Eddie Van Halen was a legendary guitarist who forever changed the way we think about rock guitar. Born in Amsterdam in 1955, he moved with his family to California when he was just a child. Over the years, he became known for his innovative playing style, his incredible technical ability, and his love of pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the guitar. In this article, we will take a closer look at the equipment that Van Halen used to create his iconic sound.
Guitars
Van Halen is perhaps best known for his use of the “Frankenstein” guitar, a custom instrument that he built himself using parts from a variety of different guitars. The body of the guitar was a Stratocaster, the neck was a Charvel, and the pickups were from a Gibson humbucker. The result was a guitar that had a unique sound and feel, and which became closely associated with Van Halen’s playing style.
In addition to the Frankenstein guitar, Van Halen was also known for playing a number of other guitars, including a Kramer 5150 and a Gibson Flying V. He also played a variety of different models from companies such as Fender and Ibanez.
Amplifiers
One of the most distinctive aspects of Van Halen’s sound was his use of amplifiers. He was known for using a number of different amps, including a Marshall Super Lead and a Peavey 5150. However, he was perhaps most closely associated with his use of the “brown sound,” which he achieved by cranking up the volume on his amplifiers and using a variac to adjust the voltage going to the amp.
Effects Pedals
Van Halen was known for his use of effects pedals to create his distinctive sound. He often used a number of different pedals in his rig, including a MXR Phase 90, which he used to create his signature “phaser” sound. He was also known for using a variety of overdrive and distortion pedals, including the Ibanez Tube Screamer and the MXR Distortion+.
In addition to these pedals, Van Halen also used a number of other effects, including chorus and flanger pedals, as well as a digital delay unit. He was known for his skillful use of these effects, which he used to create a sound that was both unique and powerful.
Strings and Picks
Van Halen was known for his use of heavy gauge strings, which he used to achieve a thicker, more powerful sound. He often used Ernie Ball strings, and he sometimes used gauges as heavy as .013 for his low E string.
In terms of picks, Van Halen was known for his use of a variety of different picks, including standard medium picks and a custom-made pick that he designed himself. The pick had a pointed tip and a textured grip, which helped him to achieve his fast and fluid playing style.
Eddie Van Halen was one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of his generation, and his equipment played a crucial role in helping him to achieve his iconic sound. His love of experimentation and his willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible on the guitar helped to inspire a generation of musicians, and his legacy continues to be felt in the playing of countless guitarists around the world. Whether he was playing a searing guitar solo or a gentle ballad, Van Halen’s playing was always unmistakably his own, and his passion for the instrument shone through in every note.