The latest piece of gear to arise out of Eddie Van Halen’s arsenal is perhaps the best throwback to the past that Eddie himself has ever thought of.
The guitar that changed everything is now on sale from EVH Gear. The guitar is based almost 100% on the original black and white Frankenstrat that Eddie himself built way back in 1974, and extensively modified over the years and played with on the seminal Van Halen debut album, and on their first world tour as well.
Yes, a replica of the guitar below is for sale, provided you can afford it.
Picture courtesy http://www.vhnd.com/2017/09/08/recording-eruption/
There are three different limited-edition versions of this release. These are the Super ’78 (8 pieces available only), ’78 Eruption Relic (30 pieces available only) and the ’78 Eruption (40 pieces available only). That a total of 78 pieces available in total, ironic given the name of the reissue.
So, what are the differences between the three remodeled replica guitars? The ’78 Eruption essentially is what Eddie Van Halen used prior to going on the world tour. The ’78 Eruption Relic is what Eddie had after the first world tour. The Super ’78 is much more a collector’s item, with everything relic’d down to the last detail.
So, which is the best? That is down to individual preference. Obviously, the three options are there to pick and choose from. Let’s look at each model, including additional accessories, as a comparison guide, courtesy of http://www.evhgear.com/extras/eruption/:
Eddie mentioned on http://www.evhgear.com that the original Frankstrat was his all-time favourite guitar and that the ’78 Eruption guitars are the closest to the original as possibly can be.
Picture courtesy http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/eddie-van-halen-unveils-new-eruption-model-guitars/
’78 ERUPTION:
GUITAR SPECIFICATIONS:
GENERAL:
Model Name: ’78 Eruption
Model Number: 5107878010
Series: Limited Edition
MSRP: $7878.78
Colour: Black and White Stripes
BODY:
Body Shape: Sharp Radius Stratocaster®
Body Material: Ash
Body Finish: Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
NECK:
Neck Material: 2-Piece Birdseye Maple
Scale Length: 25.5” (648mm)
Fingerboard Radius: 12” (305 mm)
Number of Frets: 21
Fret Size: Jumbo
String Nut: Brass
Nut Width: 1.685” (42.8 mm)
Neck Plate: 61071 Stamped Neck Plate
Neck Finish: Hand-Rubbed Oil
Fingerboard: AA Birdseye Maple
Position Inlays: Katalox
ELECTRONICS:
Bridge Pickup: EVH® Frankenstein® Humbucking Bridge Pickup
Controls: Volume (500K EVH® Bourns Low Friction Pot)
Pickup Switching: None
Pickup Configuration: H
HARDWARE:
Bridge: Vintage Fender® Stratocaster® Bridge with a Kluson® Brass Block
Tuning Machines: Schaller® Diecast
Orientation: Right-Hand
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Pickguard: 1-Ply Black
Control Knobs: Aged White
MISCELLANEOUS:
Strings: ‘70s Era Super Bullets
ACCESSORIES:
- Autographed Van Halen vinyl
- Custom-made period correct G&G case
- ’78 Chain Strap
- 3-in-One Oil Can
- Signed Certificate of Authenticity
- Two packs of ‘70s-era Fender® Super Bullets strings in recreated packaging
- Van Halen ‘70s tortoiseshell picks
- Backstage Pass vinyl cloth sticker on the case plus one unused sticker inside
- 8” X 10” 1978 Concert Photo of Eddie Van Halen
- Exclusive Eruption Collector’s Booklet
’78 ERUPTION RELIC:
GUITAR SPECIFICATIONS:
GENERAL:
Model Name: ’78 Eruption Relic
Model Number: 5107878000
Series: Limited Edition
MSRP: $12500.00
Colour: Black and White Stripes
BODY:
Body Shape: Sharp Radius Stratocaster®
Body Material: Ash
Body Finish: Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
NECK:
Neck Material: 2-Piece Birdseye Maple
