EMG SA

Everyone should know what these are, they have been around since - the late 70s? Something like that.

Put these into a PRS SE EG to replace the crappy ceramic SCs. Funny, these SAs made those pickups sound OK!

Weak and insipid. Thin - smooth - bright, very transparent/polite sound. Their resonant frequency completely misses the quack you might be looking for from a strat sound. I had to do a lot of EQing to get these to even out with other guitars thru the same rig. No balls at all! Luckily I have a multiFX unit that allows me to re-EQ individual patches.
All in all, I have learned to live with these things with lots of tweaking. They cover my strat tones for the cover band I play in, but I will be moving on to other pickups when I can afford it. I understand why so many players use the SPC/EXG with these - they need lots of help to sound decent.
In their defense, they are DEAD SILENT!

I have been playing a long long time, recently getting back into guitar after playing bass and keys in various projects over the last 20 years. When I last played guitar full-time in the 80s, EMGs were supposed to be the be-all and end-all of pickups.
I am amazed at how disappointed I am at these insipid-sounding things. I searched long and hard to get them at a decent used price and will soon be returning them to the market - I hope no future buyers read this post!

It's that EMG-SA single coil sized active pickup. You can get more info on specifications on emginc.com or take read the other reviews. :o)
Obviously, you need a battery... find a place for it in your guitar, and don't get nervous thinking about battery change in the midst of a gig. No need to worry, just don't forget to unplug the guitar when you stop playing to have a drink or something (pull the cable out of the guitar, not the amp! :o)

I installed them into my self-assembled stratocaster, replacing the beautiful Rockinger ST-RAT single coil set because I wanted to get rid of the hum, and no more hassle with cable length and effects. I was also tired of pickups that are virtually unarmored against physical damage. Why pay a lot of money on pickups that aren't even properly encased?
While the Rockinger pickups are fine and sound great, I felt that I wanted something different, and as I am not a vintage-freak (playing a strat-type made of Korina... doesn't sound "vintage" to me... more like beautiful) I already flirted with the idea of a buffered output to overcome cable length or a preamp with active controls to dial-in different resonant frequencies and resonant peaks (that's more or less what EMG does with their pickups - they call it "Tone Modelling"). I bought the components but lacked routine and skill and time to complete the project - I came to the conclusion, that buying a similar thing might help me out :o) So, I started to look for different EMG players and how they sound and what they play, and played EMG-equipped guitar models in stores, that quest.

I installed a complete EMG SA-Set (ivory coloured - looks beautiful).

Output level is supposed to be higher than most passive pickups. It doesn't matter to me, though. I'm not into high-gain orgies, anyway. More important to high-gain playing is the clarity of the sound, much more than just output - muddy sound and high output? Wouldn't want that. So, EMG offers clear sound and high-output, which is fine.

I use a Hughes&Kettner Tube 50, a Yamaha DG-Stomp (instead of the Tube 50 for some live performances) and usually record straight into the mixer/sound-card.
Switching to EMGs you may need to re-configure you amp and effect settings, so don't be afraid or too annoyed if something sounds "scratchy" or trebly - just fiddle with the controls and get happy - I did :o)

The pickups are balanced - very. Before buying the SA-Set I was considering the SV-Set as an option, because I felt that string-to-string balance was better with staggered pole-pieces. But then I remembered my telly with that Rickinger Blade Screamer pickup - and how I liked the "feel" of a bladed pickup design. Possible intonation problems due to magetic pull wasn't an option either, so I went for the SA-Set.
Chord definition is near perfect. Strum-strum :o) Beautiful! single notes, or single strings get loud, if you play them to get loud. Well, that's the way it works with my Rockingers as well, but I feel to have more control over it, now with EMGs. (Yes, I'm happy.)

I play blues-jazz-classical-stuff (search for croon papillon on myspace... I'll put on recordings done with the EMGs in the future)and especially "jazzy" chords (all those 7/9,+,maj7 etc.) play and sound so much better - crystal clear, or slightly overdriven - and never muddy! That's what I like about them.

When using the DG-Stomp the EMGs excel over other pickups (at least those I own) the effects work, the sound and feel is great. It's clear, very much alive and finally it's a lot of fun to play with different effects (I usually don't like them. Not using any on my H&K Tube 50)

Crunch sound is fun, as well. When EMG brags about "sweet distortion" they are perfectly right. It's beautiful.
I'm not into high-gain, so I can't tell if it's better or worse than other "metal pickups", but I guess the SA-Set is not so much for metal playing (depends on what you call metal and what you want your music to sound like, anyway)

The Set was pre-wired, standard strat-configuration with neck and middle wired to individual tone controls, the bridge without one. I'll probably re-wire it in the future to have the bridge pickup with tone-control as well.

All pickups in the set are the same. There is no difference between the neck or the middle or the bridge position pickups! I think this leads to a balanced overall sound. While there is a difference to the positions, it's not drastic - just enough to get another quality to the sound. (That's very vintage in a way, since early strats came with the same pickup in all three positions - though due to the somewhat sloppy winding-process all pickups were different... so, what do you think of that? EMGs are precision-wound, which is necessary to apply "tone modelling" technology to get the required sound. Wouldn't work with sloppy "scatter-wound" coils or something... ;o)

I really love the in-between position with this set. It doesn't sound like my Rockinger ST-RAT set (it was easy to dial from Rory Gallagher to Stevie Ray to my own preferred sound...), but it doesn't have to. I have yet to find out the right amp settings to "imititate" the sound of the great players, but then, there's really no need to.

