What's included in the box?

The H3 comes with the pickup, EMG Solderless Install System, and a 5-wire quick-connect output for tool-free installation. No soldering required.

Can I use this in both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the H3 is designed for both neck and bridge positions and ships with configuration options for each. The two stud piece loaded coils maintain noise rejection in either location.

How does the H3 compare to the EMG 81/85 or Seymour Duncan 59?

The H3 is a passive humbucker unlike the active EMG 81/85, delivering articulate, natural breakup without active circuitry. It shares a classically balanced voice with the Duncan 59 but offers lower noise and more defined midrange clarity.

Is this pickup suitable for high-gain and extreme metal?

The H3 excels in clean and moderate driven tones with focused clarity; it is not designed for extreme metal or high-gain shredding applications where boosted output and higher saturation are priorities.

What is the DC resistance and output level?

The H3 has a DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm and inductance of 7.4 H, producing controlled, balanced output suitable for both clean and driven tones without excessive gain stacking.

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 H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG H3 is a classically voiced passive humbucker engineered for players who prioritize articulation and clean, controlled output without the noise floor of vintage designs. Its brushed black chrome finish and compact profile integrate seamlessly into modern and vintage guitar builds alike, delivering balanced response across neck and bridge positions.

Tone & Electronics

Over wound coils paired with ceramic magnets produce a defined midrange with natural breakup characteristics. A DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm, inductance of 7.4 H, and dual resonant frequencies at 1725 Hz (primary) and 3000 Hz (secondary) combine to shape a pickup with focused clarity and predictable harmonic content suitable for both clean and driven tones on stage and in the studio.

Design & Installation

The two stud piece loaded coils configuration provides noise rejection while maintaining the simplicity of passive operation. Installation is streamlined with the included EMG Solderless Install System and 5-wire quick-connect output, eliminating traditional soldering requirements and enabling quick swaps between neck and bridge positions—essential for players who gig frequently or rotate through multiple instruments.

Key Features

Over wound coils with ceramic magnets
DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
Inductance: 7.4 H
Resonant Frequency: 1725 Hz (primary), 3000 Hz (secondary)
Impedance @ Resonance: 80.2 kOhm
Pole distance: 9.85 mm
Two stud piece loaded coils for noise rejection
5-wire quick-connect output
EMG Solderless Install System included
Brushed Black Chrome finish
Neck and bridge position configuration
Manufactured in the USA

The H3 delivers passive humbucker performance with technical precision and US manufacturing quality, making it a direct and dependable choice for working musicians upgrading or repairing their instrument's electronics.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Gigging, Clean Tones, Driven Tones
Tonal character	Articulate, balanced midrange, controlled output, natural breakup, focused clarity
Less specialized for	Extreme Metal, High-Gain Shredding (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional