Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (1)
$97.09 New
$50.00 Used
Thomann
4.7 (48)
$97.00 $91.00 $6.00 · All time low

Average Price: $87

Budget/Beginner

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "EMG H3 Passive Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the true potential of your electric guitar with the EMG H3 Passive Pickup. Designed for discerning musicians who crave clarity and power, this pickup is a game-changer for any guitarist looking to elevate their sound. With overwound coils and ceramic magnets, the H3 offers a hotter output than traditional PAF models, delivering a punchy and dynamic tone. Its sound profile is perfectly balanced, offering a transparent feel with slightly lowered mids and clear treble, making it ideal for both lead and rhythm playing.

Whether you're installing it in the neck or bridge position, the EMG H3 excels in versatility and performance. The included EMG solderless installation system ensures a hassle-free setup, allowing you to focus more on playing and less on technical details. Ready to transform your sound? The EMG H3 is your ticket to a richer, more nuanced musical experience.

Key Features:

  • Passive humbucker with overwound coils
  • Ceramic magnets for hotter output
  • Balanced sound with transparent mids and clear treble
  • Suitable for neck and bridge positions
  • Pole distance: 9.85 mm
  • Includes EMG solderless installation system: 500k volume potentiometer, 500k tone potentiometer, output jack, two pickup in/out bus, fixing screws & springs, pickup cables, 2x connection cables, output cable, and grounding cable

Product specs

Available since October 2010
Active No
Output High
Cap Yes
Colour Black
Position Bridge, Neck

FAQs

What is the tonal characteristic of the EMG H3 Passive Pickup?

The EMG H3 Passive Pickup offers a high output with a balanced tone, providing tight bass response, clear mids, and articulate highs, making it versatile for various music genres.

Can the EMG H3 Passive Pickup be used in both bridge and neck positions?

Yes, the EMG H3 is designed for use in both the bridge and neck positions, allowing for flexible configurations based on your tonal preferences.

Does the EMG H3 Passive Pickup require a battery?

No, the EMG H3 is a passive pickup and does not require a battery to operate, unlike active pickups which need a power source.

Is the EMG H3 Passive Pickup suitable for high-gain music styles?

Yes, with its high output, the EMG H3 is well-suited for high-gain music styles, delivering powerful and consistent tones ideal for rock and metal genres.

Per Semb

Per Semb

EMG HZ (H3) vs Seymour Duncan SH-6 & SH-2 (Pickup comparison)

Video thumbnail for EMG HZ (H3) vs Seymour Duncan SH-6 & SH-2 (Pickup comparison) by Per Semb

EMG HZ (H3) vs Seymour Duncan SH-6 & SH-2 (Pickup comparison)

Per Semb

Per Semb

Video thumbnail for EMG HZ H3 passive pickup demo USA HIGH QUALITY audio by Guy Capuano

EMG HZ H3 passive pickup demo USA HIGH QUALITY audio

Guy Capuano

Guy Capuano

Video thumbnail for EMG HZ test - H4 vs. H3 - Harley Benton Victory by joewebrocks

EMG HZ test - H4 vs. H3 - Harley Benton Victory

joewebrocks

joewebrocks

Reviews

PROS

  • Ceramic magnets offer a punchy top-end and distinctive tone

  • Retains a "straty" quality in HSH configurations

  • Suitable for both metal tones and jazzy clean sounds

  • Delivers massive squeals, perfect for Floyd Rose-equipped guitars

  • Comparable sound quality to active pickups despite being passive

  • Ideal for Metallica fans seeking a passive pickup

  • Allows for coil splitting, offering versatile sound options

CONS

  • Limited to genuine EMG parts for solder-free setup

  • Coil splitting requires additional soldering, not a quick-connect feature

  • Lack of optional roll-back knob limits customization options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG H3 Passive Pickup.

Comparisons

  • Some users compare the EMG H3 to the Ibanez Infinity pickups, noting a similar muddy response but with better production quality.

    Source
  • The EMG HZ H1 pickups are described as sounding like vintage PAFs on steroids, providing a beefy tone and quick amp breakup.

    Source
  • The H4 is described as a high output metal pickup akin to a passive EMG 81, while the H3/A is likened to a passive EMG 60/A.

    Source
  • The H3 is described as "creamy" in the neck, while the H4 in the bridge mimics an EMG 81 with a more dynamic response due to its passive nature.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • EMG HZ pickups were originally produced in the same factory as active EMGs, offering a higher production quality compared to Korean OEM pickups.

    Source
  • The choice of magnet type is crucial for achieving a vintage tone without modifying a guitar for active pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • EMG HZ models, when paired with the Afterburner boost circuit, were marketed as alternatives to the classic 81/85 setup.

    Source
  • For those seeking a vintage tone without modifications, the H3A or H4A are recommended as suitable options.

    Source
  • Passive EMGs are recommended for metal genres requiring clarity in fast, technical playing, offering a balanced bottom end without losing dynamic control.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find the EMG H3 pickups sound flat, requiring effort to extract a good tone, while others describe them as anemic compared to Duncans.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Passive EMGs like the H3 and H4 can distort if placed too close to the strings; adjusting the distance improves handling without losing picking dynamics.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Increasing the volume pot from the default 25K to 50K or 100K ohms can brighten tone and enhance high-end frequencies for EMG pickups.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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mzgmusic

Strong Tone

Passive pickups from EMG that to me have the same sound quality as the active pickups. I love the sound from them.

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