What size guitar does the HAX fit, and what routing do I need?

The HAX uses standard humbucker-sized housing, so it installs directly into any guitar with humbucker routing. No additional routing or modification is required.

Is this a true single-coil pickup, or does it sound like a humbucker?

It is a true single-coil design with Alnico magnets that delivers single-coil clarity, snap, and articulation. The humbucker-sized housing and active preamp eliminate noise while preserving the natural single-coil character and responsiveness.

What comes in the box, and is installation easy?

The package includes a Quik-Connect cable, prewired split-shaft volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and mounting screws and springs. The straightforward humbucker-style installation makes setup fast.

Does this pickup require a battery?

Yes, the integrated X preamp is active and requires battery power to operate. The battery clip set is included to make powering the pickup simple.

What genres and playing styles is the HAX best suited for?

The HAX excels in rock, blues, pop, studio sessions, and gigging. It delivers articulate tone for both clean and driven contexts, making it ideal for rhythm work, cutting lead lines, and nuanced dynamic playing, but is not designed for traditional jazz or folk 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 HAX Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG HAX delivers articulate single-coil clarity in a compact humbucker-sized format, pairing vintage-style responsiveness with modern noise-free operation. Built for players seeking bright, detailed articulation without the hum that plagues traditional single coils, this active pickup excels in both clean and driven contexts on stage and in the studio. The onboard X preamp circuitry ensures consistent output and extended frequency response across the entire instrument, giving you reliable tone night after night.

Design & Construction

Housing a true single-coil design within a humbucker footprint, the HAX uses an Alnico magnet for warmth and harmonic richness. The integrated active preamp eliminates electromagnetic interference while preserving the natural clarity and responsiveness that define single-coil character, making installation straightforward in any guitar with standard humbucker routing. This means zero hum even under stage lights and near other electrical equipment.

Tone & Performance

This pickup produces a wide, even frequency response with exceptional clarity across the entire spectrum—ideal for articulate rhythm work, cutting lead lines, and nuanced dynamic playing in a live setting. The combination of Alnico magnetics and active circuitry yields a warm, harmonically rich tone that avoids the shrillness of passive single coils while maintaining their signature snap and definition. On a gig, you'll get the detail and presence you need to cut through the mix without sacrificing warmth.

Key Features

Single-coil design in humbucker-sized housing
Alnico magnet construction
Integrated X preamp for noiseless operation
Widest possible frequency response for extended tonal range
Rich harmonic blend and natural warmth
Quik-Connect™ cable included for fast installation
Prewired split-shaft volume and tone control set included
Output jack included
Battery clip set included
Mounting screws and springs included
Black finish
Active electronics require battery power

The EMG HAX is engineered for gigging musicians and collectors who demand single-coil articulation paired with modern reliability, road-ready noise rejection, and consistent performance.