What does 'long shaft' mean, and do I need it?

The long-shaft control configuration accommodates deeper guitar cavities and non-standard control layouts that standard pickups cannot reach. If your guitar has a deeper cavity or custom electronics routing, this version will fit where standard EMG pickups may not.

Is this pickup good for metal and modern rock?

Yes. The ceramic magnet design and 4.05 kHz resonant frequency produce articulate highs and controlled midrange presence ideal for aggressive playing styles and modern recording. It's well-suited to high-gain tones and dense mixes.

Will this work in traditional jazz or folk?

This pickup is voiced for modern rock and metal; traditional jazz and folk players typically prefer warmer, vintage-voiced pickups with more midrange bloom. The EMG H's punchy, articulate character works best in high-gain and contemporary contexts.

How long does the battery last, and what's included?

The 9V battery lasts approximately 600 hours of use. The package includes a battery clip set, Quik-Connect cable, output jack, split-shaft volume and tone control set, screws, springs, and mounting hardware—no soldering required.

How does the EMG H compare to other active pickups?

The EMG H delivers single-coil articulation in a humbucker housing, sitting between the aggressive EMG 81 and more vintage-voiced alternatives like the Seymour Duncan Duckbucker. It prioritizes clarity and output consistency over coloration, making it a straightforward upgrade for players seeking tonal precision.

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. 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 H Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory

The EMG H delivers articulate, punchy single-coil character housed in a standard humbucker format, making it a straightforward drop-in retrofit for gigging musicians seeking clarity without rewiring complications. The long-shaft control configuration accommodates deeper guitar cavities and non-standard control layouts. This active design maintains consistent output and frequency response across instrument variations, ideal for players who demand live reliability and tonal precision night after night.

Active Electronics & Power Requirements

Powered by a single 9V battery with a rated lifespan of 600 hours, this active system operates at 400 microamps @ 9V and accepts a maximum supply of 27V DC for extended headroom in high-output applications. The included battery clip set and Quik-Connect cable enable straightforward installation and future maintenance without soldering, keeping you stage-ready with minimal downtime.

Sonic Character & Specifications

A ceramic magnet and optimized coil design produce a resonant frequency of 4.05 kHz with 10 kΩ output impedance, yielding controlled midrange presence and articulate highs. This frequency curve cuts through a live mix, suits aggressive playing styles, and remains tonally balanced across standard guitar amplifiers in any venue.

Key Features

Active single-coil design in humbucker housing
Ceramic magnet construction
Long-shaft configuration for custom control cavity depths
Resonant frequency: 4.05 kHz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw @ 9V: 400 microamps
Battery life: 600 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Includes split-shaft volume/tone control set
Includes Quik-Connect cable, output jack, battery clip set, screws & springs
Ivory color finish

The EMG H Long Shaft combines proven active circuitry with single-coil voicing, delivering a dependable tonal upgrade for working players prioritizing output consistency and articulate definition under the stage lights.