Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstein

Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstein, also known as the Frankenstrat, is a revolutionary guitar that combines elements of Gibson and Fender instruments. Built in the early 1970s, it features a Northern Ash Stratocaster body with a maple neck and fretboard. The guitar is equipped with a Gibson PAF humbucking pickup in the bridge position, chosen for its rich sound, and a Floyd Rose tremolo system for enhanced playability. The distinctive red, black, and white striped design has become iconic in rock history. The Frankenstein's innovative design influenced the development of the Superstrat style, popular among hard rock and metal musicians. Its creation involved modifying factory-second parts, reflecting Van Halen's ingenuity and desire for a unique sound. The guitar has been displayed in exhibits, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and replicas have been produced by the EVH brand. Its impact on guitar design and playing techniques, such as two-handed tapping, has been profound, cementing its place in rock history.