EMG5388 vs EMG5402 — Compare
EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG H1-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG HA is an active single-coil in humbucker housing offering bright articulate clarity with hum elimination, while the EMG H1-B is a passive ceramic humbucker designed for bridge position with punchy focused midrange. Choose the HA if you want low-noise single-coil definition and don't mind battery maintenance; choose the H1-B if you prefer passive simplicity and aggressive metal-ready punch.
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EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | EMG H1-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Active electronics eliminate hum completely with -101 dB noise floor
- ✓ Single-coil articulation and clarity in compact humbucker-sized housing
- ✓ Versatile across studio, live, and extended-range applications
- ✓ 600-hour battery life with flexible voltage support up to 27V
Why choose EMG H1-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Completely passive—no battery, preamp, or power supply needed
- ✓ Ceramic magnet delivers brighter, more defined tone ideal for metal and hard rock
- ✓ Solderless connector system enables fast, tool-free installation
- ✓ Overwound coil design provides punchy focused midrange and tight cutting response
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for metal and hard rock?
The EMG H1-B is specifically designed for metal and hard rock with its ceramic magnet and overwound coil delivering punchy, focused midrange and tight cutting tone. The EMG HA excels in articulate clarity but is more versatile across multiple genres.
Do I need a battery with either pickup?
Yes, the EMG HA requires a 9V battery (600-hour life) because it uses active electronics. The EMG H1-B is completely passive and requires no battery or external power—it plugs directly into your amp.
What's the tone difference between active and passive?
The EMG HA delivers bright, articulate single-coil clarity with organic harmonic content and active noise rejection. The EMG H1-B provides a punchier, more defined ceramic-magnet voice with controlled treble, optimized for cutting through dense mixes without batteries.
Are these easy to install?
The EMG H1-B features a solderless connector system for tool-free swap capability. The EMG HA includes a Quik-Connect cable but may require more involved wiring depending on your guitar's existing electronics.