AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best EMG Single Coil Pickups 2026
The top pick is EMG DG20 David Gilmour Pre-Wired Loaded Strat Pickguard ($303). EMG SA BK gives you the most for the money at $87. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 22 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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EMG DG20 David Gilmour Pre-Wired Loaded Strat Pickguard
DG20 David Gilmour · EMG
22 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
This is a fantastic option for players chasing that classic Pink Floyd tone. The EMG SA pickups, combined with the EXG and SPC, deliver a surprisingly versatile sound palette while maintaining that instantly recognizable Gilmour character. It's a premium-priced, ready-to-go solution for serious Strat enthusiasts.
Pros
- SA pickups nail Gilmour’s signature chime and warmth.
- Prewired pickguard simplifies installation, a huge time saver.
- EXG expands tonal range beyond standard Stratocaster sounds.
Cons
- The white pearl pickguard might not suit all aesthetic preferences.
- Limited pickup selection; only suited for Gilmour-esque tones.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$303 now$303€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This EMG SA/SA/81 set is a fantastic choice for players wanting a blend of classic single-coil chime and aggressive humbucker power. It's a great upgrade for guitars where you want versatility – from clean, glassy tones to searing leads – and the solderless system makes it surprisingly accessible for DIY installs. Ideal for players who want a modern edge without losing that vintage warmth.
Pros
- AlNiCo 5 magnets deliver a warm, articulate vintage tone.
- The 81 bridge pickup provides aggressive high-output for modern styles.
- Solderless system simplifies installation, a real boon for many players.
Cons
- The active circuitry demands a battery, adding to maintenance.
- The high output of the 81 may clash with some amp setups.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$253 now$253€225 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This EMG S/S/81 set is a cool hybrid – you get the raw power of the 81 bridge paired with surprisingly versatile single coils in the neck and middle. It’s a fantastic choice for players who want a modern, aggressive tone with some clean clarity, perfect for rock, metal, and even heavier styles where you want some definition.
Pros
- The 81 bridge pickup delivers EMG's signature aggressive, high-output crunch.
- Ceramic single coils provide articulate cleans and a modern, defined midrange.
- Solderless system simplifies installation, a huge benefit for many players.
Cons
- Active pickups require a 9V battery, adding potential maintenance and weight.
- The high output might be overwhelming for players seeking vintage, low-gain tones.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$269 now$269€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
EMG SL20 Steve Lukather HSS Prewired Loaded Pickguard
SL20 Steve Lukather · EMG
8 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
This is Steve Lukather’s signature EMG set, designed for a bright, clear, and punchy tone that cuts through the mix. Perfect for players who want that modern rock and pop sound with a touch of vintage warmth – think Toto, Journey, and that kind of vibe. It’s a premium-priced option, but delivers a lot of pro-level features right out of the box.
Pros
- Lukather’s signature voicing delivers a modern, articulate, and balanced tone.
- The 85 humbucker in the bridge provides a powerful, defined high-gain option.
- Prewired setup simplifies installation and ensures optimal EMG performance.
Cons
- The fixed configuration limits tonal flexibility for players seeking versatility.
- The prewired nature may restrict customization for advanced modification enthusiasts.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$258 now$258€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These SA pickups are a solid choice for Strat players wanting a vintage vibe with a little extra oomph. The active circuitry adds noticeable sustain and clarity, while the Alnico 5 magnet keeps things sounding warm and articulate – perfect for blues, classic rock, and anything needing that slightly fatter, more defined single-coil voice.
Pros
- Alnico 5 magnet delivers a sweet, articulate vintage tone
- Solderless installation simplifies upgrades, even for beginners
- EMG’s active circuitry provides increased sustain and clarity
Cons
- Active pickups require a 9V battery, adding to maintenance
- The 'medium' output may still feel quiet for high-gain players
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The EMG RA-2 Pro is a smart choice for Strat players wanting classic tones without the noise. It's a fantastic, pre-wired upgrade that nails that 60s/70s vibe—perfect for blues, rock, and anything needing a touch of vintage warmth and clarity, especially if you hate dealing with ground loops.
Pros
- Active circuitry eliminates hum and buzz, a huge benefit for stage use.
- The Crossroads voicing delivers authentic vintage Strat tones with modern clarity.
- Pre-wired pickguard simplifies installation, a real time-saver for most players.
Cons
- Active pickups require a 9V battery, adding to maintenance and potential failure.
- The fixed wiring limits customization options for advanced tonal tweaking.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$291 now$291€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The JMaster is a clever setup – you get that classic single-coil vibe with a modern EMG edge. The pre-wired pickguard makes it a breeze to drop into a Strat-style guitar, and those EQ controls are a nice touch for fine-tuning your sound. This is ideal for players seeking a vintage-inspired tone with increased clarity and a bit more punch.
Pros
- Hand-wound Alnico 5 coils deliver a surprisingly nuanced vintage tone.
- Pre-wired pickguard simplifies installation, especially for less experienced users.
- Active preamp adds clarity and sustain without excessive distortion.
Cons
- Limited pickup positions restrict versatility for players needing bridge-only or middle options.
- Active circuitry demands a power source, impacting battery life and potential noise.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$359 now$359€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These EMG SA single coils are a smart choice for players wanting that classic, slightly gritty vintage tone with a little extra juice. The active design gives you a consistent signal and a surprisingly articulate sound, making them great for blues, rock, and even some funk styles. They’re a budget-friendly way to inject some vintage vibe into your guitar.
Pros
- Alnico magnets deliver a warm, vintage-voiced character.
- Active circuitry provides a consistent, powerful output.
- Cream (ivory) cover offers a classic aesthetic appeal.
