Eddie Van Halen‘s impact on the realm of rock music is unparalleled, with one of the most significant aspects of his legacy being the renowned guitar referred to as the Frankenstrat. The Fender Masterbuilt Custom Shop guitar utilized by Eddie during the 2007-2008 Van Halen tour serves as an impressive replica of his original Frankenstein guitar.
This replica, designated as “Frank 2,” pays homage to the groundbreaking innovations Eddie introduced to rock guitar. In examining the history, design, and extraordinary influence of Eddie’s Frankenstrat, we discover not merely a musical instrument but a representation of creativity, craftsmanship, and a musical revolution.
Eddie Van Halen’s Quest for Perfection
The inception of the Frankenstrat can be traced back to 1974, when Eddie Van Halen, dissatisfied with the existing guitars’ sound and playability, resolved to construct an instrument tailored to his specifications.
A largely self-taught musician, Eddie had already begun to develop his innovative approach to guitar playing, which would significantly influence the evolution of rock music. His objective was straightforward: to design a guitar that fused the tonal depth of a Gibson Les Paul with the playability and versatility characteristic of a Fender Stratocaster.
Van Halen had always possessed a penchant for experimentation, frequently modifying his equipment to better suit his requirements. He obtained a factory-second Stratocaster body along with a two-piece maple neck, which he customized to align with his artistic vision. The most notable modification involved the installation of a PAF humbucker pickup from his Gibson ES-335, positioned at the bridge. This amalgamation of Gibson and Fender components would ultimately serve as the foundation for the contemporary “superstrat” design.
The distinctiveness of the Frankenstrat lay not only in its eclectic assembly of parts but also in the inventive creativity that informed its design. Eddie famously sculpted the guitar’s body to accommodate the pickup, and to mitigate unwanted feedback at elevated volumes, he employed a technique of dipping the pickup in wax—an approach that would become a standard practice for minimizing feedback in high-output pickups. The outcome was a guitar that not only possessed a unique appearance but also produced a sound that was groundbreaking for its time.
The Evolution of the Frankenstrat: A Guitar Built for Innovation
In 1976, the Frankenstrat made its debut on stage during Van Halen’s performance at the Whiskey A Go Go, heralding the start of its journey to iconic status. Characterized by its striking black and white striped finish and unique hybrid design, it quickly became Eddie Van Halen’s signature instrument. As Van Halen’s fame grew, so did the guitar’s reputation, endearingly nicknamed “Frankenstein” or “Frankie” by fans.
Eddie’s choice of color scheme was as remarkable as the guitar’s overall design. In 1979, he opted to repaint the instrument in red, incorporating additional stripes that further enhanced its legendary appearance. During this transformation, he also removed the middle pickup, resulting in an empty cavity that contributed to the guitar’s distinctive aesthetic. The Frankenstrat transcended its role as a mother instrument; it evolved into a representation of Eddie Van Halen’s rebellious nature and innovative musical style.
The guitar’s unique sound, paired with Eddie’s exceptional playing technique, quickly established it as the quintessential rock guitar. As Van Halen reached unprecedented levels of global fame, the Frankenstrat became inextricably linked to Eddie’s identity. It represents not only the physical instrument but also the energy, power, and creativity that Eddie infused into each note he played.
The 2007-2008 Replica: A Tribute to an Iconic Instrument
In 2006, following over three decades of performance, Eddie Van Halen officially retired the original Frankenstrat from live shows. This guitar had accompanied him through numerous tours, recordings, and memorable performances. However, like many frequently used instruments, it had begun to show signs of wear. To address this, Chip Ellis, a skilled guitar craftsman at Fender’s Custom Shop, was commissioned to recreate the iconic instrument.
