What does passive mean, and why does it matter?

Passive pickups require no battery or external power supply, eliminating ground-loop noise and offering straightforward wiring with zero ongoing maintenance. This design delivers natural, transparent tone and reliable long-term operation without dependence on active electronics.

What genres and styles is the H2A-B best suited for?

This pickup excels in rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive music, delivering the articulate clarity and cut-through tone those styles demand. It is not optimized for jazz or blues, where darker, warmer passive pickups are typically preferred.

How does the H2A-B compare to the EMG 81 or other popular bridge pickups?

Unlike the active EMG 81, the H2A-B is passive and requires no power, offering vintage-aware warmth with contemporary clarity. Compared to the Seymour Duncan 59 and DiMarzio Super Distortion, the H2A-B's dual resonant peaks (2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz) provide controlled midrange presence and articulation without harshness, making it responsive across clean and high-gain applications.

What spacing options does it come with?

The H2A-B ships with standard spacing and a short-shaft option to accommodate various guitar designs and wiring configurations.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome

The EMG H2A-B is a bridge-position passive humbucker that delivers articulate, balanced output without requiring external power. Built on a foundation of Alnico V magnets, this pickup bridges the gap between traditional passive warmth and modern clarity, making it an excellent choice for players seeking vintage-aware tone with contemporary responsiveness.

Electrical Characteristics

Measuring 8.40 kOhm DC resistance with 4.90 Henries inductance, the H2A-B maintains dual resonant peaks at 2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz, creating a complex midrange presence that cuts through a live mix without harshness. The 65.40 kOhm impedance at resonance ensures controlled output levels compatible with standard tube and solid-state amplifiers on stage or in the studio.

Specifications & Installation

This bridge pickup measures 2.75 x 2.38 x 6 inches and ships with standard spacing and short-shaft options to accommodate various guitar designs. The passive design eliminates ground-loop noise and battery dependence, offering straightforward wiring and reliable, maintenance-free operation through years of road use and touring.

Key Features

Bridge-position humbucker (H2A-B designation)
Alnico V magnet construction
DC Resistance: 8.40 kOhm
Inductance: 4.90 Henries
Resonant Frequency (1): 2.12 kHz
Resonant Frequency (2): 3.82 kHz
Impedance at Resonance: 65.40 kOhm
Passive design — no power supply required
Standard spacing with short-shaft option
Chrome finish
Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.38 x 6 inches

The H2A-B combines proven passive tone with transparent engineering, delivering the clarity and articulation that define professional bridge pickup performance on stage and in the studio.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Articulate, balanced output, vintage warmth, contemporary clarity, controlled midrange presence
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional