Van Halen Frankenstein Electric Guitar

Object Details

Van Halen, Edward

E.L.V.H., Inc.

Description

This Fender Masterbuilt Custom Shop guitar was played by Dutch-American musician Edward “Eddie” Van Halen ( 1955-2020) while on tour in 2007-2008. It is a replica of the guitar built by Van Halen in 1977 and named “Frankenstein” by fans (the guitar is also referred to as "Frankenstrat" and "Frankie”).The self-taught performer’s colorful, virtuosic style made him a premier guitarist of his generation and one of the most emulated musicians in rock history. In 1974, brothers Eddie and Alex formed the band Van Halen, whose innovative California-influenced heavy metal and pop sounds continue to inspire global audiences.

In 1975 Eddie Van Halen realized that no existing guitar had the features that he needed to create his signature sound. A constant tinkerer, he set out to construct a guitar to fit his standards, needs and playing style, combining different elements of long-established guitar designs into one instrument. By 2006, the original “Frankenstein” guitar had been in service for more than 30 years and was retired from performances. Chip Ellis, a master guitar builder at Fender, replicated every detail of the original guitar, which, when presented to Eddie Van Halen, appeared to be indistinguishable from the original. During the Van Halen 2007-08 North American tour with original lead singer David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen used this replica guitar, nicknamed “Frank 2,” for the majority of the performances.

Location

Currently not on view

Credit Line

Gift of Eddie Van Halen through Jeff Cary, Senior Vice President, Fender Musical Instruments Corp.

2007

ID Number

2010.0246.01

accession number

2010.0246

catalog number

2010.0246.01

Object Name

guitar

Physical Description

red (overall color)

black and white (overall single or multi-hued designation)

wood (overall material)

metal (overall material)

plastic (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 39 in x 12 3/4 in x 5 in; 99.06 cm x 32.385 cm x 12.7 cm

See more items in

Cultural and Community Life: Musical Instruments

Guitars

Music & Musical Instruments

National Museum of American History

subject

Music

Record ID

nmah_1397533

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ad-5202-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa