What's the difference between this passive pickup and an active EMG?

The H1A-B requires no onboard power or battery, eliminating noise floor and offering passive stability. It delivers lower output (13.65 kOhm DC resistance) with natural compression and emphasis on midrange clarity, whereas active EMGs typically provide higher output and consistent signal across wider frequency ranges.

Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The pole piece spacing of 0.388 inches conforms to standard Tune-o-matic bridge geometry, making it compatible with most electrics designed for standard humbucker installations. Verify your guitar's bridge type and humbucker cavity dimensions before purchasing.

What genre and tuning is this best suited for?

The H1A-B excels in progressive and hard-rock applications. It is not optimized for extreme metal or drop tunings, where higher output and darker voicings typically perform better.

What comes in the box?

The pickup ships with a 5-wire Quik-Connect cable and mounting screws, eliminating the need to source additional hardware for installation.

How does its tone profile compare to similar pickups?

The H1A-B is voiced for articulate midrange and note separation with controlled resonant peaks at 3.00 kHz (loaded). It sits tonally between the vintage warmth of a Seymour Duncan 59 and the higher-output aggression of a DiMarzio Super Distortion, offering clarity without extreme coloration.

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 Gold

The EMG H1A-B is a passive humbucker built for players who want articulate, controlled output without the noise floor of active electronics. Its compact footprint and balanced response work equally well in tight bridge positions or as a full-range neck option, delivering clarity across rhythm and lead work without requiring onboard power or battery changes mid-gig.

Tone & Electronics

Over-wound coils paired with Alnico V magnets yield a response curve centered at 3.00 KHz (loaded), emphasizing midrange definition while controlling resonant peaks. The 13.65 kOhm DC resistance produces moderate output with natural compression, ideal for players who value note separation and harmonic content over sheer volume—especially live where clarity cuts through the mix.

Design & Build

Pole piece spacing of .388" (9.85mm) conforms to standard Tune-o-matic bridge geometry, ensuring proper alignment and magnetic coupling. The pickup arrives ready to install with included 5-wire Quik-Connect cable and mounting screws, meaning no hunting for compatible parts or wiring headaches before showtime.

Key Features

Passive design—no power source or battery required
Alnico/Steel magnet configuration with over-wound coils
DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
Inductance: 7.80 Henries
Resonant Frequency (unloaded): 1.65 KHz
Resonant Frequency (loaded): 3.00 KHz
Impedance at Resonance (unloaded): 80.80 kOhm
Pole Piece Spread: .388" (9.85mm) standard Tune-o-matic spacing
Includes 5-wire Quik-Connect cable
Includes mounting screws
Product Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.38 x 6 inches
Brushed Gold finish detail on logo

The H1A-B pairs passive stability with refined midrange voicing, making it a dependable swap for players moving away from active systems or building instruments that need reliable, maintenance-free tone night after night.