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EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Ivory vs EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG P Active is a single-coil bass pickup delivering punchy P-bass tone with active circuitry and low noise, while the EMG H4A is a passive dual-coil guitar humbucker designed for high-gain rock and metal. These are fundamentally different instruments—one fits P-bass guitars, the other fits standard electric guitars.
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EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Ivory | EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Active electronics deliver -106 dB noise floor and consistent studio performance
- ✓ Dynamic 2.00V to 4.50V output scaling responds naturally to playing intensity
- ✓ Solderless connections speed up installation on standard P-bass routes
- ✓ Exceptional battery life at 3000 hours on single 9V supply
Why choose EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery and offers rock-solid reliability onstage
- ✓ High DC resistance (13.65 kΩ) and Alnico V magnets produce aggressive, cutting tone for metal and hard rock
- ✓ Fully shielded dual coils eliminate hum while preserving natural sustain
- ✓ 5-wire Quik-Connect system enables fast installation in any standard guitar cavity
Frequently asked questions
What instruments do these fit?
The EMG P Active is built for 4-string P-bass guitars with standard P-bass pickup routes and 62.2 mm screw spacing. The EMG H4A is a guitar humbucker sized for any standard-routed electric guitar cavity using humbucker dimensions.
Which one is better for beginners?
Both are listed as suitable for beginner skill levels, but choice depends on instrument: pick the P Active if starting on bass, or the H4A if starting on guitar. The P Active's active tone-shaping and lower noise floor may be friendlier for studio learning.
How do their output and noise characteristics differ?
The P Active generates 2.00V–4.50V output with an exceptionally low -106 dB noise floor and requires a 9V battery. The H4A is passive (no battery) with 13.65 kΩ DC resistance and relies on Alnico V shielding rather than active circuitry to suppress noise.
Which handles high-gain environments better?
The H4A is specifically designed for high-gain amplifier setups in metal and hard rock. The P Active excels in studio and mixed-level performance but is optimized for bass frequencies, not guitar distortion chains.