EMG1209 vs EMG1217 — Compare
EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory vs EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
The EMG HB is a bass pickup designed for aggressive, modern styles with tight low end and high output, while the EMG S is a guitar pickup optimized for articulate single-coil lead tones and studio clarity. Choose the HB if you play bass and want punchy funk or slap; choose the S if you play guitar and prioritize clean, defined treble.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory | EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $105.00 | $105.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG HB Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ High output (4.50V strum) with tight, punchy low end ideal for slap and pick-driven bass
- ✓ Split-coil hum-cancelling design maintains clarity in aggressive playing
- ✓ 3.20 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes attack and midrange punch
- ✓ Longer battery life at 3000 hours
Why choose EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Lower noise floor (-90 dBV) for transparent studio recording
- ✓ Balanced treble and midrange separation suited to lead work
- ✓ Classic Strat articulation with modern active clarity
- ✓ Includes onboard volume and tone controls for quick shaping
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups compatible with the same instrument?
No. The EMG HB is a bass pickup with maximum string width of 53.34mm, while the EMG S is a Strat-style guitar pickup. They are designed for completely different instruments and cannot be interchanged.
Which has better battery life?
The EMG HB offers 3000-hour battery life at 80 microamps draw, while the EMG S provides 1000 hours at 240 microamps. The HB lasts roughly three times longer per battery.
Which pickup is quieter?
The EMG S has a lower noise floor at -90 dBV compared to the HB's -106 dBV specification. However, the HB's hum-cancelling split-coil design is specifically engineered to eliminate hum in bass applications, making it cleaner for its intended use.
What's the main tonal difference?
The HB emphasizes tight lows and punchy midrange (3.20 kHz) for aggressive bass styles, delivering 2.00V string output and 4.50V strum output. The S delivers balanced, articulate treble with defined midrange (4.35 kHz) at a lower 0.6V RMS output, suited to clean guitar tones.