Do I need a battery to power this pickup?

No—the H1A-B is fully passive and requires no battery or external power. It operates on pure electromagnetic principles, making it ideal for players who want reliability without ongoing maintenance.

Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The H1A-B has a standard 2.75 x 2.38 x 6 inch footprint and fits most humbucker cavities as a drop-in replacement. The included mounting screws and quick-connect cable make installation straightforward.

How does the tone compare to other passive humbuckers?

The H1A-B's 7.80 Henry inductance and 1.65 kHz resonant frequency emphasize articulate midrange and controlled highs while maintaining traditional humbucker warmth. Its Alnico/Steel magnet and over-wound coils deliver natural breakup and harmonic definition comparable to classics like the Seymour Duncan 59, with modern shielding and electrical stability.

Can I change the wiring configuration after installation?

Yes—the 5-wire quick-connect system supports series, parallel, and split-coil wiring without soldering, making future tweaks and experiments easy to execute.

Is this pickup noisy on stage or in the studio?

No—the H1A-B features full electromagnetic shielding to minimize noise pickup, and its 80.80 kOhm impedance at resonance ensures stable output across cable lengths and input impedances in both environments.

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 H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG H1A-B is a passive humbucker that cuts through live mixes with articulate, balanced tone without requiring onboard power or active circuitry. Its over-wound coils and Alnico/Steel magnet construction produce clarity across the frequency spectrum while maintaining traditional humbucker character. This pickup suits working musicians seeking vintage-inflected performance with modern construction standards and zero battery concerns on stage.

Tonal Character & Electrical Specs

With an inductance of 7.80 Henries and DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm, this pickup achieves a resonant frequency of 1.65 KHz (series wired) that emphasizes midrange presence and controlled highs—essential for sitting tight in a band mix. The 80.80 kOhm impedance at resonance ensures stable output across cable lengths and input impedances, making it rock-solid in both studio and touring applications.

Connectivity & Integration

The 5-wire quick-connect output allows series, parallel, and split-coil wiring configurations without soldering, streamlining installation and quick onstage repairs if needed. Full electromagnetic shielding minimizes noise pickup—critical for quiet stages and high-gain players—and the included EMG Quik-Connect Cable and mounting screws provide everything needed for drop-in replacement in most humbucker cavities.

Key Features

Alnico/Steel (A/S) magnet type for balanced tone and natural breakup
7.80 Henries inductance for controlled midrange emphasis
13.65 kOhm DC resistance suitable for high-impedance amplifier inputs
1.65 KHz resonant frequency (series wired) optimizes harmonic definition
80.80 kOhm impedance at resonance for stable electrical performance
5-wire quick-connect system enables multiple wiring configurations
Fully shielded construction reduces electromagnetic interference
Over-wound coil design for enhanced output and tonal complexity
2.75 x 2.38 x 6 inch footprint fits standard humbucker routing
Passive operation requires no battery or external power source
Includes EMG Quik-Connect Cable and mounting hardware
Brushed Black Chrome finish resists fingerprints and corrosion

The H1A-B combines passive reliability with sophisticated electrical characteristics, delivering the tonal flexibility and onstage dependability expected from EMG's engineering without the maintenance overhead of active electronics.