EMG6286 vs EMG6287 — Compare
EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome vs EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The H4A uses Alnico V magnets for warm, natural harmonic complexity suited to blues and jazz, while the H4 uses ceramic magnets for punchy attack and defined response optimized for rock and metal. Choose the H4A for classic vintage tones; choose the H4 for modern articulate punch and hum rejection.
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EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome | EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H4A Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
- ✓ Alnico V magnets deliver warm midrange and natural harmonic richness
- ✓ Excellent for blues, jazz, and studio work requiring tonal finesse
- ✓ Lower resonant frequency (1.6 kHz) produces smoother, less aggressive character
- ✓ Balanced output maintains clarity without excessive noise
Why choose EMG H4 Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
- ✓ Ceramic magnets yield punchy attack and defined harmonic content responsive to dynamics
- ✓ Superior hum rejection in noise-prone environments via fully shielded over-wound coils
- ✓ Ships complete with potentiometers, buss board, jack, and mounting hardware for quick install
- ✓ Better suited for rock, metal, and progressive genres requiring articulate definition
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between Alnico V and ceramic magnets in these pickups?
Alnico V (H4A) produces warmer midrange with natural harmonic complexity and smoother response, while ceramic (H4) delivers punchier attack with more defined harmonic content and responsiveness to playing dynamics. The H4A suits vintage or warm tones; the H4 excels in modern or aggressive styles.
Which pickup comes ready to install?
The H4 ships complete with 500K potentiometers, B157 Buss Board, phone jack, adjustment screws, and springs. The H4A uses a 5-wire Quik-Connect system for quick swaps but does not include wiring components, so installation requirements depend on your existing guitar hardware.
Are these pickups compatible with both bridge and neck positions?
Yes, both pickups are standard humbucker-mount designs compatible with any dual-coil cavity. The H4 is explicitly stated as working equally well in bridge or neck positions; the H4A is designed as a drop-in replacement for either position.
Which pickup has better noise rejection?
The H4 features fully shielded over-wound coils specifically engineered for hum rejection in noise-prone environments. The H4A maintains low noise through balanced design and natural harmonic complexity but does not emphasize shielding in its description.