How To Paint Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstrat Guitar. } else if ((y < last_scroll || y == 0) && has_class && last_height == b) { return; www.fractaluniversemusic.com. (variant === 2 || variant === 3) && The Baretta came later, and was heavily based on this guitar, but the Kramer 5150 came first. i need your help for the Features of the neck. It has a gnarly blister from all the sanding! Downloadable versions: English: Metric : Tap size standard: Fractional Screw size Metric Thread type: Coarse Fine. Your email address will not be published. These guitars were primarily backups for the 5150 on tours, and were retired at the same time. Jun. In spite of everything, when Van Halen became famous, Eddie recorded many albums with her. To get the most even coat, without runs, start spraying just before the fan of paint would hit the body, and continue spraying for a split second after the fan of paint passes off of the bodydo this, rather than starting and stopping the spray pattern over the guitar body. Then begin building more red color density with the second and third coat, each being allowed to dry for at least an hour or so. // delayed execution /*Stewmac Price Translation - Enter USD price to return value in user's preferred currency*/ $('.image-carousel img').first().attr('src') // fallback carousel img Only the original painter was in the room when this iconic guitar was being formed. }); #stewmax-learn-more .content-wrap { }; and in this tutorial he shows us how to use spray paint to make a guitar look just like the mythical Frankenstrat ?. Press J to jump to the feed. $('.js-add-to-cart-slideout').on('click', function(event) { $(this).find('.tmx-variant-name').text().trim() } opacity: 1; v = [].slice.call(document.querySelectorAll('.js-product-variants .pdp-product-variant, .js-cart .cart-item-tile, .tmx-category-page .js-products .tmx-product-tile')); css.classList.add("sticky-header-styling-css"); #stewmax-learn-more .list { Info@WalkerTapeCo.com. The neck arrived a couple of days ago, and I waited until now to post pics. return { The HSS retails for around $1500AUS and the Axcess for $3999US, but either way, if you cannot be bothered building your own Frankenstrat or you feel that the Striped Series are not worth your while, these are two other perfectly reasonable options. [citation needed]. stewmax_price = translatePrice(stewmax_price); } Electric guitar created by Eddie Van Halen, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Eddie Van Halen Heavy-Metal Guitarist from California Hits the Charts at Age 21", "Eddie van Halen's Original 'Frankenstein' Guitar & 1978 Rig Exhibit", "National Museum of American History Receives Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstein Replica" Guitar", "Eddie Van Halen Unveils His 'Frankenstein' Replica Guitar", "Dimebag Darrell Buried With One of Rock's Most Iconic Guitar", "Thousands Gather To Mourn Dimebag Darrell", "MetroAmp.com Forum View topic - Chris Holmes Destroyer", "Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstein guitar replica (part 1)", "Ed using the Frankenstrat at secret LA media show", "Rock Chronicles 1980s: Wayne Charvel (interview)", Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein, Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter, Frankenstein vs. the Creature from Blood Cove, Presumption; or, the Fate of Frankenstein, Frankenstein: Through the Eyes of the Monster, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frankenstrat&oldid=1137211610, Articles needing additional references from July 2009, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2015, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from October 2020, Articles with failed verification from March 2015, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 11:44. dataLayer = dataLayer || []; It sounds fabulous. $800. He also used an Ibanez Destroyer, Kramer 5150, and other guitars. The second Frankenstrat, appearing on the Van Halen II LP and tour, was a 1979 Charvel hybrid VH2 "Bumblebee" black-and-yellow striped guitar. Holy crap . var last_height = document.body.scrollHeight; last_height = b; Im gonna show you guys a couple pics of the body, but I shouldve taken a picture of my thumb. A number of other Kramers were also built and used by Van Halen during this time (most notably the 1984 Kramer), although most were simply striped designs without other markings. There are many sites dedicated to the exact pattern that some might like to follow, but this is your guitar, find inspiration where you will, and discover a pattern that speaks to you. function load_cart(cart_url) { Shellac applied in this way dries very quickly and creates a great seal coat. I used 80 grit sandpaper to get the spots I wanted down to bare wood. Once it had dried, he used said masking tape in a patterned style on his guitar. 