EMG

collapse expand iconDescription

Kirk Hammett first visited EMG back in the early '80s when Metallica was a local group on the rise. The KH20 Kirk Hammett prewired pickguard/pickup set joins the EMG-81 with a pair of EMG-S single-coil pickups. These guitar pickups are all built around ceramic magnets for the tightest, most controlled sound. They're mated with a five-position switch and master volume and tone controls. The KH20 comes pre-assembled on a custom pearl white pickguard with contrasting black knobs.

EMG-S

These pickups feature the same construction as the EMG-SA but replaces the alnico magnets with ceramic. They have the equivalent output of the EMG-SA but feature a brighter tone quality accentuated in the upper middle to high-frequency response (similar to later model Strat pickups). By using the EMG tone modeling technique, these pickups have "sparkle" with added definition for depth and increased sensitivity. With accent on high frequency, these guitar pickups have that classic single-coil sound without the disadvantages of high impedance single-coil design.
EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Prewired Pickguard/Pickup Set Black
EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Prewired Pickguard/Pickup Set Black
EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Prewired Pickguard/Pickup Set Black

collapse expand iconFeatures

Complete and ready to mount to your guitar

collapse expand iconSpecs

EMG-S
  • Resonant Frequency: 4.35kHz
  • RMS Output Voltage: 0.6
  • Peak Output Voltage: 0.85
  • Output Noise: -90 dBV
  • Output Impedance: 10 kohms
  • Current @ 9V: 240 microamps
  • Battery Life: 1,000 hours

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.75

8 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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  1. Experienced2
Pros
  1. Easy To Use2
  2. Functional2
  3. Good Quality2
  4. Improves Sound2
  • Amazing!

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byAngry Mouse

    fromNashville, TN

    I put this in my Fender Parts-caster I've been assembling and WOW! With my EQ pedal I can dial in any tone or style of music on this guitar - it will do everything! From crushing, chugging metal to twangy country and everything in between. My guitar is now a one trick pony! Anyone want to buy my other guitars? I don't need 'em anymore!

  • Tone for days!

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byJason

    fromMyrtle Beach

    I bought this to replace old Jackson electronics in my old Charvel. I expected an improvement, what I got was the ability to dial in endless tone. This is now my best sounding clean tone guitar with great overdrive tone.

  • Sounds great but install might be a pain.

    4

    submitted11 years ago

    byJames Spier

    fromKeizer, Oregon

    I installed this on a "cheaper" guitar. I had to re-drill a few hole (not a fault of the device), however, when I finally got everything put together the mid and bridge pickup were not active. It took a few hours, electricians tape and some foam shielding courtesy of the local guitar center tech to get everything working as it should. They attempt to make this easy enough for anyone to do. I would make sure you have a tech on standby just in case you run into any problems. Now that everything is working, I am in love with the sounds this thing can make. Its definitely worth the price.

  • Sounds Great But They Forgot To Consider The Battery.

    4

    submitted13 years ago

    byCHESTER OWENS

    fromDenver Colorado

    The sound of this setup was excellent (reminiscent of the active pickups in my Music Man Silhouette) and easy to install. I would definitely purchase this pickup set for another guitar. My one request would be that the manufacturer attach a simple housing for the battery, or supply a housing that could be attached to the guitar or pick guard. Otherwise, I highly recommend it.

  • Get it, you won't regret it

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byUlrich

    fromBrooklyn, NY

    I used it to replace stock pickups of my vintage Charvel model 1. I must say it wasn't a drop-in replacement, my guitar tech told me he had to drill some new holes for mounting screws, cut the pickguard a little to fit it under the neck and guitar body itself for the bridge humbucker. But I guess it's just the way Charvels were made at that time, a little different from what we have now, so I think this set should go fine with modern Fenders, etc. Sounds great in general.

  • 10 Stars

    5

    submitted17 years ago

    byBig fan

    fromChicago, Il

    If there was 10 stars it would have got it! I was going to buy a new guitar because I didn't like the overall sound of my MIM Strat. I had the old one out and the new one in in no time at all. The tone and sound just rip. I love this thing. I would do it again.So if you are reading this you are thinking about it, I'm telling you you will not regret it just go out and get it...

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byMike

    fromundisclosed

    Do these pickups require the use of a 9v battery?

    Do these pickups require the use of a 9v battery?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, they do.
  • asked byKristopher

    fromGrovetown ga

    Do you have an active coil orewired pick guard for a Jackson with Floyd Rose.

    Do you have an active coil orewired pick guard for a Jackson with Floyd Rose.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call for product availability 855-770-3373
  • asked byrbrown

    fromknoxville, tenn.

    will this fit a strat

    will this fit a strat

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes
  • asked byTony

    fromWichita, KS

    I have a Squier HSS Strat with 2 tone controls,  will this fit?

    I have a Squier HSS Strat with 2 tone controls, will this fit?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes
  • asked byJrn

    fromAustralia

    Do U have loaded emg 81 active pick-ups

    Do U have loaded emg 81 active pick-ups

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact a Sales Agent for Special Order Placement
  • asked byAidan

    fromGreenwood Indiana

    Will this work with an sn1000?

    Will this work with an sn1000?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This pick guard would not work with a an sn1000.
  • asked byBell55

    fromMalmo

    I have a Us Stratocaster with 3 singelcoils. Can I without problems attach EMG Kirk Hammett KH20 Pickup Set, Black

    I have a Us Stratocaster with 3 singelcoils. Can I without problems attach EMG Kirk Hammett KH20 Pickup Set, Black

    Open Reply - Beau
    This pick guard would not be compatible with a Stratocaster with 3 single coil pickups.