Eddie Van Halen at NAMM; New EVH products coming in 2010

January 18, 2010 101 Comments

Eddie at NAMM, Jan. 14th 2010, with Scott Ian from Anthrax:

evh_ian_namm

EVH Now Offering Wolfgang Pickups & Low-Friction Pots, Plus New Finishes

Anaheim, CA (January 14, 2010) — EVH is proud to introduce a pair of new products for 2010 and new finish options for the Wolfgang guitar model.

New this year are EVH Wolfgang pickups, which capitalize on the success of the EVH Wolfgang guitar and give guitarists the ability to use the same pickups Eddie Van Halen himself uses. Available in neck and bridge versions, both are humbucking pickups with four-conductor wire that deliver amazing tone and response—all the product of torturous stage testing and recording tests.

Also debuting this year are EVH Low-Friction Potentiometers, which provide very fast, smooth control response with little resistance for the ultimate in volume and tone control. Available in 250k and 500k versions.

Further, the distinctive high-performance Wolfgang guitar now enjoys three stylish new finish options—Trans Purple, Trans Cherry and Trans Amber. All three have quilt maple tops.

The VHND will have more info on these new products when available.

Filed Under: Eddie Van Halen

Dooley

Yeah Steve. Good tie-in to Jim Mora. Super Bowl halftime show for Van Halen?? I can’t really seriously predict that will ever happen. It’s only within their reach if they want it and get their shit together. Lessor talents have done it. Not that many really good ones. The Stones were good, the Who will be good (no trouble predicting that). If VH ever does get to the point where they could do it, it’ll be awesome, and that’s all I’m really sayin’…capiche?
phil

i would be happy with just a david lee roth sighting….at the super bowl or anywhere else!
Tony

YES! FINALLY! The news we were all dying to hear! The Wolfgang guitar is now available in purple. Yay.
MA=VH

As an occasional “douchebag”, I totally respect Tommy Boy for ripping us one periodically. Many of us do whine and bitch too much. Understand though, that our whining and bitching is born from passion – passion for what we had, passion for what we know is possible and passion for what we want.

My son starts guitar lessons tonight (totally his idea). Shit, I might be buying some of this stuff after all…

MA=VH
ringostore

I thought Peavey stopped making Wolfgangs? Who is making them now?
Tommy Boy

Good luck to your son and the strings!
Canes_fan5150

@ringostore

EVH brand is making them through fender.
Jay

I’m pretty picky about my pots. After playing a Wolfgang in the store before Christmas, I thought that the pots were excellent and would work well on my guitar. I’m a little excited that we’re able to get some hopefully quality pots on the market after blowing through 3 different brands in the past couple of months.

The wolfgang guitar itself wasn’t my speed, but it was very high quality (and high priced). I may be the only one that got excited about this gear being released. Haha. I’m not surprised, the D-tuna was a great idea. Ed’s got a knack for good taste in equipment hardware. I’m sure the knowledge he’s gained working with the many guitar techs and touring in many high profile gigs, not to mention the hours of practice and noodling around increases his demand for good hardware and innovative solutions which in turn drove these products.

I see this as news not for Van Halen fans, but good news for guitarists in general.
Frank Lee Pickle

Why are these two metal icons wearing Eddie Vedder’s clothes? This is unacceptable.
Joe

The bottomline most VH fans could care less about what musical product EVH is hawking. What they want is for him to live up to his musical genius and put out new material. If he is not careful, he is in danger of turning VH into the next GNR, i.e., a band (really just a singer) who waited forever to release new material only to find out that society has moved on and doesn’t care anymore.
Dawn

I just wish they would let us know one way or the other if they are going to tour (or an album) in 2010. It was leaked last year about a tour but who knows if its true. I just keep waiting for news.
On a different note, Eddie looks really good in the picture.
And I agree, if VH doesn’t want to tour any more then I hope DLR still does. I saw him solo, he rocks.
keith

Wow, matching red/white/black flannels. Tell me THAT wasnt planned. Thats cool though. We all know the VH music is over and now its all about $bling$. Oh, unless theyd liek to make a simple statement of yes/no to a tour and or new music. It’s not that hard Ed. Mike did it for CF in what, 10 seconds.
Steve

Keith,

That is where you are mistaken. It IS that difficult for Ed because he doesn’t know. He literally doesn’t know what he will work out with Dave. It will be a miracle if they can agree together on a musical concept when Dave wants to do VH and Ed wants to do a new sounding VH
Steve

Dooley,

I hear ya! It would be awesome but we are sure are dreaming if we’re thinking Superbowl. But it doesn’t hurt to dream
Steve

