Do I need batteries or active electronics to use this pickup?

No. The H4A is fully passive—it requires no onboard active circuitry or batteries. It operates like a traditional humbucker and works with any standard passive guitar wiring.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

The H4A excels in rock, blues, and hard rock. Its warm, balanced tone with defined midrange is not recommended for jazz or folk applications.

What does the Quik-Connect output mean for installation?

The 5-wire Quik-Connect connector allows tool-free installation and adjustment—no soldering required. The package includes the connector cable and mounting screws for quick setup.

How does the H4A compare to active EMG pickups like the 81/85?

The H4A is passive and delivers a more organic, naturally articulate tone compared to active EMG models, which are hotter and more compressed. Choose the H4A if you prefer classic humbucker response without active circuitry.

Is this pickup shielded against noise?

Yes. The fully shielded vintage-wound coils and chrome-plated stainless steel housing eliminate electromagnetic interference while preserving warm, balanced tone.

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 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome

The EMG H4A is a passive humbucker that delivers classic, naturally articulate tone without requiring onboard active electronics. Its vintage-wound coils and fully shielded construction eliminate noise while preserving the organic response of traditional humbucker designs. This pickup suits players seeking passive operation with modern manufacturing precision and reliability for gigging and studio work alike.

Tone & Output Characteristics

A DC resistance of 13.65 kΩ and 8 Henries inductance yield a warm, balanced output with defined midrange presence. The dual resonant frequencies at 1600 Hz and 2875 Hz ensure smooth response across the frequency spectrum, translating to clear articulation on stage and punchy performance in rock, blues, and hard rock settings.

Design & Build Quality

The chrome-plated stainless steel housing provides both aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance—essential for road-tested reliability across venues and climates. Fully shielded vintage wound coils minimize electromagnetic interference, while the 5-wire Quik-Connect output allows for quick installation and adjustment without soldering, streamlining setup and future modifications on tight turnarounds.

Key Features

Passive humbucker with Alnico V bar magnets
DC resistance: 13.65 kΩ
Inductance: 8 Henries
Resonant frequency (1): 1600 Hz
Resonant frequency (2): 2875 Hz
Z @ Resonance (1): 80.5 kΩ
4-wire conductor plus shield configuration
5-wire Quik-Connect output for tool-free installation
Vintage wound coils with full electromagnetic shielding
Chrome-plated stainless steel housing
Includes mounting screws and Quik-Connect cable

The EMG H4A combines classic passive humbucker character with modern manufacturing standards and convenient Quik-Connect connectivity—built to perform night after night.