These pickups offer qualities that really help me with my playing. It may not be what you want, but I'm happy with the sound. I'll give them a 9 (hey, 9 is still great, as is 8 or seven!) - I feel there is no 10, because there are some things the guitar player has to work for... so, in order to make it a "perfect 10" (a fine mag, by the way ;o) you've got to play it. :o)

I would buy it again, and I will equip another guitar with EMGs. I'm opting for a Flaxwood guitar with EMGs as well (either a Laine with an EMG SA-Set or a Flaxwood Voima with an EMG 60A in the neck, SA in the middle and an 85 in the bridge position... :o)

I've been playing for about 7 years now. I built this strat about 3 years ago and it became my favourite (apart from a Flaxwood in the near future). I play heavy strings on all my guitars: usually dadarrio XL jazz light (12-16-24w-32w-42w-52w) or Dean Markley "jazz" JZ (012-015-026w-034w-044w-054w). And I use either standard tuning or one half-step down (all strings).

I can compare it only to the sound of the same strat with Rockinger ST-RAT single coils and my tellies (one with muddy-muddy Fender WideRange Humbuckers and one with Rockinger Telly Rhythm neck single coil and great Blade Screamer single coil-sized humbucker in the bridge position). I like the sound and "feel" (response, attack etc.) of the Rockingers (the WideRange Humbuckers being way too muddy and loud! They probably have more output than the EMGs...feeling-wise), but hate the hum and other problems. Now, that I have installed the SA-Set I have more control over the sound, although it's different in its qualities. I love it and it's not sterile. Oh, I better write that again - the sound of my EMG SA-Set is not sterile. Neither is it too trebly or anything. I fear though, that many guitar players don't know how to handle their equipment and configure their amp settings to fit their guitar(s), the location etc. I have talked to some, and there are those who state a pickup to be too bassy, or middle-ish, or trebly because it sounds that way using their preferred settings on an amp and equipment... They don't change their settings to fit a certain guitar (with different woods, pickups or any other hocuspocus/voodoo) - which comes close to comparing girl-friends (or boy-friends) with your favourite pin-up-girl(-boy) and stating they (them girl-friends...) can't kiss because they don't look like whoever in the pictures. (People have more qualities than their skill in kissing... and anyway, you can learn to kiss...there is a considerable improvement in skill and effect over the years - takes some practice, of course.)

Whatever, if you're happy with your pickups, don't change. If you'd like to improve, take some time (many hours, not just minutes) to test an EMG equipped guitar very thoroughly. Open your mind, learn some physics (electronics whatever) and read something on pickups - you might come to a conclusion similiar to the one the guys at EMG came up with.

I really like them.

It's that EMG-SA single coil sized active pickup. You can get more info on specifications on emginc.com or read the other reviews. :o)
Obviously, you need a battery... find a place for it in your guitar, and don't get nervous thinking about battery change in the midst of a gig. No need to worry, just don't forget to unplug the guitar when you stop playing to have a drink or something (pull the cable out of the guitar, not the amp! :o)

I installed them into my self-assembled stratocaster, replacing the beautiful Rockinger ST-RAT single coil set because I wanted to get rid of the hum, and no more hassle with cable length and effects. I was also tired of pickups that are virtually unarmored against physical damage. Why pay a lot of money on pickups that aren't even properly encased?
While the Rockinger pickups are fine and sound great, I felt that I wanted something different, and as I am not a vintage-freak (playing a strat-type made of Korina... doesn't sound "vintage" to me... more like beautiful) I already flirted with the idea of a buffered output to overcome cable length or a preamp with active controls to dial-in different resonant frequencies and resonant peaks (that's more or less what EMG does with their pickups - they call it "Tone Modelling"). I bought the components but lacked routine and skill and time to complete the project - I came to the conclusion, that buying a similar thing might help me out :o) So, I started to look for different EMG players and how they sound and what they play, and played EMG-equipped guitar models in stores, that quest.

I installed a complete EMG SA-Set (ivory coloured - looks beautiful).

Output level is supposed to be higher than most passive pickups. It doesn't matter to me, though. I'm not into high-gain orgies, anyway. More important to high-gain playing is the clarity of the sound, much more than just output - muddy sound and high output? Wouldn't want that. So, EMG offers clear sound and high-output, which is fine.

I use a Hughes&Kettner Tube 50, a Yamaha DG-Stomp (instead of the Tube 50 for some live performances) and usually record straight into the mixer/sound-card.
Switching to EMGs you may need to re-configure your amp and effect settings, so don't be afraid or too annoyed if something sounds "scratchy" or trebly - just fiddle with the controls and get happy - I did :o)

The pickups are balanced - very. Before buying the SA-Set I was considering the SV-Set as an option, because I felt that string-to-string balance was better with staggered pole-pieces. But then I remembered my telly with that Rickinger Blade Screamer pickup - and how I liked the "feel" of a bladed pickup design. Possible intonation problems due to magetic pull (I had my passive singe coils way low on my strat...) wasn't an option either, so I went for the SA-Set.
Chord definition is near perfect. Strum-strum :o) Beautiful! single notes, or single strings get loud, if you play them to get loud. Well, that's the way it works with my Rockingers as well, but I feel to have more control over it, now with EMGs. (Yes, I'm happy.)

