What's the difference between the HX and a standard passive single coil?

The HX pairs single-coil articulation with EMG's active X-series preamp, delivering noise rejection, consistent output, and extended frequency response that passive single coils cannot match. You get the snap and definition of a single coil without the hum and signal inconsistency.

Will the HX fit my guitar without routing or modification?

Yes—the HX is housed in standard humbucker dimensions and drops into any existing humbucker cavity as a direct replacement. No body routing, cavity enlargement, or permanent modification is required.

What power does the HX require?

The HX requires a 9V battery or external power supply to operate its active preamp. Make sure your guitar has a battery compartment or plan for external power routing.

Is the HX suitable for jazz and traditional music styles?

The HX is optimized for studio sessions, extended-range playing, and modern tones that benefit from active noise rejection and articulate definition. It is not designed for traditional jazz or folk applications where passive, warm single-coil character is typically preferred.

What wiring configuration does the HX use?

The HX features standard 4-conductor wiring, allowing for coil-split and phase-reverse wiring options if your guitar's switching system supports them.

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 HX Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG HX gives you single-coil articulation and snap in a humbucker-sized housing—a no-routing retrofit for gigging musicians who want active electronics without permanently altering their instrument. This pickup pairs single-coil clarity with EMG's X-series preamp, delivering vintage single-coil response with modern active gain staging and reliability for the stage.

Design & Construction

The HX packs a single-coil element into standard humbucker dimensions, so it drops straight into existing humbucker cavities with zero body work. That means your main gigging guitar or backup stays road-ready without modification.

Tone & Electronics

Active circuitry ensures consistent output night after night and extended frequency response across your playing range. The integrated preamp delivers the noise rejection and sustain you expect from EMG active systems while keeping the snap and definition that makes single-coils cut through on a live stage.

Key Features

Single-coil pickup element in humbucker housing format
Active EMG X-series preamp built-in
Black finish
Drop-in humbucker-cavity installation
No body routing required
Consistent active output and noise rejection
Wide tonal range capability
Standard 4-conductor wiring configuration
Requires 9V battery or external power supply

The HX delivers active single-coil character in a format that bolts straight into your existing guitar, making it a smart upgrade for players who want tonal refinement and stage reliability without permanent modification.