Is this a drop-in replacement for my guitar?

Yes, the H1-B integrates directly into any standard passive guitar wiring scheme and requires no power source or active electronics. The 0.388" pole piece spread fits standard six-string instruments, and the 5-wire cable connects to your existing pots and switches.

What genres does this pickup work best for?

The H1-B is voiced for rock, metal, hard rock, studio sessions, and gigging. Its focused, articulate midrange and ceramic clarity make it less suited to jazz or folk playing styles.

Can I switch between different tones without rewiring?

Yes—the 5-wire cable provides series/parallel switching capability, letting you dial in tonal flexibility without opening the guitar back up.

How does the H1-B compare to active EMG pickups?

The H1-B is passive, so it requires no batteries and integrates into standard wiring. It delivers balanced output with ceramic clarity rather than the hotter, more compressed response of EMG's active models like the 81.

What are the key specifications?

DC Resistance is 13.65 kOhm, inductance is 7.15 Henries, and the resonant frequency is 1.65 KHz (loaded), which emphasizes midrange definition. The pickup features ceramic and steel magnets with over wound coils for enhanced output.

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 H1-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG H1-B is a straightforward passive humbucker built for players who want traditional electromagnetic response without batteries or active circuitry. This bridge-position pickup delivers a balanced output with ceramic magnet clarity, making it a reliable drop-in replacement or upgrade path for gigging musicians seeking passive operation with modern construction standards.

Tone & Electronics

Built with ceramic and steel magnets and over wound coils, the H1-B produces a focused, articulate voice with a DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm and inductance of 7.15 Henries. The 1.65 KHz resonant frequency (loaded condition) positions the pickup's peak response in the midrange, emphasizing string definition and cut through a live mix without excessive brightness or mud.

Design & Specifications

The pickup features a 5-wire cable that allows series/parallel switching for tonal flexibility without rewiring. Housing finished in black with silver logo details, the 0.388" (9.85mm) pole piece spread ensures proper alignment across standard six-string instruments. As a passive pickup, it requires no power source and integrates directly into any standard passive guitar wiring scheme, making it road-ready and maintenance-free.

Key Features

Ceramic and steel magnet construction
Over wound coils for enhanced output
DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
Inductance: 7.15 Henries
Resonant Frequency: 1.65 KHz (loaded condition)
Pole Piece Spread: 0.388" (9.85mm)
5-wire cable with series/parallel switching capability
Black Chrome housing with silver logo
Bridge position configuration
Passive operation — no power requirements

The H1-B combines passive reliability with EMG's precision manufacturing, delivering dependable on-stage performance for players prioritizing electromagnetic simplicity and tonal directness.