EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5118
Description
EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG H3 is a versatile passive humbucker built to deliver thick, articulate tone without the complexity of active electronics. Over-wound coils paired with ceramic magnets produce a punchy, mid-forward character that cuts through a live mix while maintaining natural dynamics. This pickup works equally well in neck or bridge positions, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians seeking dependable passive performance night after night.
Tone & Electrical Characteristics
A DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm and 7.4 H inductance establish a warm, slightly compressed response typical of traditional passive designs. The 1.72 resonance frequency tilts the tonal character toward midrange presence, ideal for cutting lead lines on stage and maintaining clarity in dense live-sound contexts.
Installation & Integration
The EMG solderless installation system eliminates the need for soldering and includes all necessary components: 500k volume and tone potentiometers, output jack, pickup bus connectors, fixing hardware, and all required cabling. Drop-in compatibility across standard guitar cavities streamlines the swap process, whether upgrading a single position or rewiring an entire instrument.
Key Features
- Passive design—no battery required
- DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
- Inductance: 7.4 H
- Resonance Frequency: 1.72
- Over-wound coils with ceramic magnets
- Ceramic/Steel (C/S) magnet configuration
- 9.85 mm pole distance
- Suitable for neck and bridge positions
- EMG solderless installation system included
- Includes 500k volume and tone potentiometers
- Complete wiring harness with output jack and connection cables
- Manufactured in the USA
- Black Chrome finish
The H3 combines straightforward passive operation with robust components and hassle-free installation, making it a dependable choice for gigging players who want rewarding tone without active electronics overhead.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H3 is a passive humbucker that delivers thick, punchy tone with natural dynamics—no battery required. It's built for rock, metal, and hard rock players who want a pickup that cuts through live mixes while staying articulate and responsive under your fingers. The solderless installation system and included wiring harness make it a straightforward drop-in upgrade for neck or bridge position, giving you pro-level tone without the complexity of active electronics.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a battery or power supply for the H3?
No—the H3 is a fully passive design with no battery or external power required. You get straightforward passive operation with all the tone and dynamics you need.
Can I use the H3 in both neck and bridge positions?
Yes, the H3 is equally voiced for neck or bridge, making it a versatile choice if you want to upgrade a single position or rewire your whole guitar.
What's included with the H3?
The pickup comes with EMG's solderless installation system, 500k volume and tone potentiometers, output jack, pickup bus connectors, fixing hardware, and complete wiring harness with cables—everything you need for a drop-in installation.
How does the H3 compare to active EMG pickups like the 81 or 85?
The H3 delivers a warm, naturally compressed tone without active circuitry, so you retain full passive dynamics and don't need a battery. The 81 and 85 offer more output and tighter response; the H3 is better suited for players who prefer passive simplicity and traditional humbucker feel.
Is the H3 suitable for jazz or folk?
The H3 is voiced specifically for rock, metal, hard rock, and blues—its punchy, mid-forward character is not optimized for jazz or folk applications.
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.
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