EMG5343 vs EMG5347 — Compare
EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The H1A-B is a passive pickup requiring no battery, while the F-57 is an active bridge pickup designed specifically for Floyd Rose tremolo systems and demanding high-gain styles. Choose the H1A-B for straightforward passive wiring and versatile humbucker routing; choose the F-57 if you play a Floyd Rose guitar and want active electronics with low noise and tight high-end articulation.
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EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Fully passive design—no battery required
- ✓ 13.65 kOhm resistance balances output with note separation
- ✓ Works in any standard humbucker cavity with simple installation
- ✓ Dual resonant peaks emphasize midrange and articulation across rock and metal
Why choose EMG F-57 Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active electronics deliver consistent output and minimal noise
- ✓ Floyd Rose spacing ensures perfect fit on Floyd-equipped guitars
- ✓ 10K resistance and quick transient response suit high-gain and aggressive playing
- ✓ Solderless installation simplifies wiring and setup
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup should I choose for metal and hard rock?
Both suit metal and hard rock equally well. The H1A-B excels at articulation and note separation for technical playing, while the F-57 adds active electronics and low noise for heavy, sustained tones. If you have a Floyd Rose guitar, the F-57 is the only compatible choice; otherwise, the H1A-B is simpler and less expensive.
Does the H1A-B need a battery?
No. The H1A-B is fully passive and requires no battery, power source, or active circuitry. The F-57 requires a battery to operate its active preamp.
Which pickup will fit my guitar?
The H1A-B fits any guitar with a standard humbucker cavity and conventional pole spacing. The F-57 is designed only for Floyd Rose bridge spacing on 6-string guitars. Verify your guitar's bridge type and humbucker route before purchasing.
How do output and noise differ between them?
Both generate high output suitable for rock and metal. The H1A-B is passive with inherent hum characteristics typical of passive humbuckers. The F-57's active circuitry provides lower noise, more consistent output, and faster transient response, making it cleaner and tighter in high-gain applications.