EMG4884 vs EMG4888 — Compare
EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The H4 is a passive pickup requiring no electronics, ideal for players wanting high output with traditional wiring simplicity. The 60A is an active pickup with built-in electronics that delivers lower noise and more balanced tone, better for players prioritizing consistency and upper-midrange clarity across varied playing styles.
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EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ No battery or onboard electronics required—pure passive operation
- ✓ Higher DC resistance (13.65 kΩ) delivers aggressive, tight attack for metal and drop tunings
- ✓ Lower price tier and simpler installation without pre-wired control sets
- ✓ Ceramic bar magnet design cuts through dense mixes with articulate presence
Why choose EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Active electronics eliminate noise (–89dBV) for cleaner studio and recording tones
- ✓ Balanced midrange and upper-midrange clarity (2.95 kHz resonance) suits rock, metal, and alternative equally
- ✓ Consistent output (1.25V per string, 3.5V strum) across entire fingerboard without signal loss
- ✓ 3,000-hour battery life on single 9V with minimal current draw (80 microamps)
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup needs a battery?
Only the 60A requires a 9V battery, which lasts 3,000 hours under typical use. The H4 is completely passive and needs no battery or onboard power.
Which has lower noise?
The 60A active electronics deliver a noise floor of –89dBV at 60Hz, making it significantly cleaner for studio work. The H4 relies on shielding but does not specify noise floor measurements.
Which is better for metal and drop tunings?
The H4's higher DC resistance (13.65 kΩ) and resonant frequency of 1.65 kHz deliver the aggressive, tight midrange punch traditionally favored for metal. The 60A's more balanced character (2.95 kHz peak) suits a broader range of genres.
Are both direct replacements?
Yes, both are standard humbucker size and include solderless Quik-Connect cables. The 60A includes pre-wired control hardware, while the H4 requires only pickup installation.