1981 Version of the Frankenstrat. We have to do these things, too. }, Since there were no such things as Fender Stratocaster bodies with humbucker positions carved out in the bridge position at the time, Eddie carefully measured and chiselled out a humbucker slot into the bridge position of the Stratocaster body. These can be knocked down with a very light sanding with 220-320-grit 3M Fre-Cut abrasive, even more precisely with a very light pass with a razor scraper. } Back then, there were a limited amount of resources and guitars present at the time that could replicate the sound that any aspiring guitarist could create. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. eCategory: event.eCategory || "", Look at the cover of the first album, Van Halen.Look at that guitar, the black-and-white (later red) striped instrument that 22-year-old Eddie Van Halen (the album was released two weeks after his 23 rd birthday) is thrusting toward the camera like he's showing you the future, and realize that this monumental instrument quickly became an icon that remains . // ; history: false .cart-slideout .item .item-amount { If using a vinyl sealer as the sealer/base coat, spray it in 2-3 light coats, watching that no runs develop. To confuse imitators, he screwed a three-way switch sideways into the middle position cavity, replaced the previous humbucker with a Seymour Duncan pickup, and replaced the neck with the "Bumblebee" guitar's. inp.setAttribute('max', avail); }); Take a look below, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. right: 0; last_scroll = y; obs.observe(pv, {childList: true, subtree: true}); document.querySelector('head').appendChild(css); Third, check out the gold and the black base coats for the guitars, and the neck pockets are completely paint-free. || canonical.startsWith('/parts-and-hardware/all-hardware-and-parts-by-instrument/electric-bass-parts/electric-bass-bridges/') To get close to Eddie's tone, use a Strat with a bridge humbucker, wiring it to a single 500k audio volume pot, as shown in Fig. new_img.setAttribute('alt', img.getAttribute('alt') || ''); Tape for Line Pattern, your choice of sizes . My jewelers stamps havent arrived yet, so it still has no serial number on it. justify-content: center; Continue Shopping
Spraying a new, unfinished guitar body with aerosol can be pretty easy, but prep-work is key for a great paint job. }); Strangely enough, according to some sources 3, Ed purchased the guitar neck at a discount with a large knot in the wood as he believed it would perform better. In this article I talk about what I used and how you could build your very own Frankenstein guitar, in tribute to one of the greatest guitarists . var css = document.createElement('style'); Together with his brother Alex they created the group Van Halen. }, 200); var isWoodStaxProduct = ! || canonical.startsWith('/parts-and-hardware/all-hardware-and-parts-by-instrument/electric-guitar-parts/tuning-machines/') })(); Photo courtesy http://www.guitar-planet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Striped-Series-900c.jpg. I shall post more pictures and possibly a how-to as I go. let checkAndRun = () => (keepChecking ? One of the most memorable guitars in rock is the Van Halen I Frankenstrat. }; if (document.querySelector('main > .tmx-pdp')) { background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); document.querySelector("header").prepend(csBanner); check_header(); #1. If you guys EVER have any questions or comments about this project, feel free to email me or leave comments here. See more information . `; $('#trust-modal-bg').click(function(e) { Just go for a nice, light, even coat and let it dry for an hour or so. PDP - Variant Zoom Who knows what the size of the holes are, so after a little research I settled on 9/64 for the large hole in the middle . Indeed, Eddie is quoted in an interview as stating: I combined the four elements (that was wanted) into the Frankenstein1. For the best results with nitrocellulose aerosol cans, warm the lacquer cans slightly in a water bath. if (!isChecked) $('#accordionEx .mb-2').after(` window.translatePrice = function(p) { The answer is more than 300 rolls. Direct Coupling Is An Available Option On All Kits. A strip of double-sided masking tape was added near the pickguard, on which Van Halen placed a variety of picks. var $spinner = $(this).find(".input-spinner"); +5 colors/patterns. Answer (1 