EMG2396 vs EMG2506 — Compare
EMG F-H2A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG P81 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black
The F-H2A is a passive pickup offering classic tonal character with articulate midrange and no battery requirement, while the P81 is an active pickup with built-in preamp, higher output, and P90-size form factor for drop-in compatibility. Choose the F-H2A if you want simplicity and passive electronics; choose the P81 if you need active amplification, compact P90-cavity fit, and higher output for cutting through dense mixes.
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EMG P81 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG F-H2A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG P81 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG F-H2A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or power supply
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet with balanced frequency response and articulate treble
- ✓ Floyd Rose pole spacing compatibility for modern shred guitars
- ✓ Fully shielded construction minimizes noise in signal chains
Why choose EMG P81 Active P90-Size Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active preamp built-in delivers 4.5V strum output and high clarity
- ✓ P90-size form factor fits standard P90 cavities as direct drop-in
- ✓ Extremely low noise at −91 dB with 3000+ hours battery life at 9V
- ✓ Complete installation kit included: cable, controls, battery clip, mounting hardware
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup fits my guitar?
The F-H2A uses Floyd Rose pole spacing (0.410" string-to-string) for modern bridge/neck positions on Floyd-equipped guitars. The P81 is sized for standard P90 cavities (3.125" screw spacing, 3.36" × 1.365" × 0.877"). Check your existing cavity and bridge type to determine compatibility.
Do I need a battery with either pickup?
The F-H2A is fully passive and requires no battery. The P81 is active and requires a 9V–27V battery, but includes a battery clip set and delivers approximately 3000 hours of life at 9V.
Which has higher output for cutting through a mix?
The P81's active preamp delivers 4.5V strum output with built-in amplification, making it better for dense mix situations. The F-H2A is passive with balanced output, relying on your amp and tone chain for dynamic response.
What's the tonal difference between them?
The F-H2A (Alnico 5, 2125 Hz peak) emphasizes articulate mids and treble with classic character. The P81 (ceramic magnet, 2.0 KHz peak) is midrange-focused and tight in the low end, designed for modern rock and metal clarity without harshness.