EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed 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
- EMG5677
Description
EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Black Chrome
The EMG H3A is a passive humbucker engineered for recording and production work that demands tonal flexibility without active electronics. Its overwound coil design and Alnico V magnets deliver thick, articulate tones across bridge and neck positions, while the 5-wire configuration enables series/parallel switching and single/dual-coil blending—giving you real-time mix adaptation within a single take or session.
Tone & Resonance
Dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz with impedance readings of 83.3 kOhm at resonance create a balanced midrange presence that sits cleanly in dense mixes while retaining warmth and definition. The 13.65 kOhm DC resistance and 7.67 Henry inductance characteristic of these overwound coils ensure thick output, natural sustain, and consistent tracking across multiple takes.
Installation & Session Integration
Designed for standard Tune-o-matic bridge spacing with 9.85mm pole piece spread, the short shaft configuration fits most guitar cavities without modification. The 5-wire cable integrates seamlessly into custom wiring schemes, enabling series/parallel and coil-split options with external switching—ideal for capturing multiple tonal variations without rerecording or re-wiring mid-session.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet type for classic, articulate tone
- Overwound coil design for enhanced output and midrange definition
- 9.85mm pole piece spread (standard Tune-o-matic bridge spacing)
- 7.67 Henries inductance
- 13.65 kOhm DC resistance
- Dual resonant frequencies at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz
- 83.3 kOhm impedance at resonance
- 5-wire cable for series/parallel switching and coil-split configurations
- Short shaft with standard spacing
- Brushed Black Chrome finish
- Passive design — no battery or power supply required
- Made in the United States
The H3A delivers passive humbucker character with wiring flexibility that serves production demands, making it an excellent choice for building or retrofitting instruments with switchable tonal options for studio tracking.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H3A is a passive humbucker engineered to sit solidly in a mix with its dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz, providing articulate midrange presence and thick output ideal for recording sessions across multiple genres. Its overwound coil design and 5-wire configuration enable flexible recording options—series/parallel switching and coil-splitting—letting you shape tone at the source without external gear. Choose it for a no-nonsense passive pickup that delivers classic humbucker character with modern wiring versatility in the studio or during overdubs.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Custom Build
- ✓ Retrofit/Upgrade
Not the best pick for
- – Beginner Setup
- – Plug-and-Play Installation
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the H3A different from active EMG pickups like the 81/85?
The H3A is entirely passive—it requires no battery or power supply—making it simpler to install and maintain while still delivering thick output and articulate tone through its overwound coil design and Alnico V magnets. It compares tonally to passive models like the Seymour Duncan '59 and DiMarzio Super Distortion, offering warm sustain with modern wiring flexibility.
Will the H3A fit my guitar without modification?
The H3A is designed for standard Tune-o-matic bridge spacing (9.85mm pole piece spread) with a short shaft configuration that fits most guitar cavities without modification. Always measure your current pickup cavity and bridge spacing to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
What is the 5-wire cable used for?
The 5-wire configuration enables series/parallel switching and single/dual-coil blending through external switch wiring, giving you switchable tonal options on demand. This flexibility is ideal for custom builds and retrofits where you want multiple voicings from one pickup set.
What is the tone character of the H3A?
The H3A delivers thick output, articulate midrange, and warm sustain with balanced presence across bridge and neck positions. Its dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz create definition that cuts through a mix without harshness, making it versatile for studio and live use across rock, metal, and alternative genres.
Is this pickup suitable for a beginner?
The H3A is best suited for intermediate to advanced players doing custom builds or retrofits, as it requires understanding of wiring configurations and integration into existing electronics. Beginners should consider simpler plug-and-play options.
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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