of 4): Do you mean a case for a cassette - (i.e., the storage box its sold in) - or the shell of the actual cassette itself, which (at its extremes) measures 102mm W 64mm H 13mm D? At this stage the body can be roughed up a little if you're looking for more of a worn-in, well-played look. } However, this jumps the price to $400. $('.js-add-to-wishlist-message:first').html(''); Then Ernie Ball . } eAction: event.eAction || "", z-index: 2; setTimeout(wait_for_quantities,50); Ash body weighs 5 lbs 9 oz by itself! .mz-expand .mz-figure img { $179.99. While a bit pricey at $150, it seemed to be the most authentic. hide. try { // e.setAttribute('data-gallery', 'prod-variant'); This guitar was a 1975 Ibanez Destroyer made from Ash. It has low action, and that VEH pickup screams. ${items.get().map(function(item) { $70.00. One Humbucker, one single (unbranded Korean). It had the pedigree, and if it nailed the mark, it would be worth the $150. I'm Brad, and I make how-to videos. } var cC = currencyCode.value; In 1979, disappointed with the bumblebee's performance, Van Halen re-taped the body of the Frankenstrat and painted it with red Schwinn bicycle paint. window.cs_low_stock = 1; $('#accordionEx .mb-2')[0] && typeof window.translatePrice !== 'undefined' One great reason to use orange/blue/white masking tape, rather than electrical or gaffer tape, is that the stripe pattern will be more visible before spraying. .msg-wrap b { } In 1981, he replaced the vinyl record with a trimmed piece of a 3-ply black Fender pickguard to cover the control cavity. Its become the guitar that I truly want it to be. He equipped the Frankenstrat with a PAF ("patent applied for") pickup removed from his Gibson ES-335, potting the pickup in paraffin wax to reduce microphonic feedback. } $(e.target).closest('[rel="modal:close"]')[0] width: 0; setUpButton($self, true); display: none; Much has been said about one of the most famous guitars in rock history - Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstrat, which made its first appearance on the cover of Van Halen's classic self-titled debut (utilizing white and black colors, before a paintjob added red to the equation), and would eventually touch off a craze . The next step is to black primer coat- make sure you do not go too heavy with the spray painting as it . It gives you 360 degree access to the body for precise control. A New Take on a Classic Guitar. font-size: 20px; In fact, the guitar solo of the song Beat It by Michael Jackson was played with this guitar. if (!e.target.closest('.cart-slideout')) close_slideout(); ) { if (e.target.closest('.js-product-variants a, .mz-expand')) return; height: 100%; I really felt that I was on to something when I built that guitar, because you couldnt buy anything like it at the time. Indeed, his guitar, along with his guitar playing, completely changed the way the music industry was working with the sound of the electric guitar. Van Halen removed both tone-control potentiometers, wiring the pickups in a simple circuit largely due to his limited knowledge of electronics. The guitarist originally used the Fender tremolo system from his 1961 Fender Stratocaster, adding the Floyd Rose later. 1 comment. } } Screw into epoxy while still wet. My friend and I are making 2 Frankenstrats. The warmed lacquer with atomize better, sputter less and flow out even more smoothly. position: absolute; $('body').append(` http://www.vintagekramer.com/Baretta/franky.jpg, https://projectevh.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/70719-frankensteinearlyblackandwhite.jpg, http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3045/2867744812_4bb2269a04_z.jpg?zz=1, http://www.shredaholic.com/images/vanhalen.jpg, http://www.guitar-planet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Striped-Series-900c.jpg, http://vivascene.com/interviews/interview-eddie-van-halen/, http://frankenstrat.wordpress.com/history-of-the-frankenstrat/, http://au.