EMG4159 vs EMG4160 — Compare
EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Both are the same EMG H2-B passive humbucker with identical electrical specs (8.4 kOhm DC resistance, 4.53 H inductance, dual resonant peaks at 2225 Hz and 4000 Hz), differing only in cosmetic finish and suggested genre focus. The Black Chrome version emphasizes high-gain rock and metal, while the Brushed Chrome leans toward blues, jazz, and traditional rock with a warmer presentation.
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EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Marketed specifically for metal and high-gain applications
- ✓ Black Chrome finish matches modern shredder aesthetics
- ✓ Emphasized cutting presence and articulation for distorted tones
Why choose EMG H2-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Brushed Chrome finish offers refined, traditional appearance
- ✓ Positioned for blues, jazz, and classic rock versatility
- ✓ Electromagnetic shielding benefit from the cover design
Frequently asked questions
Are the electrical specifications actually different between these two?
No. Both pickups have identical DC resistance (8.4 kOhm), inductance (4.53 H), resonant frequencies (2225 Hz and 4000 Hz), and impedance (63.3 kOhm). The difference is purely cosmetic finish and marketing positioning.
Will the Black Chrome version really sound better for metal than the Brushed Chrome?
Not inherently—the electrical specs are identical. The Black Chrome is marketed toward metal players for aesthetic and branding reasons, but tonally both will deliver the same articulate, balanced midrange and cutting presence.
Which finish offers better shielding or durability?
Product B explicitly mentions the Brushed Chrome cover provides electromagnetic shielding. Both are ceramic-magnet passive designs with standard construction; finish choice is primarily visual unless shielding is a concern in your setup.
Can either pickup work in a neck or bridge position?
Both are specified as bridge-position humbuckers with short shaft and standard spacing. They are designed for bridge installations in dual-pickup configurations on modern electric guitars.