What genres and tunings is the H4 best suited for?

The H4 excels in metal, hard rock, heavy blues, and drop-tuning applications where punchy midrange and articulate string separation are essential. It is not designed for jazz, folk, or country playing styles.

Do I need active electronics or a battery to use this pickup?

No. The H4 is a fully passive humbucker that requires no active circuitry, batteries, or special preamp wiring—it works directly with your guitar's standard controls and cable.

How does the H4 compare to other high-output humbuckers?

The H4 sits between the Seymour Duncan Custom Custom and DiMarzio Super Distortion in aggression, with a higher midrange peak than the active EMG 81, delivering tight definition and reduced feedback ideal for modern heavy music.

Is this a direct replacement for my existing humbucker?

Yes. The H4 is a direct replacement humbucker with standard mounting, and it includes a 5-wire Quik-Connect cable for quick installation into most guitar cavities.

What does the fully shielded construction do?

Full shielding minimizes 60-cycle hum and external noise interference, ensuring clean, quiet operation whether you're recording in a studio or playing live in any environment.

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 H4 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Ivory

The EMG H4 is a high-output passive humbucker built for players who want aggressive, defined tones without the complexity of active circuitry. This pickup delivers substantial midrange punch and articulate string separation, cutting through on stage in heavy rock, metal, and blues rigs. The ivory finish works with both traditional and modern aesthetics, blending seamlessly into any instrument.

Electrical Characteristics

With a DC resistance of 13.65 kΩ and inductance of 7.37 H, this pickup generates high output while keeping clarity across the frequency spectrum. The 1.65 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes midrange presence, delivering the punchy articulation needed for tight, percussive playing styles and live reliability.

Construction & Shielding

The two bar-loaded coils with ceramic bar magnets and bar pole pieces create a focused magnetic field that locks in definition and reduces feedback—essential for gigging without unexpected noise. Full shielding minimizes 60-cycle hum and external interference, ensuring consistent, clean operation in any venue.

Key Features

Passive humbucker configuration — no active electronics required
Two bar-loaded coils with ceramic bar magnets
Bar pole pieces for focused magnetic field
DC resistance: 13.65 kΩ
Inductance: 7.37 H
Resonant frequency: 1.65 kHz
High output passive design
5-wire Quik-Connect cable for quick installation
Direct replacement humbucker mounting
Fully shielded construction
Ivory finish
Manufactured in the United States by EMG Inc.

The H4 pairs passive simplicity with the output and presence needed to cut through a mix on stage, backed by EMG's track record of dependable manufacturing.