EMG2018 vs EMG2026 — Compare
EMG H1A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
The H1A-N is an over-wound Alnico/Steel neck pickup voiced for articulate clarity and vintage character, while the H2-B is a ceramic/steel general-purpose humbucker with lower output and easier installation. Choose the H1A-N for players prioritizing tonal definition and vintage voicing; choose the H2-B for those building or retrofitting guitars who value simplicity and broad genre compatibility.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| EMG H1A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H1A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Over-wound coils deliver articulate midrange clarity with warm definition
- ✓ Higher DC resistance (13.65 kOhm) provides more output and sustain
- ✓ Dual resonant frequencies (1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz) shape naturally focused tone
- ✓ Optimized for neck-position responsiveness and single-note clarity
Why choose EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Lower DC resistance (8.4 kOhm) suits broader range of guitar wiring schemes
- ✓ Solderless connector system speeds installation and reduces soldering
- ✓ Ceramic/Steel construction offers traditional character with straightforward operation
- ✓ Compact dimensions and US manufacturing ensure reliable fit and consistency
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these pickups?
The H1A-N is over-wound with Alnico/Steel magnets and dual resonant peaks designed for articulate clarity and vintage character, especially in neck position. The H2-B uses ceramic/Steel construction with a single resonant frequency optimized for balanced, traditional tone across more genres.
Which pickup has more output?
The H1A-N has higher DC resistance at 13.65 kOhm compared to the H2-B at 8.4 kOhm, resulting in greater output and sustain. This makes the H1A-N more suitable for players seeking presence and definition.
Are these pickups easy to install?
The H2-B features a solderless connector system that simplifies wiring and reduces installation time. The H1A-N uses a 5-wire quick-connect output with shielding, which is also straightforward but may require basic soldering skills depending on your guitar's existing wiring.
Which pickup is better for metal or hard rock?
Both pickups are not ideal for metal or djent styles. The H1A-N is optimized for blues and jazz clarity, while the H2-B is more suited to hard rock but lacks the high output or aggressive voicing that metal requires.