It appears that, during this time, Ed sanded the black lacquer off the back of the neck, leaving it only on the heel and headstock. financing* Here is the final colours straight after removing the tape. Ed, unphased by the blemish, purchased the body for a reported $50 ($225 in 2021, adjusted for inflation), where the catalog price for a non-blemish body was $89.95 ($405 in 2021, adjusted for inflation). And, with that its ready to head off to the guitar builder to get set up! 11-01-2010, 01:44 PM. Is there any chance you could make some like that for the frankie? Eddie (center) holding the Frankenstrat with new no logo FRT-5 prototype, Vitas Gerulaitis (right). Coming soon. Okay, this one is easy it's my take on the iconic Frankenstrat guitar EVH played in the mid-1980's with Van Halen. A black humbucker replaces the cream one from 1980. This website collects data from 60453 different reviews to give you an idea of which frankenstrat tape template is really the best. Note Do not select a routing template (sdm prefer routing, sdm prefer dual-ipv4-and-ipv6 routing, or indirect-ipv4-and-ipv6-routing) when the switch is running the LAN Base feature set. On your photos its hard to tell if the guitar body is routed out for the Floyd ros tremolo or standard start. Sanding; to remove the gloss paint and make sure all surfaces were suitable for a new coat of black paint. Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll, from April 1st October 1st, 2019 and allowed many people to see the Frankenstrat up close and personal. 3. hi Jesse The volume is not affected, as the screws used keep the hum bucker at the desired height/distance from the strings as it would be if I had used a pick guard. Sugar Bytes Looperator V1.0.1 Win Mac-r2r there. When the black is still visible, but the white is well coated (the black will be a little darker than in these pics, as these were taken after 1-2 coats) stop spraying, and leave it alone! Re-tape according to the template provided, and now spray red (not too thickly, as Eddie painted it thinly. From early 1979 until later in the tour, the Bumblebee was disassembled, freeing up the neck (and, as previously mentioned, perhaps the tremolo) for other guitars. Evh Frankenstrat Template Neck Wood: Birdseye Maple Finger Board Wood: Birdseye Maple Neck Finish: Satin (his was unfinished but finishing is recommended) Fret Size: Gibson Jumbo Frets 6150 Key Holes: Schaller Inlay: Black Dots String Nut: Fender vintage tremolo Bridge Type: Fender vintage tremolo Pickguard: Stratocaster 6. The Frankenstrat is an ash Stratocaster body with a routing that. this is achieved by chiseling out the section of fretboard between the tuners and the nut (dont go further than the nut!!) It was a two-step process which involved a pearlescent undercoat with a colored top coat. Stripes arefirst picturedAugust 1, 1977. The scaled pictures are helpful but the pdf like the bumblebee would make these builds much easier! Eddie Van Halens primary instrument from 1977 to 1983, known by such common monikers as Frankenstrat, Frankenstein, or, simply, Eds Baby, is perhaps the most iconic and valuable electric guitar in modern history. The PDF links on this page are for the most common configurations and are here primarily for you to check the overall fit of the pick guard buy gauging it's overall shape and mounting hole layout etc. Joined Oct 15, 2007 Messages 4,089 Reaction score 1,747. The Frankenstrat is Eddie's attempt to cross pollinate a Gibson and Fender. View similar gear Watch Watch this gear and we'll notify you if it becomes available again. There is a lot of discussion about what type of tape Eddie used, but the consensus is he used mostly gaffer tape. Templates are available again I shall post more pictures and possibly a how-to as I go. Lots of light coats is the key with spray paintso easy to understand, so hard to have the patience to do it. He has replaced the neck with a Rosewood fretboard Boogie Bodies/Charvel neck that came installed on his Charvel Star guitar, removed the pinstripes, and replaced the pickguard with a white 8-hole single ply pickguard from Charvel, which houses 2 additional single coil pickups. My Les Paul is the leading online community and marketplace for Les Paul guitar fans. FREE Delivery by Amazon. I sealed it up and let it sit for about 8 hours. This page is a collection of all history of the guitar, accepted/established and theorized alike, from its first days in Van Halens LA club gigs to its final live show on May 29, 1983 at Van Halens legendary US Festival concert. Just do a search for stripe template or. Eddie installed a PAF humbucker from his ES-335 and cannibalized the tremolo unit from his . Not satisfied with these tweaks, Ed would take an irreversible leap and make massive changes to the guitar that would forever transform it into the beast it is known as to this day. Thats because on many of the stripes, one side has a clean edge and the other is rougher just what youd get if you tore strips of gaffer tape apart. Current pickup in Frankenstrat today. For the second, we'd like to make our lives easier and use a taping . Front Original April 23rd, 1983. Here you see the guitar being stripped, with the assistance of an orbital sander. However, Eddie used an R2 nut on it. Heres Mark in his shop when I picked up my assembled guitar. Posted in Frankenstrat on May 21, 2009 by Mr. Photos of the body on the first one are posted below. Finally, it appears that Mr. Van Halen's stripe patterns are completely random, and that. I used Kauri Pine for this build, which is now a restricted species I was lucky to get a piece from my local timber yard before it was announced protected. 