EMG6285 vs EMG6286 — Compare
EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The H4 uses ceramic magnets for punchy, articulate metal-friendly tone, while the H4A uses Alnico V magnets for warmer, more harmonic-rich character suited to blues and jazz. Choose the H4 for hard rock and metal; choose the H4A for versatility across blues, rock, and jazz.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
Specs side by side
| EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Ceramic magnet design cuts through with defined midrange punch ideal for metal and hard rock
- ✓ Moderately hot output resists mud in high-gain applications
- ✓ Budget-friendly entry to EMG's passive ecosystem
- ✓ Fully shielded construction minimizes hum in noisy environments
Why choose EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Alnico V magnets deliver warm, natural harmonic complexity for blues and jazz authenticity
- ✓ Balanced output works equally well on clean and driven tones across the frequency spectrum
- ✓ Resonant frequency specs provided for tone-shaping with different potentiometer values
- ✓ Refined construction suits vintage-minded builds and direct drop-in replacements
Frequently asked questions
What is the main sonic difference between ceramic and Alnico V magnets?
The H4's ceramic magnet produces a punchy, defined midrange with reduced overtones, favoring clarity in high-gain and metal contexts. The H4A's Alnico V magnets deliver warmer tone with natural harmonic complexity, responding more musically to dynamics and subtlety in blues and jazz settings.
Can either pickup handle both clean and distorted tones?
Yes, both have identical 13.65 kΩ DC resistance and balanced construction. The H4A is explicitly noted as responsive to both clean and driven tones; the H4 emphasizes articulation under gain but remains balanced across gain structures.
Are these pickups solderless and easy to install?
Both feature the 5-wire Quik-Connect system and include mounting screws, eliminating soldering and reducing setup errors. Standard humbucker mounting makes either a direct drop-in replacement for most dual-coil cavities.
Which pickup is better for studio recording?
Both are listed as suitable for studio sessions. The H4A's harmonic complexity and balanced output across frequencies may offer more tonal flexibility for mixing; the H4's defined midrange excels for cutting through dense mixes in rock and metal productions.