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EMG HA Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG HA is a noiseless single-coil voiced for articulate, vintage-focused tones in jazz, blues, and studio work, while the EMG 85 is a high-output humbucker engineered for metal, hard rock, and aggressive genres. Choose the HA for clean, transparent character; choose the 85 for thick sustain and midrange punch.
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EMG HA Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG HA Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG HA Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Noiseless single-coil tone in compact humbucker housing
- ✓ Lower output (0.6V RMS) preserves subtlety in clean and jazzy contexts
- ✓ Upper-midrange focus (3.75 kHz) delivers articulation and string definition
- ✓ Budget-friendly entry to active pickup technology
Why choose EMG 85 Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ High output voltage (4.5V strum / 3.1V string) cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Alnico V magnet with lower resonant frequency (1.87 kHz) adds body and sustain
- ✓ Superior noise rejection at -101 dB (vs. -90 dB) in electrically noisy environments
- ✓ Solderless installation and proven metal/hard-rock voicing
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works better for metal?
The EMG 85 is purpose-built for metal and hard rock, with higher output and a lower resonant frequency that delivers sustain and midrange presence. The HA is explicitly not ideal for metal due to its single-coil voicing and lower output.
Do both pickups use the same battery and lifespan?
Yes, both run on a single 9V battery with 3000-hour battery life. The 85 draws 80 mA at 9V, while exact current draw for the HA is listed as 80 microamps—the 85 is more power-hungry but still offers comparable longevity under typical use.
What's the tone difference in clean or jazz contexts?
The HA delivers articulate, vintage single-coil clarity with minimal noise, making it ideal for jazz and blues. The 85's midrange peak and higher output (4.5V) will add body and presence that may mask the subtle dynamics cleaner players prefer.
How do output levels affect amplifier interaction?
The HA's 0.6V RMS output integrates naturally with standard amp inputs without coloration. The 85's 4.5V strum output provides ample headroom and won't cause breakup at the preamp stage, making it better suited to high-gain applications and live reinforcement.