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:
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Tight, punchy lows
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Cutting mids
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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
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