My '83/'84 Frankenstein (Frankenstrat)

In 1984, Van Halen was the most popular rock band in the world. Not only had Eddie secured himself a legendary reputation as one of the most important guitarists of all time, but he had also secured a legendary design with his red, black & white striped Frankenstein of a guitar. In 1983, the legend of that stripe design was further cemented into pop culture by his endorsement relationship with Kramer guitars. It was during this time that Ed replaced the Fender Strat neck that he had previously used on the Frankenstein, with a Kramer Pacer neck. The official Frankenstein replica, built by Fender, contains a replica of the original Fender Strat neck, of course. I chose to make my replica with the Kramer Pacer neck, because I feel that it represents a more historic moment in the history of this legendary guitar.

I started with an ash body I found on Ebay that was routed to the exact routes of the original:

Sealed and primed with Black

Masking for the first set of stripes

(My son helping his obsessed father by spraying the coat of white)

First set of stripes after peeling the first mask

Second masking - FRONT

Second masking - BACK & SIDE

Red coat, after peeling mask - FRONT

Red coat, after peeling mask - BACK & SIDE

Reliced, BACK & SIDE

"Relicing", the act of making something look old and abused, was something new for me, and was a lot of fun! My relics aren't perfect, by any means, but they are close in location and shape!

Reliced, FRONT

Installed single coil pickup and 3-way switch in routes..

I bought this uncirculated 1971 quarter from the Littleton Coin Company

EVH Frankenstein Pickup, Floyd Rose from an 80's Kramer, and the '71 quarter mounted in trem-stopping position

Found these reflectors on Ebay. Broke one in half and left shaped residue

Kramer Pacer Neck with original 80's Floyd Rose locking nut

Original Schaller Tuners

Note the relicing on the headstock..

Added the correctly numbered neckplate, and spring formation, white duct tape under the springs

AND THE FINAL COMPARISON! LOOKS PRETTY GOOD TO ME!

Ed playing his Frankenstein...

Me playing my Frankenstein

After this project, I learned firsthand that the type of wood you use in an electric guitar really DOES make a difference in tone! The ash body makes this guitar sound like a Monster! For more history on this legendary guitar, click HERE