How much do you all want to bet that whenever we finally do get new music it will be totally different because Dave and Ed didn’t write all of the songs? I am betting on Ed using songs that Wolfgang has written and even throwing in Wolfgang on vocals for a tune or two which at that point this will all be a complete joke. “Search your feelings you know this to be true Luke” I mean do you really think this is going to be anything but the Eddie Wolfgang show? I can hear Dave now “I said he could play bass not write songs and sing lead vocals! I’m in cloud cookoo land!”
Tony

Ya know how damn dissapointing it is, to come to this site every day hoping for decent *VAN HALEN* news… and all I fricking see, is Chicken Foot’s new album, new tour, new video, new website, new recordings… yada, yada, yada. Meanwhile, all we get from the true VAN HALEN camp is – look at Alex’s new cymbal… Eddie has a different colored guitar, whatever! Ugh, so damn frustrating.
Russ

What if…..
Sammy and few of you are correct in the theory that Ed comes up with plenty of riffs but isn’t a good song writer? Would it not then take a long time for whomever is singing to take the ideas and mold them (with Ed) into a song? And if Ed has been busy just getting the riff ideas together and hasn’t started to work with Dave then we may be in for a longer wait. Sidenote: if this is true, what if VHIII was a series of Ed’s ideas and Gary really didn’t have that much input?
Steve

HI Russ,

Yes it would take a while to develop music into songs. But even worse in this case is just to have an agreement on what direction to go with the music. The inability to release any news after proclaiming a new album was coming means only one thing. Disaggrements.. Sammy detailed in 1997 specifically was has turned out to be true he said “Eddie has lost his song writer” It took 1.5 years to complete VH3 even though they had 3 songs right away including Without you. Eddie wrote most of the songs and melodies on VH3 and stated to blame him if it’s not very good. Remember? So, we heard one of his new songs that he writes when he called into radio in 2004 called “Death By Hollywood” I remember the lyrics were really grim. This is what you get when he tries to write a song instead of just a piece of music. Trust me when I tell you if they do release something it will be the Wolfgang and Eddie show which we didn’t want tickets to so to speak
Russ

Steve that you for your remarks. I know I’m simplifying things but it would seem though that the positive response of Me Wise Magic would dictate what musical direction to go in. I mean…I don’t understand why it would be so difficult? To quote an 80′s Kinks album, “Give the People What They Want.”
dude

Can’t see Dave not having anything to say. I’ve always considered him a decent lyricist/songwriter. If given a proper chance, I’m sure he could whip out some good tunes in no time. Hell, if I had all day every day to play guitar and write songs … On the other hand, without much drama in one’s life, it’s easy to lose the “writing edge/inspiration.”

I’m still holding out that the overall silence (esp. from DLR) is a sign that something is up! He’s just not going to sit by and take another shafting from VH!
Russ

dude I agree. If DLR was out we would have KNOWN about it by now.
Kayser Sozay

Don’t you all think that if VH had any conrete plans for new music, new tours, etc., we would have known about that by now? No reason to be secretive when you’re going to give the fans what you know they want and have been bitching for for a long time.

The fact there’s been no news one way or the other tells me there’s absolutely nothing going on and no plans for that to change.

Besides, with a control freak as unpredictable as Ed, it makes no sense to announce anything or give assurance until the work is in the can. Otherwise there’s a chance Ed has a bad day and decides to burn all the new music before it gets released.
Steve

Hi Russ,

Yeah, you would think that Me Wise Magic would be the direction of all of this and I would be very happy with that. Critics called it much less than Classic VH, but we liked it. But, I just think that for whatever reason they definately have a disagreement between them for it to take this long. For all we know Ed wants it to sound like VH3 with Dave on lyrics. We only know that there is a problem, or we would have heard by now. Don’t think Dave is out yet. Just can’t agree on the music yet if at all is what is happening. The only other option is problems with his hand. But I doubt that highly…. If I drank enough vodka tonight I might actually hope that it is because of a double album. But it will take a lot of alcohol to start believing that
Steve

To ALL,

All of these things said: Look, Eddie said June was the soonest they could start working and that could have even been pushed back with his hand problems. So, that would be only 6 months ago. I think we could be jumping the gun with “we should have known by now”. It’s only because of the internet that we feel this way. From 1989 to 1991 we had no idea what was happening because the only news we got was from our local radio. If the summer hits and we have heard nothing, then let’s talk
KTC5150

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIRTY DUCK!!!
Bob

More EVH products? Of course more products, but no music!!!
What are all these products based on? THE PAST. Your Father would be ashamed of you. Do you like music at all Van Halen?
Pete

I really liked Ed’s EBMM. I don’t really care for the Wolfgang. It’s a subjective, personal choice of course, a matter of taste, but I think the wolf is unattractive, and simply inferior to the EBMM.