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/top-10-legendary-guitars_3.html, http://valleywebs.com/van-halen/guitars.html, EVH/Fender Wolfgang USA Edward Van Halen Signature Model, EVH/Fender Wolfgang Limited Tour Relic (Replica), Cleaning Out The Closet Van Halen Gets Their Problems Sorted, Chaos in Van Halen The Beginning of the Singer Revolving Door, Changing line-up and changing sound From David Lee Roth to Sammy Hagar, VH2 Bumblebee guitar, Floyd Rose and Charvel, Eddie Van Halens Ibanez Shark Destroyer, Eddie Van Halen Guitar Techniques and Early Sound, Eddies first main guitar The Gibson Les Paul. One proven pattern is to work first with the back of the guitar facing up/toward you. document.querySelector('body').addEventListener('click', function(e) { Ed used it for years without and clear coat or protectant, which meant that pretty much anywhere that it rubbed on Eds body, the paint wore off. }).map(function() { } To hold the body for spraying, you can simply hang it from one of the neck mounting holes. font-family: arial; This size drill bit should be used for drilling the initial hole that will then be tapped. css.innerHTML = '.limited_availability_wrap { color: #35f; padding-left: 1.5em; } .js-products .limited_availability_wrap { padding: 0.25rem 1rem; text-align: left; font-size: .85rem; padding-top: 0; } .limited_availability, .limited_availability_desc { font-weight: bold; } .limited_availability_desc { padding-top: 1rem; } @media (max-width: 767.99px) { .tmx-product-details .pdp-product-variant div.tmx-variant-spinner { margin-top: 0; } }'; The red bicycle paint used on the original Frankenstrat would have been backed in white, and this is a key to help the red lacquer color pop with the right intensity (just like candy apple red, or other transparent or semi-transparent reds). wait_for_quantities(); The best-known Kramer owned by Van Halen was the 5150, which he built in the Kramer factory. Another couple of options exist, such as the Fender Standard HSS with Locking Tremolo or the Gibson Les Paul Axcess, both of which I have mentioned already in earlier posts. var has_class = h.classList.contains("scroll_down"); I will provide a link for you on all you need to know about how to assemble a Van Halen I Frankenstrat. color: #000; $oldContainer.addClass('tagged'); /*console.log(avail);*/ $('
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Measure, you can find out the guitars scale length from the internet, then compare that to the width of the stripe and voila! Once it had dried, he used said masking tape in a patterned style on his . var check_customer_service = function (checkCount = 0) { David Lee Roth Recalls Helping Design Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstrat" Guitar Rockers We Lost in 2020 Filed Under : Alex Van Halen , David Lee Roth , Eddie Van Halen , Van Halen A comprehensive chronology of perhaps the most famous guitar in rock history. `; // early execution return; h.classList.remove("scroll_down"); step 3. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area if spraying indoors. Actually, I shouldnt say finally, because Mitch at KNE Guitars delivered this piece very promptly. }
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Exclusive Monthly Offers } An original Gibson PAF is out of the question. if ( It seemed the $150 was gonna be my choice. html:root.mz-expanded-view-open:not(.ios-magic):not([data-magic-ua=safari]) body {
Spray at a distance of 25/30 cm, apply thin layers horizontally and then vertically. || canonical.startsWith('/parts-and-hardware/all-hardware-and-parts-by-instrument/mandolin-parts/mandolin-tuning-machine-heads/') Let epoxy cure in hole. line-height: 1.2; ${trustSealText} An early version of a Superstrat, the guitar was made from a Northern Ash Stratocaster body, with pickup routing which Van Halen modified to fit a Gibson PAF humbucking pickup in the bridge position. ); } We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Thanks! FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon }); data_srcset.replace(RegExp(' [0-9]+w'), '') : img.getAttribute('src') You can find it here: http://www.shredaholic.com/frankie.html. color: #ff0000; var cE = currencyExchange.value;
Its raining out, and I havent been able to get over to a buddys garage, but the next step is to throw 2-3 thin coats of Deft Lacquer Sealer on it, to get it prepared for the black. } 6105 frets. [2] A copy of the Frankenstrat is housed in the National Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.[3]. 120 sold. } font-weight: 600; check() && (observer.disconnect(), code()); items = items.filter(function(item) { Before I wrap this up, I must stress that there are alternatives to building your own Van Halen I Frankenstrat. In fact, the name of Frankenstrat is the acronym for Mary Shelleys monster, Frankentein, because it was built with pieces of diverse origins. .msg-wrap br { var total = calculateTotalQuantity(); v.filter(function(r) { return r.querySelector('.tmx-ewis, .limited_availability, .featured-color > strong') === null; }).forEach(function(el) { share. } }); var items = $(".pdp-product-variant").filter(function() { Regarding the primer, Josro used a mixture prepared by a luthier (a guitar repairer) and sprayed, but we would also recommend the use of the Pintyplus universal spray primer.
