What does the brushed gold finish mean for sound?

The brushed gold is a visual distinction only; it does not affect tone. The pickup uses the same active Alnico magnet electronics as other EMG HA models, delivering identical noise performance and articulate character.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The battery provides approximately 600 hours of active operation at 9V with a current draw of 400 microamps. Actual lifespan depends on how often the guitar is played and whether the battery is disconnected when not in use.

Is this pickup suitable for blues or jazz?

No; the HA is optimized for metal, djent, and progressive music where articulate attack and noise-free operation matter most. Traditional jazz and blues players typically prefer passive, warm-sounding pickups that this active design does not provide.

What's included with the pickup?

The EMG HA ships with a prewired split-shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs. You will need to source or reuse your own guitar cavity routing and wiring harness to match humbucker dimensions.

How does the HA compare to the EMG 81/85?

The HA is a single-coil design in humbucker housing with a 3.70 kHz resonant peak that emphasizes articulate highs and transparency; the 81/85 are dual-coil humbuckers with thicker, darker output. Choose the HA for note separation in tight genres, and the 81/85 for fuller, more aggressive tone.

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 HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Brushed Gold

The EMG HA delivers articulate, noise-free single-coil character in a compact humbucker-sized housing, making it ideal for players who demand clarity and definition without electromagnetic interference on stage or in the studio. The brushed gold finish adds visual distinction while maintaining the same responsive active electronics that define EMG's reputation. This pickup excels in tight genres where note separation and low-noise operation keep your tone locked in through a full set.

Active Electronics & Noise Performance

Built on active circuitry powered by a single 9V battery, the HA achieves exceptional noise rejection with an output noise floor of -101 dBV at 60 Hz—critical for live gigs and recording where hum can compromise clarity and kill your tone in the mix. Current draw of 400 microamps at 9V provides approximately 600 hours of battery life, so you're not hunting for a fresh battery mid-tour or mid-session.

Tonal Character & Specifications

A 3.70 kHz resonant frequency peaks in the upper midrange, lending the HA its signature articulate attack and transparent harmonic content that cuts through a live mix without sacrificing the familiar single-coil voice. The Alnico magnet structure combined with 10 kΩ output impedance ensures strong signal transmission to your amp or interface while maintaining dynamic responsiveness that tracks your pick attack across the full frequency spectrum.

Key Features

Active single-coil design in humbucker-sized housing
Alnico magnet construction
Output noise: -101 dBV (60 Hz)
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Resonant frequency: 3.70 kHz
Current @ 9V: 400 microamps
Battery life: approximately 600 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Includes prewired split shaft volume/tone control set
Includes output jack, battery clip set, screws, and springs
Brushed gold finish
Noiseless active electronics

The EMG HA combines single-coil definition with active noise suppression and extended battery life, making it a dependable choice for touring musicians and studio sessions alike.

Best suited for	Metal, Djent, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Live Performance
Tonal character	Articulate attack, noise-free, tight low end, transparent harmonics, high output
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Blues (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional