What bass models and string spacing work best with the EMG HB?

The EMG HB is designed for four-string basses and instruments with narrower string spacing, with a maximum string width of 53.34mm (2.10 inches). It fits in the compact humbucker housing footprint, making it ideal for modern bass designs that don't accommodate larger P-style pickups.

How long does the battery last, and is maintenance difficult?

The single 9-volt battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time and requires minimal maintenance over extended periods. Standard 9V batteries are widely available and simple to replace when needed.

How does the EMG HB compare to passive pickups in terms of noise and output?

The EMG HB's active electronics deliver -106 dB hum rejection at 60 Hz and high output of 2.00V on single strings and 4.50V on full strums, making it significantly quieter and more controlled than most passive pickups. This makes it especially valuable in studio and live venues where electrical interference is a concern.

Will this pickup work with my existing bass preamp and amp?

Yes, the EMG HB's 10 Kohm output impedance and 80 microamp draw at 9V maintain compatibility with standard bass preamps and amplifier inputs. It also supports supply voltages up to 27V DC, offering headroom for custom or boosted power setups if you choose to upgrade later.

What genres and playing styles suit the EMG HB best?

The EMG HB excels in funk, progressive, studio sessions, and live performance where articulate definition, controlled lows, and minimal noise are priorities. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk styles that favor warmer, rounder passive tones.

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 HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in White

The EMG HB combines the tight, focused response of a P-style split-coil design with the compact form factor of a humbucker housing, delivering a controlled, articulate low-end without compromise. Its active electronics require only a single 9-volt battery, making it a straightforward retrofit for bass players seeking modern clarity and minimal noise. This pickup excels on instruments with narrower string spacing, ideal for four-string basses and tighter configurations.

Tone & Electronics

The ceramic/steel blended magnet and split-coil architecture produce a resonant frequency of 3.20 kHz, ensuring punchy mids and articulate string definition. Output measures 2.00V on single strings and 4.50V on full strums, with exceptionally low hum rejection at -106 dB (60 Hz)—ideal for noise-critical studio and live environments.

Power & Integration

A single 9-volt battery powers the active circuitry with an estimated lifespan of 3000 hours, requiring minimal maintenance over extended playing periods. The pickup's 10 Kohm output impedance and 80 microamp draw at 9V maintain compatibility with standard bass preamps and amplifier inputs, while the 27V maximum supply voltage rating provides headroom for custom or boosted power setups.

Key Features

P-style split-coil design in humbucker housing
Hum-cancelling ceramic/steel blended magnet
Active electronics powered by single 9-volt battery
3000-hour battery life
Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
Output voltage: 2.00V (string) / 4.50V (strum)
Output noise: -106 dB at 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Dimensions: 69.8mm length × 38.1mm width
Maximum string width: 53.34mm (2.10 inches)

On stage or in the studio, the EMG HB delivers the signal integrity and low-noise floor that touring and session bassists depend on, packed into a compact active format that fits tighter string spacing without sacrificing articulation or presence.