EMG Steve Lukather SL20 LH Active Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5789
Description
EMG Steve Lukather SL20 LH Active Pickup in Black
The EMG SL20 Steve Lukather LH is a complete prewired pickup system engineered for left-handed Stratocaster-style guitars, capturing the articulate, high-output character that defined Lukather's studio tracking and live performance work. This solderless installation eliminates complex wiring during setup, and the noiseless design eliminates the hum that plagues traditional passive setups—critical for clean recording chains and overdub sessions.
Active Electronics & Tonal Architecture
The system pairs two SLV single-coil pickups (Alnico V magnets) with an 85 humbucker in a true HSS configuration, all running on a single 9V battery. The SLV delivers 1.0V output when plucked and 1.5V strummed, with a -90 dB noise floor and 3.75 kHz resonant frequency for clarity and definition in the midrange; the 85 humbucker produces 2.1V and 4.5V respectively, with a -89 dB floor and 2.45 kHz resonance for punchy rhythm tones and controlled sustain that cuts through dense arrangements.
Studio Installation & Signal Path
All connections are solderless and prewired, eliminating soldering requirements and streamlining setup into any left-handed Strat-style body. The package includes a black pearloid pickguard, black potentiometer knobs, and a five-way selector switch with dedicated volume and tone controls—everything needed for a complete drop-in retrofit on an 11-hole pickguard cavity, allowing fast integration into your tracking rig.
Key Features
- HSS active pickup configuration with three noiseless pickups
- Two SLV Alnico V single coils and one 85 humbucker
- Requires 9V battery for operation
- SLV output: 1.0V (string), 1.5V (strum), -90 dB noise floor
- 85 humbucker output: 2.1V (string), 4.5V (strum), -89 dB noise floor
- SLV resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz; 85 resonant frequency: 2.45 kHz
- 10K impedance across all pickups
- Black pearloid pickguard with black potentiometer knobs
- Solderless prewired connections for quick installation
- Left-handed configuration for Stratocaster-style guitars
- 11-hole pickguard with 5-way switch, volume, and tone controls
- Made in USA
This complete system delivers the controlled aggression and studio-grade clarity that active EMG electronics are known for, offering left-handed players direct access to professional-grade recording and mixing authority.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG Steve Lukather SL20 LH is a prewired active pickup system designed for left-handed Stratocaster-style guitars, delivering noiseless, high-output tones ideal for tracking rock and funk in the studio. The HSS configuration pairs articulate single-coil cleans with a punchy bridge humbucker, giving you the tonal flexibility to layer clean rhythms and aggressive leads without passive hum or noise-floor interference. Install it solderless into any left-handed 11-hole Strat-style body for immediate access to professional-grade active clarity and midrange punch.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Live Performance, Rock, Funk |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate cleans, high output, noiseless, punchy rhythm, controlled aggression |
| Less specialized for | Folk, Traditional Jazz (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 this pickup system?
The package includes two SLV single-coil pickups, one 85 humbucker, a black pearloid pickguard, black potentiometer knobs, a five-way selector switch, volume and tone controls, and solderless prewired connections. Everything needed for a complete drop-in installation into a left-handed Strat-style body with an 11-hole pickguard cavity.
Do I need to solder these pickups?
No. All connections are prewired and solderless, making installation straightforward without a soldering iron. Simply connect the 9V battery and secure the pickguard and electronics to your guitar body.
What's the difference between the SLV and 85 pickups in this system?
The SLV single coils deliver articulate, studio-grade clarity with a 3.75 kHz resonant peak ideal for clean tracking and definition. The 85 humbucker in the bridge produces more output (2.1V to 4.5V) and a lower 2.45 kHz resonance for punchy rhythm work and sustained lead tones, creating an HSS voicing.
Will this eliminate hum and noise from my current passive pickups?
Yes. Active EMG electronics maintain a -89 to -90 dB noise floor, eliminating the hum and buzz common to passive single-coil setups. You'll need to replace the 9V battery periodically to maintain full performance.
Is this a left-handed system?
Yes. This system is specifically engineered for left-handed Stratocaster-style guitars with standard 11-hole pickguard cavities. The configuration and controls are mirrored for left-handed players.
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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