EVH Gear Wolfgang Special Baked Maple Series: Hardtail and Floyd Rose Models Detailed

EVH Gear has officially refreshed its iconic Wolfgang Special line, introducing the new Baked Maple series. Combining Eddie Van Halen’s legendary specs with modern neck stability and a choice of two distinct bridge systems, these high-performance machines are built for the stage.

For fans of the late Eddie Van Halen, the Wolfgang Special has always represented the “workhorse” of the fleet—a mid-priced powerhouse that doesn’t skimp on professional features. The latest update centers on the introduction of Baked Maple necks across the range, offering enhanced stability and a sleek, played-in feel.

The Evolution of the Neck: Stability Meets Speed

The standout feature of the new line is the quartersawn, graphite-reinforced roasted maple neck. The “baking” process removes moisture from the wood, making it far more resistant to temperature and humidity shifts—a vital upgrade for touring musicians.

Each neck features the exact profile approved by EVH himself, finished with a hand-rubbed satin urethane for a smooth, non-stick feel. Playability is further enhanced by a 12”-16” compound radius fingerboard and 22 jumbo frets, designed to facilitate effortless chording at the nut and lightning-fast bends higher up the neck.

Two Flavors of Performance: Floyd Rose vs. Hardtail

The series offers a significant choice in hardware:

1. The Floyd Rose Option: For the traditionalists, the Floyd Rose 1000 Series locking tremolo comes standard, paired with the legendary EVH D-Tuna. This allows players to switch to Drop-D tuning instantly—a must-have for tracks like “Unchained” or modern rock staples.

2. The Fully Adjustable Bridge: For those who prefer a fixed-bridge setup, EVH has introduced a compensated bridge and tailpiece featuring fine-tuners. This “TOM” style setup offers the stability of a hardtail with the precision tuning typically reserved for locking systems—a subtle nod to the setups used by legends like B.B. King, but reimagined for high-output rock.

Professional Electronics and Custom Pots

Both models are powered by Direct-Mounted Wolfgang Alnico II Humbuckers. These flagship pickups are designed to deliver the perfect balance of “brown sound” warmth and modern clarity.

In keeping with Eddie’s personal preferences, the electronics are highly specialized:

• Volume: A 500K EVH Bourns Low Friction pot for effortless volume swells (perfect for “Cathedral” style techniques).

• Tone: A 250K High Friction pot designed to stay in place, ensuring you don’t accidentally knock your tone settings during aggressive performances.

Aesthetics, Pricing, and Availability

The collection is split into two price tiers based on finish and hardware options:

• Premium Tier (£1,299 / $1,499): Available in Smoked Mesquite, Caution Yellow, Ivory, Stealth Black, and Gloss Black. These feature Chrome hardware (Smoked Mesquite/Ivory) or Black hardware.

• Core Tier (£1,099 / $1,399): Available in Gloss Black, Husk White, Kandy Green, and the upscale Oxblood finish, which features striking Gold hardware and matching ‘Speed’ knobs.

All models ship with an EVH Striped Series gig bag included.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

What is the benefit of a “Baked” Maple neck?

Roasted or “Baked” maple undergoes a heat treatment that makes the wood more stable and less prone to warping. It also gives the wood a darker, vintage-inspired hue and a smoother feel.

Can I use the D-Tuna on the hardtail version?

No, the D-Tuna is designed specifically for the Floyd Rose tremolo system. However, the hardtail version features fine-tuners on the tailpiece for extremely precise tuning stability.

What is the difference between the volume and tone pots?

The volume pot is “Low Friction,” meaning it turns very easily for quick swells. The tone pot is “High Friction,” providing more resistance so it won’t move if your hand accidentally brushes against it while playing.

Is a case included?

Yes, all Wolfgang Special Baked Maple models include a branded EVH Striped Series gig bag.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The EVH Wolfgang Special Baked Maple series is a masterclass in functional design. By offering a choice between the dive-bombing capabilities of a Floyd Rose and the rock-solid stability of a Compensated Hardtail, EVH Gear has significantly broadened the appeal of this model.

Pros:

• Exceptional Neck: The combination of roasted maple and graphite reinforcement is top-tier for this price point.

• Smart Electronics: The “Boutique” pot configuration (Low vs. High friction) shows a deep understanding of what players actually need on stage.

• Aesthetic Variety: From the “stealth” look to the “Oxblood and Gold” luxury vibe, there is a finish for every style.

Cons:

• The lack of a D-Tuna on the hardtail might disappoint some Van Halen purists, though the fine-tuners are a great compensation.

Final Thought: Perfect for Van Halen devotees or simply modern guitarists looking for a high-performance, stable, and ergonomic instrument, the new Wolfgang Specials are among the best “mid-priced” professional guitars on the market today.