Do I need a battery or preamp circuit to use this pickup?

No. The H1A-N is a fully passive design with no onboard electronics or power requirements. It wires directly into your guitar's standard electronics, simplifying installation and preserving a classic signal chain.

Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The H1A-N is a standard humbucker with 0.388-inch pole spread and fits any guitar with a humbucker-routed cavity. Its 5-wire quick-connect output requires no soldering at the pickup itself, making installation straightforward.

What genres and styles is this pickup best for?

The H1A-N excels in blues, rock, jazz, and studio sessions. Its midrange-focused, articulate character is not suited for metal or djent styles, which typically require higher output and different tonal coloration.

How does the H1A-N compare to other vintage-style humbuckers?

With an Alnico V magnet, 13.65 kOhm DC resistance, and resonant peaks at 1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz, the H1A-N delivers warm, defined tone similar to Seymour Duncan 59 and Fender Custom Shop '69 models—offering clarity and dynamic range without harshness.

Can a beginner install this pickup?

Yes. The quick-connect 5-wire output and passive design eliminate soldering complexity at the pickup. Standard guitar wiring knowledge is helpful, but the H1A-N is designed for straightforward DIY replacement into any humbucker cavity.

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-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold

The EMG H1A-N is a straightforward passive humbucker that goes into any humbucker-routed guitar without onboard electronics or complication. Its Alnico V magnet structure produces warm, naturally responsive tone with excellent string definition and dynamic range. This pickup suits players who prioritize clarity and vintage-friendly output while maintaining the reliability and ease of installation EMG is known for—no power supply required, no active circuitry to troubleshoot on the road.

Tone & Magnetic Character

Built with Alnico V magnets and over-wound coils, the H1A-N achieves a DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm and inductance of 7.80 Henries, striking a balance between output and transparency. The resonant frequency peaks at 1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz, shaping a midrange-focused response that cuts through without harshness—ideal for both clean articulation and saturated lead work on stage.

Installation & Compatibility

The 5-wire quick-connect output and standard 0.388" (9.85mm) pole spread make this a direct replacement for any humbucker-sized cavity, with no soldering required at the pickup itself. As a passive design, the H1A-N requires no power supply or active circuitry, keeping your guitar's wiring simple and your setup reliable for every gig.

Key Features

Magnet Type: Alnico V
DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
Inductance: 7.80 Henries
Pole Spread: 0.388" (9.85mm) standard humbucker spacing
Resonant Frequency: 1.65 kHz (2) and 3.00 kHz (3)
Impedance at Resonance: 80.80 kOhm
Over-wound coil configuration
5-wire quick-connect output
Passive design—no power requirements
Brushed Gold finish with matching logo
Direct replacement for humbucker-routed instruments

The H1A-N pairs proven Alnico construction with EMG's quick-connect convenience, delivering passive tone without compromise or complex wiring—a straightforward swap for working musicians.