EMG Pro-Series RA-2 RetroActive Pre-wired Pickguard

The EMG RetroActive Strat Series are pre-wired pickguard assemblies that are available in two versions. The Pro-Series RA-2 is loaded with the Crossroads Set producing Strat tones reminiscent of legendary players like Clapton, Beck and Hendrix. Each pickup is voiced with a different resonant frequency giving an amazing balance when combined in positions 2 or 4 and all the blues tone you're used to in position 1, 3 and 5. Players will enjoy all the benefits of active pickups with the dynamic response of vintage passives. Like their Retro Active Humbuckers you get vintage tone with no buzz or hum. The RA-2 system features the traditional 1 Volume control, 2 tone controls (High-End rolloff), and a 5 position selection switch. In both Systems each pickup position (Neck/Mid/Bridge) have their own resonant frequency. With different resonant frequencies for each pickup, the in-between tones (positions 2 and 4 on the switch) are strongly pronounced.

The Neck pickup having the highest resonance (around 4.5Khz) with a very fluid, even sparkly response. The middle pickup is typically around 3.5Khz, while the bridge pickup is built for bite and "in your ear" direct tone with a resonance in the 3Khz region. You'll notice the slightly lower Resonant Frequencies of the Alnico 2 set because of the added iron in the magnets, giving the coils slightly more inductance.

The Alnico 2 version magnets have a lower amount of magnetism and have a slightly higher iron content yielding a mellower attack… read more and a rounder overall tone. Because both sets feature Pole Pieces rather than a solid bar magnet (EMG-SA Style) their attack is typically more percussive.

The RetroActive Pickups use EMG's discreet FET preamp that has more than enough headroom for a single coil pickup and is so low-noise you won't even know your guitar is plugged in. No need for string grounding, so no shock hazard. Low-impedance output so you can sound the same through a cable as well as wireless. and on top of that the whole system only requires 600 Micro-Amps of 9 Volt battery power.

The Systems are completely pre-wired for installation directly into most Strat Style Guitars. The pickguard is a modern style with 11 holes. read less