Few electric guitars carry the legacy and mythic weight of Edward Van Halen’s Frankenstein model, a.k.a. “Frankie.” Born from experimentation, defiance and pure innovation, the original rewrote the rules of tone, technique and guitar design. The rest, as they say, is history. This limited-edition EVH Striped Series Frankie pays tribute to that singular instrument, recreating its look, feel and sonic attitude while offering modern reliability. From its unmistakable black-and-yellow striped finish and carefully aged aesthetic to its graphite-reinforced quartersawn maple neck, compound-radius maple fingerboard and stripped-down electronics, every detail serves a purpose. Loaded with an EVH Wolfgang humbucker, a functional Strat-style neck pickup and an EVH-branded Floyd Rose tremolo with D-Tuna, this Frankie is not just a replica but a playable piece of rock history built to reflect Eddie’s fearless spirit.
Iconic Striped Aesthetic and Aged Finish for Authentic EVH Vibe
The Frankie’s striped finish is one of the most recognizable visuals in guitar history, instantly recalling Edward Van Halen’s early years and boundary-pushing creativity. This limited-edition black-and-yellow model features a carefully aged treatment that captures the worn, road-tested character of the original instrument, from its distressed hardware to its raw, utilitarian feel. The basswood Strat-style body delivers a balanced tonal foundation while keeping the guitar lightweight and comfortable. Every visual element, from the custom black pickguard to the EVH neck plate, reflects the DIY ethos that defined Eddie’s approach.
Quartersawn Maple Neck and Compound-Radius Fingerboard for Speed and Stability
A graphite-reinforced quartersawn maple neck forms the backbone of the Frankie’s playability. Designed for strength and consistency, this bolt-on neck resists warping while delivering a snappy, articulate response. The oiled neck finish provides a smooth, broken-in feel that supports fast movement and extended playing sessions. Paired with a 12–16" compound-radius maple fingerboard, the Frankie transitions comfortably from chord work near the nut to flatter, shred-friendly territory higher up the neck. Twenty-two jumbo frets support wide bends and expressive vibrato that align naturally with Eddie’s aggressive style.
EVH Wolfgang Bridge and Strat-Style Neck Pickup for Expanded Tonal Range
This limited-edition Frankie balances historical accuracy with expanded tonal flexibility. A direct-mount EVH Wolfgang humbucker in the bridge delivers the aggressive bite associated with Eddie’s signature tone, while the functional Strat-style neck pickup adds a clear, articulate voice not present on the original. A push/push volume knob allows instant switching between pickups without adding visual clutter. The unused middle pickup route preserves the iconic stripped-down layout while maintaining the guitar’s original signal path and visual identity.
EVH-Branded Floyd Rose Tremolo and D-Tuna for Extreme Expression
The EVH-branded Floyd Rose locking tremolo and locking nut are central to the Frankie’s identity, delivering dependable tuning stability during dive bombs, squeals and flutter techniques. Designed for precision and control, this system encourages expressive playing without sacrificing reliability. Additionally, the EVH D-Tuna enables instant drop-D tuning with a simple motion, expanding performance flexibility while maintaining tuning accuracy.
A Faithful Tribute to a Guitar That Changed Everything
The EVH Striped Series Frankie stands as both a performance instrument and a tribute to one of the most influential guitars ever created. From its aged striped finish and minimalist controls to its purpose-driven electronics and tremolo system, every detail reflects Edward Van Halen’s uncompromising vision. Designed to look, feel and respond like the original while supporting modern playability, this Frankie invites players to stir their own musical eruption.