EMG5390 vs EMG55 — Compare
EMG S7 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG S7 is engineered specifically for seven-string guitars with tight lows and extended-range metal applications, while the EMG HA is a versatile humbucker-sized retrofit optimized for articulate clean tones and studio work on standard guitars. Choose the S7 if you play seven-string metal or djent; choose the HA if you want single-coil clarity in a standard humbucker form factor for clean or moderately driven tones.
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Specs side by side
| EMG S7 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG S7 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Purpose-built for seven-string guitars and drop tunings
- ✓ Tight, defined low-end response ideal for heavy genres
- ✓ High output and noise rejection engineered for distortion
- ✓ Solderless Install System included for quick setup
Why choose EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Humbucker-sized housing fits standard guitars without routing
- ✓ Upper-midrange voice excels at clean articulation and studio clarity
- ✓ Extended battery life (approx. 3000 hours per 9V)
- ✓ Lower output (0.85V peak) suits controlled, precise gain staging
Frequently asked questions
What guitar type does each pickup fit?
The EMG S7 is designed specifically for seven-string guitars. The EMG HA features a humbucker-sized housing, making it a direct retrofit for standard six-string guitars without requiring body routing.
Which pickup handles heavy metal and drop tunings better?
The S7 is engineered for metal and djent with tight low-end response and high output tailored to extended-range tunings. The HA's articulate midrange voice and moderate output (0.85V peak) make it less suited to thick rhythm tones.
How do the output levels and noise floors compare?
The S7 prioritizes high output and defined response for cutting through dense mixes and distortion. The HA delivers a lower, more controlled output (0.85V peak) with a -90 dBV noise floor, favoring clean, precise articulation and studio gain staging.
Are both pickups active and battery-powered?
Yes, both use 9V battery-powered active preamps with internal shielding for noise rejection. The HA claims approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge; the S7 specifications do not detail battery longevity.