Designed to challenge convention and push electric guitar design forward, the EVH SA-126 Special represents Wolfgang Van Halen’s vision of what a modern instrument should be. Blending the resonance and depth of a semi-hollow with the precision and attack of a solidbody, the SA-126 delivers a uniquely versatile voice that moves effortlessly between articulate cleans, muscular rhythm tones and high-gain lead work. Custom EVH SA-126 humbuckers—developed with Tim Shaw and the EVH team—anchor the sound with clarity, output and dynamic range that responds equally well to subtle touch and aggressive playing. A graphite-reinforced mahogany neck and compound-radius ebony fingerboard complete the experience, offering exceptional stability and a fast, fluid feel across the entire fretboard. Finished in a striking El Natural gloss with a quilted maple top, the SA-126 Special looks as refined as it sounds—an innovative, forward-thinking guitar built for today’s most demanding players.
Chambered Mahogany Body With Quilted Maple Top for Resonant Punch
The foundation of the SA-126 Special is its chambered mahogany body, designed to deliver enhanced resonance, warmth and dynamic response without sacrificing clarity at volume. A basswood centerblock adds structural stability and helps control feedback, striking a balance between the airy character of a semi-hollow guitar and the punch and focus of a solidbody. The quilted maple top contributes snap and definition to the overall voice, while the gloss urethane finish allows the wood to breathe and resonate naturally. This hybrid construction gives the SA-126 a wide tonal range—open and expressive at lower gain, tight and authoritative when pushed hard.
Graphite-Reinforced Mahogany Neck and Ebony Fingerboard for Speed and Precision
The SA-126 Special’s two-piece mahogany neck is built for stability, speed and comfort, reinforced with graphite rods to maintain consistency in any environment. Its 24.75" scale length offers a familiar, slightly slinkier feel that enhances bending and vibrato, while the 12–16" compound-radius ebony fingerboard supports both smooth chord work and effortless upper-register lead playing. Jumbo frets provide a fast, confident feel under the fingers, and triple block inlays add bold visual presence. A spoke-wheel truss rod adjustment at the heel allows quick, on-the-fly setup tweaks, keeping the guitar dialed in at all times.
EVH SA-126 Humbucking Pickups for Versatile, High-Impact Tone
Developed by EVH and renowned pickup designer Tim Shaw, the SA-126 humbuckers are voiced to deliver exceptional range and responsiveness. These pickups excel at producing shimmering, glassy cleans with impressive clarity, while also handling saturated overdrive and high-gain tones with authority and focus. Independent volume and tone controls for each pickup allow precise shaping of your sound, while a three-way toggle switch provides intuitive access to bridge, neck or combined pickup configurations. Whether you’re crafting nuanced textures or unleashing aggressive lead tones, the SA-126 electronics respond dynamically to your touch and playing style.
EVH Hardware and Thoughtful Appointments for Rock-Solid Performance
Every hardware detail on the SA-126 Special is chosen for reliability and performance. The EVH Harmonica bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide excellent sustain and tuning stability, while EVH keystone tuners ensure smooth, accurate tuning adjustments. Oversized strap buttons add security on stage, and chrome hardware complements the guitar’s refined aesthetic. Skirted black control knobs with numbered indicators offer classic styling with clear visibility. The instrument ships in a premium EVH hardshell case wrapped in ivory vinyl with a plush blue crushed-velvet interior, providing protection worthy of a high-performance instrument.
A Forward-Thinking EVH Built for Versatility and Expression
The EVH SA-126 Special stands apart as a bold reimagining of electric guitar design—one that refuses to choose between resonance and precision, tradition and innovation. Its hybrid construction, fast-playing neck and powerful, articulate pickups make it equally at home delivering clean textures, driving rhythm tones or soaring lead lines. Built for players who demand flexibility, feel and cutting-edge performance, the SA-126 Special is a modern classic in the making—ready to meet the demands of the stage, studio and everything in between.