnet ensures a consistent magnetic field across the strings, preventing volume drops or tonal shifts during wide string bends. The set is further distinguished by its ease of installation, utilising EMG's proprietary solderless system which allows users to connect the pickups, pots, and output jack without the need for a soldering iron.

Sound Character and Performance

Tonal clarity is the primary characteristic of the EMG S set. The ceramic magnets produce a bright, precise, and accurate response that retains definition even under high gain. It offers a punchy single-coil 'snap' that is well-balanced across all strings. Because the signal is buffered by the internal preamp, the tone remains consistent regardless of cable length or the number of effects pedals in the signal chain.

Installation and Compatibility

The EMG S set is typically housed in standard Stratocaster-style covers, making it a direct replacement for most triple-single-coil guitars. As an active system, it requires a 9V battery to power the preamps. The included solderless wiring kit simplifies the conversion process, though users should ensure their control cavity has sufficient space for the battery and active potentiometers.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the EMG S set compared to passive pickups?: The primary benefit is the elimination of hum and noise interference. The internal low-impedance preamp and shielding ensure a clean signal even in environments with high electrical interference.
What type of magnets are used in the EMG S series?: The EMG S uses ceramic bar magnets. These provide a brighter tone and ensure even response during string bends, as there are no individual pole pieces to move away from.
Does this pickup set require a battery?: Yes, as an active pickup system, it requires a 9V battery to power the internal preamplifiers. A single battery can typically power the set for hundreds of hours of playing time.
How difficult is the installation process?: Installation is simplified by EMG's solderless system. Most users can install the set using the provided cables and connectors without needing a soldering iron.
Will the EMG S fit in a standard Fender Stratocaster?: Yes, the pickups are designed with standard single-coil dimensions. They should fit into most guitars routed for traditional single-coils, though room must be made for the 9V battery.
How does the ceramic magnet affect the tone?: Ceramic magnets in the EMG S provide a sharp, precise, and 'bright' character. This makes them excellent for players who need their guitar to cut through a dense mix.
Can I mix these active pickups with passive pickups?: While technically possible, it is not recommended without specialized wiring or buffering. Active and passive pickups require different potentiometer values (typically 25k for active and 250k/500k for passive).
Is the EMG S set suitable for high-gain music?: Yes, the active circuitry and ceramic magnets handle high-gain distortion very well. The noise-cancelling properties prevent the feedback and hiss often associated with high-gain single-coils.
What is included in the EMG S set package?: The set typically includes three pickups, the solderless wiring harness, volume and tone potentiometers, an output jack, and a battery clip.
How does the sound of the 'S' model differ from the 'SA' model?: While the S uses ceramic magnets for a brighter, punchier sound, the SA model uses Alnico V magnets for a warmer, more mid-focused vintage character.
Does the solderless system require special tools?: No special tools are required for the wiring itself, as the components plug together. You will only need a screwdriver to mount the pickups and remove the guitar's pickguard.
What is the typical price for the EMG S set?: The typical price for a complete three-pickup set is approximately GBP 225. This price usually includes all necessary mounting hardware and the solderless installation kit.