Do I need a battery or preamp with the H3A?

No. The H3A is a fully passive design—it requires no battery, preamp, or onboard active electronics. Install it, wire the shielded 5-wire output, and play immediately.

What positions can I install the H3A in?

The H3A is suitable for both neck and bridge positions, making it flexible for primary or complementary upgrades in most humbucker-routed guitars.

How does the dual resonant peak design affect the tone?

Dual peaks at 1725 Hz and 2925 Hz create a balanced frequency response that avoids the single-peak coloration of conventional humbuckers, delivering articulate highs, controlled lows, and extended dynamic range.

What does the 5-wire quick-connect output do?

The fully shielded 5-wire quick-connect simplifies installation and minimizes noise, allowing fast, clean wiring without soldering complications.

How does the H3A compare to active EMG pickups?

The H3A delivers passive performance without the need for a battery or preamp circuit, offering straightforward installation and transparent tone that scales well with both vintage and modern amplifier topologies—choose it if you want clarity without active electronics.

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 H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG H3A delivers the articulate, focused response that passive humbuckers are known for, without the need for onboard electronics or battery management. Built on EMG's proprietary engineering, this pickup bridges traditional passive design with modern refinement, making it a straightforward retrofit or primary upgrade for players seeking clarity and definition across a wide tonal range—especially valuable for gigging musicians who want dependable performance without power concerns.

Electrical Performance

Tuned to dual resonant peaks at 1725 Hz and 2925 Hz, the H3A achieves a balanced frequency response that avoids the single-peak coloration of conventional designs. With 13.65 kOhm DC resistance and 7.67 Henries inductance, this pickup maintains articulate highs and controlled lows, scaling well with both vintage and modern amplifier topologies—meaning it sits right in the mix on stage and translates well through any rig.

Design & Construction

The H3A uses two stud-piece loaded coils wound over Alnico 5 magnets, with a solid cover cap in EMG's distinctive HZ design for controlled magnetic field interaction. A fully shielded 5-wire quick-connect output simplifies installation and minimizes noise, while the passive architecture means no power supply is required—drop it in and play with complete reliability on the road.

Key Features

Passive humbucker design—no battery or active electronics needed
Dual resonant peaks at 1725 Hz and 2925 Hz for balanced tonal response
DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm for controlled output and articulation
Over-wound coils with Alnico 5 magnets for extended dynamic range
Impedance at resonance: 83.3 kOhm
Two stud-piece loaded coil configuration
Solid EMG HZ cover cap design
Fully shielded 5-wire quick-connect output for easy installation
Suitable for neck or bridge position mounting
Black Chrome finish for aesthetic versatility

The EMG H3A combines straightforward installation, transparent passive performance, and EMG's proven manufacturing standards into a pickup that works equally well as a primary choice or a complement to existing electronics—a no-nonsense solution for players who demand consistency night after night.