What's the difference between the EMG HA and a passive single-coil pickup?

The EMG HA is an active design powered by a 9-volt battery, delivering noise-free operation at -101 dBV—eliminating hum even at high gain—while maintaining single-coil articulation and warmth. Passive single coils are susceptible to hum and buzz, especially in high-gain applications. The HA's active circuitry also provides higher headroom and more output than passive designs.

How long does a 9V battery last, and what happens when it dies?

The EMG HA draws only 400 microamps, delivering approximately 600 hours of battery life per 9V cell—roughly 25 days of continuous operation or months of typical use. When the battery dies, the pickup stops working, so you'll notice immediately; a fresh 9V cell costs a few dollars and takes seconds to swap.

Will this pickup fit my guitar, and do I need to modify anything?

The long shaft configuration and humbucker housing are designed for standard control layouts, making it compatible with most guitars that accept a humbucker-sized pickup. The pickup includes a volume/tone control set; confirm your guitar's wiring cavity can accommodate the active circuit electronics and 9V battery compartment before purchasing.

How does the EMG HA compare to the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 or DiMarzio True Velvet?

The EMG HA is an active design with noise-free performance, making it best for high-gain and studio work where hum rejection is critical. The SSL-1 and True Velvet are passive single coils that offer traditional character but are prone to hum in high-gain settings; choose the HA if noise is a priority, or the passives if you prefer classic single-coil simplicity and don't need hum-free operation.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The EMG HA excels in hard rock, progressive, and indie styles where articulate highs and focused midrange are valued. It's less ideal for traditional jazz and folk, where players typically prefer softer, warmer passive single-coil tones and accept some hum as part of the character.

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 HA Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Gold

The EMG HA delivers articulate, noise-free single-coil response in a compact humbucker housing, designed for players who need classic single-coil character without hum or compromised headroom on stage. This active design combines Alnico magnets with EMG's proven electronics to produce clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum. The gold finish adds visual distinction while the long shaft configuration ensures compatibility with standard control layouts.

Active Electronics & Live Reliability

This pickup operates on a 9-volt battery with exceptionally low noise characteristics—measuring -101 dBV at 60Hz—ensuring silent operation even at high gain during gigs. Current draw is minimal at 400 microamps, delivering approximately 600 hours of battery life per cell, while the design supports up to 27 volts DC maximum supply for extreme output applications if needed. One battery swap lasts through extended touring schedules.

Tone & Construction

The Alnico magnet structure and active circuitry produce a 3.70 kHz resonant frequency, yielding bright, focused midrange and articulate highs that cut through a mix on stage. The 10 kOhm output impedance provides excellent compatibility with most guitar amplifiers and effects chains, ensuring transparent signal transmission without loading effects on your tone through long cable runs and pedalboards.

Key Features

Noiseless Active Single Coil Pickup design in Humbucker Housing
Alnico Magnets for warm, focused tone
Output Noise: -101 dBV @ 60Hz
Resonant Frequency: 3.70 kHz
Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
9-Volt Battery Operation
Current Draw: 400 Microamps
Battery Life: Approximately 600 hours per 9V cell
Maximum Supply Voltage: 27 Volts DC
Gold finish with long shaft configuration
Includes Volume/Tone Control Set

The EMG HA combines single-coil articulation with active circuit reliability, making it a trusted choice for gigging musicians who demand classic tone and noise-free performance night after night.