What makes the H3A different from active EMG pickups like the 81/85?

The H3A is entirely passive—it requires no battery or power supply—making it simpler to install and maintain while still delivering thick output and articulate tone through its overwound coil design and Alnico V magnets. It compares tonally to passive models like the Seymour Duncan '59 and DiMarzio Super Distortion, offering warm sustain with modern wiring flexibility.

Will the H3A fit my guitar without modification?

The H3A is designed for standard Tune-o-matic bridge spacing (9.85mm pole piece spread) with a short shaft configuration that fits most guitar cavities without modification. Always measure your current pickup cavity and bridge spacing to confirm compatibility before purchasing.

What is the 5-wire cable used for?

The 5-wire configuration enables series/parallel switching and single/dual-coil blending through external switch wiring, giving you switchable tonal options on demand. This flexibility is ideal for custom builds and retrofits where you want multiple voicings from one pickup set.

What is the tone character of the H3A?

The H3A delivers thick output, articulate midrange, and warm sustain with balanced presence across bridge and neck positions. Its dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz create definition that cuts through a mix without harshness, making it versatile for studio and live use across rock, metal, and alternative genres.

Is this pickup suitable for a beginner?

The H3A is best suited for intermediate to advanced players doing custom builds or retrofits, as it requires understanding of wiring configurations and integration into existing electronics. Beginners should consider simpler plug-and-play options.

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 Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG H3A is a passive humbucker built for players who need versatile, stage-ready tones without the hassle of active electronics and batteries. Its overwound coil design and Alnico V magnets deliver thick, articulate output across bridge and neck positions, while the 5-wire configuration lets you wire in series/parallel switching and single/dual-coil blending for live flexibility.

Tone & Live Performance

Dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz with impedance readings of 83.3 kOhm at resonance create a balanced midrange that cuts through a mix without losing warmth. The 13.65 kOhm DC resistance and 7.67 Henry inductance of these overwound coils ensure punchy output and natural sustain that holds up on stage and in the studio.

Drop-In Fit & Wiring Options

Designed for standard Tune-o-matic bridge spacing with 9.85mm pole piece spread, the short shaft configuration installs into most guitar cavities without routing. The 5-wire cable makes it straightforward to integrate into custom wiring schemes, enabling series/parallel and coil-split options with external switching for players who want tonal variety at their feet or pickguard.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet type for classic, articulate tone
Overwound coil design for enhanced output and midrange definition
9.85mm pole piece spread (standard Tune-o-matic bridge spacing)
7.67 Henries inductance
13.65 kOhm DC resistance
Dual resonant frequencies at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz
83.3 kOhm impedance at resonance
5-wire cable for series/parallel switching and coil-split configurations
Short shaft with standard spacing
Brushed Black Chrome finish
Passive design — no battery or power supply required
Made in the United States

The H3A delivers passive humbucker character with modern wiring flexibility, making it the go-to choice for players building or retrofitting instruments with switchable tonal options for any gig.