Will this pickup fit my humbucker cavity guitar without routing?

Yes. The long shaft design is engineered to fit standard humbucker cavities with no modification needed. Installation uses the included mounting hardware and solderless connections, so no rewiring or routing is required.

What's the difference between the HX and EMG's SA pickup?

The HX is a single-coil in humbucker format with the X series preamp, offering increased headroom and dynamic range. The SA is EMG's traditional stacked single-coil design. The HX suits players wanting single-coil articulation in an existing humbucker guitar without cavity modification.

How does the Active Tone Control work?

The VLPF (Variable Low-Pass Filter) tone control lets you roll off high frequencies for refined articulation. This allows you to dial in brightness for cut and clarity, or smooth things out for warmer tones across different playing styles and genres.

Does this pickup require soldering to install?

No. EMG's solderless installation system means all connections use included cables and connectors. You will need a 9V battery to power the active electronics, and the battery bus and stereo output jack configuration are included.

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

The HX excels in rock, metal, progressive, and studio session work where bright, articulate, high-output tone is valued. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk playing styles.

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 HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG HX brings single-coil punch and definition into a humbucker footprint, letting you retrofit your existing guitar without routing or major surgery. The long shaft design drops straight into standard humbucker cavities while keeping EMG's active preamp muscle and headroom intact. Black chrome finish works with just about any aesthetic, from modern to classic.

Tone & Electronics

A ceramic magnet and wide frequency response deliver the clarity and articulation single-coil players demand, packed with harmonic richness that cuts through a live mix. The Active Tone Control (VLPF) lets you dial back the highs on stage, adapting your voice across different venues and setlists.

Design & Installation

The X series preamp gives you more headroom and dynamic range than standard EMG circuits—crucial for keeping up with aggressive playing and avoiding unwanted compression. Solderless installation means no rewiring hassle; mounting hardware, battery cable, output cable, and all connection cables ship with the pickup, so you're ready to drop it in and go.

Key Features

Single coil pickup in humbucker housing format
Ceramic magnet for clarity and bright tonal character
Active Tone Control (VLPF) with high-frequency rolloff
X series preamp with dynamic range and increased headroom
Long shaft design for standard humbucker cavities
Solderless installation system
Includes 25k volume potentiometer
Includes active tone potentiometer
Battery bus and stereo output jack configuration
Two pickup in/out bus connectivity
Mounting screws, springs, and all required cables included
Black chrome finish

A practical single-coil alternative that harnesses EMG's active electronics and easy solderless wiring—no tech work, just swap and play.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Bright, articulate, high-output, clear single-coil definition, rich harmonics
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional