In a direct nod to one of Eddie Van Halen’s all-time favourite guitars, the Kramer 5150, along comes an almost exact reproduction of that particular guitar.
The EVH Striped Series 5150 is a much better deal than hiring a luthier to complete a replica job by yourself (although many prior to the release of this guitar did so). So without further a due, let’s dive into the details of the guitar.
Based on the Kramer 5150, this guitar is one essential bit of kit.
Picture courtesy https://www.reddit.com/r/Guitar/comments/3ox4hn/how_to_make_a_van_halen_5150_guitar_replica/
The paint process of the EVH Striped Series guitars, including the Striped Series 5150, takes around 2 to 3 weeks to complete. The guitar itself is not an exact replica since it does not exhibit the wear and tear from Eddie on the original Kramer 5150. Instead, it serves as an homage guitar.
It comes in a satin finish, complete with virtually identical contours on the body itself. The body is made of basswood in comparison to the (presumably) poplar body on the original itself. There is a direct mount EVH Wolfgang humbucker in the bridge, as opposed to the Seymour Duncan pickup used on the Kramer 5150. It also features a 12 inch to 16 inch compound radius on the neck.
Aside from this, most of the features remain as close as or identical to the original. Below are the specs, courtesy of http://www.evhgear.com/gear/guitars/striped-series/striped-series-5150-maple-fingerboard-red-black-and-white-stripes/:
Smiling indeed: the legend that is Eddie Van Halen.
Picture courtesy https://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/artist-interviews/eddie-van-halen-early-guitar-gear-tone-evh-and-more
GENERAL:
Model Name: Striped Series 5150®, Maple Fingerboard, Red, Black and White Stripes
Model Number: 5107902515
Series: Striped Series
MSRP: $1931.02
Colour: R/B/W “5150” Striped Pattern
BODY:
Body Material: Basswood
NECK:
Neck Material: Quartersawn Maple
Neck Shape: Hi Performance Modified “C” Shape
Scale Length: 25.5” (648mm)
Fingerboard Radius: 12” to 16” Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm)
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Jumbo
String Nut: Floyd Rose® R3 Locking
Nut Width: 1.685” (42.8mm)
Headstock: EVH
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Standard
Neck Finish: Hand-Rubbed Urethane Gel
Fingerboard: Maple
Position Inlays: Black Dot
ELECTRONICS:
Controls: Master Volume
Pickup Switching: None
Pickup Configuration: H
HARDWARE:
Bridge: EVH®-Branded Floyd Rose® Locking Tremolo with EVH D-Tuna®
Tuning Machines: EVH®-Branded
Orientation: Right-Hand
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Pickguard: N/A
Control Knobs: Black “Speed” Knobs
MISCELLANEOUS:
Strings: EVH® Branded (.009-.042 Gauges)
Included Accessories: 3mm, 2.5mm Allen Wrenches Tremolo Arm
For those who enjoy the 1980’s and Eddie’s Kramer 5150, start here.
References:
- EVH Gear NAMM 2017 New Gear Exclusive Tour 5150 & More. EVH & Gear TV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecAYTUgtNw&t=86s
Project EVH 