EMG2064 vs EMG2066 — Compare
EMG H4 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
The H4 uses ceramic magnets for moderate output and natural compression when driven hard, while the H4A uses Alnico V magnets for a warmer, vintage-voiced tone with dual resonant peaks. The H4 suits blues and hard rock players who want articulate punch across gain settings; the H4A is better for classic rock and blues purists seeking vintage character without pushing into metal territory.
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Specs side by side
| EMG H4 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H4 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Ceramic magnet design delivers natural compression when driven hard
- ✓ Single resonant peak (1600 Hz) emphasizes articulate midrange definition
- ✓ Moderate output handles clean tones and driven overdrive equally well
- ✓ Best for harder rock and home recording applications
Why choose EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Alnico V magnets provide warm, vintage-voiced tone preferred by classic rock players
- ✓ Dual resonant peaks (1600 Hz and 2875 Hz) offer articulate mids with controlled highs
- ✓ 4 wire plus shield conductors enable series, parallel, or split wiring configurations
- ✓ Stainless steel housing adds durability and corrosion resistance for gigging
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between ceramic and Alnico V magnets in these pickups?
The H4's ceramic magnets deliver moderate output with natural compression when driven, favoring articulate definition across the frequency spectrum. The H4A's Alnico V magnets produce a warmer, vintage character with dual resonant peaks that emphasize both mids and controlled highs, creating a more classic, less aggressive voice.
Can beginners install either of these pickups?
The H4 is recommended for beginners through professionals with its straightforward 5-wire Quik-Connect cable. The H4A is listed for intermediate players and up, though both have simple installation; the H4A's additional wiring flexibility (4 wire plus shield) may require more knowledge to leverage fully.
Which pickup is better for metal or high-gain genres?
The H4 is better suited for hard rock and high-gain applications due to its moderate output and natural compression response. The H4A is explicitly not ideal for metal or djent styles, as its vintage-voiced, controlled tone is engineered for classic rock and blues rather than extreme gain scenarios.
Do both pickups have the same electrical specifications?
Both share identical DC resistance (13.65 kOhm) and inductance (8 Henries), but the H4A has a secondary resonant peak at 2875 Hz that the H4 lacks, resulting in different harmonic character and output coloration despite matching baseline impedance.