Do I need a battery or external power supply to use the H4A?

No. The H4A is a fully passive design with no active circuitry, so it requires no batteries or external power—just connect it to your standard wiring.

Will the H4A fit my guitar?

Yes, the H4A uses standard humbucker dimensions and fits any guitar with a standard humbucker cavity. The included mounting screws work with existing humbucker routes, and the 5-wire Quik-Connect output simplifies wiring.

What styles of music is the H4A best suited for?

The H4A is designed for blues, rock, and classic rock. Its warm, articulate tone with natural dynamics response excels in those genres; it is not recommended for metal or djent playing styles.

How does the H4A compare to active EMG pickups?

Unlike active EMG designs, the H4A is passive and delivers a warmer, more traditional humbucker character without compression or the need for batteries. It responds directly to pick dynamics and finger technique.

What is included with the H4A?

The pickup comes with a 5-wire Quik-Connect cable for easy wiring, mounting screws for standard humbucker cavities, and a fully shielded metal body to eliminate noise pickup.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG H4A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome

The EMG H4A is a vintage-voiced passive humbucker that delivers articulate, balanced tone without requiring external power. Built with alnico magnets and traditionally wound coils, this pickup sits cleanly in the midrange and responds naturally to pick dynamics and finger technique, making it a straightforward retrofit for players seeking classic humbucker character in a modern shielded package.

Tone & Frequency Response

Dual resonant peaks at 1600 Hz and 2875 Hz create a presence peak that cuts through live mix while maintaining body in the low-midrange. The 13.65 KOhm DC resistance and 8 Henry inductance work together to produce a warm, focused output that stays articulate at stage volumes, ideal for blues, rock, and classic rock without the compressed aggression of active designs.

Construction & Live Reliability

Fully shielded metal construction eliminates noise pickup—critical for stage use and tight recording sessions, while Alnico V bar magnets and vintage-wound coils preserve traditional harmonic content and deliver consistent output night after night. The 5-wire Quik-Connect output simplifies wiring and allows quick swaps between rigs, and the included mounting screws fit standard humbucker cavities for hassle-free installation.

Key Features

Vintage wound coils with Alnico V bar magnets
DC Resistance: 13.65 KOhm
Inductance: 8 Henries
Resonant Frequency (1): 1600 Hz
Resonant Frequency (2): 2875 Hz
Impedance at Resonance: 80.5 KOhm
5-wire Quik-Connect output connector
Fully shielded, metal body construction
Passive design—no external power required
Includes 5-wire Quik-Connect cable and mounting screws
Brushed black chrome finish
Standard humbucker dimensions (4.00" W × 1.00" H × 8.00" D)

The H4A combines classic passive tone with modern convenience, delivering dependable performance for gigging musicians seeking authentic humbucker voice without batteries or external circuitry to troubleshoot on the road.

Best suited for	Blues, Rock, Classic Rock
Tonal character	Warm, articulate, balanced midrange, natural dynamics response, vintage character
Less specialized for	Metal, Djent (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional