Eddie Van Halen is one of the most influential guitar players to ever pick up the instrument and at a private event at the NAMM music show in Anaheim, Calif. last night, Van Halen took the stage with Fender executives to announce a new line of EVH guitars.
“We totally embraced all of his ideas,” Brian McDonald, Marketing Manager for Jackson Guitars, told Macworld. “He has a very clear idea of what he wants and we gave that to him.”
The new line of guitars is not just any Van Halen designed guitar — it is the legendary Frankenstein red and white stripped guitar that is synonymous with Van Halen. The replicas feature every nick and scratch that the original has, according to Fender.
McDonald explained that the very first replica was made using a photograph of the original — when they showed it to Eddie he was amazed at how good the guitar looked and played. Eddie then gave the original to them so the company could tweak the look a little. On the third model, Van Halen and Fender were finished — Eddie signed the back of that guitar and their relationship began.
The Frankenstein EVH replica will cost $25,000. Only 300 were made and according to McDonald, they were all sold within 15 minutes.
However, there is still a chance to own some Van Halen gear. Eddie also showcased a new line of EVH branded amps at the event last night that Fender will be selling. McDonald also said that more EVH products will be coming over time.
“Fender gets it,” said Van Halen. “This is just the beginning, the tip of the iceberg.”