EVH Releases Limited Edition "Bumblebee" Striped Series Frankenstein Frankie
Rock the "Bumblebee" look with the EVH Striped Series Frankie in Aged Black/Yellow. Features a Wolfgang humbucker, Floyd Rose, and D-Tuna for legendary performance.
The legendary "Bumblebee" aesthetic returns in a road-worn, high-performance package designed for the modern shredder.
Guitarists and Van Halen devotees have a new reason to celebrate as the EVH Striped Series Frankenstein "Frankie" arrives in a stunning Aged Black with Yellow Stripes finish. Priced at **$2199.99/**£1,599.00, this limited-edition model pays homage to one of the most iconic "DIY" instruments in rock history, blending vintage "Bumblebee" looks with the high-octane performance features modern players demand.
A Tribute to Rock Royalty
The new "Frankie" is a modern recreation of Van Halen history. Channelling the raw attitude of Eddie Van Halen’s original 1979-era build, this model features a basswood Strat-style body finished in a heavily distressed satin lacquer.
The attention to detail is remarkable, featuring a custom Frankie pickguard, a dummy five-way blade switch housed in the middle position, and a skirted volume knob cheekily labeled "Tone"—a direct nod to Eddie’s idiosyncratic original setup.
Built for Speed and Stability
Underneath the road-worn exterior lies a precision machine. The quartersawn maple neck is reinforced with graphite for ultimate stability and features an oiled finish that feels "broken-in" from the first chord.
For lead players, the 12"–16" compound radius maple fingerboard offers the best of both worlds: a comfortable curve at the lower frets for rhythm work and a flatter surface at the higher frets to prevent notes from "choking out" during wide, expressive bends. It comes with a painted black headstock, so it differs from previous versions of Frankie by EVH Gear.
Ferocious Wolfgang Tones
The heart of this beast is a direct-mount EVH Wolfgang humbucker. By mounting the pickup directly to the body wood, EVH has maximized vibration transfer, resulting in:
- Tight, punchy lows
- Cutting mids
- Singing, harmonic-rich highs
While the guitar sports a dummy Strat neck pickup to maintain the HSS look, the electronics are purely functional. A push/push volume control allows players to switch between the bridge humbucker and the neck position with a simple tap, keeping the layout clean and intuitive.
Professional-Grade Hardware
No EVH guitar is complete without the ability to divebomb. The Frankie comes equipped with an EVH-branded Floyd Rose locking tremolo featuring a brass block for added sustain. It also includes the patented EVH D-Tuna, allowing players to drop the low E string to D and back again in a split second—essential for those classic Van Halen riffs.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | Basswood w/ Satin Lacquer Finish |
| Neck | Quartersawn Maple, Modified "C" Shape |
| Fingerboard | Maple, 12"-16" Compound Radius |
| Frets | 22 Jumbo |
| Bridge Pickup | Direct Mount EVH Wolfgang Humbucking |
| Bridge | EVH Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo w/ D-Tuna |
| Nut | Floyd Rose R3 Locking |
| Hardware | Distressed Black |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this a limited edition model? Yes, the Aged Black with Yellow Stripes finish is a limited-run release, making it a highly collectible item for Van Halen fans. Does the dummy neck pickup work? The neck pickup is a dummy for aesthetic purposes, but the guitar features a push/push volume pot that switches the signal path, allowing for versatile electronic control while maintaining the original's HSS look. What is the benefit of the D-Tuna? The D-Tuna allows you to instantly switch the guitar from Standard tuning to Drop D without loosening the locking nut or adjusting the tremolo springs. Is the "Aged" finish actually damaged? The "Aged" finish is a factory-applied process that mimics the wear and tear of a vintage touring instrument. It is purely cosmetic and does not affect the guitar's structural integrity.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Homage?
The EVH Striped Series Frankenstein Frankie in Black and Yellow is more than just a tribute; it is a high-performance tool built for the stage.
By combining the legendary "Bumblebee" aesthetic with modern innovations like the compound radius neck and the D-Tuna, EVH has created a guitar that looks like a relic but plays like a dream. For the player who wants to capture the spirit of 1979 with 21st-century reliability, this Frankie is the ultimate choice.
Pre-orders & Pricing
Pre-order available now at Andertons, priced £1599 Pre-order available now at Sweetwater, priced at $2199.99 Pre-order available now at Thomann, priced €1749
More Information
**#EVH Gear #**EVH Striped Series Frankenstein Frankie
- +Iconic Bumblebee aesthetic with aged, road-worn finish
- +Direct-mount Wolfgang humbucker for tight, punchy tone
- +D-Tuna enables instant Standard-to-Drop-D tuning switch
- +Quartersawn maple neck with compound radius for comfort and playability
- +EVH Floyd Rose locking tremolo for divebombs and stability
- +Distressed hardware and authentic vintage details
Is the EVH Striped Series Frankenstein Frankie a limited edition?
Yes, the Aged Black with Yellow Stripes finish is a limited-run release, making it highly collectible for Van Halen fans and serious players seeking exclusive vintage-inspired gear.
What is the D-Tuna and what does it do?
The D-Tuna is an EVH innovation that instantly switches the guitar from Standard tuning to Drop D without loosening the locking nut or adjusting tremolo springs, enabling fast tuning changes for classic Van Halen riffs.
Does the dummy neck pickup actually work?
The neck pickup is purely aesthetic for the original HSS look, but the guitar features a push/push volume control that switches the signal path, allowing versatile electronic functionality.
What makes the compound radius fingerboard beneficial?
The 12-to-16 inch compound radius provides a comfortable curve at lower frets for rhythm playing and a flatter surface at higher frets to prevent choking during wide bends.
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