EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5343
Description
EMG H1A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome
The EMG H1A-B is a fully passive humbucker that captures articulate, punchy tones without requiring any external power source or battery management. Built with Alnico V magnets and designed for recording clarity and definition, this pickup balances traditional humbucker character with modern output characteristics ideal for capturing nuanced performance dynamics on tape. Its compact footprint and straightforward installation make it an accessible upgrade for most electric guitar platforms.
Tonal Profile & Recording Characteristics
Built with Alnico V magnets and steel poles, the H1A-B generates a DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm and inductance of 7.80 Henries, yielding dual resonant peaks at 1.65 kHz and 3.00 kHz that emphasize articulation and present midrange detail in the mix. The over-wound coil construction delivers output without sacrificing note separation, ensuring pick attack and finger nuance remain audible through compression and EQ in post-production.
Integration & Studio Workflow
The H1A-B arrives with a 5-wire Quik-Connect Cable and mounting screws for direct integration into most humbucker-routed instruments. Standard pole spread of .388" (9.85mm) ensures proper alignment in conventional humbucker cavities, while its passive design eliminates wiring complications and session setup delays—no battery management or active circuitry to troubleshoot during recording sessions.
Key Features
- Magnet Type: Alnico V with Steel Poles
- Coil Construction: Over-wound coils
- DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
- Inductance: 7.80 Henries
- Resonant Frequency (Primary): 1.65 kHz
- Resonant Frequency (Secondary): 3.00 kHz
- Impedance at Resonance: 80.80 kOhm
- Pole Spread: Standard .388" (9.85mm)
- Included Connectivity: 5-wire Quik-Connect Cable
- Mounting Hardware: Screws included
- Power Requirements: None (fully passive)
- Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.38 x 6 inches
The H1A-B stands as a no-compromise passive alternative for producers and engineers demanding clarity, definition, and responsive dynamics without the complexity of active electronics in the tracking chain.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H1A-B is a passive humbucker designed to capture articulate, punchy recordings with pronounced midrange and clear note separation ideal for rock and metal tracking. Its Alnico V construction and over-wound coils deliver high output while preserving responsiveness to dynamics, making it versatile for layering guitars in a mix without muddiness. Install it for studio sessions where you need clarity and definition in heavy material without the maintenance or power demands of active electronics.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, punchy, midrange presence, note separation, responsive to dynamics |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a battery or power supply to use this pickup?
No. The H1A-B is fully passive and requires no external power source or battery compartment. It connects directly via the included 5-wire Quik-Connect cable for straightforward wiring.
Will this pickup fit my guitar?
The H1A-B uses a standard .388-inch pole spread and fits most electric guitars routed for conventional humbuckers. It comes with mounting screws for direct installation into standard humbucker cavities.
What tone should I expect, and is it suitable for blues and jazz?
The H1A-B emphasizes articulation, punch, and midrange presence—ideal for rock, metal, and hard rock. Its voice and output character are not designed for blues and jazz applications where warmer, darker tones are typically preferred.
How does the H1A-B compare to other passive humbuckers like the Seymour Duncan 59 or DiMarzio Super Distortion?
The H1A-B uses Alnico V magnets with over-wound coils to balance traditional humbucker character with modern high output and note separation. It sits between classic and contemporary designs, offering clarity without sacrificing punch—compare specs and tone samples to find your best fit.
What's included in the box?
The pickup ships with a 5-wire Quik-Connect cable for easy integration and mounting screws for installation into your guitar's humbucker cavity.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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