EVH Wolfgang USA Edward Van Halen Signature Guitar - Is it Worth the Price???

[@fatherof3kidz]

I have this guitar, the 2020 model, which makes it even more sentimental to me since he passed away this year. I love this guitar and absolutely no buyers remorse at all. If you can afford it, buy it. Great guitar 🎸

[@rv6205]

Hi, i have one too ....are you able to lower the pickups in it ,..they seem mounted flush to the body

[@fatherof3kidz]

@@rv6205 i honestly don't know, mine sounds awesome as is so never looked to see what could be adjusted

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

Dude I love what you do. You're one of the best guitarists on KZbin and not just because of your skills. You're a really decent person and I see you helping people out all the time. Thanks for all the inspiration.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hey thanks Zidders - it's comments like that which really inspire me to want to do more videos. Rock on! :)

[@BFahz]

Admit it, Zidders - you just want to see his wife in another vid or two! J/k, I agree - seems like a great guy and a great player.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

LOL thank you both! And she will appreciate the comment too! :)

[@PDXguitarfreak]

LOL thank you both! And she will appreciate the comment too! :)

[@JohnnyBeane]

Awesome! Love these guitars!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hey thanks Johnny! Btw you have some very cool content on your channel. I'm subscribed now. Rock on!

[@thepurpleplayer9168]

If Buckethead had a signature wolfgang.

[@jeffersononetwo]

Awesome! I love this guitar - loads of tone you pull out of it!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks Jefferson! I'm having too much fun with it! :)

[@rvk5150]

This review was a big factor in my recent decision to buy one of these.....out of the box it is fantastic!!!

[@SFBGuitar]

Sooooo awesome! Now I need one. haha Congrats on the new axe. Looking forward to seeing it in MANY videos. ;)

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks Steve! ...and I'm looking forward to some NAMM vids on your side! Did you try the new Satchel Charvel? The pickups and their configuration look really interesting!

[@michaeleaster1815]

Congrats on the new guitar! Great review ... thoughtful and thorough, as usual

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thank you Michael! I appreciate the comment! :)

[@rhugh02]

Soon as I figure out how to get rid of my expensive kids I’m getting one...

[@Brian-Martin]

kids are the best and the worst lol

[@drinkspecials]

Wow she's a beaut Clark a beaut!!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

LOL Wally World here we come!

[@tomwolfe1594]

Thanks so much for the review. Great job

[@Is308enough]

Cool stuff! Like the outro soloing, wished it kept going.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks Mike! I was just messing around at the end of the video, but I appreciate the comment! :)

[@jeffhebert9643]

Beautiful guitar my friend . ... I need one.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks Jeff! :)

[@danielleiva9456]

5:18 ohhh yeah sweet licks and nice tone!

[@MarbsMusic]

The only other Wolfgang I have with US pickups is a 2010 Standard MIJ but I really like the neck pickup with the A3 magnets in the Signature model. I haven't used the kill switch live but definitely play with it all the time while goofing off at home!

[@Scott__C]

Cool vid! If no one mentioned it, take off the volume knob and put like an O ring or a piece of foam under it. That'll help.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Ah yes, great idea. Thanks bro!

[@scottcaldarelli4207]

No sweat man!

[@montag4516]

Yep. It's a non-obtrusive, easily reversible mod.

[@joshfreedman6850]

Should just have a normal friction volume nob. Most players don't need to play Cathedral. Same thing happened to me . I had the Mexican stealth. Loved the way it played except the high E would sometimes get caught under one of the pickups. Not knowing if the USA is the same.$4000 way too much for that though.

[@BlackMesaSecurity]

very nice!! Hope to see more PDX vids!!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hey thanks bro! I hope I can do more soon! :)

[@stratocasterbob]

1st Class Axe Dave ! Your guitar family is growing fast.Did you hit the lottery ? :) Bob

[@PDXguitarfreak]

LOL Hey Bob! This last year was definitely a good year for the guitar family, but it's time for a temporary vasectomy as I don't think I can afford any additional "children" for a while :)

[@SG-tv5jy]

New Freaking toy! Sounds amazing looks amazing. Congrats Dave.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks SG! Let's rock!

