EMG2097 vs EMG5635 — Compare
EMG S/S/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG David Gilmour DG20 Active Prewired Pickguard Pickup in Black BWB Pickguard
The EMG S/S/89 offers bridge humbucker aggression with dual single-coil versatility across three separate pickups, while the David Gilmour DG20 is a complete prewired pickguard system built around Gilmour's signature warm single-coil tone. Choose the S/S/89 for players wanting maximum tonal range and the flexibility to mix single-coil snap with bridge punch; choose the DG20 for those seeking a plug-and-play system with refined, articulate single-coil character suited to blues and classic rock.
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EMG S/S/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
EMG David Gilmour DG20 Active Prewired Pickguard Pickup in Black BWB Pickguard
Specs side by side
| EMG S/S/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG David Gilmour DG20 Active Prewired Pickguard Pickup in Black BWB Pickguard | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $349.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG S/S/89 Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Three-piece set with bridge 89 humbucker adds aggressive sustain and full body missing from pure single-coil setups
- ✓ Solderless quick-connect system allows future modifications and part swaps without permanent changes
- ✓ Dual single coils in neck and middle preserve traditional snap while bridge element handles high-gain demands
- ✓ Better suited to metal and heavy genres requiring controlled aggression
Why choose EMG David Gilmour DG20 Active Prewired Pickguard Pickup in Black BWB Pickguard
- ✓ Complete prewired pickguard eliminates wiring complexity—arrives ready to drop into any Strat-style guitar
- ✓ SPC presence control and EXG expander circuitry provide precise tonal sculpting beyond simple tone pots
- ✓ Specifically voiced for blues and classic rock with natural dynamics and fluid sustain
- ✓ Extremely low noise floor at -91 dB ideal for studio and high-gain recording applications
Frequently asked questions
Which one is easier to install?
The DG20 is the easiest since it arrives as a complete prewired pickguard that plugs in with no wiring required. The S/S/89 requires connecting three separate pickups, pots, and battery bus using solderless connectors, which is straightforward but more involved than the DG20's drop-in approach.
What's the key tonal difference?
The S/S/89 balances single-coil clarity (neck/middle) with humbucker aggression (bridge 89), making it versatile across pop, funk, rock, and metal. The DG20 stays true to warm, articulate single-coil character throughout all three positions, optimized for blues and classic rock dynamics rather than heavy saturation.
Can I modify or upgrade these systems later?
The S/S/89 uses a modular solderless system that lets you swap pickups or components in the future without permanent modifications. The DG20 is a fully integrated pickguard assembly, making future upgrades or changes more difficult or expensive.
Which has lower noise and better studio clarity?
The DG20 explicitly rates -91 dB noise floor and is marketed for studio recording with high-gain applications. The S/S/89 delivers noise-free active tone but does not specify a noise rating; both are quiet by active pickup standards, but the DG20 is engineered specifically for studio use.