EMG3693 vs EMG3697 — Compare
EMG 58 Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome vs EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG 58 is an active pickup delivering high output and hiss-free operation ideal for metal and modern rock players who want maximum clarity through dense mixes, while the EMG H2A-B is a passive pickup offering natural string definition and refined response suited to rock and metal players who prefer traditional passive tone without battery maintenance. Choose the 58 if you need aggressive, noise-free high-gain tones; choose the H2A-B if you want classic pickup behavior with lower system complexity.
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Specs side by side
| EMG 58 Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 58 Active Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ High 4.50V output on full strum cuts through dense mixes with minimal effort
- ✓ Active circuit delivers hiss-free operation even at high gains—key for heavy distortion
- ✓ Solderless installation system eliminates need for soldering and includes all required components
- ✓ Exceptional battery efficiency: 3000 hours on a single 9V battery
Why choose EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or onboard preamp—lower maintenance and simpler wiring
- ✓ Refined Alnico/Steel magnet construction produces natural string definition across frequencies
- ✓ Fully shielded construction rejects electromagnetic interference for cleaner signal
- ✓ 5-wire Quik-Connect cable enables quick swaps without soldering if guitar supports it
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for high-gain metal?
The EMG 58 is optimized for metal with its 4.50V high output, -100 dBV noise floor ensuring hiss-free operation under heavy distortion, and 1.70 kHz resonant frequency that emphasizes punchy midrange. The H2A-B is passive and naturally lower-output, making it less ideal for maximum aggression but still suitable for rock and metal.
Do I need to solder either pickup?
The EMG 58 includes a solderless installation system with integrated potentiometers and cables, requiring no soldering. The EMG H2A-B includes a 5-wire Quik-Connect cable and can avoid soldering if your guitar supports quick-connect wiring, but standard installation will require soldering.
What's the main difference in tone character?
The EMG 58 emphasizes articulate, punchy midrange with tight low-end control and maximum clarity—designed for cutting through mixes. The EMG H2A-B offers refined, natural string definition with a more balanced character across frequencies, delivering traditional passive pickup response without the aggressive voice.
Which requires less maintenance?
The EMG H2A-B requires zero maintenance as a passive pickup with no battery. The EMG 58 requires occasional 9V battery replacement, though battery life is rated at 3000 continuous hours with very low current draw.