EMG55 vs EMG5515 — Compare
EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG 35J-R Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG HA is a guitar pickup designed for studio and clean tones with upper-midrange articulation, while the EMG 35J is a bass pickup engineered for funk and jazz with tight low-end focus. Choose the HA if you play electric guitar and want single-coil clarity in a humbucker housing; choose the 35J if you play bass and need punchy midrange response.
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Specs side by side
| EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG 35J-R Active Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Compact humbucker-sized housing requires no guitar routing modifications
- ✓ 3.7 kHz resonant frequency optimized for articulate lead work and note separation
- ✓ Extremely low -90 dBV noise floor ensures pristine clean tones at high gain
Why choose EMG 35J-R Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Extended J-bass housing (38 × 89 mm) fits standard J-bass cavities without modification
- ✓ 4.8 kHz resonant frequency delivers punchy midrange ideal for funk and jazz bass
- ✓ 18V power system compatibility provides enhanced headroom for studio and live use
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups compatible with each other's instruments?
No. The EMG HA is designed for electric guitar and fits humbucker cavities. The EMG 35J is a bass pickup sized for J-bass cavities (38 × 89 mm extended housing). They serve completely different instruments and cannot be cross-used.
Which pickup works better for heavy music and thick tones?
Neither is ideal. The EMG HA documentation explicitly states it is not suited for heavy metal or thick rhythm tones. The EMG 35J is also listed as not ideal for metal applications. Both are engineered for articulate, focused tones rather than heavy aggression.
Do both pickups have the same battery life and power requirements?
Yes, both operate at 80 microamps from a single 9V battery with approximately 3000 hours of battery life. The 35J offers additional flexibility with up to 27 VDC maximum supply voltage, allowing 18V operation for enhanced headroom if your bass supports it.
What is the main tonal difference between these pickups' resonant frequencies?
The EMG HA operates at 3.7 kHz, emphasizing upper-midrange articulation for lead clarity. The EMG 35J operates at 4.8 kHz with focus on midrange punch and tight bass definition. The difference reflects their respective instruments and playing styles.