What does 'long shaft' mean and will it fit my guitar?

Long shaft means the pickup is designed for standard deep-mount cavity configurations commonly found in modern solid-body guitars. Verify your current cavity depth and mounting style before ordering; this variant is not suited for shallow-mount or vintage-style cavities.

Is this pickup truly noiseless, and how does that work?

Yes—the active X series preamp and Alnico magnet design eliminate hum and feedback while preserving single-coil articulation and response. Active operation requires a battery (included bus connectors provided), which powers the noise rejection circuitry.

What comes in the box and how hard is installation?

Included: the HAX pickup, 25k volume pot, active tone pot (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output jack, solderless connectors, mounting hardware, springs, and full cable set. Solderless connectors eliminate traditional soldering, though some guitar wiring experience is still helpful for proper integration into your active system.

How does the HAX compare to EMG's 81/85 series?

The HAX is a single-coil design offering brighter, more articulate tone with cutting presence, whereas the 81/85 are voiced for thicker, more aggressive humbucker tones. Choose HAX for clean definition and lead clarity; choose 81/85 for full, punchy rhythm work.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or thick rhythm tones?

No—the HAX is optimized for clean tones, bright articulation, and lead work. If you need thick, warm rhythm tones typical of jazz, this pickup is not the best match.

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 HAX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Chrome

The EMG HAX delivers articulate single-coil clarity housed in a compact humbucker form factor, making it a solid retrofit for players seeking transparent, noiseless active performance without sacrificing tonal definition. The long shaft variant accommodates standard deep-mount cavity configurations while the chrome finish provides a polished, professional appearance on any instrument.

Electronics & Tone Character

Built around an Alnico magnet paired with X series onboard preamp, this pickup produces dynamic range and responsive articulation across the frequency spectrum. The noiseless active operation eliminates hum and feedback while maintaining the bright, cutting presence that single-coil designs are known for—essential for clean tones and overdriven leads that cut through a live mix.

Installation & Integration

The solderless installation system streamlines wiring and reduces setup complexity—critical for gigging musicians who swap pickups or troubleshoot rigs on the fly. This pickup ships with a complete ecosystem of components designed to integrate seamlessly into active guitar systems, keeping you stage-ready with minimal compatibility concerns.

Key Features

Single-coil pickup design in humbucker housing
Alnico magnet construction
X series onboard preamp for dynamic control
Noiseless active operation
Long shaft configuration for standard deep-mount cavities
Solderless installation system
Chrome finish
Includes 25k volume pot and active tone pot (VLPF)
Battery bus and stereo output jack included
Pickup in/out bus connectors for flexible signal routing
Mounting hardware, springs, and full cable set included

The HAX Long Shaft combines the clarity and responsiveness of a true single-coil with active noise rejection and solderless convenience—a straightforward choice for players who value reliability and tonal transparency on stage or in the studio.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Clean Tones, Lead Work
Tonal character	Articulate, bright, cutting presence, noiseless, transparent
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Thick Rhythm Tones (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional