EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5072
Description
EMG H3A Passive Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold
The EMG H3A is a passive humbucker engineered to deliver articulate, balanced output without the noise floor of active electronics. Its over-wound coils and Alnico 5 magnet capture responsive character that tracks cleanly across modern and classic recording contexts. The brushed gold finish on the solid cover cap and logo provides visual distinction, while the 5-wire quik-connect output with full shielding ensures trouble-free installation and minimal interference in your tracking chain.
Tonal Character in the Mix
With a DC resistance of 13.65 kOhm and inductance of 7.67 Henries, this pickup maintains the harmonic complexity expected from a passive design, translating to natural sustain and overtone bloom on tape or DAW. The dual resonant frequencies at 1.72 kHz and 2.92 kHz with 83.30 kOhm impedance at resonance provide a defined midrange presence and controlled high-end articulation that cuts through dense mixes without requiring heavy EQ intervention in post-production.
Build & Studio Integration
The HZ solid cover cap design shields against electromagnetic interference, preserving the transparency needed for accurate recording documentation. Standard pole piece spread of 0.388" (9.85mm) accommodates conventional pickup cavity routing, and the fully shielded 5-wire quik-connect output eliminates soldering during installation and allows seamless switching between coil configurations for session flexibility.
Key Features
- Magnet type: Alnico/Steel (A/S)
- Over-wound coils with Alnico 5 magnet
- DC resistance: 13.65 kOhm
- Inductance: 7.67 Henries
- Resonant frequency: 1.72 kHz (primary)
- Resonant frequency: 2.92 kHz (secondary)
- Impedance at resonance: 83.30 kOhm
- Standard pole piece spread: 0.388" (9.85mm)
- Solid HZ cover cap design
- 5-wire quik-connect output with full shielding
- Brushed gold logo and cover finish
The H3A combines passive tone character with modern convenience, delivering a pickup that responds naturally to playing dynamics while offering installation simplicity, electromagnetic protection, and reliable performance across varied recording sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H3A is a passive humbucker engineered for articulate, balanced output that captures harmonic complexity and defined midrange presence in recording sessions. Its dual resonant frequencies and responsive character let it cut through mixes in metal and hard-rock contexts while maintaining tonal versatility for studio work across multiple genres. The fully shielded quik-connect output eliminates noise and installation hassle, letting you drop it into a session guitar and get to work capturing great tone without active-electronics compromise.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate cleans, balanced output, defined midrange, controlled high-end, harmonic complexity |
| Less specialized for | Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between this and active EMG pickups like the 81/85?
The H3A is passive—no battery or preamp circuit needed—so it has a lower noise floor and more natural response to your playing dynamics. Active pickups like the 81/85 offer higher output and consistency, but the H3A delivers harmonic complexity and vintage-to-modern tone character without the active electronics footprint.
Will this work in my guitar without soldering?
Yes. The 5-wire quik-connect output with full shielding eliminates soldering during installation. It connects with standard EMG-compatible connectors, making swaps and adjustments straightforward.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?
The H3A excels in metal, hard rock, and progressive music, and works well in studio sessions. Its articulate cleans and defined midrange make it less suitable for traditional jazz or folk where a warmer, smoother response is preferred.
What does the standard pole piece spread mean for my guitar?
The H3A has a standard 0.388-inch pole piece spread, which fits conventional pickup cavity routing found in most modern electric guitars. If your guitar uses non-standard spacing, verify cavity dimensions before purchasing.
How does the brushed gold finish affect the tone?
The brushed gold cover is cosmetic and visual—it adds distinction without changing the pickup's tonal character. The solid HZ cover cap itself shields against electromagnetic interference while maintaining tonal transparency.
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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.