EMG3628 vs EMG3631 — Compare
EMG H2-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome vs EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The H2-N is a neck-position pickup voiced for classic rock and blues with smooth, warm character, while the H2A-B is a bridge-position pickup with Alnico V magnets designed for rock, metal, and modern genres that need to cut through the mix. Choose the H2-N if you're building a vintage-leaning or blues-focused guitar; choose the H2A-B if you need articulate, punchy bridge tone for heavier or contemporary styles.
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EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H2-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H2-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ Neck-position design with smooth, articulate response ideal for lead and rhythm in classic rock
- ✓ Ceramic magnet construction delivers warm sustain and vintage character
- ✓ Dual resonant peaks at 2225 Hz and 4000 Hz create balanced midrange suitable for blues and classic rock
Why choose EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ Bridge-position humbucker with Alnico V magnet for modern clarity and controlled cut-through-the-mix presence
- ✓ Slightly higher inductance (4.90 H vs 4.53 H) and optimized resonance peaks (2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz) for heavier styles and studio use
- ✓ Versatile for rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive genres without sacrificing vintage warmth
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these as a matched pair in one guitar?
Yes—the H2-N (neck) and H2A-B (bridge) are designed to work together as a passive humbucker set. Both have 8.4 kOhm DC resistance and require 500K pots, making them electrically compatible for a cohesive tone.
What's the main tonal difference between ceramic and Alnico V magnets?
The H2-N's ceramic magnet delivers warmer, smoother sustain with vintage character, while the H2A-B's Alnico V magnet provides articulate clarity and better cut-through in a band mix. Alnico V also offers more dynamic response to picking dynamics.
Do these pickups require a battery or power supply?
No—both are fully passive humbuckers with no active circuitry, so they need no battery or external power. They work with any standard guitar wiring and amplifier.
Which is better for metal and heavy rock?
The H2A-B is recommended for metal and hard rock because its Alnico V magnet and resonance peaks are optimized for controlled output and clarity under distortion. The H2-N's ceramic construction and warm sustain suit blues and classic rock better.