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

The HAX excels in rock, metal, funk, and progressive styles where clarity, articulation, and midrange presence are essential. Its high output and noise-reduced active design make it ideal for technical playing and dense, layered mixes; it is not optimized for jazz or blues.

Does this pickup require any special wiring or modification?

Yes, as an active pickup the HAX requires a 9V battery circuit compatible with EMG's standard battery system. The pickup itself uses standard single-coil mounting and integrates into most electric guitars without cavity modification.

How does the HAX compare to passive single-coil pickups?

The HAX's active low-impedance design delivers reduced noise and extended high-end clarity compared to passive single coils, while maintaining the articulation and note separation single-coil players expect. It produces higher output suitable for overdrive and distortion without losing tonal definition.

What's included and what finish options are available?

The HAX comes in an ivory finish and includes EMG's sealed, ceramic-magnet single-coil design ready for installation. The ivory aesthetic complements the modern electronics while the sealed construction ensures durability and consistency over time.

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 Ivory

The EMG HAX delivers articulate high-output performance in a compact single-coil format, built for players who demand clarity and aggression without sacrificing tonal definition. This active design cuts through dense live mixes with precision while maintaining the responsiveness that single-coil players expect on stage. The ivory finish offers classic aesthetic appeal alongside uncompromised electronics.

Tone & Electronics

As an active pickup, the HAX requires a battery circuit and operates with lower impedance than passive designs, resulting in reduced noise and extended high-end clarity. The single-coil configuration preserves articulation and note separation ideal for technical playing, funk rhythms, and modern styles where midrange presence cuts through on a gig.

Construction & Specifications

The pickup features EMG's proprietary ceramic magnet structure and sealed coil design for durability and consistency under touring conditions. Standard mounting fits most electric guitars with single-coil routing; the compact footprint integrates seamlessly into existing cavities without modification.

Key Features

Active electronics with integrated preamp circuit
Single-coil configuration for articulate, defined tone
High output level suitable for overdrive and distortion
Ceramic magnet for extended frequency response
Low-impedance design reduces noise and hum
Ivory finish aesthetic
Sealed construction for long-term reliability
Standard single-coil mounting footprint
EMG 9V battery circuit compatible
Suitable for rock, metal, funk, and progressive genres

The HAX combines EMG's road-tested active-circuit reliability with single-coil expressiveness, making it a direct upgrade for gigging musicians seeking modern clarity and punch.