5. More Options. Theyre hard to see, but there are also black decals in addition to the blue tape. Also the Sansui artist model 5150. View similar gear from other sellers on Reverb. Steps. hi Zane! Ed would prep the body by sanding with approximately 80 grit sandpaper, which would cause significant damage to the already worn finish, tape the body up with gaffers tape, ripped down to desired widths, and spray red over the existing black/white stripes. Ed, initially thinking that this simply mean the body was second in line to be manufactured, was informed that it was cosmetically unfit for sale at full price, in this case due to a knot on the edge of the body inside the lower horn. Eddie would play the first ever Floyd Rose with fine tuners (FRT-4) and a strathead Kramer Pacer neck with the Kramer logo sanded off due a lawsuit by Fender. The Frankenstrat was [Eddie] Van Halens attempt to combine the sound of a classic Gibson guitar with the physical attributes and tremolo bar functionality of a Fender Stratocaster. ROUTING THE RECESS. The file contains: As I will be using a Floyd Rose bridge on this guitar (as Eddie uses!) Its actually rather ironic to think Eddie actually played this guitar for many years like this. Template routing ensures that each part is identical; whether you're shaping six parts or sixty, each one matches the template (Photo 2). Below are several photos of the guitar in this configuration. Once upon a time it was a big deal. Here is the black coat drying in the spray booth I built out of PVC, plastic sheeting, and duct tape. The top is when it was new, the bottom is after some work. We have PDF outlines for most pick guards we make but not necessarily all of them. This provides a lot of high-end definition, perfect for Eddie's tapping techniques. Amazing job man! Sanding back a coat of paint due to an error would mean starting again, as the multiple layers of binding and tape create unique patterns. To get close to Eddie's tone, use a Strat with a bridge humbucker, wiring it to a single 500k audio volume pot, as shown in Fig. I purchased a neck for this one (as I usually do) however, I was having trouble finding the headstock shape I wanted, so I decided to get a paddlehead neck. This began a grudge that may have never been reconciled, and led Ed to toy with the idea of making permanent changes to his guitar to avoid association with the Charvel clones. Anyone have a suggestion on where I can find it? This neck would be put back on the Frankenstrat in 1997 and is currently still on the Frankenstrat today! Id love to get my hands on one! After taping the guitar up on top of the black coat, it is time to spray it white. I have a few questions about selecting a "versatile" set of guitar pickups. Its the guitar hes holding on the cover of the first VH record. VLANsThe VLAN template disables routing and supports the maximum number of unicast MAC A majority of this information is an updated version of the legendaryVH links article, originally authored by jimi11580 in March 2011, and contributed to by other seasoned Van Halen guitar experts of the time. The Bee was not pictured around this time, and later emerged with aFloyd Rose FRT-1prototype. Used a drill? Jimi has continued his search to uncover the history of the guitar in the years since his VH links thread, and has contributed major portions of the information to this article as well, along with Don Ward, Logan Schenk, and countless others who have contributed to the public discourse. this involved a little filling and routing, but only for cosmetic reasons. Thanks again for posting this page, its the best build ive found! switches running the LAN base feature set, routing values shown in the templates are not valid. Natural Ash body, homemade black single ply 11-hole pickguard. Eds quest for the perfect utilitarian instrument to suit his style of playing would not be complete without finding an adequate tremolo unit to accommodate his flamboyant use of the technology. Eddie would sometimes swap out the Kramer Pacer strathead neck during the 1982 tour and put on this Square-heel neck when it wasnt attached his to Rasta (Unchained) guitar. Although I have not built this guitar (YET!) PDF Files. Due to Covid lockdowns here in Melbourne, there isnt much to do So I have created a tape template for the VH2 Bumblebee, just for you! Patience is key! Based on Chris Gill's research [ The true origins and evolution of Eddie Van Halen's legendary Frankenstein guitar ], the guitar was first seen in this state on July 15, 1977, at Whiskey A-Go-Go. 4 / 6. There are many replicas and copies of this iconic guitar, most notably the Fender official replica . Supplemental 1/8 black vinyl pinstripes were added immediately to compliment the finish. The "Kramer Striker/Ripley Rosewood Fingerboard Frankenstrat Solid Body Electric Guitar" one of an arsenal of custom-made guitars that Eddie Van Halen designed and "spray-painted and . His goal was to create an instrument with the sound . Thread starter hbucker; Start date Feb 25, 2013; hbucker Senior Member. Back Original There are two no-logo Floyd Rose FRT-5 prototypes seen during this time: One on the Frankenstrat, and one on the Rasta (Unchained) guitar, which is taken off and put on the Kramer ad guitar shortly afterward. This is done by nailing