Eddie Van Halen - "The Frankenstrat" Interview (Guitar World, Nov. 2006)

[@TheBoinger5150]

I wish Jimmy Hendrix could have see and heard this man play.

[@billyshead1339]

Jimmy would’ve been blown away.

[@subzero8679]

@@billyshead1339 Jimi was just as good, and very innovative himself. He experimented wirh the guitar instead of just learning how to play it, same as Eddie. Could you imagine Eddie and Jimi playing together, doing dueling solos or something? That would be sick!!!

[@dbowens1977]

Justin Ford , I think Jimi paved the way for Eddie and guitar centric music in general. He was a better overall guitar player than Eddie as well. More artistically creative and innovative as far as his song writing goes. Eddie not so much. With the exception of the tapping and the hyped up guitar and amps. Which is something that Jimi relied on others for. Still Jimi’s Albums. Axis Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland, blow out the water anything that Eddie, Vai or any progressive rock guitarist has done as far as the number of songs that slay, written by a guy that played on the international level for four years and died. Jimi was a beast. If he would have lived man..... I would like to have seen Eddie’s influence on him. Eddie has a very tricked out and flashy. Lead guitar style that is unique. Rhythmically and harmonically. Jimi was the best though. Jimi did have modded Marshall’s. and he did play Gibson flying Vs with humbuckers. Which is what he was gravitating toward when he passed on. The isles of wight concert. Epic! He had endless sustain on the Gibson. Check out Machine Gun. 1970 man. Imagine Jimi 10 years later. Nobody would touch him.

[@dbowens1977]

Justin Ford , Eddie influenced a generation of Technical guitar playing 1000 notes per minute wanking. Jimi influenced legends. Clapton said he was the best. Santana as well. Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Legends. Some of the more popular guitarists like John Frusciante to even grunge and alternative era bands like Pearl Jam. You can here Hendrix influence loud and clear. Richie Blackmore even recently gave an interview where he openly discussed how he came up with several songs by embellishing Hendrix riffs. Only technical guitarists go crazy over Eddie. No disrespect. I like him too. But how often do you think in terms of tapping, harmonics and dive bombs all the time. The rest was what power chords, chorus, flanger, delay. His rhythm and song writing was pretty simple it was his lead style that mainly made him what he was and modern technology of course. Most of the time your gonna play the guitar the way Hendrix did. Not tapping and playing 1000 notes a minute. I like Eddie too don’t get me wrong. But his style is unique and there were too many copycats that ruined it. Same with Yngwie Malmsteen. Hendrix. Small Venues? He headlined Woodstock and was the highest paid performer. You know the concert everyone is trying to copy and redo even till this day. Hendrix had a manager that was ripping him off big time and a contract that he signed ages ago that was unfulfilled that he was in hot water over. That’s the drama with the venues and him not giving a damn towards the end he was fed up with it all. I agree Page had more of an influence on songwriting because he was a master and writing as a guitarist backing a singer and not singing and playing at the same time. Hell this debate can go on and on. As far as guitar playing goes. Best all arounder will always be Jimi. He was the first innovator of that caliber and died at his height after only 4 years of recording or so. Eddie will always be second place bro. He had the vision yes modded gear yes but his playing does not top Jimi. Jimi influenced more substantial Quality players not shred wankers that nobody outside the guitar community knows about or cares about. And Jimi influenced every Genre of music after. Not just rock guitar. By the way I think it was Roger Mayer that made custom effects pedals for Jimi to create unique voiceings. Hell Jimi had endless sustain back in those days from a pedal and was harnessing feedback. And he did have more mods than just the speakers. There were wiring and tube mods as well. ,

[@dbowens1977]

Justin Ford... he influenced Yngwie to take up the guitar and didn’t you see Yngwie playing with a full on classical orchestra. Come on bro. Just give credit where it’s do. A simple google search will tell you that Jimi HENDRIX is the greatest guitarist of all time. Period THE END.

[@tdz69]

“I didn’t have the money and the guitar I wanted didn’t exist.” So the man built one. Eddie was a true trailblazer.

[@Raul1971xxx]

With Brian May happened something similar with his Red Special.

[@gibsonfan159]

I mean, he swapped the neck and pickups.

[@henrygrossart52]

He was a trail builder

[@ErosGalaxia]

Eddie’s favorite guitar of all time was the Gibson ES-335. He WAS going to use it for Van Halen but one of his bandmates said he looked like Roy Orbison with it and thus changed the course of history.

