EMG7662 vs EMG7876 — Compare
EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Red vs EMG 40HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Red
The EMG HX is an active single-coil designed for studio work and custom builds with articulate highs and hum rejection, while the 40HZ is a passive soapbar suited to rock and blues with warm midrange and no battery requirement. Choose the HX if you need single-coil clarity in a non-standard cavity; pick the 40HZ if you want plug-and-play passive tone in a standard soapbar slot.
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EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
Specs side by side
| EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Red | EMG 40HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
- ✓ Active electronics eliminate hum despite single-coil design
- ✓ Long shaft accommodates deeper or custom-routed cavities
- ✓ Higher output and consistent signal across dynamic range
- ✓ Piano-like clarity with articulate highs ideal for studio recording
Why choose EMG 40HZ Passive Soapbar Pickup in Red
- ✓ No battery required—true set-and-forget passive design
- ✓ Standard soapbar format fits existing cavities without routing
- ✓ Warm, balanced midrange responsive to pick dynamics and tone controls
- ✓ Straightforward wiring and compatible with wider range of amp types
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is easier to install?
The 40HZ is simpler—it's passive with standard soapbar dimensions, so it fits directly into existing soapbar cavities and requires no battery wiring. The HX requires a 9-volt battery and active electronics setup, and may need cavity routing adjustments depending on your guitar's depth.
Can I use these in the same guitar?
No. The HX is a single-coil design requiring single-coil routing, while the 40HZ is a soapbar format requiring soapbar cavities. They cannot be swapped into each other's routing type without significant modification.
Which has less noise?
The HX uses active circuitry to reject hum from a single-coil design, making it exceptionally quiet. The 40HZ is passive and maintains a low noise floor typical of passive pickups, but doesn't actively cancel hum like the HX.
Which is better for traditional rock and blues?
The 40HZ is designed specifically for rock and blues, offering warm midrange and responsiveness to pick dynamics. The HX is optimized for studio clarity and articulate highs, making it less traditional in character.