[@urouric232]

Best guitar ever for mee..!!

[@fostercityjoe]

Love this axe. So you can only lower the pitch with the Floyd huh? Can't pull up? It's been a few years now, do you still love it, Clark?

[@fatherof3kidz]

It's said Eddie didn't like the floating bridge because of tuning issues so this is dive only

[@divadgnol67]

Love the new axe

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks Dave! :)

[@guitagious9464]

During this video you showed an image of the black "Stealth" Wolfgang. Just curious, why was the Floyd Rose assembly "chrome-finished" in that picture, not black painted like the tuning keys? Other USA Stealths we've seen are black-finished. Can a buyer purchase a USA Signature Stealth with whichever Floyd finish they prefer, like an "option"? Thanks.

[@satchbooggy]

armed and dangerous! love it dude

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks bro! 30 more guitars, and I think I might be caught up with you! LOL

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

I bought the black version over a year ago. At the time nobody had them in stock due to popularity. Found one place, got a good discount and received it with decent setup. Thought it was awesome. Over time setup was just okay. Sent to local luthier who made it worse. Then another ... back to okay. Decided to learn setup myself. Neck needed very small shim. Nut had no shims and was cut perfect. Frets perfect. Floyd height bad. Intonation close but off. With proper truss rod adjustment, Floyd done right, tension right... it came alive...but missed something special...barely...then I bought Lok-N-Roll compensating nut. It is now sonically perfect. Every chord, every note.. open chords, etc... perfect tuning. It is by far my best guitar.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Trevor Westerdahl hi Trevor, thanks for sharing your experience. I’m going to look into the nut you are referencing. Rock on!

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

PDX Guitar Freak Thank you. Still loving the compensated nut. However, there are chords for certain songs where out of tune so to speak Is just what the ear expects. I won’t go back though 90% plus is clearly better by a wide margin. It also doesn’t stick up with those sharp edges like the Floyd nut. Very low and smooth. That first fret is no longer something I adjust for.

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

FYI: just have to loosen strings enough to unscrew old nut and put in Lok-N-Roll. Just as fast to reverse and put in old if it’s not for you. I never worry about G and B strings now except for those few songs where out of tune was desired... for those I tweak tuning.

[@braden2112]

When I get the money 😂 I will definitely get one.

[@chrisstrobel3439]

Nice chops man 👍 So what are some other strap options out there for these, I’ve read more than once the strap it comes with doesn’t last that long, custom strap maker?

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Chris Strobel thanks Chris! I think the strap is pretty durable, and if it ever needs replacing I will buy the same one probably... other options would be to have a custom one made ( to your point) or perhaps just install some regular strap pins. :) I think I may have said in the video I’m really not partial to Eddie’s idea with the clasps (since they clink against the body a lot). I upgraded to this model for the kill switch only. :)

[@ascentiall]

Hey Dave how about making a video about how to set up the Wolfgang guitars. Really just Floyd rose but that would be very helpful. Oh and how to set up the d tuna too would be cool too! 🙏🏽

[@INVERTEDBUKAKI]

I love that guitar man. Congrats

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks Michael!!! :)

[@ADIKTIVESOUNDS1]

Davey nice axe man and great intro.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hey thanks man, mucho appreciated! :)

[@carlodestefano6628]

I'm seriously looking to order one. I'm nowhere near the player yet, but I'm looking at it as a keepsake regardless. Do you know what the markup is on this model ? Up here in Canada it's retailing for $5,149.99

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hi Carlo, I see this retailing in the US right now for between $3299 and $3699 USD. When I bought mine it was retailing for $3299, and I was able to negotiate it down too $2805 USD. Granted, that was about 3 years ago. I don't know if that helps. Hey, I just noticed that the CAD retail price is basically 5150... coincidence? :)

[@carlodestefano6628]

@@PDXguitarfreak Yes, $5150. Coincidence? I doubt it 😉. Thanks. It does help. Will let you know if I dive in

[@mrdeanv4414]

Were there any of the USA Wolfgang Guitars made neck threw..?