Also, I liked the 5150 amp at the time, but I think the Marshall’s are still the better choice.

I’m interested to try the volume pot, because I like what Ed does with his, and I need something new anyway.

Last but not least, the EVH wah-wah was a little disappointing, but looks really cool. The flanger is okay though.
john

I will buy the Wolfgang Trans Purple
Jim

Van Halen does not have a record label.
They need to have something in place with a record company before an album comes out. I have heard some reliable rumors that they have the music ready to move forward and record. Hopefully the politics in the record deal won’t put everything to a halt.

They tentatively have plans for a 2010 tour starting sometime around late summer but they understand that they need a new album to support when on tour.
chris.omeara

I think EVH knows the fans want to hear a new album with DLR, and he can’t control what we will accept and BUY…
chris.omeara

But he could be smart and give us what we want…
chris.omeara

Whoever signs them will make some $$$. They need Ted Templeman to make it really classy. And Andy Johns or even Donn Landee…
KCDagger

Ah yeah I got an idea…I think Tommy Boy is actually EVH himself pissed off at the fans! He just wants to sit around his house with his son in has lap and tell him stories of how he became so famous, all the while the money is rolling in from all the great EVH gear he designed. Now wait a tic…I thought he just designed and built equipment he needed to do his job. Why is he trying to sell it to us? The other thing that pisses me off about Eddie is that he just was bitching in last month’s Guitar World magazine about making more music. It’s obvious to me (and hopefully the world) that he doesn’t even WANT to make new music. He and Tony Iommi were both bitching about fans screaming for new material. Wow I thought he was doing an interview to help keep his fanbase. But apparently I was wrong. Just my thoughts…feel free to chime in.
chris.omeara

Every old famous rock act finally sees the light when they unexpectedly run out of money- then it’s like,

“Oh, my new album has been so refreshing to make, it’s the best material I’ve ever put out; Wait ’till you hear it…

Oh Dave’s great- we never really had any problems, it was just the bad press…
Myron Philpot

VHIII_1998: Yeah, Rubin might be out of place with VH. He’s got such deep thrash metal roots that it might be too difficult to get into Ed’s power-pop style. I chuckled when I read your examples – Ozzy, Slayer, Metallica and Johnny Cash. Now that would be a mega-tour!

I guess Bob Rock could fit the bill. As long as it’s not Bob “Mutt” Lange. AC/DC is still great, of course, but Def Leppard and Foreigner give me the willies. Do not let him pollute the mighty VH with that crap. Sorry to say, I think Andy Johns, Ted Templeman and Donn Landee are long gone, never to return to the camp.
http://none Dirty Duck

KTC5150: Hey man! Thanks for the birthday wish brother!!
I’m curious though……how the hell did you know it was my birthday!!?

5cents: Everyone has their own opinion on dave. As much as I’m a die hard fan even I know that he doesnt have what he did in his prime. Most singers as they age tend to lose what they once had. Be it drugs…hard liquor….cigs…or just too much strain. Whats funny about dave is that on those first 2 (classic!) albums (VHII is my fave)he really focused on his singing, kept the “party” for AFTER the show. Because of this you have stellar tracks such as: ” Atomic punk” , “Outta love again”, “Little dreamer”, “Women in love”, “Light up the sky” etc etc! His voice was truly amazing. Had a sound a never heard before. Someone once called it whisky soaked. I think that term came after women and children first. We all know dave was drinking whiskey like it was goin’ out of style! My point is that because of that focus his singing was memorable (example: Dance the night away). As the years progressed he brought the party to the stage and the focus was gone. I mean “Women and children first” is one of my favourite albums…but his vocals sound so much different then the previous.
I saw the sam and dave show in N.J in 2002 and im telling you dave sounded amazing. I was also lucky to catch one of his last “split jumps” of the drum riser. He closed the show like a pro. Stole it too….everyone was on their feet singing and dancing the whole time. I never heard a ROAR of a crowd that loud until I saw the reunion tour in 2007. He sounded great then too. Do i think dave still has it? Yes I do but also to be fair…of course its not the same! How could it be? The man is in his 50′s. BUT, put him and ed in the studio and I truly think that magic will return. If it doesnt, life goes on! Like the song goes 5cents: Change! “Nothing stays the same”….unchained!
Tony

