Eddie's 1978 Frankenstrat
The Frankenstrat: Eddie's most prized possession. After purchasing a normal Stratocaster, he didn't like the soft, airy tone it came with. He took his ES-335 pickup and rewired it to have a more chunky, almost 8-bit-y, tone. And to this day, guitar was never the same. All thanks to this striped masterpiece. (Fun Fact: Early 1979, people copied his iconic paint job, so he painted red over it. And that's the famous guitar we all know and love.)
Eddie's Destroyer Shark
Eddie was always known as a tinkerer. Any instrument he bought he modified to his liking. One of his most modified guitars, The Shark, made its mark on the debut album of Van Halen. Unfortunately, it would be retired due to a tone difference after cutting out a chunk of the wood.
Eddie's '79 BumbleBee
After the '78 tour, and a desire for more range in tone, Eddie built his custom built guitar with the help of Charvel. This would be his main guitar on the Van Halen II album and during the tour in 1979. While fans still called his tone monstrous, he didn't agree. He would retire it right after touring. In 2004, it would resurface once again, but to be buried with the guitar legend, Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott. Rock on, Dimebag...
Eddie's 'Circles' Guitar
While not necessarily one his most iconic guitars, this baby is the embodiment of the Fair Warning! Album. This guitar mainly being played in the song "Unchained". Crop circles, fresh new stripes, and a more lighter, but fierce tone!
Eddie's 5150 Kramer
5150… Also known as the California police code for a demented person. Or should I say… Van Halen’s ROCKIN' studio AND guitar?! After the retirement of the original Frankenstrat, Kramer offered a version that was better than its predecessor. With a more modern design and a tone that likes to squeal, Eddie would rock on this baby like nobody's business! Don't believe me? Watch the Live Without a Net Solo...
Eddie's Custom Music Man
Eddie signed a deal with Ernie Ball/Music Man in 1991 that a custom guitar would be built specifically to Ed's standards... And it succeeded elegantly. A much brighter tone than previous guitars, but it just might've been the tone Eddie was looking for! Up until his death, the Music Man, Later named the "Wolfgang", was his main guitar. "I endorsed the guitars I used to play. I built this one. There is a difference".