EVH Frankenstrat

The Frankenstrat is Eddie Van Halen's legendary self-built guitar — a Stratocaster-style body with a Gibson PAF humbucker routed directly into the wood, single volume knob, and Floyd Rose tremolo. Its distinctive red, white, and black striped paint job became the most recognizable guitar in rock. Eddie built the original from a $50 Charvel body and a $80 Boogie Bodies neck, proving that innovation mattered more than expense. The direct-mounted humbucker and simplified electronics produce a hot, resonant signal perfect for harmonics, tapping, and dive-bombs. EVH now produces licensed replicas, but the original represents the ultimate DIY guitar hero instrument.