What does passive mean, and why does it matter?

Passive means this pickup has no active electronics or battery requirement—it relies purely on the Alnico V magnet and vintage wind construction to generate signal. This design delivers natural responsiveness to pick dynamics and amp interaction, with zero maintenance and full compatibility with any standard guitar amplification chain.

Can I switch between series and parallel wiring without soldering?

Yes. The 5-wire cable connector allows series/parallel switching, so you can reshape the tone and output level without internal rewiring or soldering—useful for balancing brightness and punch across different playing styles and amplifiers.

Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The H2A-B fits any standard humbucker cavity and uses Tune-o-matic bridge spacing (0.388-inch pole piece spread), which covers the vast majority of modern and vintage guitars. Verify your guitar has a standard humbucker cavity before purchasing.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup designed for?

The H2A-B excels in studio sessions, hard rock, progressive, and blues. Its balanced output and controlled midrange make it less ideal for extreme metal or djent applications, where you may want higher output or more aggressive coloration.

How does the EMG H2A-B compare to active EMG pickups or other brands like Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio?

The H2A-B is passive, so it requires no battery and offers more natural dynamic response than active pickups. It compares directly to the Seymour Duncan 59, DiMarzio Super Distortion, and Bareknuckle Burnt Ends—all vintage-character humbuckers—but the EMG's articulate tone and resonance design give it clarity and definition without excessive output 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 H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome

The EMG H2A-B is a passive humbucker built for players who want articulate, responsive tone without active circuitry. Its compact footprint and brushed chrome finish work equally well in modern or vintage rigs. This pickup bridges classic character with contemporary clarity—a dependable choice for gigging musicians and session players working across multiple genres.

Tone & Electronics

Built on an Alnico V magnet with vintage wind construction, this pickup delivers balanced output with controlled midrange presence. The dual resonant frequencies of 2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz, combined with 8.40 kOhm DC resistance and 4.90 Henries inductance, produce definition across the harmonic spectrum without excessive coloration. The 65.40 kOhm impedance at resonance ensures compatibility with standard guitar amplification chains and effects loops.

Design & Installation

This pickup accommodates Tune-o-matic bridge spacing with a 0.388-inch (9.85mm) pole piece spread. The 5-wire cable connector permits series/parallel switching, allowing tonal shaping without soldering or internal rewiring. Dimensions of 2.75 × 2.38 × 6 inches confirm straightforward mounting in standard humbucker cavities.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet construction
Vintage wind for articulate, responsive tone
DC Resistance: 8.40 kOhm
Inductance: 4.90 Henries
Dual resonant frequencies: 2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz
Impedance at resonance: 65.40 kOhm
Pole piece spread: 0.388" (9.85mm) — standard Tune-o-matic spacing
5-wire cable connector for series/parallel switching
Dimensions: 2.75 × 2.38 × 6 inches
Brushed chrome finish
Passive design — no active electronics or batteries required
Standard humbucker cavity mounting

The H2A-B delivers passive humbucker performance with modern switching flexibility—a reliable upgrade for players prioritizing tonal control and straightforward installation on the road or in the studio.