[@StephGV2]

I copied his earliest one at the time. Still have that guitar. He led the way.

[@DabFanatic]

Rest in peace Eddie! Its so sweet to hear him give Dimebag a shoutout. Now they are both reunited in rock n roll heaven.

[@skylineXpert]

Imagine the guitar battle. Eddie Van Halen vs dimebag or Van Halen vs Jimi Hendrix. Heaven is so cool right now. Too bad you cannot watch the battle

[@bripolar]

Assuming they got in 😈

[@xmonikerhotmailcom]

Fictional stories are for children. They are dead. Accept reality and enjoy the music they left.

[@RKDriver]

I love how Ed just couldn't hold back anymore and had to start playing while they're talking. What a legend savant.

[@mightyminis2.091]

He did that all the time

[@JohnWick54935]

He was so dedicated and obsessed with that instrument it became an extension of his body FRANKENSTRAT😂❤❤❤❤❤❤ May he rest in peace 😢

[@leokimvideo]

Eddie says he's a 'Tone Chaser' that's where it's at. Eddie had a distinctive tone that defined his sound. If they ever make a film about EVH maybe a good title would be Tone Chaser

[@sebvanhalen5656]

Brown Sound would get my vote

[@philipthefish9289]

Brown chaser

[@JsscRchlDrsy]

I think an overall Van Halen movie about what Eddie accomplished, plus what the band accomplished up till Sammy joined would be fascinating.

[@xmonikerhotmailcom]

His ears were gone by 1998.

[@dt90891]

“Chasing Tones”

[@fortunatoofamontillado1059]

amazing that eddy let one of his originals be buried with dimebag .. RESPECT

[@randyfraser7743]

Yep!! I may have shed a tear or 2 on that one. R.I.P. Dime and long live King Eddy. Both amazing!!

[@chicagodan1981]

Yeah that was awesome. Ed can get a bad rap at times but he is basically a good dude.

[@shashvatpandit]

yeah i read somewhere that they had planned for him to give a production model version of that guitar to get buried with dime. But when he showed up he showed up with the original and when asked if he was sure he said. Dime was an original so he deserves the original. Too fucking good. RIP

[@benjaminmorton9436]

Shashvat Pandit m

[@pinkaholic09]

Believe it or not I was with Ed the day he got the news of Dimebag's death. Ed was really bothered by it. He said he'd JUST talked to Dimebag the day before.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

2 weeks since we lost Edward and I’m still very sad. It’s strange how so many of us never even met the man yet he had such a profound effect on our lives. God speed Ed. I pray that you are experiencing true joy and peace.

[@blancosfamilyfarm1798]

Oh no!! I had no idea an with only 3months worth of guitar under my belt I feel a strange bond with him as even before I knew what he did I wanted to cross a Gibson with a Fender.. RIP Ed Van Halen

[@stequis]

3 years on and it still hurts, you think it's gone, then turn and swear it's always been there.

[@fireemblemistrash75]

Respect to Eddie for giving Dimebag his original bumblebee guitar, Dimebag loved Eddie hard.

[@MrShreddykruger]

😞

[@codyjugarie6188]

They were both fans to each other 💪💯

[@flyingrhoads]

Who is here to pay respect to the man? RIP 5150

[@DVincentW]

😳5150 the studio is still there. In fact, Wolfgang has recorded 2 albums there.. playing all the instruments, and singing.

[@KathyVandusen]

Absolutely loved him ❤

[@robbyandrews223]

Wasnt a huge Van Halen fan but have become fascinated with Eddie and Wolfgang too. Wish I would have known it sooner and picked up a guitar myself.

[@pinkaholic09]

His music runs through my veins like a good drug.

[@ramleeoak9299]

I love how Eddie can't stop noodling even during the interview...always itching to play...always a new monster riff within fingers reach.

[@ThunderPantz01]

I thought all guitar players were like that...

[@paxchristi2014]

​@@ThunderPantz01They are for sure

[@iaminsfiredbytrustfration8502]

@@ThunderPantz01fr

[@HeavyInstinct]

​@@paxchristi2014As a guitar player I can confirm that you are 100% correct.

[@paxchristi2014]

@@HeavyInstinct Thanks. I do the same as a player.

[@Ricardo-go7yu]

In 1978, I was flipping through record bins in the record store. I saw the cover of the first album and said these guys look like they f-ing rock. I dropped the needle and fell in love!!!

