EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5449
Description
EMG H3 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Gold
The EMG H3 captures a balanced, articulate passive humbucker voice with minimal noise and excellent clarity across the frequency spectrum. This ceramic-magnet design records equally well in bridge and neck positions, delivering the responsiveness of a traditional passive pickup without sacrificing EMG's engineering precision. The gold finish marks this as a visually distinctive example of EMG's workhorse humbucker platform.
Tone & Recording Characteristics
With 13.65 kOhm DC resistance and 7.4 Henries inductance, the H3 produces an articulate, focused midrange character that sits well in dense mixes across rock, metal, and fusion sessions. The dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 3.0 kHz with 80.2 kOhm impedance at resonance yield clarity and definition without excessive treble harshness—a signature trait of EMG's passive designs that cuts through without muddying the mix or requiring aggressive EQ correction.
Design & Integration
The two stud piece loaded coils configuration with solid cover cap provides effective noise rejection during high-gain tracking and processing. EMG's Solderless Install System with 5-wire quick-connect output streamlines studio session prep and gear swaps, while fully shielded construction minimizes electromagnetic interference—making this a fast, reliable retrofit into existing recording instruments.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnets with over-wound coils
- DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
- Inductance: 7.4 Henries
- Primary Resonant Frequency: 1.72 kHz
- Secondary Resonant Frequency: 3.0 kHz
- Impedance at Resonance: 80.2 kOhm
- Pole Distance: 9.85 mm
- Two stud piece loaded coils with solid cover cap
- 5-wire quick-connect output, fully shielded
- EMG Solderless Install System
- Manufactured in the USA
- Suitable for neck and bridge positions
The H3 stands as EMG's refined passive alternative, balancing articulate voicing with installation simplicity and proven noise rejection for professional recording and production work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H3 is a passive ceramic-magnet humbucker engineered to deliver clarity and articulate midrange in recording—ideal for tracking heavy rock, metal, and fusion where you need definition without mud or excessive noise. Its dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 3.0 kHz carve out presence in dense mixes, and the fully shielded construction minimizes hum in the control room. Drop this into your instrument or session guitar for a balanced, focused passive tone that records clean and sits well in layered productions.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Rock, Metal, Fusion, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate midrange, focused definition, minimal noise, clarity across frequency spectrum, balanced response |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the H3 in both bridge and neck positions?
Yes—the H3 is designed as a versatile humbucker suitable for either position, giving you consistent articulate character across your instrument whether you're playing lead or rhythm.
What makes the H3 different from active EMG pickups like the 81/85?
The H3 is a passive design, meaning it relies on ceramic magnets and coil impedance rather than active electronics—it offers the responsiveness of a traditional passive pickup while maintaining EMG's precision engineering and noise rejection, without requiring batteries.
How hard is it to install the H3 in my guitar?
Very straightforward—the EMG Solderless Install System uses a 5-wire quick-connect output, eliminating traditional soldering concerns. The fully shielded construction also minimizes electromagnetic interference, making retrofit simple.
Is the H3 suitable for jazz or blues?
The H3's articulate, focused midrange and dual resonant peaks are optimized for rock, metal, and fusion tones. Jazz and blues players typically prefer warmer, smoother voicing, so this pickup is not the ideal match for those genres.
What are the electrical specs, and how do they affect the tone?
The H3 has 13.65 kOhm DC resistance and 7.4 Henries inductance, with resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 3.0 kHz. These specs create clarity and definition without excessive treble harshness, making it stable and articulate in high-gain settings.
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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