EMG4791 vs EMG4792 — Compare
EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black Chrome
The H4A is a fully passive humbucker built for blues, rock, and jazz with warm, vocal midrange clarity, while the HA is an active single-coil in humbucker form designed for rock, metal, and progressive music with crisp, punchy highs and controlled lows. Choose the H4A if you want vintage passive tone without batteries; choose the HA if you need modern active clarity and noise rejection in a compact footprint.
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EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Fully passive—no batteries or power supply required
- ✓ Vintage-wound Alnico V delivers warm, articulate midrange perfect for blues and jazz
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency (1.6 kHz) emphasizes vocal clarity and sustain
- ✓ Works in any guitar without modification or preamp
Why choose EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Active electronics provide studio-grade noise rejection (-101 dB at 60 Hz)
- ✓ Single-coil clarity in humbucker footprint cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Higher resonant frequency (4.05 kHz) delivers crisp, punchy highs ideal for metal and rock
- ✓ Exceptional battery life (3000 hours) with minimal power draw (80 microamps)
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup needs a battery?
Only the HA requires a 9V battery. The H4A is fully passive and operates without any external power source.
Which one is better for noise-prone studio or live environments?
The HA's active circuit delivers -101 dB noise rejection at 60 Hz, making it superior for electrically noisy studios and venues. The H4A uses shielding to minimize hum but relies on passive design, which is more susceptible to interference.
What's the tonal difference between these pickups?
The H4A emphasizes warm, vocal midrange (1.6 kHz resonance) suited to blues and jazz sustain. The HA emphasizes crisp, punchy highs (4.05 kHz resonance) optimized for rock and metal clarity. The H4A is a humbucker; the HA is a single-coil character in humbucker housing.
Can both fit in a standard humbucker cavity?
Yes. The H4A uses standard humbucker mounting dimensions. The HA is designed as a single-coil in humbucker form factor, so it also drops into standard humbucker routes without modification.