Is soldering required to install the H4A?

No. The H4A uses a 5-wire Quik-Connect system that allows tool-free wiring and installation without soldering, making it straightforward to install or swap out in the future.

What guitars is this pickup compatible with?

The H4A uses standard humbucker mounting and fits any guitar equipped with dual-coil pickup routes. It's a direct retrofit replacement for existing humbuckers.

Does this pickup need a battery?

No. The H4A is a fully passive humbucker, so it requires no external power or battery—just plug it in and play.

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

The H4A delivers comparable high output and aggression as an active pickup but without requiring a battery, thanks to its Alnico V magnets and 13.65 kΩ resistance. It's ideal if you want professional-grade tone and noise rejection without the maintenance of active electronics.

Is the H4A suitable for jazz or blues?

The H4A is engineered specifically for metal, hard rock, and modern rock with high-gain settings. Its aggressive, articulate character is not voiced for jazz or blues applications.

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 Ivory

The EMG H4A is a high-output passive humbucker engineered to deliver aggressive, articulate tones without requiring external power. Built with Alnico V bar magnets and fully shielded construction, this pickup cuts through live mixes with clarity and sustain in modern rock and metal settings. The iconic ivory finish and robust engineering make this a reliable choice for gigging players and touring musicians who demand professional-grade reliability night after night.

Electrical Performance

With a DC resistance of 13.65 kΩ and inductance of 8 H, the H4A produces high output while maintaining definition across the frequency spectrum. Resonant frequency sits at 1.6 kHz (with standard 500K volume/tone controls and 20' cable) or 2.87 kHz (with 1MΩ/47pF configuration), allowing you to dial in your desired tonal character based on your wiring scheme.

Design & Installation

The 5-wire Quik-Connect wiring system streamlines installation and future modifications without soldering. Standard humbucker mounting ensures compatibility with any dual-coil equipped guitar, while the fully shielded design eliminates unwanted noise in high-gain settings—essential for tight, clean tracks on stage or in the studio.

Key Features

Passive dual-coil humbucker configuration
Alnico V bar magnets for warm, balanced response
13.65 kΩ DC resistance — high output without active circuitry
8 H inductance for sustained harmonic content
1.6 kHz resonant frequency (500K/20' cable configuration)
2.87 kHz resonant frequency (1MΩ/47pF configuration)
5-wire Quik-Connect system for tool-free wiring
Fully shielded for minimal electromagnetic interference
Standard humbucker mounting — direct retrofit compatibility
Ivory finish
Manufactured in the United States

The H4A combines passive simplicity with the aggressive output modern players expect, making it an excellent choice for drop-tuned and high-gain applications where noise rejection and tonal definition are essential for dependable live performance.