I play blues-jazz-classical-stuff (search for croon papillon on myspace... I'll put on recordings done with the EMGs in the future), and especially "jazzy" chords (all those 7/9,+,maj7 etc.) play and sound so much better - crystal clear, or slightly overdriven - and never muddy! That's what I like about them.

When using the DG-Stomp the EMGs excel over other pickups (at least those I own) the effects work, the sound and feel is great. It's clear, very much alive and finally it's a lot of fun to play with different effects (I usually don't like them. Not using any on my H&K)

Crunch sound is fun, as well. When EMG brags about "sweet distortion" they are perfectly right. It's beautiful.
I'm not into high-gain, so I can't tell if it's better or worse than other "metal pickups", but I guess the SA-Set is not so much for metal playing (depends on what you call metal and what you want your music to sound like, anyway)

The Set was pre-wired, standard strat-configuration with neck and middle wired to individual tone controls, the bridge without one. I'll probably re-wire it in the future to have the bridge pickup with tone-control as well.
All pickups in the set are the same. There is no difference between the neck or the middle or the bridge position pickups! I think this leads to a balanced overall sound. While there is a difference to the positions, it's not drastic - just enough to get another quality to the sound. (That's "very vintage" in a way, since early strats came with the same pickup in all three positions - though due to the somewhat sloppy winding-process all pickups were different... so, what do you think of that? EMGs are precision-wound, which is necessary to apply "tone modelling" technology to get the required sound. Wouldn't work with sloppy "scatter-wound" coils or something...)

I really love the in-between position with this set. It doesn't sound like my Rockinger ST-RAT set (it was easy to dial from Rory Gallagher to Stevie Ray to my own preferred sound...), but it doesn't have to. I have yet to find out the right amp settings to "imititate" the sound of the great players, but then, there's really no need to. I found my own :o) These pickups offer qualities that really help me with my playing. It may not be what you want, but I'm happy with the sound. I'll give them a 9 (hey, 9 is still great, as is 8 or seven!) - I feel there is no 10, because there are some things the guitar player has to work for... so, in order to make it a "perfect 10" (a fine mag, by the way :o) you've go

I would buy it again, and I will equip another guitar with EMGs. I'm opting for a Flaxwood guitar with EMGs as well (either a Laine with an EMG SA-Set or a Voima with an EMG 60A in the neck, SA in the middle and an 85 in the bridge position... :o)

I've been playing for about 7 years now. I built this strat about 3 years ago and it became my favourite (apart from a Flaxwood in the near future). I play heavy strings on all my guitars: usually dadarrio XL jazz light (12-16-24w-32w-42w-52w) or Dean Markley "jazz" JZ (012-015-026w-034w-044w-054w). And I use either standard tuning or one half-step down (all strings).

I can compare it only to the sound of the same strat with Rockinger ST-RAT single coils and my tellies (one with muddy-muddy Fender WideRange Humbuckers and one with Rockinger Telly Rhythm neck single coil and great Blade Screamer single coil-sized humbucker in the bridge position). I like the sound and "feel" (response, attack etc.) of the Rockingers (the WideRange Humbuckers being way too muddy and loud! They probably have more output than the EMGs...feeling-wise), but hate the hum and other problems. Now, that I have installed the SA-Set I have more control over the sound, although it's different in its qualities. I love it and it's not sterile. Oh, I better write that again - the sound of my EMG SA-Set is not sterile. Neither is it too trebly or anything. I fear though, that many guitar players don't know how to handle their equipment and configure their amp settings to fit their guitar(s), the location etc. I have talked to some, and there are those who state a pickup to be too bassy, or middle-ish, or trebly because it sounds that way using their preferred settings on an amp and equipment... They don't change their settings to fit a certain guitar (with different woods, pickups or any other hocuspocus/voodoo) - which comes close to comparing girl-friends (or boy-friends) with your favourite pin-up-girl(-boy) and stating they (them girl-friends...) can't kiss because they don't look like whoever in the pictures. (People have more qualities than their skill in kissing... and anyway, you can learn to kiss...there is a considerable improvement in skill and effect over the years - takes some practice, of course.)

Whatever, if you're happy with your pickups, don't change. If you'd like to improve, take some time (many hours, not just minutes) to test an EMG equipped guitar very thoroughly. Open your mind, learn some physics (electronics whatever) and read something on pickups - you may come to a conclusion similar to what the guys at EMG came up with. You may want to read this as well: http://www.buildyourguitar.com/resources/lemme/index.htm

I'm satisfied with my EMGs - so very happy! ;o). So, here goes a "perfect 10"!

Active alnico single coil pickup

Installed in an Ibanez S2170fw
Installed in neck (here i used the HA, which is the same thing as the SA but with humbucking casing) and middle positions
Replacing the stock Dimarzio/Ibanez pickups
Another pickup used is the EMG 85 in the bridge position
David Gilmour is a notable EMG SA user
Reason for changing to EMG was initially to install a single coil pickup in the neck position, so i ended up changing all pickups to EMGs

Volume-wise, it was actually *as* loud as the passive pickups it replaces, and the output was *similar* to the latter
The EMGs are hooked up to a Marshall MG100DFX and ZOOM G2 effects pedal
The neck pickup sounds very balanced; not too bassy, not too trebly. Of course, it will never deliver what it supposedly promises of genuine Strat attributes, but the sound the EMG SA delivers is actually what I was looking for - utmost clarity and tone, classic distortion and, most importantly, versatility.
I mostly play alternative rock, metal and blues and I think this pickup delivers most of them. Obviously it falls short of performing decent metal, but it's a desired compromise - less brutality, more bluesy tones.
I haven't tried using the HA (SA in humbucking case) in the bridge position, so I cannot comment on that, though for now I can confidently say that the neck position is what this pickup is designed for.

