EMG5118 vs EMG520 — Compare
EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG 45P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG H3 is a passive guitar humbucker for rock and metal, while the EMG 45P is an active bass soapbar for funk and studio bass work—they serve entirely different instruments and genres. Choose the H3 if you play guitar and want warm, mid-forward tone without batteries; choose the 45P if you play 6-string bass and need articulate low end with active electronics.
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EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG 45P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG 45P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or active circuitry maintenance
- ✓ Versatile in both neck and bridge positions on guitars
- ✓ Natural dynamics with warm, punchy character ideal for rock and metal
- ✓ Solderless installation system with all components included
Why choose EMG 45P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Professional active electronics deliver high output and tonal control for bass
- ✓ Purpose-built for 6-string bass with split-coil P-style clarity
- ✓ Compact soapbar housing fits standard bass cavities
- ✓ Solderless wiring simplifies retrofit into existing bass configurations
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups compatible with the same instrument?
No. The H3 is a guitar humbucker and the 45P is a bass soapbar—they are designed for different instruments and cannot be used interchangeably.
Which one requires a battery?
Only the EMG 45P requires a battery because it uses active electronics. The H3 is entirely passive and needs no power source.
Can either pickup work in multiple positions?
The H3 works equally well in neck or bridge positions on a guitar. The 45P is designed as a single bass pickup and position flexibility is not a concern for bass applications.
Do both include installation hardware?
Yes. Both come with solderless installation systems that include all necessary components, potentiometers, output jacks, cabling, and connectors for drop-in installation.