a scrap of wood into the neck pocket, and tapping a few nails in the opposite end for a loop of rope to be supported. BUILDING A STRIPED S-STYLE! routing curves, grooves, letters, hinges, door locks or carving patterns. When the paint has dried (another few days!!) All the errors in the black and white come back to haunt you. Hi Jeff! I almost forgot to mention the neck! Hey Zane! Black Humbucker, late 1981. One show (above) is undated, but has reasonable evidence to support its date, which is speculated to be 2/18/77 at the Pasadena Civic. To better understand the complex history of the guitar, this article features a prelude tobrieflycover at the major changes throughout its life. However, Eddies may have been a hand-built USA version. Eddie kept the quarter but added another screw to keep it out of the way. John. Remove the tape It appears evident that, in the interim between the late February Whisky gigs and the mid March Golden West Ballroom gig, Ed would spray the guitar gloss black and reinstall the mint 3-ply pickguard from the 1961 Stratocaster. Eddie played a Kramer beak neck made by Sports USA (contracted through Kramer). Oct 8, 2020. I used 3 coats only on the red (compared with 5+ each for white, black and primer). Good luck on your build, and look forward to seeing pics of the final product! , I am happy with the final outcome of this guitar! I have had a few requests for the VH2 BumbleBee Paint Scheme So I have created a tape diagram for it! 1980: Floyd Rose FRT-1, Cream Pickup, Another neck. Many newcomers, therefore, seem to get unrelated Kramer guitars confused with Eds Frankenstrat, or simply misunderstand the relationship between Ed and most of his guitars. After the stain, I applied a couple coats of lacquer sanding sealer, which helps the top coats adhere to the body. Theres also a notch above the I in Liberty. But this guitar should not look so clean and untouched It should look like it has been on tour for 10 years!, so, out with the 1200grit sandpaper, and get to making it look worn down and bashed up again! Thanks to Mark for the build and Viktor for answering all my questionsand, of course, to Eddie. Its important to recognize that the Frankenstrat went through several stages of paint, which lasted from merely days to over a year. The Frankenstrat, also known as the 'Frankenstein', is a guitar created by Eddie Van Halen. Yep directly to the body! Did you sand it after primer before the black base coat? A Superstrat is a guitar with an S-style-body (as made famous by the Fender Stratocaster) but features modified hardware more specific to Rock and Metal music. There was some blue paint on the back body and some of the reflectors from Eddie leaning the guitar against a freshly painted Van Halen banner. 1978 Eruption Van Halen Frankenstrat Black And White Stripes $900 $150 price drop $750 Used - Mint Custom built 78 EVH Frankenstrat $1,000 $500 price drop $500 Used - Good Free Shipping EVH Eddie Van Halen Wolfgang WG Standard Electric Guitar, Gold Sparkle $699.99 Brand New Free Shipping 30-Day Return Policy Kramer Pacer strathead neck before the logo was sanded off. Photo courtesy of Luiz Cesar Pimentel. The quarter (mounted Face up) is affixed to the body. May you live on forever. I have only just received the WordPress alert though. this is optional, but I was trying to replicate the frankenstrat as closely as possible (who wants a pristine guitar that is meant to replicate a rock icon?!). Back White Layer These PDF files may not reflect the exact pickup . I believe I gave it a very light sanding after the primer, but would not be necessary, as thats what Primer is designed to do. See the actual size of a frankenstrat template right on . 1982: Floyd Rose FRT-4, Kramer Deal, First-seen Floyd Rose FRT-5, Square-heel neck. It had a gold locking nut (as opposed to the chrome locking nut on the Kramer Pacer neck). Furthermore, Tom made Eddie a banana-style neck with his even-taper profile he was known to do even today on some of his necks. Here it is with the routing complete. The FRT-1 is considered the first Floyd Rose available to artists. Unlike the latter contenders, the Frankenstrat was a true experiment that Ed personally modified and incrementally improved constantly over its 6 year use as his primary guitar, and even beyond its permanent retirement. This is important to know, as for a few years, this guitar was used on the road, and copped a beating or two, so, if you want authenticity, it is time to relic your masterpiece. Late 1981: Round-heel neck put on from RUDE guitar. These are what I used to get the tape sorted. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I used plain masking tape for this step, which measured 18mm wide. Router jigs and templates are an essential tool for any wood worker. Absolutely unbelievable. Below is a concise summary of the evolution of paint on the Frankenstrat. At this stage, only 5 reflectors are present. Excellent job. Notice the black fine tuners, and although the tremolo seems brown in this photo, the tremolo is indeed chrome. FrankenStrat - Pickup Advice. Never too late Please visit www.vintagefloydrose.com for more detailed Floyd Rose information during this era. Late 1985: Tom Anderson neck, Floyd posts moved. It is unclear exactly when the guitar was striped, but, as of present, the first documented image of the guitar was taken on August 1, 1977. You placed the humbucker directly to the body, right? 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