The instantly recognizable axes, wielded at a number of shows between 2004 and 2012, come with photographic evidence and letters of authenticity
(Image credit: Julien's Auctions)
Not one, not two, but five Eddie Van Halen Charvel Art Series six-strings, signed and stage-played by the late electric guitar legend himself, are set to hit the auction block next month.
Online auction house Julien’s Auctions has listed the five guitars as part of its ‘Music Icons’ lot, which also features guitars signed by Prince, Tom Petty and Stevie Ray Vaughan, with bidding scheduled to take place on June 11, 12 and 13.
The five EVH models up for grabs, which boast the instantly recognizable striped aesthetic, all come with photographic evidence of Van Halen wielding them on stage during various events.
Universal features include a maple neck and fretboard, Stratocaster-style body, Floyd Rose tremolo system, volume control labelled “Tone”, single humbucker pickup and locking nut.
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(Image credit: Julien's Auction)
(Image credit: Julien's Auction)
(Image credit: Julien's Auction)
(Image credit: Julien's Auction)
(Image credit: Julien's Auction)
As is the nature of the Art Series guitars, which were all hand-striped by EVH during production, the six-strings sport unique colorways that pay homage to some of Van Halen’s most iconic instruments.
A red, white and black-striped axe, taking inspiration from the Frankenstein Mark II guitar, is available, and boasts the one-of-a-kind number of "5150" – the name of EVH’s recording studio – painted on the body.
Two Bumblebee-inspired black-and-yellow striped guitars are up for auction, which were played and signed during shows in Las Vegas in 2004 and 2007. Another Bumblebee guitar boasting a unique reverse colorway, which was wielded during an ‘08 show in Des Moines, Iowa, is also up for grabs.
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(Image credit: Julien's Auctions)
(Image credit: Julien's Auctions)
(Image credit: Julien's Auctions)
(Image credit: Julien's Auctions)
(Image credit: Julien's Auctions)
The lot’s final offering is a black-and-silver striped axe. Possibly designed in a nod to his own EVH Wolfgang guitar, Van Halen’s Stealth six-string was originally added to the Charvel Art Series lineup in 2012, with the model in question making an appearance during a show in Kansas City that same year.
As well as dating and signing the axe, Van Halen also wrote, “Last one!” which is said to indicate this as being one of the last Art Series guitars he played on stage.
(Image credit: Julien's Auctions)
Appearing alongside the comprehensive catalog of Charvel Art Series guitars is a blue Cloud Prince guitar, which was commissioned by the pop icon and built by Andy Beech in 1994.
Matt is a Senior Staff Writer, writing for Guitar World, Guitarist and Total Guitar. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 16 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt records for a number of UK-based bands and songwriters as a session musician.
