Q and A with Eddie Van Halen
The rock guitarist talks about his custom-made Frankenstein 2 that is now in the collections of the American History museum
- By Beth Py-Lieberman
- Smithsonian magazine, June 2011, Subscribe
Recently, guitarist Eddie Van Halen donated his guitar, the Frank 2, to the National Museum of American History. Smithsonian corresponded with him via email about his decision to give up his cherished guitar.
“Eruption” is widely regarded as one of the greatest-if not the greatest-guitar solos ever. What’s the best guitar solo you ever heard performed by another musician?
There are so many, it’s difficult to pinpoint it down to one.
You’ve collaborated on projects with a number of musicians over the years, including Brian May, Geezer Butler, and Thomas Dolby. Do any collaborations stand out as your favorite?
Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” is a stand out for me. Quincy Jones called me up and asked me to play on it. When I got there it took me 15 minutes to rearrange the song and I played 2 solos and told them they could pick the one they liked best. Then Michael walked in and said wow! I really like that high fast stuff you do. It was a lot of fun to do. Its crazy that something could take such a short amount of time and can grow into something beyond anything you could ever imagine.
You patented a “musical instrument support.” What is that?
That patent came out of a technique I used when playing the guitar’s fingerboard: laying it flat, using both of my hands at the same time. To do this I needed the fingerboard to face upward like the keyboard of a piano. The device I patented enabled me to do that. It also comes in very handy for lap steel players.
You donated Frankenstein 2 to the Smithsonian, but tell us about the original Frankenstein.
The original Frankenstein was a result of me tinkering and experimenting with different elements of electric guitars that I liked. The thing was that some guitars had elements that I liked, but at the same time had certain elements that I didn’t care for either. If I could combine those elements into one guitar, then I could have an instrument that enabled me to create and play what I heard in my head without any restrictions.
You’ve said that you hated “store-bought, off-the-rack” guitars, because they would not do what you wanted them to do. What did you want from your guitar?
I wanted the electronics (humbucking pickups) of one manufacturers guitar, while I preferred the body, neck and tailpiece of another manufacturers guitar.
And how did you achieve that?
I combined the 4 elements into Frankenstein, which resulted in a guitar that did what I wanted it to do, more than anything I had ever played before. In addition, I created an instrument that wasn’t offered as an “off the rack” guitar by any manufacturer at the time.
What became of Frankenstein 1?
I retired it from regular use. It took so much abuse from endless touring and recording; I wanted to pay some respect to it and let it survive and not let it get destroyed completely. At the same time it became something so well known beyond my wildest dreams that it’s value made it a target for theft and I wanted to protect it. I still play it every now and then. It’s priceless to me.
What did you think of Frankenstein 2, the first time you played it?
I was blown away. We did a blindfold test and it took me a while to figure out which one was the original and which one was Frank 2. The aesthetic accuracy was astounding.
And how did the Replica Frank 2 compare to the original?
From a playability stand point Frank 2 was actually easier to play and fought me less than the original. Frank 1 was something I built around 1975, so it reflected my experience in building guitars at that time.
How could you part with it?
What better home for it than the Smithsonian Institution where it could be on display for the rest of time so others can appreciate it. It’s the highest honor I could imagine for something so dear to me.
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Comments (40)
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I think you're a good Musician Eddie It would be a pleasure to meet you sometime That would be great Next time you come to Portland.
Posted by Melissa Williams on February 3,2013 | 08:37 PM
sorry Eddie
Posted by on October 10,2012 | 11:57 PM
desparately seeking roth?
Posted by on October 10,2012 | 11:51 PM
Mister Eddy van Halen, When do you coming to Holland in the GOFFERTPARK Nijmegen. Thats all. Greetings Henk
Posted by Henk Mahulete on August 31,2012 | 05:01 AM
all said in the subject line.
Posted by take responibilyity for once on July 27,2012 | 10:37 PM
Eddie Van Halen is the best rock guitarist since Hendrix without debate. I hope to see him again one day soon. Keep making music Eddie.
Posted by David S. on March 14,2012 | 04:40 PM
Dear Mr. Van Halen, the "GREATEST" Charvel guitar player of all time!!! You have been my inspiration for learning guitar and my favorite is my Charvel!!! You are probably the "ONLY" person on this planet that can help me out with this!!! I bought my custom made Charvel Strat, a one of a kind, from Guitar Center in SF in 1981!!! It has a serial number of 1300!!!!!! Yours was 1398!!!!!! So mine was made just before yours, and it was designed by you!!! It was signed (in the body under the pick guard) by the guy who made it at Charvel!!! I believe this was your original design and made by the same person who made yours!!! But I'm not 100% sure, however, it seems logical? It's still in "MINT" condition and blows away any other guitar I've heard!!! I really could use your help in identifying this axe. It's completely original and candy apple red. I found your 1982 Charvel at some custom shop in LA!!! The last I talked to him he wanted $150,000 for it and this was a few years ago!!! Anyhow, glad to hear you are working with Charvel again and "Rock on Brother!!!" Ken...
Posted by Ken Vogel on July 23,2011 | 11:45 PM
There would be no Randy Rhodes if it wasn't for EVH! Period.
Posted by chris on July 20,2011 | 09:18 PM
So happy to see EVH receive such an outstanding (and most deserved!) honor! Ed, I hope you're healthy now, and can't wait to see you and the band back on the road! The last tour was amazing!!!
Posted by Mark Irwin on June 1,2011 | 03:19 PM
I could name a different solo that was performed by a great musician that blows your solo outa the water.Tribute to Randy Rhoads,Randy's solo after Suicide Solution done completely live no studio.
Have a listen Ed open your mind and free yourself.
Posted by jayou812 on May 31,2011 | 07:51 AM
Eddie, I saw you and the boys in 1979, I was at the front of the stage you were maybe 4 feet in front of me, I caught one of you custom picks you threw out. Your the one who made me want to play faster and harder. Your guitar work is the greatest. You are a revolutionary just like Hendrix.You change the way the guitar is played.
Posted by Paul Neilson on May 30,2011 | 11:15 PM
Ed, Keegs once told me you are (or were) using my little wooden Yamaha G5 amp for warm ups. That little thing was awesome for blues. Hope you love it like I did.
Since you got my amp, I'll tell you that Keegs let me play your prime axe before a stadium gig in MA around 97 or 98. Couldn't believe all the schmutz on the fingerboard :) Give Keegs a shout. Stay well!
Posted by Dean on May 28,2011 | 12:49 AM
Yo Ed,
Class move with Frank 2. Agreed what better place for it. When ya comin back to Philly?? Missed it last time. Won't miss again.
Posted by Steve Van Allen on May 28,2011 | 06:35 PM
Hey Ed, I can't wait for the new upcoming album. How amazing that it will be the first written with Dave since you guys recorded 1984. The Mighty Van Halen is back and ready to take their throne once more. By the way if you ever need an opening band, I have a project I'm working on and I'm calling the group Big Yesterday. Our sound is an old VH/Thin Lizzy timbre. Along with years of theory, I have gone after your brown sound tone for years and thnk it is amazing. Hope to hear some new material soon brother.
Johnny Cotter
Posted by Johnny Cotter on May 28,2011 | 11:34 AM
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