EMG5385 vs EMG5388 — Compare
EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold vs EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG H1A-B is a passive humbucker offering warm, full-bodied tone with no battery requirement, ideal for traditional blues, rock, and jazz players. The EMG HA is an active single-coil in humbucker housing delivering bright, articulate clarity with hum elimination, better suited for modern studio and live gigging across extended-range instruments.
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EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold | EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ No battery needed—true passive operation
- ✓ Warm, resonant character with balanced output across frequencies
- ✓ Standard dual-coil humbucking design reduces hum naturally
- ✓ Flexible wiring options (series/parallel) for tonal shaping
Why choose EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Active electronics guarantee -101 dB noise floor regardless of environment
- ✓ Bright 4.05 KHz resonant frequency cuts through in band mixes
- ✓ Single-coil clarity in humbucker cavity—no routing needed
- ✓ 600-hour battery life and 10 Kohm output impedance ensure reliable live performance
Frequently asked questions
Do these pickups require routing or modification to install?
No. The H1A-B replaces any standard humbucking pickup directly. The HA is a single-coil design housed in humbucker dimensions, so it also fits standard humbucking cavities without routing.
Which is better for jazz?
The H1A-B is specifically listed as ideal for jazz, offering warm, articulate tone and clear definition. The HA's bright single-coil character is listed as not ideal for traditional jazz, making it better for modern fusion or contemporary styles.
What's the key tonal difference?
The H1A-B delivers a warm, full-bodied resonant tone (1.65 KHz in series mode) with balanced output across frequencies. The HA provides bright, present articulation (4.05 KHz) with organic harmonic content and cuts through mixes—a modern, defined sound versus classic warmth.
Which requires battery maintenance?
The HA requires a 9V battery with typical life of 600 hours before replacement. The H1A-B is fully passive and never needs a battery, making it maintenance-free.