What's the difference between this and a standard passive single-coil pickup?

The EMG HA is an active design with a -90 dBV noise floor and 80-microamp current draw, eliminating hum while delivering a 0.85V peak output. It pairs this noiseless clarity with a resonant frequency of 3.75 kHz for articulate highs and punchy mids that passive single coils typically can't achieve without noise interference.

How long does the battery last, and is it easy to replace?

Battery life is rated at 3000 hours on a standard 9V battery, which translates to roughly 125 days of continuous play or several months of regular use. Battery access and replacement procedures vary by guitar model; consult your guitar's wiring diagram or contact the manufacturer for installation specifics.

Will this work in my guitar's humbucker cavity?

Yes—the HA is designed in humbucker housing with a long shaft, so it fits standard humbucker routing. The pickup includes a volume and tone control set for wiring into your existing electronics.

What genres and playing styles is this best suited for?

The HA excels in studio sessions, live performance, and extended-range playing across rock, metal, pop, and contemporary genres. It is less suited to traditional jazz and folk applications where passive single-coil warmth and breakup are preferred over active clarity.

How does the output level compare to other active pickups?

The HA produces a peak output of 0.85V with an RMS output of 0.6V and 10-Kohm output impedance, providing consistent, headroom-friendly output that pairs well with both high-gain and clean amp settings without excessive noise or signal collapse.

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 Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG HA delivers articulate single-coil character in a compact humbucker housing, offering players a noiseless active design that cuts through without the hum. This pickup pairs vintage single-coil clarity with modern noise rejection, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians seeking defined highs and punchy mids without sacrificing headroom on stage.

Tone & Electronics

Built around an Alnico magnet and engineered as a noiseless active single coil in humbucker form, the HA produces a resonant frequency of 3.75 kHz that emphasizes articulation and string definition. Peak output of 0.85V paired with a low output noise floor of -90 dBV ensures clean, interference-free signal transmission to your amp or interface—critical for live performance consistency.

Design & Build

The black chrome finish with gold EMG logo provides a professional appearance that fits both vintage and modern rigs. This active design draws just 80 microamps at 9V, delivering exceptional battery life of 3000 hours between replacements—practical longevity for touring and frequent gigging without interruption.

Key Features

Single-coil pickup design in humbucker housing
Alnico magnet construction
Noiseless active design with -90 dBV output noise
Resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz
RMS output voltage: 0.6V
Peak output voltage: 0.85V
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours
Black chrome finish with gold logo
Includes volume/tone control set

The EMG HA combines the clarity of a vintage single coil with the noise rejection and output consistency of active electronics, making it a dependable choice for players who refuse compromise between character and stage-ready reliability.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Live Performance, Extended Range
Tonal character	Articulate highs, punchy mids, noiseless clarity, vintage single-coil character, tight definition
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional