“It was all automatic Eddie Van Halen comparisons. I wanted something different”: Vito Bratta explains why he switched from Stratocasters to his iconic Steinberger
The shred trailblazer recalls how links to EVH's Frankenstein – and a fondness for high-tech gear – prompted his switch to a headless alternative in the '80s
Armed with his now-iconic white Steinberger electric guitar, Vito Bratta helped launch White Lion, and contributed his chops to what would become one of the most influential glam metal bands of the ‘80s.
As one of the definitive shredders of the decade, Bratta would often find himself compared to his contemporary Eddie Van Halen – and it turns out such comparisons had a formative influence on the guitarist’s gear choices.
In a new Guitar World interview, Bratta charts his history with the white Steinberger in question, and recalls how he was encouraged to switch from Stratocaster-style models due to “automatic” comparisons with EVH.
“It was all automatic Eddie Van Halen comparisons when I played a Strat-style guitar, so I wanted something different,” he reveals.
Having said that, EVH links weren’t the only reason for Bratta’s switch. During the ‘80s, the White Lion virtuoso also held a particular affinity for emerging, high-tech gear – and a headless, custom-built instrument certainly fit the bill.
“I had gotten into a high-tech mode,” Bratta explains. “I switched from ‘60s Marshalls to ADA pre- and power amps, and I was just in a mode where I wanted all the newest tech and gear.
“What I loved about the Steinberger was when I walked on an arena stage, and they hit those big powerful spotlights, and all the stuff engaged, it would stay in tune. With an all-wood Strat, that wasn’t the case.”
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Moving to the Steinberger did come with its benefits, aside from the on-stage reliability. As Bratta goes on to explain, his headless model was a totally different beast altogether.
“It’s definitely not a Strat,” he reveals. “It has an 81 EMG Active pickup in the neck and an 85 EMG Active pickup in the bridge. There was a factory modification done that only my guitars had, which is I only had one volume knob and a two-way switch.”
The guitar in question made its debut on the Aerosmith tour, and would remain Bratta’s main guitar until 1991, featuring on Big Game and Mane Attraction.
Strats did make it onto some White Lion material, though. As Bratta revealed in a previous issue of Guitar World, he used Jimi Hendrix's black Stratocaster on All You Need is Rock 'n' Roll.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
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.
“I was approached to join David Lee Roth’s band, initially… I didn’t want to be Eddie Van Halen part two”: Steve Stevens on laying down the Dirty Diana solo with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, recording Rebel Yell – and why Vai got it right with Roth
“There was a time you wouldn’t have touched a Superstrat, at least in my world – that was very illegal. It’s cool to be able to let go of those old feelings and those silly rules”: How Chris Shiflett learned to love his inner shredder