EMG H4 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3700
Description
EMG H4 Passive Humbucker Pickup in Chrome
The EMG H4 is a straightforward, no-nonsense passive humbucker engineered for recording and mixing scenarios where traditional pickup response and natural dynamics matter. Its ceramic magnet construction captures articulate, punchy tone with responsive dynamics, making it well-suited for tracking classic rock, metal, and tonally transparent sessions where passive operation delivers the desired character without active signal coloration.
Tone & Output for Recording
Built with over-wound coils loaded with ceramic bar magnets, the H4 produces a focused, defined tone with controlled highs and solid midrange presence that translates clearly to tape and mix. The 13.65 kΩ DC resistance sits in the mid-to-hot range for a passive design, giving you enough output to drive preamps and interfaces without sacrificing clarity or responsiveness to pick dynamics—critical for capturing nuanced performances in the studio.
Integration & Workflow
This pickup arrives ready to integrate into your session rig with 4-wire plus shield construction and solderless Quick Connect terminals, eliminating downtime on traditional soldering during instrument swaps. The included EMG 5-wire Quik-Connect Cable and mounting screws streamline setup between takes, and the brushed chrome cover pairs with most guitar aesthetics while minimizing unwanted reflections in recording environments.
Key Features
- Type: Passive Humbucker
- Magnet Type: Ceramic
- DC Resistance: 13.65 kΩ
- Conductor Configuration: 4-wire plus shield
- Connectivity: Solderless Quick Connect
- String Count: 6-string
- Cover Finish: Brushed Chrome
- Over-wound coils with full shielding for minimal noise
- Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 1 inches
- Includes EMG 5-wire Quik-Connect Cable and mounting hardware
The H4 delivers classic passive humbucker character with modern connector convenience, making it an efficient choice for upgrading tracking instruments or building a session-ready guitar.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG H4 is a passive ceramic humbucker that captures articulate, punchy tone with controlled highs and solid midrange presence—ideal for recording classic rock, metal, and hard rock where natural dynamic response and clarity matter in the mix. At 13.65 kΩ DC resistance, it delivers enough output to drive preamps and interfaces without losing responsiveness to pick nuance. Quick Connect terminals and included cable streamline tracking sessions and make re-working setups fast.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Classic Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Blues
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the EMG H4 and active EMG pickups?
The H4 is a passive humbucker that requires no battery and responds naturally to pick dynamics, whereas EMG active pickups use built-in preamps for higher output and more compressed tone. The H4 is ideal if you prefer traditional passive character and want to avoid active electronics entirely.
Will the EMG H4 fit my guitar?
The H4 is a standard 6-string humbucker with brushed chrome cover and solderless Quick Connect terminals. It fits any humbucker cavity designed for standard-size humbuckers; measure your existing pickup or cavity dimensions to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
What genres work best with this pickup?
The H4 excels in classic rock, metal, hard rock, and blues where articulate, punchy tone with focused midrange is essential. It is not ideally suited for jazz or folk styles, which typically favor warmer or more nuanced voicings.
Do I need to solder this pickup to my guitar?
No—the H4 uses solderless Quick Connect terminals, and an EMG 5-wire Quik-Connect Cable is included. Installation on compatible wiring systems requires no soldering, though your guitar's existing wiring must support Quick Connect connectors.
How does the EMG H4 compare to the EMG 81?
The H4 is passive with ceramic magnets and natural dynamic response, while the EMG 81 is active with higher output and more compressed tone. The H4 suits players who prefer traditional passive character; the 81 suits those wanting modern active performance and reduced noise.
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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