I would most definitely buy this pickup again if I was to get an active pickup, not that I really want to replace passive for another passive. I love everything about this pickup; tone, versatility, looks and, of course, its quick connect plugs! I'm not sure what I hate about it. Many people mention that all EMGs are sterile; okay, sure, it doesn't offer natural sounds, but I can guarantee you that it's not sterile. Not being a purist, I frankly do not care. I am very satisfied with this pickup.

Single-Coil Active

Eleca Strat Copy 2007 Model
Replaced all stock pickups cuz they sucked, which wasn't suprising.

The Sound is only one thing, Amazing
I mostly play Hard Rock, Metal, Classic Rock boston style, and blues.
Using a 100 watt H&H 2x12 combo amp from the 70's and a Digitech Metal master pedel.
Tone is amazing exactly what i was looking for.

Been playing for about 8 years now and would consider changing the pickup's in my 78 les paul custom if my dad wasn't gonna kick my ass for doing it.

a set of active EMG SA, beige
I added two controlls by EMG that I never use :-) (a bosster and some super cleany thing, that is ok for studio work and emulating a mid70ies strat)

Squier 1984 JV-Japan Vintage Stratocaster
all positions
replaced original set
which caused to much noise when on stage, even though shielded professionally, (a rack full of effects made it worse)

moderate strong output, more than originals
50W Marshall over 4*12/25W,
Alesis Quadraverb, Yamaha SPX 90, etc. with Boogie 50/50 over Marshall cabinett (stereo 4*12)

All positions nice, especially bridge/middle clean rings the bell, the neck all alone is fine as well. No limitation.

It's a great combination that made me come back to this guitar whenever I have had periods of experimentation using others.

while an active set, it is in need of a 9v-block battery that has to be positioned somewhere, I had to slightly modify my Strat to make it fi in the spring section, the idea to place it under the pickguard, as EMG suggests us, is not what I would call a functional solution.

If you want a strat and silence in background, it's the thing (if your opinion of what a strat should sound like is related to EMG's, which seems to work for me with the SA, NOT with the S-set I found out)

Pickup features: single. active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: custom mahogany strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: dave gilmoure
You musical style(s): rock, blues, jazz, funk
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: extreme
Tone: crap
Sonic evaluation: this into a fulldrive2 into a twin reverb, these pickups are gorrible they sound nothing like any strat ive heard, not sweet at all, not pleasing to the ear in asny way, switching to lindy fralin. too loud and not full souonding whatsoever, please dont buy these pickups you will be thouroughly dissapointed.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: these stink Im going to sell them, or else i would melt them

Pickup features: Active Single Coil
Impedence or other specs: Low Impedance

Model of guitar or bass: 1995 Fender Standard Stratocaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro humbucker, Classic Stack, and JB Jr.
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Mark Knopfler, Mike Keneally, Peter Frampton, David Gilmour
You musical style(s): Progressive, Alternative, Classic Rock
Reason for pickup change: The Duncans I've used for years just started sounding a little too muddy for my tastes. I use a processor for recording and live sound now more than traditional amps and I wanted to restore my Strat single-coil sound as well.

Perceived output level: Smooth and clear when used clean, over-the-top on overdrive
Tone: Balanced to slightly scooped.
Sonic evaluation: I'm running the Strat through a Boss GT-3 processor I've had for a few years and it finally sounds like a real guitar! The old Duncans were great for just the guitar going through the amp, but they tended to sound muddy through any kind of processing or modeling. These EMGs are spectacular pickups and can be smooth and clear when used on a clean channel or model, or absolutely furious when used on overdrive.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Progressive rock, jazz, blues. Suitable for just about anything short of maybe nu metal.

Comments: I've been playing this Strat for ten years and it's never sounded better. Pick up a standard strat for $350, add $200 in EMGs and it will blow you away. I would never hesitate to purchase this product again if lost or stolen, and may even pick up an EMG-ZW set for the Les Paul. Spectacular, fully satisfied.

Pickup features: single coil active
Impedence or other specs: gold EMG

Model of guitar or bass: Fender american standard strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Mark Knofler, Nicky Joe Sonya,Dave Liles Jr.
You musical style(s): blues ,rock ,country,swing,broadway
Reason for pickup change: stock pickups had that unpleasant hum and they didn't know the words!!!

Perceived output level: clear clean bell like through a clean amp
Tone: treble mid
Sonic evaluation: fender strat fender twin ts9 tube screaMER wah pedal some time a chorus(clean) Traynor Mark3 with sd1 and big muff (dirty)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: these are very good pickups for bl;ues and classic rock add the FAT control and you get even more tones

Comments: if this guitar was ever stolen I'd hunt down the person and skin them for strap material
if the pickups died I'd have to replace them (have done the volune tone and switch a buncnh of times if you need a good starting off point throw away all your non emg pickups and get these!!!!!

