EMG5478 vs EMG5486 — Compare
EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome vs EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Chrome
The H3 is a passive humbucker for high-gain rock and metal with no batteries needed; the HA is an active single-coil for studio clarity and extended-range playing with 9V battery power. Choose the H3 for traditional hard rock punch, or the HA for modern studio-grade articulation and low noise.
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Specs side by side
| EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome | EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ No battery required—set and forget
- ✓ Punchy, tight low end optimized for heavy genres
- ✓ Dual resonant peaks deliver presence without brittleness
- ✓ Standard Tune-o-matic bridge compatibility
Why choose EMG HA Active Single Coil Pickup in Chrome
- ✓ Active electronics deliver studio-grade low noise and controlled output
- ✓ 3000-hour battery life reduces maintenance hassle
- ✓ Solderless installation with included pots and cables
- ✓ Bright, focused midrange suits modern recording and extended-range instruments
Frequently asked questions
What is the main tone difference between these two?
The H3 is a humbucker with dual presence peaks (1.72 kHz and 3.00 kHz) and tight low end, ideal for heavy riffs. The HA is a single-coil with a bright, focused midrange peak at 4.05 kHz, better for articulation and definition in recording. The H3 delivers warmth and punch; the HA delivers clarity and control.
Do I need to replace batteries with the HA?
Yes, the HA runs on a 9V battery at 80 µA draw, yielding roughly 3000 hours (about four months) of continuous play. The H3 is entirely passive and requires no batteries.
Which is better for jazz or blues?
Neither is listed as ideal for jazz or blues. Both are engineered for modern high-clarity applications—the H3 for metal and hard rock, the HA for extended-range and studio work. Traditional jazz and blues players typically seek warmer, less presence-focused pickups.
Can I use either in neck and bridge positions?
The H3 is explicitly designed for either position on Tune-o-matic bridges. The HA is a single-coil sized for extended-range instruments and is not described as having dual-position flexibility; confirm bridge spacing and body routing before purchase.