[@davereloader8837]

First time I heard it was also 1978. "Running with the Devil" and then "Eruption". Blew my friggin mind and scared my little 10 year old ass. Haha. Shook me to my core. Had never heard anything like it. People now don't really understand how incredibly fresh and different VH was at the time. What a masterpiece of guitar and rock n roll that album is.

[@Ricardo-go7yu]

@@davereloader8837 100% brother!!!

[@johndef5075]

I cranked it up on my brothers Utah speakers and thought a ufo was landing in my backyard😅 Then Running with the Devil started.....

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

People: I want a stratiest Strat, preferably a vintage one or at least Custom Shop made. That will make me a great guitar player. Eddie: builds his nameless strat made of cheap leftovers that looks like crap. Plays like hell, earns pile of cash.

[@destianpatrianagara1119]

That became legendary guitar everyone loves

[@srcastic8764]

And now people pay a pile of cash to buy a replica of his POS guitar. LOL.

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

@@srcastic8764 Exactly. They can build it themselves, it's that bad.

[@diamondmiles8462]

It looks awesome

[@Showerlover]

yes welcome to the real world

[@GeorgeBonez]

I still can’t believe Eddie is gone. It’s like he’ll never really be gone.

[@GuitarGangsterArmi]

He will always live on in our hearts

[@GeorgeBonez]

Like so many others Eddie was such a huge inspiration to me as a young guitarist back in the 80’s I would have never thought he would end up being even more inspirational and a source of strength in my older life. Like Eddie I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN) in my late 40’s and it scared me to death. When I turned 48 I was in a wheelchair and dangerously close to losing my career. The Doc’s told me that I was long over due for surgery and needed total double hip replacement and pelvic reconstruction. I found Eddies story of his hip replacement and how he went under the knife while being awake and actually talked to his surgeon during his surgery. Well true or not I don’t know but I said to myself “If EVH can do this then the least I can do is try and I did. I’m still jamming to Eddies music and I’ve done everything I can to try to clean my life up. I still drink too much, party too much, smoke to much, stay up to all hours of the night practicing riffs but I do it in moderation now. Eddie has just been a way bigger part of my life than I ever imagined he would. Thanks Mr EVH for touching my life and giving me the courage to make it when I thought I couldn’t.

[@mitchettie1581]

God Bless you Brother and good luck. I've been under the knife myself a 40 year Rock and Metal guitarist, Eddie has been huge. Never surrender. My back surgery was a failure, Im jamming as I type this, and back to learning the album "Diary of a Madman" ✌️🍺🤘

[@russell_szabados]

GeorgeBonez & Mitch ettie: God bless you both. I’m a bassist & keyboard player but haven’t seriously practiced either instrument in over 3 years because I’ve been studying composition and orchestration. I’ll be 52 in 3 weeks and picked up my bass last week for the 1st time in ages and could barely play. The doctor said I’m arthritic after years of playing basketball & softball and then just stopping practicing my instruments. Now, that scared the hell out of me, but I can’t even imagine what you guys have been through. We gotta keep going for the love of music. I’m going to give it my all and work through this based on your examples. All the best to you both. Peace.

[@ScottJGarvey]

First song I ever heard from VH was “Unchained”. My brother had the cassette and I couldn’t believe how angry and awesome it sounded. I was hooked forever

[@LSPD1909]

Dads favourite song is unchained never forget that riff.

[@vendettared4998]

My first song was in the one. Instantly obsessed.

[@darthsimmons6957]

Unchained is MY favorite! I love the flanger.

[@flyingfatcatnation8393]

First song i hear by van halen was aint talkin bout love and now its my favourite song i was really young at the time probably around 3 atleast and my dad played it in the car

[@jmartini8875]

First song I heard was Runnin' With the Devil. I was certainly thinking WTF? It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. 😎🤟🎸🎶

[@frankiethefixer]

Saw Eddie around 8 times, first time touring with Sabbath 1978 when Frankie was still black and white. That guitar blew my mind many times live.

[@haroldconner6265]

trip to see him in these interviews, back in the early 80's when I was an 8th grader he really was a hero to me! will always have a soft spot in my heart.

[@BX0207]

RIP Legend.. And that interviewer was so full of respect and dignity.. hats off to him..And you can see the humbleness in Eddie..even as he is being praised..

