What makes the long shaft design different, and which guitars does it fit?

The extended shaft accommodates guitars with deeper pickup cavities or offset mounting requirements that standard-depth humbuckers cannot serve. It's a drop-in replacement for both traditional and non-standard pickup configurations.

Is this pickup active or passive?

It is fully passive, meaning it requires no battery or active circuitry—just a standard humbucker cavity and wiring. This gives you direct signal integrity and eliminates the need for active electronics maintenance on the road or in the studio.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The H4A is engineered for rock, metal, fusion, and hard rock. Its high-output, thick character and articulate response make it less suitable for jazz, country, or folk applications.

How does the H4A compare to other high-output humbuckers like the EMG 81/85?

Unlike the EMG 81/85 (which are active), the H4A is a passive humbucker built on Alnico V magnets and vintage wound coils, delivering natural harmonic richness and vintage character with modern clarity instead of the compressed aggression of active designs.

What is included with the pickup?

The H4A ships with mounting screws, a 5-wire Quik-Connect cable, and the pickup itself. Installation is streamlined by the Quik-Connect system, which allows fast swaps between configurations.

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 H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Red

The EMG H4A is a high-output passive humbucker engineered for players seeking vintage character with modern clarity and punch. Its compact footprint and extended shaft design accommodate a wide variety of guitar configurations, making it a versatile drop-in replacement for both traditional and non-standard pickups. The red finish adds visual distinction while the passive architecture eliminates the need for active circuitry.

Tone & Output

Built around Alnico V bar magnets and vintage wound coils, this pickup delivers a high-output passive voice with natural harmonic richness. The 13.65 kΩ DC resistance and 8 H inductance produce thick, articulate tones suitable for rock, metal, and fusion applications without relying on active electronics. On stage, the H4A cuts through a dense mix with authority while maintaining touch sensitivity for dynamic expression.

Design & Build

The 5-wire Quik-Connect system streamlines installation and allows quick swaps between configurations—critical for gigging musicians who need reliable, repeatable setups. Fully shielded construction minimizes unwanted noise, while the extended shaft accommodates guitars with deeper cavities or offset mounting requirements that standard-depth pickups cannot serve. This long-shaft variant ensures compatibility across a broader range of instruments without permanent modification.

Key Features

Passive dual coil humbucker configuration
Alnico V bar magnet construction
Vintage wound coils for natural harmonic response
13.65 kΩ DC resistance
8 H inductance
High-output passive design
1.6 kHz resonant frequency (500K circuit)
Fully shielded for minimal noise
5-wire Quik-Connect wiring system
Standard humbucker mounting type
Long shaft variant for extended cavity compatibility
Includes mounting screws and Quik-Connect cable

The H4A combines the tactile simplicity of passive technology with the tonal authority of premium magnet materials. Ideal for players who demand direct signal integrity, reliable gig-ready performance, and authentic humbucker character without the complications of active systems.