EMG H3A 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
- EMG5676
Description
EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Chrome
The EMG H3A is an over-wound passive humbucker engineered to deliver articulate midrange punch and dynamic response without batteries or active circuitry—ideal for session work and studio recording where tonal authenticity and pick-attack sensitivity matter. This Brushed Chrome finish variant captures the classic H3A character—tight lows, focused mids, and controlled treble—in a finish that pairs seamlessly with modern and vintage instrument aesthetics. Direct replacement dimensions and standard wiring ensure hassle-free installation in any humbucker-routed cavity.
Tone & Recording Character
The dual resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz position the H3A prominently in the vocal midrange, allowing it to cut through layered arrangements and deliver percussive articulation in dense mixes. Alnico V magnets paired with over-wound coils produce a warm yet aggressive character that translates pick dynamics and playing nuance directly to tape or interface, capturing the full spectrum of your attack.
Electrical Specifications & Studio Wiring
DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm and inductance of 7.67 Henries yield balanced output without requiring external power—eliminating noise floors and ground-loop concerns common to active systems. The included 5-wire cable enables series/parallel switching, allowing you to reshape your tracking palette mid-session from tight single-coil-like articulation to full humbucker body without rewiring.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet construction
- Over-wound coils for enhanced output and presence
- DC Resistance: 13.65 kOhm
- Inductance: 7.67 Henries
- Resonant Frequency 1: 1.72 kHz
- Resonant Frequency 2: 2.92 kHz
- Impedance at Resonance: 83.30 kOhm
- Standard pole spread (0.388" / 9.85 mm)
- 5-wire cable for series/parallel switching
- Passive design—no battery required
- Standard spacing, short shaft configuration
- Direct replacement for humbucker-sized cavities
The H3A combines passive reliability with articulate, midrange-forward character—the pragmatic choice for producers who demand responsive dynamics, clean wiring architecture, and consistent performance across multiple tracking sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H3A is a passive humbucker engineered to sit prominently in dense mixes with dual resonant peaks that emphasize vocal midrange presence and articulation. Its warm yet aggressive character, tight low end, and dynamic response make it ideal for recording metal, hard rock, and progressive sessions where cut and definition matter; the 5-wire cable enables series/parallel switching to dial in anything from single-coil-like articulation to full humbucker body. No battery needed, so it integrates cleanly into any signal chain.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate midrange, controlled treble, warm yet aggressive, dynamic response |
| 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
What makes the H3A different from active EMG pickups like the 81?
The H3A is entirely passive—no battery or active circuitry required—yet delivers comparable output and presence through over-wound Alnico V coils and carefully tuned resonant peaks at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz. It offers a warm yet aggressive tone with dynamic response to pick attack, while active pickups like the 81 provide more preamp-driven sustain and compressed response.
Can I switch between single-coil and humbucker tones with this pickup?
Yes. The included 5-wire cable enables series/parallel switching, so you can dial in everything from tight single-coil-like articulation in parallel mode to full humbucker body and output in series mode.
What genres and playing styles is the H3A best suited for?
The H3A excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate midrange punch, percussive clarity, and tight low end are priorities. Its focused, aggressive character is less suited to jazz and blues playing.
Will this fit my guitar without modification?
Yes. The H3A is a direct replacement for any standard humbucker-routed cavity with standard pole spread (0.388 inches / 9.85 mm) and uses a short shaft configuration. Standard 5-wire wiring makes installation straightforward.
What is the output level and impedance of the H3A?
The H3A has a DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm, inductance of 7.67 Henries, and impedance at resonance of 83.30 kOhm, delivering balanced, articulate output suitable for high-gain and studio applications without requiring external power.
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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