[@Victory1507ci]

Fair Warning is the hardest VH album and it's incredible. Hearing Mean Street for the first time was almost as amazing as Eruption.

[@redsabreanakin]

I couldn't agree more. Exactly

[@judowrestlerka]

Mean Streets is a BAD MFer. That whole album was the sound of something no one ever heard before walking into the room........and absolutely DESTROYING SHIT.

[@westpoint64]

@Mrs. Norman Reedus And it all came out of his hands. Ted Nugent once hooked up to Eddie's rig playing Eddie's Frankenstrat and sounded exactly like Ted, nothing like Eddie. It was in Eddie's hands.

[@Texasbluestunes]

Spot on and Fo sho!

[@stuartmiller7419]

Fair Warning rarely gets the recognition it deserves.

[@VanHalenIsolated]

I love Eddie so much. I love when Ellis says, “This guitar was a big part of my life…” and Eddie chimes in with equal earnestness saying, “It was a big part of both of our lives…” humbling himself and not putting himself above. 17:07

[@andygonzalez6356]

I still " freak out" when I see Eddie rip on his guitar. Even in his 60s he hasn't lost a step.

[@audiophileman7047]

Is there any doubt that Eddie is the king of mod after Les Paul and Leo Fender? Love to hear Eddie talk about guitars as much as I love to listen to him play. He's definitely one of the greatest guitarists of all time!

[@russell_szabados]

That’s probably why he and Les Paul were such good friends. Les Paul considered him a peer rather than a fan.

[@rikkifknrobin]

Russell Szabados in his interview at the smithsonian, he says that les told him “you, me, leo fender, we’re the only guys that know how to build a guitar”

[@audiophileman7047]

@@rikkifknrobin I heard the same story, and Les was so right about that! Something even more interesting: Les built his guitar to play jazz; Fender built his guitar to play country; and EVH built his guitar to play metal. I'd say that's a pretty nice progression.👍🎸😎

[@dalewetzel773]

Unskilled Slash Brian May built a better guitar years earlier

[@rikkifknrobin]

Dale wetzel well that’s debatable, but as to not piss anyone off, let’s just agree that both guitars are great in their own respected ways

[@alainconnelly8870]

This interviewer is a very bright guy. Knows his stuff

[@cheesewesil18]

Alain Connelly hes eddies guitar tech

[@dalewetzel773]

He sounds wasted

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

I really like his interview style. The opposite of Eddie Trunk 🤣😊

[@mi39471]

It’s Matt Bruck

[@billyhughes9776]

RIP Ed -- you were/are so loved and will be missed.

[@chrisglendinning8899]

In my opinion , the best hard rock player , best gear ear , best hard rock guy ever . The taste , the sound , the cool fills nobody ever did . I still get chills listening to him . Made me pick up guitar at age 9 .still listen to vh all the time ,

[@LopserGaming]

It’s like a Jedi building their own lightsaber lol rip 🙌

[@riceflatpicking4954]

Well said bro

[@devildog1204]

Didn't even know Dimebag long, and buried Dimebag with his original legendary black and yellow guitar. It was Dimebag's favorite. Mad respect.

[@robertrandolph2850]

The Lord Of The Strings!

[@jamesstewart1794]

Yasss

[@tinanoel452]

My Gosh, that was excellant. I really enjoyed this interview , remembering Ed and how cool and humble he was. Miss him

[@tuyenpham1884]

This man Eddie Van Halen is truly legendary among the six-string killers out there, even while he's still alive! The man and his image, the famous striped six stringers, the techniques...A true legendary guitar icon!

[@bobmurphy5609]

That was by far the best interview and video I ever seen on u-tube. Thank you.

[@SV-wb8kh]

For me Eddies "Frankenstrat" is the mad max of electric guitars...there will never be anything that comes even close to that sound.

[@e.l.norton]

Ed has been telling this story for decades. And, he's known to have spun tales to throw people off the scent of his tone and secrets through the years. But, there is some evidence to suggest that the guitar was actually originally a Fender Strat. At least the body. There are early photos from the club days of Ed playing a black strat with a rosewood neck, and that strat has some virtually identical signature wear marks on the body that are also visible on the Frankie beneath the layers of peeling paint. Only Ed and Al know for sure. Either way, he slapped a beast together.

[@ivorharden]

It is a Boogie body. The contours are a bit sharper compared to a fender. That rosewood "fender" neck was an aftermarket.

[@leonmohan1708]

@@ivorharden Correct.