Pickup features: Single Coil-Active
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Standard Fender Stratocaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: factory
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, Alternative, Metal, Blues, Jazz, Country
Reason for pickup change: Wanted the delicate sound of a Telecaster, but with the pickup switching of my Strat- Also wanted more clarity

Perceived output level: Slight increase in output level clean but much hotter with effects or extra gain
Tone: Bridge pickup= delicate and bell-like clean Mid= best postion, clear, clean, responsive, best of bass and treble Neck= deep and earthy, but still clear
Sonic evaluation: I use a Marshall MG100-something head with half stack cabinet

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These pickups match nearly all styles w/o effects accept for country lead- It's not like they don't sound good, but not twangy enough. Great for every other style!

Comments: These pickups sound great and that's all there is to it! Although, for the 200 dollars I paid, I think I expected a sound you would find in a 2000 dollar Gibson. I kinda felt a little let down because these pickups are insanely clear and quiet-no feedback at all. It takes some getting used to. I still felt let down until I put effects to them. These pickups sound like no other when delay, distortion, chorus, reverb, etc... are used. Unreal response. They sound like that 2000 dollar guitar I've always wanted.

Pickup features: Active single coil
Impedence or other specs: No idea

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez S540FM
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: Stock Ibanez QM
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81 and EMG 85
Artists using this pickup: David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler
You musical style(s): Blues, Rock, and Metal
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups sounded ok, wanted to get a more glassy, David Gilmour/Mark Knopfler type of tone, and turn the guitar into an active crunch machine with the ability to play metal along with Floyd covers.

Perceived output level: Slightly more than a standard strat single coil, but much quieter
Tone: Well balanced, glassy, bell like tone with a nice mid-range, a little bass, and not too piercing on the treble side
Sonic evaluation: Using this on my Ibanez through a Hot Rod Deville, and also a Marshall AVT50. Sounds great clean, a little punchy and compressed on the gain side, but if I crank the amp's gain for heavy rythym and leads, I just switch to the 81 or the 85 - but that's why I bought it. It's a very versatile pickup for cleans - you can get a nice warm bell like jazzy tone, a good sound for Police songs, Floyd songs, and Dire Straits. Very creamy smooth, I'd definitly recommend them, I want to put three in my Strat, but don't feel like installing them cause it's too much of a pain, with changing the pots and using a battery and all.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good in all positions, but better for cleans in general. Then again, I never much cared for heavily overdriven single coils on any guitar.

Comments: I'd definitely buy one again, or maybe try an SAV if it was lost or stolen. Been playing for 10 years, own a variety of guitars from Gibson, Ibanez, and Fender. Love the bell-like clean tones, not a big fan of the overdriven sound, but I still like it better than the stock gold lace sensors in my Strat Plus. Overall, I'm satisfied.

Pickup features: Active Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Mexican Strat Special
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: S. Duncan Hot rails
Other pickups on guitar: EMG SAV (neck)
Artists using this pickup: David Gilmour
You musical style(s): Classic Rock / Jam Band
Reason for pickup change: Wanted to try something different and had an SA and SAV sitting in the "parts" drawer. Ordered a custom pickguard from Warmoth with no middle strat pickup cutout. Also added the SPC control in place of 1 tone pot.

Perceived output level: The sound is crystal clear and boosted. This helps you a bunch if you use a large FX chain.
Tone: Supplied volume and tone pots actually work. SA with the SPC mid boost gives a nice round distortion thru a tube screamer and a Bassman Head. Paced in parallel with the SAV in the neck gives a tele sound with more of a mid focus instead of trebly twang.
Sonic evaluation: EMG equipped strat>Digitech synth wah>tubescreamer>Crybaby 535q>Univibe>Bassman Head>Custom mod FX loop>EH Small Stone>Volume pedal>Roland space echo>return to power amp>Avatar 212 enclosure with Eminence and Celestion drivers. The EMG's push the signal through easily and it makes the FX more transparent; it lets the amp's tone shine.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: You can play all music with EMG single coils. If you want a metal sound uses the "S" series. Back in the 80's Kirk Hammet played a Fernandes strat copy with all positions EMG S. Many leads off of Ride the Lightning done on this guitar. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd uses the SPC with his SA and gets serious TONE.

Comments: This pickup has alnico magnets inside as well as an internal preamp with a quick disconnect. This makes it easy to swap with other active EMG's. You literally can walk into a guitar store and try out new pickups before you buy once you've done the first set. That can't be beat. I have been playing for 15 years and have had at least 1 guitar modded with EMG's for 14 years (EMG 85). When doing stage work it is extra pleasing to know that you can't get shocked when it's time for vocals - no blue sparks from the mic to your lip. EMG makes great gear, however I've not seen any that give that strat "quack" just right.

Pickup features: single coil active
Impedence or other specs: ,..

Model of guitar or bass: fernandes LE 2
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock fernandes
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: David Gilmour
You musical style(s): rock, blues, metal
Reason for pickup change: Need quiet operation for gigs. The stock single coils produced too much hum. These pickups are grounded internally so they are safer than normal ones from electric shock.

