My 2012 MIM Fender Stratocaster upgraded with EMG DG20’s.

I was hesitant about putting active pickups in a Strat but after spending a year reading reviews and watching demos on YouTube I finally pulled the trigger on a set and it’s one of the best upgrades I’ve ever made.

They sound absolutely incredible. The tone knobs have been repurposed for EMG’s proprietary “Presence Control” and “EXG Expander”. The presence control really makes the guitar stand out in a mix and is very “sparkly”. The expander increases the output of the pickup to something more along the lines of a humbucker and is great for driving dirt pedals. Turning the knobs to zero disables the effect and it behaves and sounds like a regular Strat.

While expensive (I paid around $250 for the complete set) it’s made this instrument one of my go-to favorites and makes it something I routinely reach for when jamming and consistently for recording. Personally it’s probably one of the best upgrades to a guitar I’ve made.

Anyone else ever try DG20’s? What are your thoughts on them? What’s been your experience with them? Been thinking about them but are unsure if you want to upgrade or have any questions about them?