EMG4788 vs EMG4791 — Compare
EMG H3 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome vs EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The H3 is a high-output metal and drop-tuning workhorse with dual resonant peaks for aggression and cut-through, while the H4A prioritizes vintage warmth and articulate midrange for blues, rock, and jazz. Choose the H3 for modern high-gain applications; choose the H4A for classic tonal character and studio versatility.
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EMG H3 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H3 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome | EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H3 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
- ✓ Higher output (13.65 kOhm DC, ceramic magnets) ideal for metal and drop tunings
- ✓ Dual resonant peaks (1.72 kHz and 3.00 kHz) provide aggressive cut-through in dense mixes
- ✓ Tight articulation and minimal coloration engineered for clarity at high gain
Why choose EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Alnico V magnets and vintage-wound construction deliver classic, warm humbucker tone
- ✓ Fully shielded construction minimizes hum and noise in passive mode
- ✓ Articulate midrange centered at 1.6 kHz suits blues, jazz, and studio recording
Frequently asked questions
What's the tonal difference between ceramic and Alnico V magnets in these pickups?
The H3 uses ceramic magnets for maximum output and aggression, delivering tight highs and pronounced mids ideal for metal. The H4A uses Alnico V magnets for warm, vintage character with smoother treble response and responsive dynamics suited to blues and jazz.
Are both pickups suitable for standard guitar wiring?
Yes. Both feature 5-wire quick-connect outputs, standard humbucker mounting footprints, and 9.85mm pole spread (H3) or standard dimensions (H4A). Both are fully passive and require no batteries or active circuitry.
Which pickup handles drop tunings and high-gain better?
The H3 is engineered specifically for drop tunings and high-gain applications, with higher output, ceramic magnets, and dual resonant peaks that maintain clarity under extreme settings. The H4A prioritizes balanced, vintage response and is better suited to standard tunings and moderate-to-moderate-high gain.
Which pickup is quieter in electrically noisy environments?
The H4A features fully shielded construction explicitly designed to minimize electromagnetic interference and hum in passive mode, making it the better choice for studio sessions or noisy environments.