Review: EVH SA-126 Standard Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

For many, the EVH brand name will be synonymous with the classic Wolfgang shape that made its debut back in the early to mid-1990s. These guitars have become a popular choice for players looking for an instrument that boasts a feature set split between both traditional and modern.

Subsequently, EVH continued to expand their range with the introduction of the EVH 5150 and Shark guitars. Both of which were a distinct tribute to the guitars worn by the late great axeman during the Van Halen band’s heyday back in the 1980s.

By this point in time, many could see a clear trajectory with the brand’s immediate direction. It seemed that EVH was focused on bringing players a variety of solid body guitars, aimed towards the hard rock and metal demographic.

However, in true Van Halen fashion, EVH decided to throw us a curveball.

People who follow the work of Eddie’s son, Wolfgang, namely with his own band Mammoth, were enamoured with a Custom Shop EVH guitar that he was seen slinging whilst on tour with the band back in 2023. 

The guitar featured a profile similar to the famous Wolfgang shape, and a dual humbucker configuration. Nothing too out of the ordinary there. However, what really got people talking was the new guitar’s custom F-hole, which indicated a hollow or semi-hollow body design. 

Not only did this instrument break new ground for EVH as a company, but it also caused a resonant buzz amongst guitar-playing circles. One can only surmise that this was due to the fact that not many semi-hollow or hollow body guitars are marketed or designed for headbangers.

Finally, EVH announced a production model for Wolfgang’s guitar in mid 2024, the SA-126 Special. The guitar made a splash, so much so that as a result, we now have the SA-126 Standard in our eager hands!

EVH SA-126 Standard

The first thing I noticed about the SA-126 was the aesthetic. 

This guitar pulls off the elusive act of exhibiting both attitude and class simultaneously. I think this is due to the SA-126’s combination of both familiar curves with some more radical touches.

For instance, the SA-126’s subtly carved top gives credence to the classic hollowbody designs of the 40s and 50s, while its contemporary f-hole and headstock design are considerably more Skid Row than they are Chuck Berry.

EVH has opted to offer the SA-126 Standard in four finishes, including Pelham Green, Wine Red that we received for this review, Satin Vintage White and Piano Black. No matter where your tastes may lie, i.e. modern or traditional, I feel that this selection is a safe bet when it comes to appeasing the tastes of most contemporary rock guitar players. The White and Black models feature black hardware, while the Wine Red features classy gold hardware and the Pelham Green is contrasted with silver.

The SA-126 features a semi-Hollow design, meaning that the guitar boasts a solid centre block with hollow wings. This method of construction led me to immediately realise how easy the SA-126 was to handle when it came to daily playing.

Whether it be practice, rehearsal or performance, the SA-126 is an extremely comfortable guitar to wear on a strap or place in the lap. The body shape itself feels somewhat similar to the token single-cut guitar that we all know and love, with a few welcome tweaks for better upper fret accessibility.

The mahogany body with maple top is a wood pairing that will be familiar to most guitar players, providing a warm and fat sound both acoustically and when amplified. The SA-126’s Semi-Hollow construction only serves to further accentuate these sonic traits, a characteristic that I feel most players will welcome with open arms.

Another standout feature of the SA-126 is its fantastic neck. 

Adopting a signature 12”-16” radius rosewood fretboard commonly associated with other Fender brands, such as Jackson and Charvel, the SA-126 has a feel unlike any other Semi-Hollow guitar. This vibe is only further accentuated by the EVH’s satin-finished baked maple neck with a EVH Modified “C” Backshape.

I found the neck profile on this instrument to be very comfortable. The “Modified C Backshape” is thin enough to appeal to even the most seasoned of shredders, whilst not being too thin as to put off big riff players. The satin finish also has the added advantage of preventing any stickiness that can be a common affliction with gloss-finished necks after extended playing sessions.

22 jumbo frets round out the unbound neck, which I found to be finished and levelled particularly well on this model. Whilst on the topic of the neck of this guitar, I should also mention that the SA-126 adopts the classic 24.75” scale length. Providing a smooth and slinky feel, particularly when employing bending and vibrato.

Like always, Fender has also taken the time to provide a quality hardware package on this EVH. The EVH Tune-O-Matic bridge not only feels familiar, but it also makes for easy and efficient setting of intonation and bridge height. This means that your guitar will spend more time being played and less time on the tech’s workbench.

Additionally, the EVH Keystone tuners are indeed quality units. Not only do they look the part, but they also provide reliable tuning stability. Especially when combined with the supplied Graph Tech TUSQ nut, you’ll have no worries with the SA-126 Standard regardless of what tuning you play in.

That leaves the electronics setup, which has been designed with versatility in mind. Two Tim Shaw-designed SA-126 humbuckers do the bulk of the heavy lifting, providing hot-rodded PAF tones that clean up quite nicely when rolling back the volume control. 

This guitar features a classic Kalamazoo control layout, working in separate volume and tone controls for each pickup as well as a 3-way switch. This, once again, imparts an air of familiarity to the SA-126, especially for players who have a penchant for traditional single-cut designs.

Wolfgang has stated that versatility was key when it came to designing the SA-126 Standard, and the Special that came before it, and with this being the goal, I’d say that EVH has knocked it out of the park. Providing a production model that boasts quality whilst combining both traditional and modern ideas, all at a price that is obtainable for the working player.

For more info and further enquiries, keep reading at EVH.