[@ianmeadows3527]

Ed is a magician.

[@Genjo_N_Mojave]

By far the most in-depth and best interview I've ever seen or heard on the Frankenstrat... Thank you!

[@dannyf3915]

😊

[@greyfox68j]

A major/huge thank you for posting this! Great interviewing,questions. 👍

[@sportswolf1]

I remember when Eddie built that around late 77. He bought the neck at a small shop in Arcadia along with the decal. I still know where the receipt for the neck is. He asked a lot of questions, I think I know where he got the idea for the paint job, it came from a TV series. It was fun working with him in the 70s, he was so nice

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

Very interesting. Just curious, which TV series? BTW, I used to live in Arcadia, and when I met my wife she lived a few blocks over from the house the Van Halens used to live in on a parallel street (in Pasadena). They lived on Las Lunas (I know the house) and her family lived on Queensberry.

[@sportswolf1]

@@ButOneThingIsNeedful The show was "Boris Karloff's Thriller" I have lot's of great memories of Eddie. I worked at a small custom guitar shop in Arcadia on First ave and Colorado blvd next to the liquor store. I taught him a few things about building. He only brought in his brother once but it was so funny, Alex might remember. The house he lived in was a small 2 bedroom and the room he was in had a 100 watt Marshall half stack. I was small time back then doing some over flow work for Wayne Charvel, repairs for the public and built custom guitars, as my talent grew my reputation grew. I was lucky to see him play almost every week and he just got better and better. I never saw him again after 78. I still miss him and his talent. Do you remember the Chevelle's club and Pasadena Civic?

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

@@sportswolf1 First of all, I am truly grateful you responded to my comment, Sportswolf! You should be interviewed by anyone making a documentary or book about EVH wanting firsthand bits about Eddie's early years. I would really like to hear anything else that comes to mind that you remember. For example: What guitar(s) do you remember him playing? Did you actually see the famous 'Frankenstrat' newly assembled? Was the band big yet? Do you remember Ed already (unfortunately) being a smoker? Etc. I play guitar myself and of course couldn't help but be blown away the first time I heard Eddie's work (on the radio). Eruption was so incendiary I thought it might set the speakers on fire! LOL Of course I know about the Pasadena Civic Center, but sorry not the other place you mention. I did go to Pasadena City College for a while, where I believe the VH brothers also went (earlier). I did not grow up in Southern Cal.

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

Oh, my brother-in-law roadied for Van Halen and also knew Michael Anthony's younger brother Dennis. (I believe I remember Dennis's band being called Cats and Dogs?) He also knew Michael just a bit and was over at his house once. That's how I learned Michael's real last name was Sobolewski! haha

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

One last question: I looked here on KZbin at an old episode of Boris Karloff's Thriller and saw right away the similarity between the graphic shown at the show's opening and the design on the Frankenstrat! Do you remember Eddie TELLING you he got the idea from there? If so, you are sitting on a golden nugget, my friend!

[@memyopinionsche6610]

Me really I respect EDDIE VAN HALEN guitar playing... But really want to know... About Alex Van Halen and how he come with a drum beat sound... With the songs EVERYBODY WANTS SOME, LIGHT UP THE SKY'S, HOT FOR TEACHERS and PANAMA.. Probably the most underrated drummer of all time... Overshadowed by his brother.. I get it but can't say it. ..

[@kelvinfahrenheit3691]

Alex is pretty dam great.

[@johnm3946]

The bass was totally pro too, just one untouchable band through and through.

[@srcastic8764]

John M I lost all respect for them though because of the way they did Michael Anthony, who is a great bass player and gave them those iconic high pitch backup vocals. Not only did they dump him just to get EVH’s son in, they didn’t even tell him he was out. He found out through the media like the rest of the world did. That’s low.

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

It's so cool just to hear a couple of guys talking gear, especially when one of them is Eddie

[@image30p]

Legendary instrument. We used to talk about that guitar and look at pictures of it. I can't imagine life without super strats. Thank you, Eddie!

[@Farazkhurshid]

Oh man that is so Awesome! Thanks for uploading this in high quality.

[@reels2riffs]

You are most welcome. That's what I like to hear!

[@mstallsmith4109]

I was eight years old had ten bucks and bought this album my favorite band of all time

[@SolidWander]

I always forget they buried Dime with the original black/yellow and man what a proper send off from Eddie. There's a reason they're all legends. This is so in depth and amazing.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

So cool … I was 16 in 1986 & one of the millions of kids learning the guitar. The first thing I learned is that none of us would be as great as Eddie. ☮️

[@bpschmidt4707]

"Rest in peace Dimebag.." Now I'm crying....

[@jimbradley727]

Eddie's white guitar with the black stripes immediately made the strat body look fast... But red white and black stripes guitar made it look like a Ferrari.. I just received by $1700 Frankie strat and while it's not as spot on as the $25000 version it's pretty amazing Promise You the sound and feel of this version is unique compared to all my other humbucking guitars..Strat SG Les Paul...love em all..Frankie is special..Eddie is also very special..

[@marshallgeorge3819]

Ed was so soft spoken and loved to talk about gear - what a wealth of knowledge. I love that he ended up forming the 5150 line and the Wolfgang guitars. Those are incredible!

[@mirandachannel7851]

Rip dimebag

[@mirandachannel7851]

Sowbelly Canoe meeting dime would of been awesome

[@AZDC99]

Christopher Miranda Dimebag was so great. Saw him live at Zaxx in Springfield, VA (DC suburb) 1 month before "Vulgar.." was released. Always was a huge EVH fan. So glad Eddie could honor Dimebag.

[@mirandachannel7851]

Yes

[@mirandachannel7851]

Matt Winstead love dime one of a kind dude

[@obscuria2345]

And now RIP Eddie

[@thanojr4472]

"the original yellow and black one got buried Dime bag with.".. this line is really hard. a sign of true respect, only legends can have such a big heart

[@andreww8941]

Awesome interview

[@davespin9034]

Eddy was a cool cat, very genuine and humble. I play guitar because of him

[@herbcanter2114]

You and billions of others.

[@davespin9034]

@@herbcanter2114 hah! No doubt. Worldwide 🌐

[@laomeng88]

Seymour Duncan was mixing gibson/Fender back in the early 70s, which is where Jeff Beck’s Tele Gib came from that he played on Cause we’ve ended as lovers

[@lIlIANONYMOUSIlIl]

Guitar Center, Fountain Valley had a beat up franken strat for $2500 bucks. Just a copy I am sure. The most effortless harmonics. It was amazing and I have been wanting that sound ever since.

[@tttarms1970]

RIP eddie. Thanks for the timeless memories

[@goldygames132]

Rest in peace🎸🎼🎶

[@anonanon5791]

My college entrance essay was on who I admired. I wrote it about Eddie. The personification of cool....i got accepted! 😁

[@spooge33]

This is just awesome. Great job all around.

[@thebassgum]

What a great interview / interviewer

[@duckydrummer6331]

David Lee Roth said on his radio show back in 2006, it was his idea to paint the guitar with stripes. He said he got the spray paint from his basement at his folks home in Pasadena. He also said it was Ed's friend/guitar tech Rudy Liren who put the guitar together. On KZbin, search for "David Lee Roth Show Van Halen Discussions 2006" skip to 11:27 into the show. He talks a lot about VH.

[@michaelgretzky1056]

Wow. So freakin' fascinating! Totally love this behind the scenes type of stuff.

[@pinoyboy1964]

Yes, I am here to grieve and celebrate the genius and greatness of Eddie.

[@hilldwler420]

Such a beautiful human being. Thank you for the music, it will live on forever.

[@katinkiplinkyplonk4933]

I am so honoured and privileged to be in His lifetime.

[@AgentOrangeTheDJ]

This was a great watch, very informative!

[@dphidt]

It would be nice to see a redux version of this interview w/ Eddie now. Back in the days of these interviews, he was a wreck.

[@thebrainbucket880]

Unfortunately that isn't possible 😔

[@randywissler9923]

There aren't alot of things that you automatically associate with someone or something, but the millisecond you see frankenstrat, you instinctively think EVH!!!

[@Beyond-Antares]

Wow, back when Guitar World was still amazing. What an insight.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Yeah I loved Guitar World for so many years. I was a subscriber for a very long time. But they made their magazine smaller and put a ton more advertisements in it.

[@AbeStephan]

Back in the day when magazines had CDs with them still . This was from an issue of GUITAR MAGAZINE . He was often using a Gibson Les Paul in some of the songs during the Roth era . He liked the Strat but loved the Les Paul tone .

