EMG522 vs EMG5789 — Compare
EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG Steve Lukather SL20 LH Active Pickup in Black
The SA/SA/89 is a three-pickup set for any guitar body needing versatile metal and hard-rock tones, while the SL20 LH is a complete left-handed Stratocaster system built for studio clarity and rock performance. Choose the SA/SA/89 for maximum tonal flexibility across genres; choose the SL20 LH if you play left-handed Strat-style guitars and want a plug-and-play retrofit.
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EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
EMG Steve Lukather SL20 LH Active Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG Steve Lukather SL20 LH Active Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $299.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SA/SA/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Versatile three-pickup configuration works in any guitar body style
- ✓ Extremely low noise floor at -101 dBV for studio-clean tracking
- ✓ Aggressive punch and articulate definition ideal for metal and progressive music
- ✓ Complete solderless system with all wiring and hardware included
Why choose EMG Steve Lukather SL20 LH Active Pickup in Black
- ✓ Purpose-built for left-handed Stratocaster-style guitars with five-way selector
- ✓ Prewired and drop-in ready with pickguard and control knobs included
- ✓ Dual output specifications (plucked and strummed) show balanced responsiveness
- ✓ Specific tuning for studio clarity with dedicated midrange and rhythm focus
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the SL20 LH in a right-handed guitar?
No. The SL20 LH is specifically engineered for left-handed Stratocaster-style guitars with an 11-hole pickguard cavity and left-handed wiring configuration. The SA/SA/89 set is universal and works in any guitar body.
Which has lower electrical noise?
The SA/SA/89 has a -101 dBV noise floor, which is lower (quieter) than the SL20 LH's -90 dB specification. For studio recording with high gain, the SA/SA/89 offers a cleaner noise floor.
What's the key tonal difference between them?
The SA/SA/89 emphasizes articulate aggression and tight definition for metal and progressive work, while the SL20 LH is voiced for balanced studio clarity with punchy rhythm and controlled aggression suited to rock and funk. The SL20 LH's 85 humbucker is optimized for sustain and midrange presence.
Do both require soldering?
No. Both systems are completely solderless. The SA/SA/89 uses EMG's solderless wiring system with basic tools required; the SL20 LH is prewired and drops into a left-handed Strat body as a complete retrofit.