Thanks, DIRTY DUCK, for setting it straight! Well said.
Panama Red

I saw the Sam and Dave show too. Dave’s vocal’s sounded better than they have in a long time. I was surprised and impressed.
Every singer goes through tough times with their voice. And every one has bad nights with their voice from time to time, especially if you go awhile without using it. I’ve heard Sammy go through some rough patches with his voice but he can always bounce back. I think the same is probably true with Roth.
Dave and his band kicked so much ass that night at the Sam and Dave show. It was just so awesome to see him back in full Van Halen mode.
To me, it seems like Dave has been more focused in recent years on stage and is taking the quality of his performances more seriously. I’m sure it has something to do with him chillin out on the partying to some degree. Nobody can keep up that pace and live, not even Dave. Thankfully he’s still around and didn’t burn out or end up worse, like Jim Morrison.
Steve

These bands that release these reunion records are 99% destined to fail. I think the hardest thing for Van Halen is who are they? What is there identity at this stage? They are not the “get off the sidewalk if you don’t like our driving” band any longer. Dave stated it is not “rockers with walkers” Unfortunately, maybe that is what they are. Like it or not the best thing we can hope for is a Me Wize Magic style record. Mature concepts, deeper lyrics etc. But I still maintain that this is going to be like a Eddie & wolfgang solo effort instead of a VH effort. I think that is the problem with any announcements. Is that what VH is now and I can’t imagine Dave being okay with that to be honest. I can’t imagine Eddie being okay with anything but the Eddie Wolfgang show. I still won’t be surprised if Wolfgang is on vocals at least on one song
Pete

Hey DUCK…I’ve got the NJ “Sam & Dave” show on DVD if you’re interested. If you recall, it’s the show where the keyboard sample gives out on “Jump”, and his guitar player…without missing a beat…ends up playing the keyboard part on guitar…what a professional. Anyway, let me know…and Happy Birthday!
http://none Dirty Duck

Pete!

I would love a copy brother!

Only problem is the only e mail address i have is work!
How the hell can I get you my address without people here sending me hate mail or love mail?
John

If VH ever releases another CD, rest assured it will not be on a record label, other than their own. Irving Azoff is their manager, and he’ll have them do what his other band, The Eagles did. They’ll set up a deal through Wal-Mart, or as Chickenfoot did, through Best Buy. They’ll be the distributors, and take less of a cut in exchange for exclusivity. It’ll cost them nothing.. They’ll sell less CD’s and make twice as much money. Record labels are dead. Bryan Adams did the same thing with Wal-Mart for his most recent CD. Exclusive for a few months, then iTunes gets it…
Tommy Boy

Yeah…got me. I did once say I didn’t care if anyone bought the stuff I licensed, only to have stuff available for me anywhere. But, I changed my mind. I actually do want you to buy it and make awe-inspiring music. I don’t make that much off of it anyway. I’m older, wiser and teaching Wolfgang the values that brought me to where I am today. I’ve learned a great deal about myself in the last 12 years, and alot about my fans. I still care deeply about what people think, but not as much as before. Either you like it, or you don’t. My hand feels great, Dave actually sounds better than before, and believe it or not….I miss Mike and Sammy and love the music we created together. They are awesome people and wish them well on thier journey. My son is my legacy…he has my name, and hopefully will not have to bear the harsh criticisms in the future that I have. He does influence the music I create, but it’s still me and Al, the best drummer in the world. By the way…that whole “music – song” debate…please, gimme a break. I hope to have stuff out to you guys soon, but it’s kinda like Santa…naughty or nice. I”m watchin’ and checkin’ my list.
Russ

Thanks Eddie…cough cough…I mean Tommy Boy for the update. We understand where your coming from and will try not to behave like spoiled brats. We look forward to whatever you decide to do.
http://www.johndennerrocks.com JohnD

Had no idea Ed was even @ The Show !
Tommy Boy

I’ve moved 5150 to Neptune….Janie, Wolf, Al, Dave and I will be there for a while. You’ll hear from us soon…
Tommy Boy

The acoustics here are insane!!!
magic man

I was at NAMM this weekend and I spoke with John Lowery or John 5 (DLR band, Marilyn Manson, Rob Halford, Rob Zombie) and I was wearing a “Fan Halen” t-shirt (my VH tribute band http://www.fanhalen.net) and he said, “nice shirt” and then told me he’s currently recording a record with David Lee Roth and then said Dave is still with Van Halen.

Of course after I walked away I had a million and one questions but by that time it was too late.

I’m actually very excited about this as I believe the songs on the DLR record with John are by far the best. John is a MONSTER guitar player so I fully expect some killer tunes. Of course what does this mean for a new VH record…the saga continues.

Please don’t kill the messenger but this was straight from John. Would John lie, why would he?
Carl Lap

Tommy Boy, Mark Griffith from Shreveport says hi..
Tony

thanks Magic Man. Could this be true!?… New DLR band would be awesome. But what does this mean for Van halen, indeed.