What comes in the box with this pickup set?

The set includes the ALX HOB passive humbuckers, the integrated ABQ preamp with 3-band EQ, a stereo output jack, battery buss, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables for installation.

How long does the battery last, and what voltage does it use?

The 9V battery provides approximately 1500 hours of runtime at normal operating current (195 microamps). The system also supports higher voltages up to 27V DC for extended headroom if needed.

Can I turn the EQ on and off while playing?

Yes, the 3-band EQ is activated or deactivated via a push/pull control, so you can switch between the raw passive tone and shaped tone without interrupting your performance.

What genres and playing styles are these pickups designed for?

These pickups excel in hard rock, metal, and progressive music where articulation, high output, and clear definition are essential. They are not recommended for jazz or folk styles.

How do these compare to other active pickup systems?

Unlike fully active pickups, the ALX HOB uses passive overwound humbuckers paired with a transparent preamp, preserving natural harmonic complexity while offering active EQ shaping. This gives you the tone warmth of passive pickups with modern shaping control and longer battery life than traditional active systems.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $13 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG ALX HOB Red/Black Screws Passive Humbucker Pickup Set

The EMG ALX HOB pairs slightly overwound humbuckers with an integrated ABQ 3-band EQ system, delivering articulate, high-output tone and real-time shaping without the weight of a full active setup. This set captures the natural harmonic complexity of passive pickups while the onboard preamp's 20dB maximum gain gives you controlled boost and EQ sculpting on stage—all running for 1500 hours on a single battery.

Pickup Specifications & Tone

Built with ceramic/steel magnets, 8.40 kOhm DC resistance, and 4.53 Henries inductance, these slightly overwound humbuckers cut through a live mix with clarity and definition while retaining the warmth of passive construction. The preamp's transparent gain stage preserves natural harmonic complexity, making these pickups reliable for both studio and stage work without sacrificing tone.

Preamp & Electronics

The integrated ABQ EQ/BOOST preamp provides a 3-band EQ adjustable via push/pull control, letting you dial in your tone on the fly without losing signal integrity. With 500 Kohm input impedance, 2.00 Kohm output impedance, and a claimed 1500-hour battery life at 195 microamps @ 9V, this system runs efficient and transparent, supporting voltages up to 27 volts DC for extended headroom.

Key Features

Standard Tune-O-Matic string spacing (49mm)
Ceramic/Steel magnet construction
DC Resistance: 8.40 kOhm
Inductance: 4.53 Henries
3-band EQ with push/pull activation/deactivation
Input Impedance: 500 Kohm
Output Impedance: 2.00 Kohm
Maximum Gain: 20dB
Battery Life: 1500 hours @ 9V
Current draw: 195 microamps @ 9V
Maximum Supply: 27 Volts DC
Made in United States
Includes ABQ preamp, stereo output jack, battery buss, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables

The ALX HOB strikes a practical balance for touring and session work: passive pickup feel and sustain, active EQ control for soundcheck adjustments, and battery efficiency that won't leave you stranded mid-gig.