EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4698
Description
EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG HX captures articulate, high-output single-coil character with the noise rejection and consistency that only active electronics provide. Long shaft construction accommodates deeper guitar cavities and non-standard routing, making this pickup an ideal choice for tracking and layering in sessions where instrument compatibility and predictable signal integrity matter.
Recording Character & Mix Presence
This active single-coil design records bright, defined articulation with solid midrange presence and minimal hum—cutting through dense arrangements without feedback or noise floor issues. The high output level maintains clarity and sustain through gain staging, overdrive, and distortion without losing note definition or dynamic response, making it versatile across hard rock, metal, and heavy alternative sessions.
Studio Specifications & Instrument Integration
The long shaft configuration extends deeper into the guitar body, accommodating semi-hollow and deep-routed designs where standard pickups cannot fit. Active circuitry requires a 9V battery system but rewards studio work with impedance stability, superior shielding from RFI, and predictable performance across cable runs, preamp chains, and equipment variations—essential for consistent tracking and re-amping workflows.
Key Features
- Active electronics with built-in preamp
- Single-coil tonal character with high-output voicing
- Long shaft design for deep-cavity routing
- Black cover finish
- Requires 9V battery powering
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Low noise floor from active shielding
- Direct-replacement format for most single-coil routes
- Consistent output across cable runs
- Articulate transient response ideal for tight playing
The EMG HX merges traditional single-coil clarity with modern active reliability, delivering studio-grade performance and compatibility in instruments where standard pickups don't fit.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG HX captures articulate single-coil character with high output and a solid midrange that sits well in heavy mixes without losing note definition through distortion and overdrive. Its active electronics eliminate hum and provide impedance stability, making it ideal for capturing consistent, predictable recordings across multiple takes and cable runs in the studio. The long shaft design makes it a practical solution for non-standard guitar cavities, ensuring you can retrofit modern instruments without routing compromise.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Extended Range, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Bright, articulate, high-output, solid midrange, minimal hum |
| Less specialized for | Blues, Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar styles does the EMG HX fit, and do I need special routing?
The long shaft design accommodates semi-hollow guitars and deep-cavity routing where standard pickups don't fit—it's a direct replacement for most single-coil routes in modern instruments. Standard single-coil guitars do not require any additional routing; deeper or non-standard cavities benefit most from this extended design.
Does this pickup require a battery, and how does that affect gigging?
Yes, the EMG HX requires a 9V battery system to power its active preamp circuitry. Active electronics deliver superior noise rejection and impedance stability across any cable length, ensuring consistent performance on stage and in the studio—the trade-off for reliability is the battery, which should be checked regularly.
How does the EMG HX perform in heavy music like metal and hard rock?
The high-output active design maintains clarity and sustain through overdrive and distortion without losing note definition, making it ideal for tight, articulate playing in heavy genres. Bright, defined articulation and solid midrange presence cut through dense mixes while ceramic magnet construction and low noise floor provide professional-grade consistency.
Is this pickup suitable for blues, jazz, or folk music?
No—the EMG HX is optimized for hard rock, metal, and extended-range styles where high output, articulate transients, and active noise rejection are priorities. Its bright, modern character is not well-suited to the warm, nuanced tones expected in blues, jazz, or folk.
How does active circuitry improve performance compared to passive single coils?
Active electronics provide impedance stability, superior shielding, and minimal hum regardless of cable length or equipment variation, delivering consistent output across any setup. This makes the EMG HX more predictable in live and studio environments where passive single coils can be vulnerable to noise and signal degradation.
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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