EVH SA-126 Special Limited-Edition

EVH SA-126 Special Limited-Edition
The EVH SA-126 Special Limited-Edition is Wolfgang Van Halen’s first official signature guitar, and it’s not messing around. Designed to mix the warmth and resonance of a semi-hollow with the power and attack of a solid-body, the SA-126 is a genre-bending beast with a look that turns heads. Think traditional vibes with a modern twist and yeah, it really delivers.
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Guitar Details

Type of Guitar:

Semi-hollow

Best For:

Blues, jazz, metal, rock

ELECTRIKJAM Rating:

★★★★★

Pickups:

EVH SA-126 humbuckers

Scale Length:

24.75"

Editor’s Thoughts

I plugged this thing in expecting another shred stick with some extra contouring, but man—I was way off. This is one of the most dynamic guitars I’ve played in a long time. It’s light in the hands, but hits hard when you dig in. The EVH pickups? Total surprise. They clean up beautifully, but when you crank them, they don’t flinch. It’s not just a signature guitar: it’s a seriously playable, do-it-all machine.
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Chris Horton

ELECTRIKJAM, Founder

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Author

Christopher Horton

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Notable Features & Testing Notes

Here’s what stood out during my time with the SA-126—and why it might be the next guitar on your wishlist:

  • Chambered Construction, No Feedback: This is the dream for players who love the look and feel of a semi-hollow but don’t want to wrestle with squeals at high gain. The basswood center block does its job, and it does it well.

  • Tim Shaw-Designed Pickups: You don’t expect vintage-style clarity and modern punch in the same pickup… but these do it. Great touch response and surprisingly versatile for everything from ambient cleans to classic rock crunch to aggressive modern metal.

  • Neck Feel is a Standout: The modified “C” profile is slim but not flat, and the compound radius ebony board feels smooth under your fingers. Add in the jumbo frets and it’s just plain fun to play—rhythm or lead.

  • Premium Hardware, No Fuss: The Harmonica-style bridge has that old-school vibe but with modern tuning stability. Combine that with the TUSQ nut and high-ratio EVH tuners and you’ve got a stage-ready workhorse.

  • Looks as Good as It Plays: Transparent Purple over quilt maple? Yeah, it’s got vibe. Even the Stealth Black is slick and modern. And that 5-ply binding adds just the right amount of flash.


Any Caveats?



  • Price Point Might Make You Flinch: It’s not cheap—but for what you get, it’s honestly worth the tag. You’re buying a pro-level instrument here.

  • Different Feel Than Traditional Guitars: If you’re used to a Les Paul or a Strat, this hybrid semi-hollow might feel… unfamiliar at first. But give it ten minutes, you’ll be hooked.


Why You Should Be Looking at This Guitar


The SA-126 isn’t just for EVH fans or collectors. It’s for players who want:

  • Semi-hollow warmth without uncontrollable feedback

  • Solid-body playability and sustain

  • A truly versatile pickup setup that handles any amp setting

  • A premium feel and killer aesthetics


Whether you’re gigging, recording, or just jamming in your room, this guitar adapts and thrives in all kinds of setups. And unlike a lot of artist signature models, this one actually feels like something designed for players—not just a tribute piece.

The EVH SA-126 Special Limited-Edition is one of those rare guitars that really does everything well. It’s stylish, solid, and surprisingly versatile. If you’re after a guitar that can switch from jazz comping to high-gain mayhem without missing a beat, this might be your new main squeeze.

 
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