EMG6738 vs EMG6840 — Compare
EMG H1A-B Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG H1-N Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
The H1A-B is a warm, balanced passive humbucker best suited for blues and classic rock, while the H1-N is a high-output, aggressive passive humbucker designed for metal and hard rock. Choose the H1A-B for natural dynamics and midrange clarity, or the H1-N for punchy presence and high-gain contexts.
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EMG H1A-B Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
EMG H1-N Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG H1A-B Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG H1-N Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H1A-B Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Alnico V magnets deliver warm, natural tone ideal for blues and rock
- ✓ Balanced output responds naturally to pick dynamics and playing technique
- ✓ Full-bodied midrange character with defined clarity across both positions
- ✓ Passive design with no batteries or active circuitry required
Why choose EMG H1-N Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Ceramic magnets and overwind coils produce aggressive high-output tone for metal
- ✓ Punchy midrange presence cuts through high-gain settings and drop tunings
- ✓ Visible pole pieces enhance articulate definition across all registers
- ✓ Comes with complete solderless wiring system including potentiometers and jack
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The H1A-B uses Alnico V magnets for warm, full-bodied tone with natural pick response, while the H1-N uses ceramic magnets for aggressive, high-output tone with punchy midrange. The H1A-B resonates around 1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz, while the H1-N emphasizes 1.65 kHz and 3.12 kHz for more presence in high-gain settings.
Which pickup is better for metal and hard rock?
The H1-N is explicitly designed for metal, hard rock, and high-gain applications. Its ceramic magnets and higher output deliver the aggressive tone and clarity needed in distorted contexts, while the H1A-B is not ideal for metal.
Do both pickups require special wiring?
The H1A-B is a passive pickup that requires no onboard electronics and ships with only a cable and mounting hardware. The H1-N includes a complete solderless wiring system with 500K potentiometers, a mono output jack, and all necessary hardware, making it easier to install if you need full electronics.
Are both pickups compatible with my guitar cavity?
Both feature long shaft designs and identical dimensions (2.75 x 2.38 x 6 inches). The H1A-B fits standard recessed cavities, while the H1-N accommodates deeper-set cavities. Check your guitar's cavity depth and pole piece compatibility before purchasing.