What does 'long shaft' mean and why would I need it?

The long shaft variant accommodates deeper cavity routing in guitars that have been modified for extended pickup depth, ensuring proper seating and alignment. Standard shaft pickups may not reach the switch contact in these routed cavities, so this variant is essential for deeper-cavity guitars.

Do I need soldering experience to install this pickup?

No. The EMG HX features a solderless installation system that eliminates complex wiring and significantly reduces setup time. The package includes all necessary potentiometers, cables, mounting hardware, and battery connections to get you playing quickly.

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

The HX excels in modern rock, metal, progressive, and studio session work where articulate lead tones and defined rhythm clarity are priorities. Its punchy mids and responsive dynamics make it less ideal for traditional jazz or vintage blues contexts.

What does the Active Tone Control (VLPF) do?

The VLPF (Variable Low-Pass Filter) lets you roll off high frequencies to shape your tone in real time, giving you tonal flexibility without sacrificing output or clarity. This active tone control is included and operational once you set up the pickup with the included tone potentiometer.

What's included in the package?

The complete accessory set includes the 25k volume potentiometer, active tone potentiometer (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output jack, 2-pickup in/out bus connectivity, mounting screws, springs, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable.

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 Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Gold

The EMG HX brings single-coil bite and articulation in a humbucker footprint—a genuine active pickup option for players who want responsive dynamics without oversized cavities. The long shaft design fits deeper routings, and the gold finish reads clean on any stage rig. Built for pros and serious players who demand reliable tone-shaping tools in a compact platform.

Design & Build

Ceramic magnet paired with solderless installation means fast, mistake-proof setup—critical when you're pulling pickups on the road or between sessions. The gold finish holds its character under stage lights and flatters both modern and classic guitar designs. Long shaft geometry seats precisely in routed cavities, eliminating fitment headaches.

Tone & Electronics

Active circuitry with an Active Tone Control (VLPF) cuts highs on demand, letting you dial in everything from tight, controlled punch to smooth sustain without losing output or definition. Single-coil voicing in humbucker form yields strong mids and snappy pick response—sharp enough for cutting lead lines, focused enough for tight rhythm work.

Key Features

Single coil pickup built into a humbucker housing
Ceramic magnet construction
Active Tone Control (VLPF) for high-frequency roll-off
Solderless installation system
Long shaft variant for deeper cavity routing
Gold finish
Includes 25k volume potentiometer
Includes active tone potentiometer (VLPF)
Battery bus and stereo output jack included
2-pickup in/out bus connectivity
Complete accessory set: mounting screws, springs, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable

The EMG HX in gold delivers a road-ready active pickup platform with genuine tonal control and hassle-free installation for gigging musicians and collectors.