Perceived output level: much higher than the stock pickups, but not harsh.
Tone: Not too trebly, similar to american stratocaster. More mids than stock pickups.
Sonic evaluation: I am using a made in japan fernandes revival stratocaster with these pickups and ran it through straight to a marshal JCM 800. The marshall is so noisy anyway and with those stock pickups, it created a hell of noises. These emgs are so quiet that the usual noises from the marshall disappear! These pickups are at best in playing metal rythem where u need a tight and agressive riffs. I used it mostly for blues because the tone is at its best. Smooth and middy and full sounding.. not too trebly which bleed the ears. Not very suitable for rock lead where I prefer using humbuckers. For tight agressive rythem and blues. for the 2nd and 4th position the sound is similar to humbuckers but it is not exactly it. My favourite positions are the bridge and neck positions for playing leads and middle position for playing blues. I may consider getting a 3 way switch to replace the stocked 5 way switch. The output jack is a switchcraft one. Very high quality.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As i said these pickups are not suitable for lead playing. Very suitable for rythem as it is even and tight sounding in playing chords.

Comments: Give it a 9 because it is not very versatile in playing rock lead. Maybe i would try the more expensive SAV with individual pole pieces next time.

Pickup features: Single
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 1989 Fender American
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Fenders
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Gilmore
You musical style(s): Jazz Rock Blues
Reason for pickup change: 35 years of the same old 60cycle hum. I never thought I would go for active pickups but I did finally on a whim. And it turned out to be a forehead slapper. I needed a quiet guitar.

Perceived output level: First the sound is even...Up the neck and up the fretboard.. Effects track a lot better.
Tone: Balanced and a bit trebly but hey thats why you play a strat.
Sonic evaluation: I am not much of an effects person so I play mostly straight into a Fender Super 60 with the odd bit of phase or wah wah.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play as a guitarist behind acoustic type singer song writer.

Comments: I would replace these with out a doubt and I am equiping my backup with them. I know all the arguments you get from that grizzled old bearded guy in the hippie gitar shoppe about MOJO but to hell with that, these are pickups for professionals. No hiss no hum all tone. Dig it.

Pickup features: Active Single Coil
Impedence or other specs: Don't know

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Standard Stratocaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: David Gimour
You musical style(s): Punk, Alternative
Reason for pickup change: Just wanted to try something new.

Perceived output level: Higher Output
Tone: Whatever
Sonic evaluation: Fender Mexican Standard Stratocaster, Kustom KGA30

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Punk, Alternative, It gives the guitar higher output, and it's good in all positions

Comments: I would buy EMG pickups again, they've proved to be beyond what I expected. In my 3 1/2 years of playing this was the first time I ever experimented with aftermarket pickups. The EMG's, even though not as well known as Seymour-Duncan or DiMarzio, are worthy of my respect. My friend was wise to give me his set of EMG pickups since he never had the time to install them on his guitar, now I make him wish he didn't do that.

Pickup features: Active single coils
Impedence or other specs: Check www.emginc.com for info

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: EMG
Artists using this pickup: David Gilmour, Mike Keneally
You musical style(s): Improvisational rock
Reason for pickup change: I purchased the Strat because I wanted a strat with EMG's already installed. Perfect!

Perceived output level: These pickups are very punchy. For a single coil sound it feels like a slap in the face. Almost seems like the tone is compressed a little, which is cool by me. Not exactly a Floyd/Gilmour sound but really close. Also the pickups are very nicely balance, unlike my other guitars.
Tone: A little trebly, but in a good way. Cuts through the mix without having to overpower everything
Sonic evaluation: I'm using the Strat through a Crybaby wah, Dod compressor, Big Muff into the amp. In the effects loop I use a Danelectro flanger and a Line 6 Delay modeler. My amp is a Tech 21 Trademark 60.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play jam/rock music similar to Phish, Floyd, but I also like britpop like Coldplay, Radiohead, Doves, Blur

Comments: This is definitely the pickup to have. The only other one I might use are the Duncan Alnico pickups.

Pickup features: Active Single Coil Strat replacement pickups
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Warmoth Strat Ash body Maple Cap and neck
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Kent Armstrong SAV
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues R&B
Reason for pickup change: Unhappy with the tones from the Kent Armstrongs, search for a richer sound.

Perceived output level: High output active circuit
Tone: Well balanced smooth toned with great clarity
Sonic evaluation: Through a Musicman RD 210 mid 80's combo these sounded initialyy good with great claruty - no hum at all. You needed to play the strings to tell if the guitar was connected as the pickups do really exibhit no noise at all. After the initial excitement of this HI-FI sound I started to feel that while they lacked noise they also lacked soul. In addition they had a tendency to 'bark' at high volume settings (on the guitar) with the Musicman. As a result I changed it for a Rivera and hoped that the more sophisticated amp would tame this, it did to some extent but the harshness could be heard. I write this review because i finally gave up on the EMGs and put the Kent Armstrongs back, suffered the noise but got back the 'soul' of the single coil sound - which I love. I am starting to look again and have ordered some Harmonic Design pups. I will let you all know how I get on!
The good points have been the excellent acoustic like rythm tones from a Strat type guitar, smooth jazzy tones at lower volume settings (on the guitar) . The builkd qualirty is unmatched by anyone. They have fantastic recording qualities with no noise and very nice jazz/fusion tones available.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Blues R&B - not a good match - fusion and stadium rock is their metier.

Comments: No I would not buy again for my taste although if i got into fusion and Pink Floyd styles I probably would. To be frank I play in small bars and functions where the background noise is quite high. This HI-FI sound is not necassary and I prefer the 'dirt' and the soul of standard type single coils. My fault, not the right tool for me.

