Wolfgang Guitar: Eddie Van Halen's Newest Ax

The Wolfgang guitar, which is now available for sale to the public, is the brainchild of legendary guitar player Eddie Van Halen. According to Premier Guitar, it is the result of over 35 years of experimentation on Eddie Van Halen's part, and, it should be added, a year of road testing during the Van Halen tour of 2007-2008. Indeed, the Wolfgang guitar - Eddie Van Halen's newest ax - has arrived, and guitar players everywhere are no doubt anxious to get their hands on it.

Premier Guitar notes that the Wolfgang guitar has been produced to Eddie Van Halen's exact specifications and is identical to the Wolfgang guitar he uses in the recording studio and while performing on the road. To hear what Eddie Van Halen has to say about the Wolfgang guitar (named after his son Wolfgang Van Halen, who is the bass player for Van Halen) is interesting and illuminating:

"A guitar is a very personal extension of the person playing it. You have to be emotionally and spiritually connected to your instrument. I could have just stayed at home and built this guitar for myself. I do this because a lot of people ask if they can get what I use. Well, yes you can and what you get is identical to what I use."

Ah, now guitar players of all skill levels will be able to get their hands on the identical guitar that Eddie Van Halen uses. But will the Wolfgang guitar make them play like Eddie Van Halen? This humble journalist believes that the makers and marketers of the Wolfgang guitar wouldn't mind at all if prospective buyers at least entertained the thought - especially if it prompts them to plunk down the $3,000 that the guitar sells for.

Aspiring to play like Eddie Van Halen is, to be sure, a noble dream. He is widely recognized as one of the most gifted and innovative guitar players in the history of rock 'n' roll. He is especially known for his blazingly fast fingers and his wildly innovative sound effects. Guitar players of all ages and skill levels hold him in very high regard. And Eddie Van Halen's astounding talent and guitar-playing virtuosity warrant every bit of adulation he gets. The Wolfgang guitar affords (by the way, in this economy, who can afford a $3,000 guitar?) players an opportunity to play the identical guitar used by their hero. Will the Wolfgang guitar make them play like Eddie Van Halen? Only in their dreams.

Sources:

Photo: Eddie Van Halen Guitar Pimping and Janie Liszewski, Toshiba Reynolds, The Post Chronicle, February 4, 2009

Eddie Van Halen Launches EVH Wolfgang Guitar, Premier Guitar, December 17, 2008