EMG1201 vs EMG1209 — Compare
EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in White vs EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory
The SA is an active single-coil guitar pickup designed for classic rock and high-gain tones, while the HB is an active humbucker bass pickup built for funk and slap bass. These are instruments from entirely different families—choose the SA if you play electric guitar and want articulate single-coil clarity, or the HB if you play bass and need tight, punchy low-end definition.
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EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in White | EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $105.00 | $105.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup in White
- ✓ Eliminates single-coil hum and interference while retaining classic single-coil snap and brightness
- ✓ Alnico V magnet and 3.70 kHz resonance deliver articulate, high-clarity tone ideal for rock and high-gain
- ✓ Extremely low 240 microamps battery draw yields 1000-hour battery life
- ✓ Compact 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inch footprint fits standard guitar single-coil cavities
Why choose EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Split-coil humbucker design eliminates hum while delivering full-bodied bass presence
- ✓ Ceramic/steel magnet and 3.20 kHz resonance emphasize midrange and attack for slap and pick styles
- ✓ Ultra-low -106 dBV noise floor and high output (2.00V string / 4.50V strum) for aggressive playing
- ✓ Exceptional 3000-hour battery life at only 80 microamps draw; fits standard bass positions
Frequently asked questions
What instruments do these fit?
The SA is a guitar pickup designed for standard single-coil cavities. The HB is a bass pickup designed for standard bass positions with a maximum string width of 2.10 inches. They are not interchangeable.
How long do the batteries last?
The SA runs for approximately 1000 hours on a 9V battery at 240 microamps draw. The HB lasts approximately 3000 hours on a 9V battery at only 80 microamps draw, making it far more battery-efficient.
Which is better for noise-free performance?
Both are active pickups with exceptional noise floors—the SA outputs -90 dBV and the HB outputs -106 dBV (lower is quieter). The HB is marginally quieter, but both eliminate hum and environmental interference that plague passive designs.
What tone character does each deliver?
The SA produces bright, articulate single-coil tone with punchy definition ideal for classic rock and high-gain. The HB produces tight lows with midrange emphasis and attack, optimized for funk, slap bass, and pick-driven styles.