Pickup features: Single Coil Active
Impedence or other specs: N/A

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha SSC 500 ( Late 70's Model ) Neck Through Design
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Fender Vintage Noiseless
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: David Gilmore
You musical style(s): Rock and Blues
Reason for pickup change: Fender pickups were very thin sounding. Not satisfied at all with them. Even with all the mods done that everyone suggested, they still sounded weak and thin.

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than stock
Tone: Very well balanced with good mids
Sonic evaluation: Very good pickups for my setup. ( Solid Body with neck through design going into a Marshall Bluesbreaker.) I have tried many combinations and these pickups are exactly what I am looking for.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These pickups are great for Rock and Blues.

Comments: Considering they are totally quiet and great sounding, I am completely satisfied.I will be using EMG from now on. I would definitly replace them if something were to happen to them and as far as comparing them to other pickups. I would rate them FAR SUPERIOR to overpriced Fender pickups. I knew this as soon as I played the first chord.

Pickup features: Active Single Coil Size
Impedence or other specs: ..?

Model of guitar or bass: USA Strat 40th anniv model
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change: Improved tone

Perceived output level: louder than standard strat - maybe couple of notches of gain on a POD JCM800 model
Tone: Clearer, more presence, more bottom end (in a positive way)
Sonic evaluation: This strat, also with Sperzels and tusk nut and the SAs straight in to a Line 6 Flextone II plus. For drive I mainly use the Marshall JCM800 model for clean the Line 6 clean. Diven these pickups are way way better than stock. A fuller sound, very little hiss. Both bridge and neck pickups are a treat with a semi driven sound (gain about 4).
Clean I opt for neck and middle (or the inbetweens) to give classic clean strat tones that are strong and clear.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Covers band with blues edge

Comments: The SA does it for me. Somehow it makes a strat sound like a strat you hear on record rather than a near match. It's a vast improvement. Now hum, no dimmer switch problems etc. People have mentioned the hiss but even with Soldano gain the hiss is more amp than guitar it just isn't an issue. Also with these, you get new volume and tone pots. I've not got the extra mid or hi/lo boosts as the mid did nothing for me (I'm not a fat humbucker tone man) and hi/lo's are great as they come so....

Pickup features: Active Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Late 70's Fender Strat Hardtail
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Fender PUs and a Seymore Duncan Hot Rails Bridge PU
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, Jazz, Blues
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups were weak and crappy. Hot Rails are only good for LOUD distorted playing.

Perceived output level: Somewhat hotter than stock, not nearly as hot as the Hot Rails but WAY more versatile.
Tone: Used with the SPC, whatever I want. Classic Strat to Full round Jazz.
Sonic evaluation: Used with a Peavey Encore 65 Tube Amp and a custom built AC30 clone.
Have also played though a JCM800 half stack, Polytone Fusion, Twin.
I have yet to find an amp I can't get a good tone on

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These pickups are a good match for my styles of playing. I think they are probably suitable for any style, provided that the basic guitar you put them in is good quality.

Comments: If they were destroyed or stolen I would probably get them again. I might try some of the AGI-Lace offerings. I have been very impressed with the sound of those PUs and the unique design concepts. I love the sound and low noise of these PUs, but I hate changing the battery

Pickup features: Active SC's
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Squire Fat Strat ( S/S/H)
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Squier Stock
Other pickups on guitar: All Stock
Artists using this pickup: David Gilmour, etc...
You musical style(s): Blues, Soft to Rude rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock pu's too muddy and trebly eventhough the tone is at max still way muddy. No low end definition can't differentiate C from G (that muddy).

Perceived output level: Output level depends on the amp volume and pu's height !!!
Tone: Balanced strat tone. I alway envied other guitars coz i can hear their low end tone so i decided to change pu's
Sonic evaluation: The set includes 3 pots ( vol/tone/tone ) and a DPDT switch(all US made components). I'd recomend using those as they would probably best configured and used with the SA's.
No Hum here... a small amount of hiss ( very small trust me ) mayber because the battery's new.
Using Vox pathfinder (solid state )and boss OD-2R pedal. can't get out of the #2 pos. Sounds too good to be true to me... great rhythm tone ! The neck is perfect for the blues sounds THICKER than usual pu's. Bridge is trebly (as expected) and kinda weak so one has to raise it and sounded pretty well after that.
I always hear ppl complaining about changing battery hassles (removing the pickguard). I never use the tremolo (strat only)anyways so i used the alakaline batt. (with a small amount of foam around it) to block it. Extended the batt. wires so that it would reach the input jack(where the plug goes in?? duh !). Since EMG's has less magnetic pull and the battery blocking the tremolo i now have "MORE" natural SUSTAIN.
U won't believe how easy it is to get the harmonics in 1,3 and 5.
Clean Mode:
I just love it. NO HUM !
Driven Mode:
Small hiss ( won't be heard when playin )

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal players try EMG-81's

Comments: Definitely satisfied. Will try humbuckers on diff guitars for the more open sound probably JB's and PAF's

Pickup features: Active single coils
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Matthias Jabs Strat
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Fender Fat 50's
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 81
Artists using this pickup: Gilmour
You musical style(s): blues, rock, ect
Reason for pickup change: wanted to try the EMG's for myself

Perceived output level: Hot for a single coil. Surprisingly good distorted, somewhat dull clean
Tone: even, but something isn't there
Sonic evaluation: Marshall JCM 800, Peavey CLassic 30 and a Vox AS 30

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: My style is a lot like Gary Moore, and David Gilmour....with some Zappa oddness tossed in for good measure. Good pickup for high energy applications or when you need a driven single coil and hate the noise.