The cigarette burns on the headstock and the relicing of the body were especially fun. // Check code This limited warranty may be void and StewMac may refuse to provide a replacement, in its sole discretion, if the StewMac product is damaged due to abuse and misuse by You. } $('main').before(` mounting holes (one drilled by Van Halen), it was installed with only three screws. It is essential that there is no dirt residue for the paint to adhere perfectly. The result was, as Eddie put it, It was neat. `); the body will be fender american standard with custom 78 pickup bridge. Just like with the vinyl sealer, there is no need to build any thickness. band practice circa 1975 or 1976 with a roll of gray duct . What makes this project even more approachable is that the exact shades of color and widths of tape are up to you. || canonical.startsWith('/electronics/amps/tubes-valves/') }); Give the sealer an hour or so dry between coats. . #stewmax-learn-more p { e.addEventListener(s, function() { if (currencyCode === null || currencyExchange === null || currencyFormat === null) { Since Ed had the guitar in this state for years, and these years were VERY hard on the guitar, we have to relic it as well as drilling holes for the old pickguard that no longer exists. Keeping the unfinished body clean, and free from oils/dirt is essential. new_img.setAttribute( } SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape. The guitar itself was a fudge in every way. Okay, were skipping ahead a bit, so lets get caught up. Frankenstrat Templates. body { Once the white paint has dried, the guitar is wrapped again and painted with the bright red of Pintyplus Basic.
Feel free to relic/bash up the guitar, and give a. Powered . cursor: pointer; That's the main reason for the Frankenstrat project. FRANKENSTRAT-WOLF WITH EVH WOLFGANG STANDARD NECK & LOCKE CUSTOMS SWAMP ASH BODY. Body Stratocaster. check() && (disconnect && observer.disconnect(), code()); After a few days, remove the tape and admire! `; 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,782-6% $14.95 $ 14. document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', (e) => { font-family: "jaf-bernino-sans-condensed", sans-serif; Naptha is an ideal cleaner, it's safe for almost any finish, and quickly cuts any dirt or grease that could cause issues when spraying the additional color layers. headline.innerHTML = newHeadline; setTimeout(function() { || canonical.startsWith('/parts-and-hardware/all-hardware-and-parts-by-instrument/acoustic-guitar-parts/acoustic-guitar-tuning-machine-heads/') document.head.insertAdjacentHTML(position, styleElement); variantZoomStyle.textContent = ` } }); type: 'POST', Either spray aerosol shellac onto the cloth or, if using freshly mixed shellac, wet a small area of the cloth and rub it into the body, going with the grain. var to_price = (p.replace('$', '') * cE).toFixed(2); Once this was achieved, he then placed the bridge humbucker from his Gibson ES-335 (a PAF pickup which stands for Patent Applied For) into the body of the guitar. Frets Size: Dunlop 6100 Jumbo Nut: Floyd Rose Locking Nut Nut Width: 1.625" (41.2 mm) Position Inlays: Aged Black, Narrow Spacing Truss Rod: Vintage Style . }, 150); html.mz-expanded-view-open body, The Frankenstrat, also known as "Frankie", is a guitar created by Eddie Van Halen. cart = { It was nicknamed the "Shark" because the chunk he cut out was serrated, resembling shark teeth. Some were given away, or (like the 1984 Kramer) awarded in contests. Scotch-Brite, wrapped around a small wooden block or firm sanding pad, works great for wearing away lacquer on the edges of the body. Easy DIY project. `; margin: 10px; observer.observe(document.documentElement, { margin: 10px 0 0; !document.querySelector('.pdp-product-variant .zoom-tag') && tremolo. } Pulling it too soon after spraying makes for a higher risk of handling marks or accidents that could mark the finish. In 2013 Van Halen's brand, EVH, released a line of Fender USA-manufactured replicas based on previous Frankenstrats. $(".tmx-cart")[0]
The rusting went excellent. } if (document.querySelector('main > .tmx-pdp')) { For the band's 2012 tour, Van Halen used a variant of the Frankenstrat with the black-and-white capped-bridge pickup from his Wolfgang models, a maple Wolfgang neck with a black headstock and a Wolfgang-style volume knob, this guitar is replica of his original Frankenstrat.[13]. . 1-year of free shipping + more for ${stewmax_price} I apologise for that, and will fix it shortly. Javascript is used to collapse and expand the header by adding/removing a class depending on scroll direction. The removal of the wood however destroyed the guitar's sound and he retired it.
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Back up off of the volume knob, and it cleans up immediately to a crisp 50s PAF sound. Fun fact! Put stripes of gaffer tape on the body; Paint it white; Repeated the process with red; For the first paint shop of the Frankenstrat, Eddie used low-quality paint. function zoom_observer() {