[@TerryThomas-vl6xe]

If we keep remembering him and share with each other what he did for us individually , then we can keep him semi alive and keep him with us as long as we talk about what he did for us , the first time we heard him , concerts or if you were lucky enough to have met him , it seems that we put our differences aside and meet on one level . The peaceful , music , especially new music comes first, and create that atmosphere that we can re-live hour own memory’s with him , and keep him in our hearts and minds , then he is always with us . I have to think that way because I can’t handle the reality that he really is no longer with us . After getting shocked to the core on October 6, 2020 , it was well into 2021 before I could listen to Van Halen music. What was one of the most natural things that ever existed in my life , listening to and digging VH music , I now physically could not do The moment that I realized what was going on it really hit me hard and all the arguments against anyone else ever being a better guitar player than Eddie and all of those moments (which was every second Eddie invaded my ears) , I knew that my instinct of knowing he was the best, all those moments in life when the odds were against me , that sticking to my EVH is the best mindset paid off and that was one thing that I could hold true to myself , made me proud knowing that I have been right all along and that’s a great feeling. When that hit me , which was about 6, 7 months after he past, I began to loosen up and before long , the music worked its way back into my life and back where it belonged , to its rightful place atop the Mt Everest in my heart. But that’s just one story that I have to go along with all that are in the world. It’s that loyalty syndrome’s little voice in your head that says when your listening to the music , I may or maybe I may not be correct when I think he’s the best ever, because there could be someone out there who might be as good or better, and that’s ok , and that’s anyone’s right to think and say that . To that , I answer back with s peaceful response of , you know , if you like the other one better , then by all means enjoy yourself with your choice , I don’t care if my favorite is not your s , but as for me , I’m thankful and lucky that I have my favorite , and for the rest of my life , I can enjoy my favorite artist,, Maybe your guys better , but you’ll never convince me of that because I found and have the very best , and I’m just fine with my choice ,……and yours , …. God Bless!

[@punchman691]

I love the part where he mentions burying the yellow & black guitar with Dimebag. RIP!!! 🤘🎸

[@pullyourluck]

same here dude.....it gave me the chills......and what a wonderful gesture from one of the greatest to another one of the greats......fuckin beautiful

[@tazewell1638]

Shouldn't be mentioning that,Sick people in the World,He must not know the Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines stories

[@washguy9577]

Rip Eddie it was a pleasure growing up hearing VH through 80s 90s soundtrack to lots of our lives in a way 🫡

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Eddie vanhalen......"it just blows my mind man".

[@bowlingball99lb45]

I’m a lifelong die hard vh fan and atl falcon fan and I love how he puts on our team hat here(the red black and white forever!)

[@emiromiranda1214]

Was that show in ATL, I wonder? I'm just glad I got to see them live at least once. And, ironically, it was at Music Midtown in Atlanta, about 4 or 5 yrs ago.. it was great.

[@naturalrestingface4909]

An iconic guitar indeed. You'll always know whose hands it should be in!

[@J24777]

I just got my Frankenstrat! Awesome Guitar Definitely! Love the Action and Everything.

[@unsaltedlife5998]

First concert was in 1981 it changed me forever, much respect ✊, the body cost him 50 buck and the neck 30 and made millions now that works.

[@narvul]

In the video he says 50 for the body and 80 for the neck.... but then again EvH has said a lot of contradicting stuff through the years.

[@marvinshenk]

@10:20 when Eddie says they buried Dimebag Darrell with the Yellow and Black guitar, I teared up. Eddie was great for doing that. Eddie was a really classy guy

[@DblakeDeathMetal89]

It was Soo awesome to have seen one of his guitars up close in the flesh (wood lol) and it was unexpected too, it was at this little guitar shop in Southern Maryland about 30minutes from where I live called “Hot Licks” and I saw it in this glass encased thing with a green glow surrounding it and it had the pick of destiny in the strings lol. The guy working said it just came from The Smithsonian Museum in D.C. and it was for sale for I believe but I could be wrong for $70,000. I almost asked if I could actually hold the guitar or play it but I couldn’t muster up the courage to ask, I wish I did. But I was still just in awe over seeing his mythical guitar with my own eyes and honored to even have that opportunity because EVH , like I’m sure most guitarist was a HUGE inspiration to me.

[@spiffdandy77]

Excellent interviewer and excellent interview. Eds style of playing is so magnetic to listen to ...

[@dietmarsimon]

A great interview !

[@jillybabesno1]

Was also super cool just to see Eddie sitting so relaxed wat a dude!