Comments: Haven't decided if I like these yet, I still have the original pickup/guard setup and may go back to it to get a more natural tone. EMG's are great for distorted lead but I am not sure if I really will use them much over the long run. The guitar I put them in is a backup so for a song here or there these pickups can be fun.

Pickup features: Active Single Coil
Impedence or other specs: dunno, don't care

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson Dinky JS20
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Jackson pickups in neck and middle...
Other pickups on guitar: EMG 85 in bridge
Artists using this pickup: eric clapton....uh....lukathier, etc
You musical style(s): Punk, Hardcore, whatever i feel like playing
Reason for pickup change: I installed an EMG 85 previously, and was told that active and passive pickups would not work together...so i was kinda forced to purchase these, although i was happy to oblige. Stock pickups were just really cheap and muddy.

Perceived output level: Pretty hot, not as hot as the 81 and 85, but still hot.
Tone: pretty balanced...very clear tone, but has some bass (unlike previous single coils). Sounds EXCELLENT when using neck and middle pickups in parallel.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a 40 watt peavey Envoy 110, which is good for bedroom use, but not much else. This pickups sound great though this amp, even though it's solid state.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Excellent match for any style of music that requires clear leads and clean sounds.

Comments: If these pickups were stolen, then i'd be very very fucking pissed. I'd probably just buy a new guitar if it was stolen, but i'd certainly re-outfit it with EMG pickups, they rock.

Pickup features: Active single coil
Impedence or other specs: Check the EMG site

Model of guitar or bass: Kramer Focus 3000, Fender Strat Plus, Carvin DC-135
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Styock Kramers, Fender Lame Sensors, Stock Carvins
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-81
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock - from metal to blues
Reason for pickup change: Wanted good tone.

Perceived output level: Not as hot as the 81, but still kinda hot
Tone: Balanced tone
Sonic evaluation: Typically played through an almost stock BF Fender Bassman Head into 2 -12" Weber VST speakers (1-Chicago and 1-Thames) mounted in a Mesa/Boogie 4x12" Recto Cabinet (the other 2-12" speakers are Celestion Vintage 30's for a distorted lead tone from a Boogie amp). I usually play with a Fender clean tone when using the neck and middle pick-ups. These pick-ups sound great for that. Don't believe anyone who says that EMG's make all guitars sound the same. I have three electrics (all Strat shaped), all EMG equipped, and they all sound a little different. Strats still sound like Strats and Les Pauls still sound like Les Pauls, only better in my opinion.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Suitable for clean tones up to SRV type overdriven tones, probably not a first choice for high distortion tones.

Comments: I've been playing for about 25 years. Sure I'd buy them again (I already have). The Strat Plus also has the SPC and EXG controls (see EMG's site). I never use the SPC on the neck and middle PU's and never use the EXG on the bridge PU, and even then I only use each one a little. And I never, ever, ever use both at the same time (talk about a sonic mess). I'd like to lose the SPC and replace it with a master tone control, then have the EXG control the neck and middle PU's ONLY. Anything I wish it had? Yep, a way to have the SA clean tone and the 81 distorted tone from the same pick-up. Wishes don't have to be realistic do they? I'm happy with my PU's contribution to my sound. I'm happy with my guitar's, amp's, and speaker's contributions. Effects...now that's different.

Pickup features: active humbucker with strat single coil size and sound
Impedence or other specs: see http://www.emginc.com/

Model of guitar or bass: Music Man Steve Lukather Signature
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: -
Other pickups on guitar: EMG-SA in middle, EMG-85 at bridge
Artists using this pickup: who cares?
You musical style(s): who cares?
Reason for pickup change: I'd like to have a hum free single coil sound

Perceived output level: normal, see below
Tone: see below
Sonic evaluation: see below

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: doesn't apply

Comments: In a shop I was playing on a Music Man Steve Lukather Signature a
strat style guitar with vintage tremolo locking tuners and EMG-85/SA/SA. The amp was a Hughes & Kettner Triamp. For clean settings I used channel 1a, for high gain distortion channel 3b. I read a lot on the high output,
hum free performance of the SA. To my astonishment I had to ask
the owner of the shop for raising the pickups. When the top of the neck pickup was almost at the heigh of the fretboard the SA were *as* loud as SD Vintage Staggered Strat on a Hamer Daytona, which is Hamers strat copy.
Played clean the SA had less bass than the Duncans and sounded
different, but not in an unpleasant way. I don't spend too much time
on the clean sound since the reason not to consider these pickups for
guitars became obvious with the high gain channel.
With high gain I heard a high amount of hiss that disappeared when
the guitars volume knob was rolled back. I repeated the test with the
Hamer. The Duncans are not humbucking, thus their hum level was higher, but they had far less hiss.
Hence the SA's benefit of less hum is foiled by a high amount of hiss.
I don't spend money on exchanging hum against hiss.
I believe that the coil design of the SA is very inefficient and
a high gain preamp is used to compensate the lack of signal strengh.
Thus the hiss.
The EMG-85 at the bridge did not impress me, too.