EMG7990 vs EMG8169 — Compare
EMG H2-B Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome vs EMG F-H1A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The H2-B is a versatile long-shaft passive humbucker for blues and classic rock with broad guitar compatibility, while the F-H1A is a specialized Floyd Rose-equipped pickup engineered for hard rock and metal with higher output and tighter coupling. Choose the H2-B for retrofitting standard guitars; choose the F-H1A only if your guitar has a Floyd Rose bridge.
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EMG H2-B Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
EMG F-H1A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Specs side by side
| EMG H2-B Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome | EMG F-H1A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG H2-B Long Shaft Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
- ✓ Long shaft design fits most guitar types without routing modifications
- ✓ Moderate 8.4 kOhm output ideal for blues and classic rock without excessive aggression
- ✓ Lower inductance (4.53 H) yields cleaner, more articulate high-end response
- ✓ Straightforward retrofit option for players avoiding extensive modifications
Why choose EMG F-H1A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
- ✓ Alnico magnets deliver warmer, more vintage-leaning character than ceramic
- ✓ Higher 13.65 kOhm resistance and 7.80 H inductance provide increased output for hard rock and metal
- ✓ Precision Floyd Rose pole spacing (0.410 inch) ensures optimal performance on tremolo systems
- ✓ Tighter coupling (80.80 kOhm impedance) minimizes signal loss on longer cable runs
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup should I choose if my guitar doesn't have a Floyd Rose?
Choose the H2-B. The F-H1A is specifically engineered for Floyd Rose string spacing and pole piece alignment; it will not fit or perform optimally on standard guitar cavities.
How do the output levels compare?
The F-H1A has significantly higher output with 13.65 kOhm resistance versus the H2-B's 8.4 kOhm, making it better suited for high-gain applications. The H2-B's moderate output is designed for natural breakup without aggressive coloration in blues and classic rock.
Can either pickup be used for metal?
The F-H1A is suitable for metal with its higher output and over-wound coils. The H2-B is explicitly not ideal for metal due to its moderate output and vintage-voiced character designed for smoother breakup.
Do both pickups require soldering or batteries?
Both are passive pickups with 5-wire Quik-Connect outputs, requiring no batteries. The Quik-Connect system eliminates traditional soldering during installation on compatible guitars.