EMG4168 vs EMG4171 — Compare
EMG H2A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold vs EMG H2A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Both are the same EMG H2A-N pickup with identical electrical specs and passive design, differing only in cosmetic finish: brushed gold versus brushed black chrome. Choice comes down purely to visual preference and which aesthetic matches your guitar's existing hardware and style.
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EMG H2A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
EMG H2A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H2A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | EMG H2A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H2A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Brushed gold finish complements warm-toned woods and vintage-style guitars
- ✓ Marketed toward blues and classic rock players seeking natural, balanced articulation
- ✓ Same reliable passive architecture with no battery concerns
Why choose EMG H2A-N Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Brushed black chrome finish suits modern rock and metal aesthetics
- ✓ 5-wire cable enables series/parallel switching for expanded tonal flexibility
- ✓ Marketed toward rock and metal players seeking focused, punchy response
Frequently asked questions
Are the electrical specs and tone identical between these two?
Yes. Both use Alnico V magnets, identical 8.40 kOhm resistance, 4.90 Henries inductance, and the same 2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz resonant frequencies. The tonal character is the same; marketing language differs slightly based on finish aesthetics.
Does the black chrome version really offer series/parallel switching?
The black chrome version ships with a 5-wire cable enabling coil-split or series/parallel wiring options. The gold version description does not mention this feature, so verify with the retailer if that flexibility matters to your setup.
Which is better for metal or blues?
Electrically, they are identical, so genre suitability depends on your amp and playing style, not the pickup itself. The gold version's marketing emphasizes blues and classic rock; the black chrome version targets rock and metal—but both will work in either genre.
Do I need soldering to install either one?
No. Both include EMG's Solderless Install System with pots, cables, and hardware, making installation straightforward for players of any skill level.