EMG5337 vs EMG5425 — Compare
EMG HBCS Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory vs EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
The HBCS is a bass-specific humbucker pickup with warm, extended low end, while the SA is a guitar single-coil pickup with articulate midrange bite and clarity. The HBCS suits bass players in funk and rock; the SA suits guitar players seeking single-coil character without passive hum.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG HBCS Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG HBCS Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory | EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $105.00 | $105.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG HBCS Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Designed specifically for bass with extended low-end response and warm tone
- ✓ Compact P-Style humbucker housing fits standard bass cavities with minimal modification
- ✓ Internal active preamp eliminates external boxes for clean, straightforward installation
Why choose EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
- ✓ Classic single-coil articulation and punchy midrange bite ideal for guitar styles
- ✓ Exceptional noise rejection (-101 dB at 60 Hz) eliminates passive single-coil hum
- ✓ Extended 3000-hour battery life and transparent signal transfer with 4-conductor wiring
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these pickups interchangeably between bass and guitar?
No. The HBCS is engineered for bass frequencies with a P-Style housing and ceramic/steel magnet optimized for low end. The SA is a guitar pickup with Alnico V magnets and a 3.70 kHz resonant frequency designed for midrange clarity. Each is built for its instrument class.
Which genres do these pickups serve best?
The HBCS excels in funk, rock, and studio bass work. The SA is marketed for pop, rock, studio, and home recording on guitar. Neither is recommended for traditional jazz applications.
What are the key electrical differences?
The HBCS uses a ceramic/steel blended magnet and includes a 25K volume control. The SA uses an Alnico V bar magnet, produces 1.00 V on single string and 3.00 V on strum, and features 4-conductor wiring with 10 Kohm output impedance. Both operate on 9V batteries and offer active noise rejection.
Which pickup has better battery life?
The SA is rated for 3000 hours of battery life. The HBCS description does not specify battery life duration, so the SA offers documented extended runtime for players who leave instruments connected for long periods.