EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4490
Description
EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG H4A is a no-nonsense passive humbucker that cuts through on stage without needing a battery or external power supply. It delivers a focused, articulate voice with dual-resonance character that produces clarity in the highs and controlled midrange punch—definition without the noise of single-coils or the coloration of active systems. Works straight into standard wiring; no complications.
Electrical Characteristics
Operating at 13.65 kOhm DC resistance with an inductance of 8 Henries, this pickup establishes a balanced impedance curve across its dual resonant peaks of 1600 Hz and 2875 Hz. The 80.5 kOhm impedance at resonance keeps output tight with minimal frequency bloat—essential for live gigs where note separation and tonal control matter under stage lights and through a full PA.
Construction & Connectivity
Built with Alnico V bar magnets wound in vintage style and fully shielded to eliminate interference, the H4A maintains clean signal integrity in electrically noisy venues and on the road. The 5-wire Quik-Connect output streamlines installation and allows flexible wiring configurations without soldering—get it in the guitar and on stage faster.
Key Features
- DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
- Inductance: 8 Henries
- Resonant Frequency (Primary): 1600 Hz
- Resonant Frequency (Secondary): 2875 Hz
- Impedance at Resonance: 80.5 kOhm
- Alnico V bar magnets with vintage wound coils
- Fully shielded construction
- 5-wire Quik-Connect output
- Mounting screws and springs included
- Pickup cable included
The H4A combines passive reliability with refined tonal character—a dependable swap for players who want clarity and separation without extra gear, uptime without batteries, and straightforward installation.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H4A is a passive humbucker that delivers articulate, focused tone with tight lows and controlled midrange punch—no battery required. Built for intermediate to professional players who need clarity and note separation on stage without active electronics coloration, it's ideal for hard rock and metal where definition cuts through the mix. The Alnico V construction, dual-resonance character, and Quik-Connect wiring make it a reliable drop-in upgrade that plays well with standard guitar electronics.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Blues
- – Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a battery or power supply to run this pickup?
No. The H4A is a fully passive design with no active electronics, so it requires no external power or battery. It integrates directly into standard guitar wiring.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The H4A excels in hard rock, metal, and progressive music where tight definition and note separation are priorities. It is not recommended for blues or jazz, where a warmer, more open tone is typically preferred.
Is soldering required to install the H4A?
No soldering is needed. The pickup features a 5-wire Quik-Connect output that streamlines installation and allows flexible wiring configurations without solder work. Mounting screws, springs, and a pickup cable are included.
How does the H4A compare to active EMG pickups or other passive humbuckers?
Unlike active EMG pickups (such as the 81), the H4A operates entirely passively, avoiding the compressed character and battery dependence of active systems. Compared to the Seymour Duncan 59 and DiMarzio Super Distortion, the H4A offers tighter lows, more controlled midrange punch, and enhanced note separation with a focus on clarity and definition.
What are the key electrical specifications?
The H4A operates at 13.65 kOhm DC resistance with 8 Henries inductance, dual resonant peaks at 1600 Hz and 2875 Hz, and an impedance at resonance of 80.5 kOhm. It is wound on Alnico V bar magnets with vintage-style coils and full shielding to eliminate interference.
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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.