EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2029
Description
EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Black
The EMG H3-B is a straightforward, high-output passive humbucker that delivers the aggressive midrange and tight low end characteristic of overwound designs. Built with ceramic magnets and manufactured in the USA, this pickup excels in both neck and bridge positions without requiring active circuitry or batteries. The H3 captures responsive, musically direct tracking across high-gain and moderate-drive sessions with modern clarity and cut.
Tonal Character & Specifications
The 13.65 kOhm DC resistance and 7.4 H inductance establish a voiced response tuned for cut and definition across the frequency spectrum. A 1.72 resonance frequency and 9.85 mm pole distance contribute to articulate note separation and controlled sustain, ensuring the H3 records with clarity whether tracking aggressive rhythm parts or layering textured lead lines.
Installation & Studio Workflow
EMG's solderless installation system ships with this pickup, including a 5-wire Quick-Connect cable, 500k volume and tone potentiometers, output jack, dual pickup bus connectors, mounting screws, springs, and all necessary grounding and output cables. Drop-in compatibility with standard humbucker cavities eliminates downtime in the studio—swap pickups between tracking sessions without permanent modification or complex wiring.
Key Features
- Passive humbucker design—no batteries or active circuit required
- Overwound coils with ceramic and steel magnets for increased output
- DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
- Inductance: 7.4 H
- Resonance Frequency: 1.72
- Pole Distance: 9.85 mm
- Usable in both neck and bridge positions
- 5-wire Quick-Connect cable included
- EMG solderless installation system with potentiometers, jack, and all cables
- Finish: Black
- Manufactured in the USA
- Standard humbucker mounting footprint
The H3-B combines transparent electronics, measured aggression, and hassle-free installation into a pickup that records and performs without requiring active power or extensive wiring work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H3 is a high-output passive humbucker that captures aggressive, articulate tones perfect for recording heavy music, metal, and hard-rock productions. Its 13.65 kOhm DC resistance and ceramic overwound coils produce controlled sustain and modern midrange clarity that sit well in dense mixes, making it equally effective for aggressive rhythm tracking or lead work. The included solderless installation system and full wiring kit streamline setup, so you can focus on tracking without lengthy electronics work.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ High-Gain
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a battery or active circuit to use the H3?
No. The H3 is a fully passive humbucker—it requires no batteries, active electronics, or external power. Install it with the included solderless Quick-Connect cable and you're ready to play.
What genres and playing styles is the H3 best suited for?
The H3 excels in metal, hard rock, high-gain, and drop-tuned applications where aggressive midrange and tight low-end definition matter. Its articulate response works well in both rhythm and lead playing across moderate-drive and high-gain settings.
What comes in the box and how difficult is installation?
The H3 ships with a 5-wire Quick-Connect cable, 500k volume and tone potentiometers, output jack, dual pickup bus connectors, mounting hardware, and all grounding and output cables. EMG's solderless system means drop-in installation into any standard humbucker cavity—no soldering required.
Can I use the H3 in both neck and bridge positions?
Yes. The H3 is voiced to work effectively in either position without position-specific modifications, giving you flexibility in how you voice your guitar.
How does the H3 compare to active EMG pickups like the 81 or 85?
The H3 is passive and requires no batteries, making it lower-maintenance than active designs. It delivers high output and modern clarity like EMG's active pickups but with a slightly warmer, more organic passive character and no ongoing power concerns.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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