The EMG HZ F-H2 is an Emg other, currently around $149. Close alternatives include the EMG KFK Kerry King Set and the EMG MM-04 Gain Boost. It pairs well with the Orange Little Bass Thing and the Ampeg V-4.
EMG HZ F-H2
Emg · other
The EMG HZ F-H2 is a passive humbucker used by Alexi Laiho in his single-pickup ESP signature guitars, typically paired with an EMG MM-04 gain boost that he left almost permanently engaged. Unlike EMG's active models it is passive, giving a slightly more open, dynamic feel, while the always-on boost pushes high output into the amp for cutting, saturated lead and tight rhythm tone. The combination yields an aggressive, focused voice with strong sustain suited to melodic death metal and shred. It is a specialist high-gain setup rather than a versatile, multi-tone pickup.
- boost
- lead
- death metal
- rhythm
- tight
- cutting
- sustain
- metal
Price updated Aug 27, 2026
Genres the EMG HZ F-H2 is commonly used in
- Death Metal
- Metal
- Hardcore
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Metalcore
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Heavy Metal
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Hard Rock
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag.
Amps that pair well with the EMG HZ F-H2
Orange Little Bass Thing
Orange
tonal matchRun Orange Little Bass Thing after it and the bright edge settles into something more warm
Ampeg V-4
Ampeg
tonal matchAmpeg V-4 takes that high gain character and pushes it toward mid-forward
Fuchs ODS II Custom 25/50 Combo
Fuchs
tonal matchRun Fuchs ODS II Custom 25/50 Combo after it and the bright edge settles into something more warm
Gallien-Krueger Fusion 210
Gallien Krueger
tonal matchGallien-Krueger Fusion 210 takes that high gain character and pushes it toward mid-forward
Ampeg V4-B Head
Ampeg
tonal matchWhere this leans bright, Ampeg V4-B Head answers back smooth
Gibson GA-50
Gibson
tonal matchWhere this leans bright, Gibson GA-50 answers back warm
Harmony H650
Harmony
tonal matchFeed a high gain signal into Harmony H650 and it comes out closer to mid-forward
Park P45H
Park
tonal matchPark P45H's warm balances out the bright tone
Pedals that stack with the EMG HZ F-H2
Friedman Buxom Boost
Friedman
tonal matchInto EMG HZ F-H2, Friedman Buxom Boost is right at home: it's built around a high-gain amp's front end
Fortin Amplification Tempest Overdrive Signature Architects
Fortin Amplification
tonal matchFortin Amplification Tempest Overdrive Signature Architects's own voicing points at a high-gain amp's front end, and EMG HZ F-H2 delivers it
Behringer Chorus Symphony
Behringer
tonal matchWhere this leans bright, Behringer Chorus Symphony answers back smooth
Spaceman Explorer 6-Stage Phaser
Spaceman
tonal matchSpaceman Explorer 6-Stage Phaser warms up and rounds off a bright tone
Spaceman Effects Atlas IV
Spaceman
tonal matchSpaceman Effects Atlas IV takes that high gain character and pushes it toward clean boost
Dunlop Echoplex Preamp
Dunlop
tonal matchDunlop Echoplex Preamp leans smooth right where the bright tone needs it
JAM Pedals RetroVibe Mk.4
Jam Pedals
tonal matchFeed a high gain signal into JAM Pedals RetroVibe Mk.4 and it comes out closer to mid-forward
Dunlop Blue Hippo Optical Tremolo
Dunlop
tonal matchRun Dunlop Blue Hippo Optical Tremolo after it and the bright edge settles into something more warm
Alternatives
See all alternatives to the EMG HZ F-H2 (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the EMG HZ F-H2?+
The closest matches in character are the EMG KFK Kerry King Set, the EMG MM-04 Gain Boost, the Seymour Duncan Screamin' Demon.
What pairs well with the EMG HZ F-H2?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Orange Little Bass Thing, Ampeg V-4, Fuchs ODS II Custom 25/50 Combo — Run Orange Little Bass Thing after it and the bright edge settles into something more warm.
How much does the EMG HZ F-H2 cost?+
Around $149 (live listing price, updated Aug 27, 2026).