The EVH SA-126 Special was built for players who want one guitar to cover the full spectrum—without feeling like a compromise in any direction. Conceived by Wolfgang Van Halen, it blends the resonance and depth of a semi-hollow design with the attack, stability and control of a modern solidbody. A chambered mahogany body with a basswood centerblock delivers warmth and sustain while keeping the low end tight and focused at volume. The graphite-reinforced mahogany neck and compound-radius ebony fingerboard provide a fast, confident feel built for technical playing and expressive bends. Purpose-voiced EVH SA-126 humbuckers offer both clarity and punch, making the guitar equally capable of muscular rhythm work and fluid lead lines. Wrapped in a striking Platinum Pearl Metallic finish, the SA-126 Special is a forward-thinking instrument designed to stay responsive, balanced and inspiring no matter how hard you push it.
Chambered Mahogany Body With Basswood Centerblock for Resonance and Control
The SA-126 Special’s body design is a key part of its versatility, combining the openness of a chambered construction with the focus of a solid centerblock. The mahogany body contributes warmth, depth and sustain, while strategic chambering adds airiness and dynamic response without sacrificing punch. A basswood centerblock reinforces stability, helping keep the low end tight and controlled at higher volumes and under heavier gain. This hybrid approach delivers the richness and feel of a semi-hollow instrument with the authority and feedback resistance of a solidbody, making the SA-126 equally at home in clean, edge-of-breakup and high-gain environments.
Graphite-Reinforced Mahogany Neck and Ebony Fingerboard for Speed and Stability
Designed with performance in mind, the SA-126 Special features a graphite-reinforced mahogany neck that offers enhanced stability and consistent feel across changing environments. The ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, immediate response, while the 12–16" compound radius allows comfortable chord work near the nut and flatter geometry higher up for effortless bends and lead playing. Jumbo frets and a familiar 24.75" scale length strike a balance between modern speed and classic comfort. A spoke-wheel truss rod adjustment at the heel enables quick, precise tweaks, keeping the guitar dialed in for the road or studio.
EVH SA-126 Humbucking Pickups for Punchy, Articulate Tone
Developed by pickup maestro Tim Shaw and the EVH team, the SA-126 humbuckers are voiced to handle a wide range of playing styles without losing definition. The bridge pickup delivers punch and clarity for driven rhythm tones and articulate leads, while the neck pickup offers warmth and smoothness for clean passages and expressive solos. Together, they maintain note separation under gain and retain nuance when played clean. Independent volume and tone controls for each pickup, paired with a three-way toggle switch, give players precise control over their sound in any musical setting.
EVH Harmonica Bridge and Keystone Tuners for Rock-Solid Performance
High-quality hardware ensures the SA-126 Special performs with consistency and confidence. The EVH Harmonica bridge and stopbar tailpiece enhance sustain while maintaining accurate intonation across the neck. EVH Keystone tuning machines provide smooth, reliable tuning stability, even during aggressive playing. A Graph Tech TUSQ nut further supports consistent string response and tuning accuracy. Dressed in an elegant gold finish, every hardware component is chosen to support the guitar’s performance-first design while complementing its refined, modern aesthetic.
A Modern EVH Design Built for Versatility, Power and Precision
The EVH SA-126 Special stands apart as a guitar designed without creative boundaries, merging innovative construction with high-performance features in a refined, player-focused package. It’s equally capable of delivering massive rhythm tones, nuanced clean textures and fast, expressive lead work—all while maintaining balance, comfort and control. Complete with an EVH ivory hardshell case with blue crushed-velvet interior, the SA-126 Special is a bold, modern instrument built for players who demand versatility, reliability and inspiration from every note.