[@Johnnyhumbkr]

The people who recreated his guitar had an impossible time trying to find those reflectors Ed put on the back of that guitar!

[@JohnnyBeane]

Awesome stuff!!!

[@russell_szabados]

Anybody else catch Eddie playing the intro to “Fools” at 12:02?

[@GregoryKisiel]

I like it when Eddie is under the influence. Eddie, you were and are and will be among us forever. A great guitarist. RIP Eddie.

[@thomasandrews1998]

Sorry I know this interview is about ed but Michael Anthony’s playing at the start is 🔥

[@ianroberts4981]

Right on!

[@tonypowell250]

Yeah Mike is amazing. Any idea the name of the song at the end of this video? Killer riff!

[@antimaga856]

@@tonypowell250 Shazam tells me it is Romeo Delight (Womem and Children First). Just listened to it on Spotify, and it's at the beginning.

[@tonypowell250]

@@antimaga856 Thanks man...greatly appreciated.

[@reels2riffs]

@@antimaga856 The song the band is playing is actually the US Festival performance of So This Is Love?.

[@keithcampbell5150]

Andrew Bennett has received the original version of this from me. This was edited out, and he NEVER WAS COMPENSATED, or given an original copy of the video release… I felt the need to give him mine.

[@crunchchannel9391]

I still say the red black white frankenstrat still started out as a Fender, even though he says its a boogies body he built so many he cant remember exactly everything my question is where did the FENDER single coil that red one in the neck position come from? he said he didnt know how to wire the electronics so he just stuffed all the guts back into the guitar the 5 way switch and the single coil in the neck my guess was already there because it started life as a Fender strat the black one that vanished he may remember bits and pieces of the bumble bee guitar or the unchained guitar like i said he built so many

[@tomecalm7]

15:28 Here's an interesting spring configuration that I never thought about. Considering that if you saw this on literally anyone else's guitar, you'd think they didn't know what they were doing. But seeing as this is Eddie, I will definitely try it. It makes sense to put more tension on that side, so I understand why he did it. Also notice that he has something to dampen that spring on the left side (bottom) of the guitar.

[@TheLisab56]

Keep this here forever. Edison/Mozart is talking. We love you. RIP.

[@praetorian48]

Bless eds heart. hes like a child with his favourite toy in the background as the guitar builder is being interviewed

[@dannyboy3737]

I love how at the end when the interview guy says “I gotta question for both you guys”, both chip n Eddie sat up and sorta zoomed in like they’re getting fed some secret info

[@JohnnyBeane]

Edward Van Halen will always be the greatest guitarist ever!

[@TarnTarn-zv6cp]

Tears flooded when the DIME was mentioned xxxxxx

[@knoxvillehermitfreemoviesm3625]

In the early days (pre 1977) where would the assembly of the guitars, the wax parifin melting stuff take place? It must have been a messy room or apartment with all that going on.

[@GenaPerea-cb9po]

Eddie's guitars are iconic!

[@yukonjack.]

Michigan misses you Ed, Van Andel Arena 2004 reunion with Sammy. ✌️😍🎸 A stellar show!!!

[@georgebernard8983]

EVH had the "It" factor and had it in spades! When it comes to playing a guitar I've always felt you either have "it" or you don't, and Eddie had enough "It" for 10 people! He was a magician on the fretboard and every move he made seemed so effortless, like water flowing over rocks! I sure wish I could see him play live one more time!

[@shootmedia2155]

The greatest ever. Such an inspiration. So authentic and honest. I think that's the secret to his greatness.

[@markscott529]

What a cool, down to earth guy. I've been a fan since 1980 and never heard him talk.

[@amafid]

Seriously, he’s a jerk.

[@sideparting6845]

@@amafid Not trying to be confrontational at all, but I hear this a lot? What's the story behind it/evidence? Genuinely interested

[@amafid]

Side Parting it’s all good! He may not be a jerk but a lot of circumstantial evidence points in that direction. Why would he dismiss Michael Anthony? Why would he part ways with 3 different lead singers? Everyone seems to love Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony.

[@tomjones239]

@@sideparting6845 I met Eddie Van Halen in Shreveport Louisiana back in the early 1980s and he seemed nice but was drinking us all under the table. He sat on a couch and played guitar for us for hours. He`s kinda weird.

[@beverlysmith6539]

Eddie Van halen found his purpose on this earth!🎸thankful he shared it with the world! Such a gift 🎁