EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Pro Series Pickups 81 + SS HSS
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EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Pro Series Pickups 81 + SS
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- SKU
- EMG1506
Description
Kirk Hammett is the guitar soloist for a generation of metal fans, and EMG pickups are the tools of his trade. One of the ways he gets his fierce tone and tight searing harmonics is from his signature Pro-Series system: the EMG KH20. This system joins the EMG 81 humbucker with a pair of S single-coil pickups. These pickups are all built using ceramic bar magnets for the tightest, most controlled sound with incredible versatility and sustain. This setup comes with one tone and a master volume all wired on a custom 11-hole white pearl pickguard with contrasting black knobs.
Kirk Hammett of Metallica talks about guitars with EMGtv - YouTube
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More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG KH20 brings Kirk Hammett's signature metal tone into your studio—ceramic-magnet pickups engineered for tight low end, high output, and searing harmonic detail that cuts through dense mixes without muddiness. Session engineers and producers tracking heavy music will appreciate the controlled sustain and clarity that sit perfectly in aggressive genres like thrash and progressive metal. This complete wired system with custom pickguard and controls streamlines installation and gives you studio-grade consistency across takes.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Hard Rock, Thrash Metal, Progressive |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, high output, controlled sustain, searing harmonics, ceramic clarity |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the KH20 system?
The set includes one EMG 81 humbucker, two EMG SS single-coil pickups, and a custom white-pearl 11-hole pickguard pre-wired with one tone control and a master-volume control, along with black knobs.
Is this pickup set right for metal and hard rock?
Yes—the ceramic-magnet design delivers tight low end, high output, and searing harmonics specifically voiced for metal, hard rock, thrash, and progressive genres. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
What skill level do I need to install these?
The KH20 is suitable for intermediate to advanced players and professionals; the pre-wired pickguard simplifies installation, but you should be comfortable with guitar electronics or have a tech handle the swap.
How does the KH20 compare to other high-output pickup sets?
The KH20 competes directly with sets like the Seymour Duncan JB Jr., DiMarzio Crunch Lab, and EMG 85 + 89, offering comparable output and aggression with the added versatility of an HSS configuration and the proven tone of Kirk Hammett's signature design.
Why ceramic magnets?
Ceramic bar magnets provide the tightest, most controlled sound with ceramic clarity and incredible sustain—essential for maintaining definition in the high-gain tones that metal and thrash players rely on.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $21 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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