[@yonikup2865]

What amp and pedals are you running through?

[@yonikup2865]

How much does it cost? Its amazing!

[@haydenshockley9432]

$3299.99 MSRP

[@miksilplik]

USA model is $3299, Signature model is $3699. I’ve had my sig for a week and it’s amazing.

[@islamsuperchannel]

the strap in back guitar making scratch guitar body anytime

[@cookiemonster5281]

Just bought this one! Don’t see it until April! 🙃

[@LIGMAFB]

MSRP is $3,999.00. What was their list price?

[@gimi5383]

From scale 1-10 what would you rate this guitar? Also does it come with the wooden frets too? Is the neck kind of small and thin and good for someone that has smaller fingers?

[@ethanwelk2736]

I have smaller fingers and I use a Wolfgang.

[@michaeljay4213]

is it a arch top

[@PDXguitarfreak]

yes :)

[@wilfredlalruatfela4258]

I'm Interested in getting one at 20% off

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

Can anyone answer this question, I feel like the MIM Wolfies are smaller bodies than the USA bodies. Is it just me? Sometimes the Wolfgangs seem so small.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

I can't answer because I haven't tried one of the MIM models. Sorry man!

[@Scream4vengeance]

Hey, that's a damn cool new axe, Mr. PDX!!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thank you JC! I am having fun with it! :)

[@ambrow5010]

How much it cost bro?

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hey bro, sorry I missed this comment before. Street price is $3700 USD. However, I think most people will end up paying between 80% and 90% of the price if they negotiate it.

[@An2oine]

It should ship with regular strap buttons with eye screws in the case.

[@santacruz3600]

How adjustable is the strap for raising and lowering?

[@PDXguitarfreak]

It adjusts well... interestingly it uses velcro - I can't remember if I mentioned that in the video :)

[@santacruz3600]

To be more specific I’m wondering if the strap is adjustable to wear really high or really low? Thanks

[@minisurfbanana]

I dont know why um gassing ocer this guitar😍😍😍😍

[@jessetryon5108]

How come you didn't go with the Floyd Rose when you bought your PRS?

[@PDXguitarfreak]

I purchased my PRS back in 2004, prior to the availability of Floyd Rose units on their guitars. That said, if I was going to buy another PRS now, I would still probably get one with the standard tremolo. I love Floyd Rose units, but I like PRS guitars in their more classic style. The Custom 24 guitar is it for me... and the one that started it all :)

[@jessetryon5108]

Good answer and fair enough:) congrats on the new axe. You do a great job!

[@montagedrift]

Hey Dave dude, my Question is: Why did Ed design a guitar without a floating tremolo ??? I would think that he would love to almost rip the whammy bar off.....I'm not even a 1000th of a guitar player like you, but I thought the floating tremolo was an evolution of the guitar and i like my Kramer because of that feature ???Anyways, if you had to choose between an Ibanez Jem or a musicman, Which would it be?

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hey bro, sorry I missed the comment way back when you posted it! I recall reading that the reason Ed likes his tremolos to be decked as opposed to floating is so if he breaks a string, the rest won't go out of tune. As for a Jem vs a Musicman, that's tough. My J.Custom Ibanez is so similar to the Jem, that I guess I would have to go with the Musicman because I don't have one LOL. But if I didn't have that Ibanez, I'd have to go with the Jem... nothing against the Musicman guitars though!

[@mikekopmanis2099]

I do the same thing, knock the volume. Wish it were higher friction....

[@zachvarbel]

How do you get your EVH tone?

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hi Zach, my tone here is basically the guitar into a POD HD500, and then direct into my PC.

[@BFahz]

nice guitar, Dave. Ive always been hesitant with basswood guitars - they seem mid rangy but maybe the maple top adds some high end. I have never liked Ed's tone with this style guitar, so for me, I have stayed with Alder and Ash. Rock on!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hi Brett - I hear what you are saying, and I think you are right about the top too. I guess the way I look at it, is if it's good enough for Ed, it should be good enough for a mere mortal like me LOL :) Rock on!

