EMG5677 vs EMG5713 — Compare
EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG 57-7H Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
The H3A is a passive, versatile humbucker for custom wiring and tonal flexibility, while the 57-7H is an active, ready-to-go pickup engineered specifically for 7-string bridge applications in high-gain genres. Choose the H3A if you want switching options and classic tone; choose the 57-7H if you need aggressive modern punch with zero soldering.
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EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | EMG 57-7H Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery, enabling series/parallel and coil-split switching for tonal versatility
- ✓ 5-wire configuration suits custom wiring schemes and retrofit builds
- ✓ Balanced dual resonant peaks deliver articulate midrange and warm sustain across bridge and neck positions
- ✓ Standard Tune-o-matic spacing fits most guitars without cavity modification
Why choose EMG 57-7H Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active circuit delivers aggressive, focused midrange punch optimized for metal and djent
- ✓ Solderless installation speeds up pickup swaps with no soldering required
- ✓ Specifically voiced and dimensioned for 7-string bridge position
- ✓ Integrated potentiometers and battery bus simplify wiring with minimal external components
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup suits 7-string guitars?
The 57-7H is engineered specifically for 7-string bridge position with integrated electronics and battery bus. The H3A works on extended-range guitars but is designed as a standard passive humbucker without 7-string-specific voicing.
Do I need a soldering iron for installation?
The 57-7H features solderless installation requiring no soldering. The H3A uses a 5-wire cable and suits custom wiring—soldering may be required depending on your guitar's existing harness and desired switching options.
Which one is better for jazz or blues?
The H3A's warm sustain, balanced presence, and passive design make it more suitable for jazz and blues contexts. The 57-7H is voice-optimized for metal, rock, and djent, delivering aggressive midrange punch unsuitable for traditional blues or jazz tones.
Can I use series/parallel switching with either pickup?
The H3A's 5-wire configuration enables series/parallel and coil-split switching with external components. The 57-7H is active with integrated electronics designed for straightforward single-voice operation without external switching options.