EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4454
Description
EMG H2A-B Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG H2A-B is a passive humbucker engineered to capture articulate, responsive tone without active circuitry—ideal for tracking sessions where transparency and natural string response matter. Its compact footprint and brushed chrome finish integrate seamlessly into modern and vintage guitar aesthetics alike. This pickup bridges the gap between vintage character and contemporary clarity, delivering consistent results across multiple tracking scenarios and mix positions.
Tone & Recording Performance
Built on an Alnico V magnet with vintage wind construction, this pickup delivers balanced output with controlled midrange presence. The dual resonant frequencies of 2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz, combined with 8.40 kOhm DC resistance and 4.90 Henries inductance, produce definition across the harmonic spectrum without excessive coloration—critical for capturing clean fundamentals and harmonics during overdubs. The 65.40 kOhm impedance at resonance ensures compatibility with standard recording chains, preamps, and studio effects loops.
Installation & Studio Flexibility
This pickup accommodates Tune-o-matic bridge spacing with a 0.388-inch (9.85mm) pole piece spread. The 5-wire cable connector permits series/parallel switching on the fly, allowing real-time tonal shaping during sessions without soldering or internal modifications. Dimensions of 2.75 × 2.38 × 6 inches confirm straightforward mounting in standard humbucker cavities, minimizing setup time between takes.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet construction
- Vintage wind for articulate, responsive tone
- DC Resistance: 8.40 kOhm
- Inductance: 4.90 Henries
- Dual resonant frequencies: 2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz
- Impedance at resonance: 65.40 kOhm
- Pole piece spread: 0.388" (9.85mm) — standard Tune-o-matic spacing
- 5-wire cable connector for series/parallel switching
- Dimensions: 2.75 × 2.38 × 6 inches
- Brushed chrome finish
- Passive design — no active electronics or batteries required
- Standard humbucker cavity mounting
The H2A-B delivers passive humbucker performance with modern switching flexibility, making it a reliable upgrade for studios prioritizing tonal control, fast setup, and straightforward integration into tracking workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H2A-B is a passive humbucker engineered for recording versatility, delivering articulate, balanced output with vintage character and contemporary clarity across multiple genres. Its dual resonant frequencies (2.12 kHz and 3.82 kHz) and controlled midrange make it sit cleanly in a mix without excessive coloration, while the 5-wire connector allows series/parallel switching to dial in the right voice for each session. Choose it for studio sessions where you need a workhorse pickup that doesn't require active power and responds dynamically to pick attack and guitar-amp interaction.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Hard Rock, Progressive, Blues |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, balanced output, controlled midrange, vintage character with clarity, responsive |
| Less specialized for | Extreme Metal, Djent (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does passive mean, and why does it matter?
Passive means this pickup has no active electronics or battery requirement—it relies purely on the Alnico V magnet and vintage wind construction to generate signal. This design delivers natural responsiveness to pick dynamics and amp interaction, with zero maintenance and full compatibility with any standard guitar amplification chain.
Can I switch between series and parallel wiring without soldering?
Yes. The 5-wire cable connector allows series/parallel switching, so you can reshape the tone and output level without internal rewiring or soldering—useful for balancing brightness and punch across different playing styles and amplifiers.
Will this pickup fit my guitar?
The H2A-B fits any standard humbucker cavity and uses Tune-o-matic bridge spacing (0.388-inch pole piece spread), which covers the vast majority of modern and vintage guitars. Verify your guitar has a standard humbucker cavity before purchasing.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup designed for?
The H2A-B excels in studio sessions, hard rock, progressive, and blues. Its balanced output and controlled midrange make it less ideal for extreme metal or djent applications, where you may want higher output or more aggressive coloration.
How does the EMG H2A-B compare to active EMG pickups or other brands like Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio?
The H2A-B is passive, so it requires no battery and offers more natural dynamic response than active pickups. It compares directly to the Seymour Duncan 59, DiMarzio Super Distortion, and Bareknuckle Burnt Ends—all vintage-character humbuckers—but the EMG's articulate tone and resonance design give it clarity and definition without excessive output coloration.
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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