[@The9thChord]

You seem incredibly knowledge able about Van Halen so maybe you can help me. I don't get the difference between the "EVH® STRIPED SERIES 5150®" VS the "EVH® Striped Series". Is it just head stock and the extra little details, or an actual difference in quality...

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hi Michael, I will attempt to answer, and I assume you are asking because of the $500 difference for the 5150. My understanding is that the 5150 has a different Wolfgang pickup than the striped series (it's a "custom" Alnico 2 version), the neck is a "modified" c-shape, and the volume knob is a faster version (just the vol knob on my guitar in this video). What they mean by custom and modified, I don't know LOL. Otherwise, everything is pretty much the same, other than the headstock design, paint job, and what appears to be a very slightly different body shape, as far as I know. I'm sorry as I know that's probably not super helpful. :) All of that said, it appears you are paying $500 more for those changes/upgrades. It's made in the same factory in Mexico, so quality should be similar.

[@The9thChord]

PDXguitarfreak That answers my questions and then some. You're the man don't sweat it. To be frank I'm looking for a maple 22 jumbo fret nice C for my build.

[@allendean9807]

The only issue i have with my EVH, is the small headstock. I use clip on tuners, and it’s a bitch to get them to clip securely to that tiny headstock. But, other than that, the Wolfgang model is a well built machine, and while it’s not my number one- i mainly track using a hard tail- it’s surely my number 2

[@lelov1392]

I really don’t like and can’t stand guitars with Floyd rose, but I would happily and wholeheartedly make an exception with this one. I really dig this guitar! Sounds great and has a unique take in comparison with other guitars. Eddie might have left us but his legacy continues!!! Miss you Eddie!

[@ihop4no14]

I got so frustrated with my guitars going out of tune. I almost don't even consider a guitar UNLESS it has a Floyd Rose because it means it will stay in tune.

[@joeseabreeze]

I bet the price of these things just skyrocketed

[@MrIvanHalen]

Daaaamn, Dave, you just got yourself one of my dream guitars, I've always wanted to buy one of those puppies but, silly me, I used the money to buy useless stuff like food or pay my rent. Anyways, hope you're enjoying the new guitar and hope to see some cool vids in the future with it.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hey Ivan, I completely understand bro! I thought it might be a while before I got this guitar, but I had a pretty good 2018 so I figured I better spend it now before it ends up going to food and rent LOL :) Rock on!

[@ihop4no14]

I've heard it called "Mother of Toilet Seat". Ha ha!

[@Swanlord05]

Get the Chibson model n upgrade the parts

[@chrisdozois8978]

Does the bridge angle forward? When you adjust for action it seems to pitch forward. Did you find that?

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Yeah, I was just noticing that yesterday actually. It's slight, but I can see it

[@svtrader]

MSRP and list price are the same thing.

[@cryptoskywalker6000]

What's the difference between the $1,000 Special and the $3,500 Signature? $2,500 Strings?

[@go4384]

The funny thing about this stuff is that no one listens to guitar rock under the age of 35. Or at least not enough to draw out any good rock bands.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

It's sad that kids these days gravitate more toward other forms of music, but there are still some that are helping carry the torch. :)

[@clintone7001]

No EVH Wolfgangs have a “licensed” Floyd Rose. They all, even the standard, have “EVH branded” Floyd Rose. BIG difference. Floyd Rose does not make then”licensed” Floyd’s. Hence the word “licensed”. All EVH guitars use actual Floyd Rose Trems.

[@rfd135]

You do Ed better than Ed...lol

[@PDXguitarfreak]

LOL you are too kind! :)

[@Swanlord05]

Is it worth freeeeakin 4Gs ....No!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

I agree. I bought mine in 2018 when it was advertised at $3500, but I was able to negotiate it down to $2800. Part of the increase today is probably inflation but more seems to be Fender trying to cash in on Ed's death. It's a great guitar, but I certainly would not pay $4k either.

[@Swanlord05]

@@PDXguitarfreak shame on fenders ass

[@Driven2Beats]

just get the japan model

[@dougwood7098]

What's with the wig and sunglasses? lol

[@PDXguitarfreak]

witness protection program

[@dougwood7098]

@@PDXguitarfreak Just not show your face?😂