EVH Wolfgang

June 2006 - March 2008; that's how long it took to manifest the EVH Wolfgang model. The most demanding encounter by Fender's Master Builder, Chip Ellis, was Van Halen's very specific pickup tones. He recommended (Fender) engineer Seiki Goto to chip in when the going got tough...

The interesting thing to note here was the initial use of alder for the guitar body (alder is de riguer for Fender, yes?) but was rejected by Van Halen, instead, he specified basswood... ha!

Japanese wolf

Van Halen is wise. When he conceived his guitars, the name remains with him so subsequently if he chooses to deal with other guitar manufacturers, the name could be re-used. So that's what's happening in the mean time. Wise.

Anyway, this is just in (Summer NAMM 2010); the latest incarnation of the EVH Wolfgang model is made in Japan. If we pause to ponder- EVH is a Fender brand name & Fender has its establishments in Japan, yes? So indeed, the connections were already in place, it's just a matter of time.

New EVH Wolfgang

This is the new Van Halen signature guitar- it's still called a 'Wolfgang'.

The headstock is a love/hate affair. However, it's not a total departure from its Peavey predecessor- just a mere removal of that beveled section.

Look at how much shielding is on board...

Significance: While Fender's custom shop currently handles the production of both his amp & guitar, there's still no 'Fender' moniker anywhere on these products. Instead, 'EVH' is now a stand-alone brand name which is an easy recognition for the man himself considering the enormity of his following.

Edward Van Halen can choose any wood in the world for his guitar body but it's basswood for him- & there are people out there who still think basswood is a pariah material to invest in.