Cons
- Active pickups require a 9V battery, adding maintenance.
- Limited tonal versatility compared to passive single coils.
35AudioFu
Index↓ 4.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$100 · Aug 17$96 now$96€85 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The EMG S4 BK is a surprisingly versatile noiseless single-coil. It’s a solid upgrade for players seeking a hotter, more aggressive tone without the hum, especially in Strat-style guitars. It’s a great budget-friendly option for rock, funk, and modern country players who want a clear, punchy sound.
Pros
- Ceramic magnets deliver a tight, articulate low-end response.
- Rail design effectively eliminates hum and noise, a noticeable upgrade.
- Solderless system simplifies installation, especially for DIYers.
Cons
- The ceramic magnet sound isn't for everyone; lacks vintage warmth.
- High output may require adjustments to amp settings and EQ.
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These EMG SAX single coils are a clever way to get a hotter, more defined vintage single-coil sound without the usual microphonic issues. The pre-amp really adds some juice, making them ideal for players wanting a more aggressive edge in genres like blues rock or even some funk. They're a great option for players wanting a little extra something without a full-on humbucker vibe.
Pros
- AlNiCo V magnets deliver a warm, articulate vintage tone.
- The built-in preamp boosts output, adding clarity and sustain.
- Includes all necessary wiring components for straightforward installation.
Cons
- Active circuitry requires a 9V battery, adding to maintenance.
- Limited tonal flexibility compared to passive single coils.
All 22 single coil pickups
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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EMG S3 BKEMG33Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 12
EMG S Singlecoil BKEMG33Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
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EMG T-52 System BKEMG33Stable$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 14
EMG T System BlackEMG33Stable$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 15
EMG 85 Humbucker Guitar PickupSet SA/SA/85 Black · EMG · 2 finishes33Stable$269€239$269€239Check ↗
- 16
EMG 81 Humbucker Guitar PickupSet SA/SA/81 WH · EMG31Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
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EMG VG20 Vince Gill Prewired Loaded PickguardVG20 Vince Gill · EMG31Stable$300€267$300€267Check ↗
- 18
EMG 89 Humbucker Guitar PickupSet SA/SA/89 Black · EMG30Stable$287€255$287€255Check ↗
- 19
EMG SA Set BKEMG · 2 finishes22Stable$228€203$228€203Check ↗
- 20
EMG Crossroads Set BKEMG · 2 finishes22Stable$246€219$246€219Check ↗
- 21
EMG T Set BlackEMG20Stable$167€148$167€148Check ↗
- 22
EMG S Set BKEMG20Stable$246€219$246€219Check ↗
Single Coil Pickups by the numbers
Measured across all 398 models we track, not a sample.
Median $258 — half of all single coil pickups here cost less.
How to choose the best single coil pickups
Active Circuitry
This is the big one. EMGs are active pickups, meaning they have their own preamp. This gives them a hotter output than passive single coils, more sustain, and a tighter low-end. It's not 'more' in a bad way - it's a different kind of low-end, more focused and controlled.
Midrange Focus
Forget that scooped-mid, glassy Fender tone. EMGs generally have a pronounced midrange presence. It's not a harsh honk, but a fat, driving midrange that really helps your notes cut through, especially in a band setting. Great for rhythm work and lead lines that need to be heard.
Dynamic Range (or Lack Thereof)
Active pickups, by nature, compress the signal. You lose some of that nuanced dynamic response you get from a passive single coil. Chicken pickin' and subtle swells will feel a little less expressive. It's a trade-off for that increased output and sustain.
Build Quality & Reliability
EMG pickups are built like tanks. The ceramic magnets and robust construction mean they're gig-ready and less prone to failure than some of the cheaper alternatives. You're paying for that reliability, and it shows.
Installation & Wiring
Active pickups require power - a 9V battery or external power supply. While the wiring isn't overly complicated, it's something to consider. Also, the preamp can introduce a little noise if your setup isn't grounded properly - something to keep an eye on.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking into EMG single coils? Most folks think EMG and immediately jump to their humbuckers, but they've been quietly crafting some seriously interesting single coils for years. They're not your grandpa's Fender vibe, that's for sure - EMGs bring a unique sonic fingerprint to the single coil party. Let's dive into what makes them tick and which ones are worth your money, especially if you're chasing a specific sound.
Don't go in expecting a vintage Strat clone. EMGs are a different beast. If you're chasing that classic Fender twang, these aren't for you.
However, if you want more punch, sustain, and a focused midrange for rock, blues, or even country, they're worth a look. Paying for the higher-end models gets you slightly better shielding and potentially a more refined voicing, but even the entry-level EMGs are solid performers.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 32 single coil pickups from the Thomann catalogue (of 398 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are EMG single coils noisy?
Active pickups can be noisier than passives, especially if your grounding is poor. However, EMGs are generally well-shielded, and the active preamp actually helps to reject some hum. It's less noisy than you might think.
Do I need a special amp for EMG single coils?
Not necessarily. They work fine with any amp, but their inherent clarity and midrange focus really shine with a clean or slightly overdriven amp. A darker amp might muddy their sound a bit.
Can I use a 9V battery or do I need an external power supply?
Both work. A 9V battery is convenient, but external power supplies offer longer battery life and can sometimes improve noise performance.
Are EMG single coils easy to install?
They're not rocket science, but there's a little more involved than replacing a passive pickup. You'll need to connect the ground wire and the power leads. Watch a few YouTube tutorials if you're not comfortable.
How do EMG single coils compare to Bare Knuckle single coils?
Bare Knuckles are typically more like traditional single coils-passive, dynamic, with a more nuanced feel. EMGs are more aggressive, hotter, and deliver a more compressed, focused tone. It really depends on your desired sound.
