The Ultimate Eddie Van Halen Electric Guitar Buying Guide

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Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the sound of rock guitar with his innovative playing techniques, and his custom-made electric guitars became just as iconic as his music. EVH guitars, inspired by Eddie’s legendary designs, are built to deliver the same high-performance experience that made Eddie a guitar legend. Whether you’re after the signature striped look or the classic tone of the EVH Wolfgang, this guide will help you navigate the best options.

About Eddie Van Halen Guitars

Eddie Van Halen guitars are not just tools for playing music; they are a reflection of Van Halen’s relentless pursuit of perfect tone and playability. From the Frankenstein guitar to the cutting-edge EVH Wolfgang models, each guitar is meticulously crafted to meet the demands of guitarists at all levels. As a built-in collaboration with Fender, EVH guitars deliver a premium combination of tone, performance, and style. With iconic features such as the Floyd Rose tremolo and Eddie’s custom D-Tuna for drop tuning, these guitars are designed for players who want to push their limits.

Best EVH Models

Eddie Van Halen’s guitar lineup offers a wide variety of models, each designed with Eddie’s legendary preferences in mind:

• EVH Wolfgang Special QM: A modern take on Eddie’s classic design, the Wolfgang Special features a solid body construction with a Floyd Rose tremolo, humbucker pickups, and a baked maple fingerboard. It has several finishes, like Stealth Black, Silver Burst, and Tobacco Burst.
• EVH 5150 Series Standard and Deluxe: This model mimics the look and feel of Eddie’s famous “Frankenstein” guitar, complete with a Floyd Rose tremolo and an EVH-branded humbucker. Available in striking finishes like Black and White striped or matte army drab, it’s built for versatility.
• EVH Striped Series: Paying homage to Eddie’s original Frankenstein guitar, the Striped Series offers a bold, iconic striped finish and Floyd Rose tremolo system. Available in colors such as Black Stripes and Sunburst, this model offers exceptional playability and tone.
• EVH Wolfgang USA: The flagship model is built with a solid body and premium materials like quilt maple tops, ebony fingerboards, and custom EVH humbuckers. The USA Wolfgang is known for its excellent craftsmanship and tonal versatility.
• EVH Frankenstein Relic: A faithful recreation of Eddie’s legendary Frankenstein guitar, complete with aged hardware and relic finishes. This guitar is perfect for collectors and players alike who want to get as close as possible to Eddie’s original instrument.
• EVH SA-126 Special: A more modern design with unique pickups and body shape, the SA-126 adds a new dimension to the EVH lineup, providing versatile tones for rock, blues, and even metal players.

Choosing the Right EVH Electric Guitar for You

With so many EVH models to choose from, selecting the right guitar comes down to your personal preferences, playing style, and budget.

Budget

EVH guitars come in a variety of price points. The EVH Wolfgang WG Standard and EVH Striped Series are more affordable options that still offer top-quality craftsmanship and playability. For those looking to invest in a high-end model, the EVH Wolfgang USA or the Frankenstein Relic are premium options with unparalleled tone and build quality.

How it Sounds

EVH guitars are designed to deliver that classic “brown sound” made famous by Eddie. With high-output humbucker pickups and a variety of tone-shaping features like the Floyd Rose tremolo and D-Tuna, these guitars are built for rock and metal players looking for power and clarity. The EVH 5150 III amp pairs perfectly with these guitars, creating the ultimate Eddie Van Halen-inspired rig.

Choosing the Right Bridge

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a guitar with the right bridge. If you need a tremolo system for dive bombs and pitch shifting, a guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo (like the EVH Wolfgang Special) will be the perfect choice. For simpler setups, models with a fixed bridge offer better tuning stability.

Which Guitars Are Best for Which Musical Genre

While EVH guitars are primarily associated with hard rock and metal, they are versatile enough for other genres too:

• Rock and Metal: EVH 5150 Series Standard, EVH Wolfgang Special
• Blues and Jazz: EVH SA-126, EVH Wolfgang USA
• Alternative/Indie: EVH Striped Series, EVH Star

The Neck

EVH guitars feature comfortable, fast necks that are ideal for shredding and complex solos. Whether you prefer the smooth feel of an ebony fingerboard or the classic touch of a baked maple fingerboard, EVH guitars are built for speed and precision.

Amps and Pedals

To fully unleash the potential of your EVH guitar, pairing it with the right amplifier is crucial. The EVH 5150 III combo amp is the perfect match, providing the iconic Van Halen tone with modern features. As for pedals, EVH’s own line of overdrive and delay pedals are excellent options to add depth and color to your sound.

The Frets

With precision fretwork, EVH guitars are made for playability. Whether you’re riffing or soloing, the fretboard is crafted for smooth transitions, making these guitars ideal for fast-playing styles.

Pick Your Eddie Van Halen Electric Guitar at Eddie’s

Eddie’s Guitars offers a wide selection of EVH electric guitars, including exclusive limited editions and hard-to-find models like the EVH Limited Edition Star or the EVH Frankenstein Relic. Our knowledgeable staff can help you pick the perfect model for your sound and style, whether you’re looking for an affordable EVH Wolfgang WG Standard or a premium EVH Wolfgang USA.

We can also pick out various EVH gear and accessories, ranging from hard cases and gig bags to guitar straps, electric guitar pickups, tuning systems, guitar picks, and more.

Visit us today and discover the electric or acoustic guitars that are perfect for you.

Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.