EMG3969 vs EMG3996 — Compare
EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome vs EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The H3A is a passive pickup for purists wanting natural dynamics and no battery maintenance, while the 60 is an active pickup offering consistent output, tighter low end, and professional studio reliability. Choose H3A for organic feel and simplicity; choose 60 for controlled, predictable tone across any signal chain.
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EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ No battery required — set and forget
- ✓ Responsive to pick attack and finger dynamics for organic feel
- ✓ Alnico V magnets deliver warm, natural saturation
- ✓ Lower maintenance and lower long-term cost
Why choose EMG 60 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Active electronics provide consistent output voltage regardless of cable length
- ✓ Tighter, more controlled low end cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Built-in buffering protects tone in long cable runs
- ✓ Ceramic magnets with peaked midrange (2.95 kHz) for studio clarity
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup needs battery maintenance?
Only the EMG 60 requires a 9V battery, rated for approximately 3000 hours of use (roughly four months at 8 hours daily). The H3A is fully passive and needs no battery.
Which has tighter low end and cuts through better?
The EMG 60 is tuned specifically for tight low-end definition and a peaked midrange at 2.95 kHz. The H3A has dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz, emphasizing warmth and natural response instead of controlled aggression.
Are both suitable for metal and hard rock?
Yes, both are excellent for metal and hard rock. The H3A excels at responsive, organic saturation ideal for dynamic playing, while the EMG 60 delivers tight compression and controlled output favored in studio and live metal contexts.
Which is better for long cable runs on stage?
The EMG 60's active circuitry with built-in buffering protects tone over long cable runs. The H3A's passive design can suffer some high-frequency loss with extended cables, though modern shielded cables minimize this.