The outcome of this project was “Frank 2,” an almost flawless replica of the original Frankenstrat. Crafted with exceptional precision, Frank 2 was unveiled to Eddie Van Halen in 2007, and he quickly embraced it during the Van Halen 2007-2008 North American tour. This new guitar, constructed to the same specifications and quality as its predecessor, was nearly indistinguishable from the one Eddie had utilized for many years. Thus, the legacy of the Frankenstrat continued through this remarkable replica, enabling fans to once again experience the enchantment of Eddie’s performances.
Why the Frankenstrat Matters: A Revolutionary Guitar That Changed Music
The Frankenstrat transcends the definition of a mere guitar. It embodies Eddie Van Halen’s determination to challenge the constraints of conventional instruments and his ambition to forge something entirely original. By integrating the finest features of both Fender and Gibson guitars, Eddie crafted an instrument that perfectly aligned with his unique style—one characterized by speed, precision, and unbridled power. The Frankenstrat emerged as an essential instrument in shaping the distinctive Van Halen sound, which continues to resonate with guitarists today.
Moreover, the Frankenstrat stands as a testament to innovation. Eddie’s methodology in guitar construction—merging components from various manufacturers, exploring diverse techniques, and prioritizing playability and tonal quality—set a precedent for future guitar makers. The hybrid design he developed laid the groundwork for the contemporary “superstrat,” a guitar style that has become integral to rock and metal genres.
Eddie’s unwavering pursuit of excellence in his instrument mirrored his identity as a musician. He was never satisfied with merely playing the guitar; he sought to expand its capabilities, to enable it to perform in ways previously unimagined. This encapsulates the essence of the Frankenstrat: it is a guitar designed not only for performance but for reinvention, for defying conventions, and for making a lasting impact on music history.
Frankenstrat and Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen’s influence on the music industry is profound and far-reaching. His innovative guitar techniques, pioneering methods, and revolutionary instrument designs have significantly transformed the landscape of rock music. The Frankenstrat stands as a lasting emblem of this legacy, reflecting Eddie’s creativity, resourcefulness, and deep passion for his craft.
Even following his death in 2020, Eddie’s legacy remains vibrant among musicians globally. The Frankenstrat is cherished by guitarists aspiring to replicate his distinctive sound and playing approach. Its unique combination of Fender and Gibson features, along with its striking appearance and innovative design, continues to motivate and inspire emerging generations of guitar players.
As time progresses, the Frankenstrat will be remembered not merely as an iconic guitar but also as a representation of the innovative spirit that characterized Eddie Van Halen’s remarkable career.
Expert Editorial Comment
The Fender Masterbuilt Custom Shop guitar, utilized by Eddie Van Halen during the 2007-2008 Van Halen tour, serves as an homage to the lasting influence of the Frankenstrat. This instrument, which closely resembles the legendary guitar, provides both fans and musicians with the opportunity to connect with a significant moment in rock history.
Eddie’s original Frankenstrat, constructed from various components and tailored to his precise requirements, revolutionized our perception of electric guitars. It transcends its function as a mere performance tool, evolving into a representation of musical innovation, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through his artistry, Eddie Van Halen transformed the guitar’s role in rock music, ensuring that his legacy will continue to motivate musicians for many years to come.
Why is it called Frankenstrat?
It's named "Frankenstrat" because it's a "Frankenstein" of parts, combining various guitar components Eddie Van Halen pieced together.
How did Eddie make his Frankenstrat?
Eddie built it by combining a Fender Stratocaster body with a Gibson PAF humbucker pickup, modifying it for his own sound and playing style.
Who owns EVH Frankenstrat?
The original EVH Frankenstrat was owned by Eddie Van Halen until his passing in 2020. It's now in the possession of his estate.
When did Eddie stop using the Frankenstrat?
Eddie continued using the Frankenstrat through most of his career but eventually switched to custom-made EVH guitars in the late 1980s.
How much did the Frankenstrat cost?
The Frankenstrat was built from various parts, so its cost was relatively low, around $150–$200 for the components at the time.
Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstrat: The Guitar That Changed Rock Forever