Neck Shape: Custom
Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
Fingerboard Radius: 12” (305 mm)
Number of Frets: 21
Fret Size: Mowed Down Jumbo Frets
String Nut: Brass
Nut Width: 1.685” (42.8 mm)
Neck Plate: 61071 Stamped Neck Plate
Neck Finish: Hand-Rubbed Oil
Fingerboard: AA Birdseye Maple
Position Inlays:
ELECTRONICS:
Bridge Pickup: EVH® Frankenstein® Humbucking Bridge Pickup
Controls: Volume (500K EVH® Bourns Low Friction Pot)
Pickup Switching: None
Pickup Configuration: H
HARDWARE:
Bridge: Vintage Fender® Stratocaster® Bridge with a Kluson® Brass Block
Tuning Machines: Schaller® Diecast
Hardware Finish: Chrome Relic®
Pickguard: 1-Ply Black
Control Knobs: Aged White
MISCELLANEOUS:
Strings: ‘70s era Super Bullets .009-.040
ACCESSORIES:
- Autographed Van Halen vinyl
- Custom-made period correct G&G case with relic’d handle and latches
- Exclusive Eruption Collector’s Booklet
- ’78 chain strap
- 3-in-one oil can
- Signed Certificate of Authenticity
- Two packs of ‘70s-era Fender® Super Bullets strings in recreated packaging
- Van Halen ‘70s Tortoiseshell picks
- Backstage Pass vinyl cloth sticker on the case plus one unused sticker inside
- 8” X 10” 1978 concert photo of Eddie Van Halen
SUPER ’78 ERUPTION:
GUITAR SPECIFICATIONS:
GENERAL:
Model Name: Super ‘78
Model Number: 5101078002
Series: Limited Edition
MSRP: $25000.00
Colour: White with Black Stripes
BODY:
Body Shape: Sharp Radius Stratocaster®
Body Material: Ash
Body Finish: Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
NECK:
Neck Material: 2-Piece Birdseye Maple
Neck Shape: Custom
Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
Fingerboard Radius: 12” (305 mm)
Number of Frets: 21
Fret Size: Jumbo
String Nut: Brass
Nut Width: 1.685” (42.8 mm)
Headstock: Large ‘70s Style
Neck Plate: 61071 Stamped Neck Plate
Fingerboard: AA Birdseye Maple
Position Inlays: Katalox
ELECTRONICS:
Bridge Pickup: EVH® Frankenstein® Humbucking Bridge Pickup
Controls: Volume (500K EVH®
Pickup Switching: None
Pickup Configuration: H
HARDWARE:
Bridge: Vintage Fender® Stratocaster® Bridge with a Kluson® Brass Block
Tuning Machines: Scaller® Diecast
Orientation: Right-Hand
Hardware Finish: Chrome Relic®
Pickguard: 1-Ply Black
Control Knobs: Aged White
MISCELLANEOUS:
Strings: ‘70s era Super Bullets .009-.040
ACCESSORIES:
- Eddie Van Halen played “Eruption” and signed the back of the headstock on each of the Super ’78 guitars, which was filmed and will be placed on an EVH thumb drive for the instrument’s future owner.
- Autographed Van Halen
- Autographed Van Halen rare original Looney Tunes Merrie Melodies
- Custom-made period correct G&G case with tour-worn outer treatment and distressed latches.
- Exclusive Eruption Collector’s Booklet
- ’78 Chain Strap
- 3-in-One oil in its period-correct can
- Signed Certificate of Authenticity
- Two packs of ‘70s-era Fender® Super Bullets strings in recreated packaging
- Van Halen ‘70s Tortoiseshell picks
- Backstage Pass vinyl cloth sticker on the case plus one unused sticker inside
- Signed 8”X10” 1978 concert photo of Eddie Van Halen
Note that these guitars are hand built. If you are wealthy and are a big EVH fan, be sure to check out this guitar series. It won’t last forever, be sure to order yours today if you are keen.
This is the very latest release from Eddie Van Halen himself. The Van Halen community hopes that more innovative guitars and music are on their way ahead in future years to come.
Picture courtesy http://www.signaturesdb.com/singers/eddie-van-halen-autograph/
References:
- Summer NAMM 2018 EVH ’78 Eruption Guitars Overview. Sweetwater, YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0KSuIt3T_I&t=3s
Project EVH 