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

The H3A is entirely passive—no battery or active circuitry required—yet delivers comparable output and presence through over-wound Alnico V coils and carefully tuned resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz. It offers a warm yet aggressive tone with dynamic response to pick attack, while active pickups like the 81 provide more preamp-driven sustain and compressed response.

Can I switch between single-coil and humbucker tones with this pickup?

Yes. The included 5-wire cable enables series/parallel switching, so you can dial in everything from tight single-coil-like articulation in parallel mode to full humbucker body and output in series mode.

What genres and playing styles is the H3A best suited for?

The H3A excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate midrange punch, percussive clarity, and tight low end are priorities. Its focused, aggressive character is less suited to jazz and blues playing.

Will this fit my guitar without modification?

Yes. The H3A is a direct replacement for any standard humbucker-routed cavity with standard pole spread (0.388 inches / 9.85 mm) and uses a short shaft configuration. Standard 5-wire wiring makes installation straightforward.

What is the output level and impedance of the H3A?

The H3A has a DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm, inductance of 7.67 Henries, and impedance at resonance of 83.30 kOhm, delivering balanced, articulate output suitable for high-gain and studio applications without requiring external power.

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 Chrome

The EMG H3A is an over-wound passive humbucker built for players who want articulate midrange punch and dynamic response—no batteries, no active circuits. This Brushed Chrome finish variant delivers the classic H3A character: tight lows, focused mids, and controlled treble in a look that pairs cleanly with modern and vintage finishes alike. Drop it into any humbucker-routed cavity with standard wiring; no modifications needed.

Tone & Frequency Response

Dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz plant this pickup squarely in the vocal midrange, cutting through dense live mixes and delivering percussive definition on stage. Alnico V magnets paired with over-wound coils create a warm yet aggressive voice that tracks your pick attack and dynamic touch faithfully.

Electrical Specifications & Wiring

DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm and inductance of 7.67 Henries yield balanced output without external power—just plug it in and play. The included 5-wire cable unlocks series/parallel switching, letting you dial anywhere from tight single-coil-like articulation to full humbucker presence without routing or soldering headaches.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet construction
Over-wound coils for enhanced output and presence
DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
Inductance: 7.67 Henries
Resonant Frequency 1: 1.72 kHz
Resonant Frequency 2: 2.92 kHz
Impedance at Resonance: 83.30 kOhm
Standard pole spread (0.388" / 9.85 mm)
5-wire cable for series/parallel switching
Passive design—no battery required
Standard spacing, short shaft configuration
Direct replacement for humbucker-sized cavities

The H3A marries passive reliability with articulate, midrange-forward tone—a gigging essential for players who demand responsive dynamics and a zero-hassle wiring path.