Does this pickup require a battery?

No. The H2A-B is a fully passive design with no battery or external power required. You install it and play with no ongoing power management.

What position should this pickup go in?

This is a bridge-position pickup. It is not designed for neck installation.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The H2A-B is built for rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive music. It is not recommended for jazz, folk, or blues applications.

How does the EMG H2A-B compare to active EMG pickups like the 81?

The H2A-B delivers the same refined EMG character and articulate midrange as active models, but without batteries or onboard electronics. The trade-off is slightly less output gain, but the passive design is simpler to install and maintain.

Will this pickup fit my current guitar wiring?

The H2A-B uses EMG's exclusive 5-wire quick-connect output for simplified installation. Standard EMG-equipped guitars or guitars with standard humbucker cavities can accommodate it; consult your guitar's specifications or a technician if you're upgrading from a different brand.

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 H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black

The EMG H2A-B delivers articulate, focused output from a compact passive design that requires no batteries or external power. Built for bridge position installation, this pickup balances clarity with traditional humbucker fullness, making it a straightforward upgrade path for players who want EMG character without active circuitry.

Tone & Electronics

An Alnico V magnet combined with 4.9 Henries inductance and a DC resistance of 8.4 kOhm produces a naturally articulate response with defined note separation. The dual resonant peaks at 2,125 Hz and 3,825 Hz shape a midrange-forward character that cuts through live mix without requiring onboard EQ or gain staging from your front-of-house tech.

Design & Build

This passive design eliminates battery dependence while maintaining EMG's engineering standards and compatibility. The EMG exclusive 5-wire quik-connect output simplifies installation and allows straightforward swaps with other EMG systems, keeping stage setup and maintenance straightforward on the road.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet configuration
4.9 Henries inductance
8.4 kOhm DC resistance
Primary resonant frequency: 2,125 Hz
Secondary resonant frequency: 3,825 Hz
Bridge position pickup
Passive design — no battery required
EMG exclusive 5-wire quik-connect output
Black finish
Dimensions: 2.75 × 2.38 × 6 inches

The H2A-B offers the directness of passive electronics with the refined output that defines EMG's passive humbucker line—a dependable choice for gigging musicians and touring rigs.