Wanna learn how to set up your own guitar like Eddie Van Halen’s iconic Frankenstein guitar? Who better than Eddie’s long-time guitar tech to show you how!
Weber, who worked as Eddie’s principle guitar technician between 2007 and 2020, recently hosted a video for FiveStarGuitars to show guitarists his tricks of the trade and how he sets up an EVH Frankenstein Custom guitar.
Here’s what FiveStarGuitars posted along with the video, which you can watch above:
Tom Weber stopped by Five Star Guitars to demonstrate the tools, techniques, and philosophies of setting up guitars for the world’s biggest guitar heroes. Eddie Van Halen, C.C. DeVille, and many other six string stars have relied on Tom’s expertise, consistency, and efficiency to get their instruments performance-ready while out on tour.
In this video, Tom restrings a limited edition custom shop Frankie. Throughout the process, Tom shares his time-saving techniques and go-to tools for getting the job done quickly. He patiently explains his approach to matching an instrument’s setup to the player, providing reliable intonation and playability, and goes through each part of the process in-depth.
As Tom skillfully works through the setup, he shares his thoughts on component upgrades, tuner peg-head wrapping strategies, and even goes so far as to explain why gravity is an important consideration when tuning guitars for his artists! Shot from multiple angles and close-up views, this tutorial is sure to inspire you to take your setup skills to the next level.
A huge thank you to Tom Weber for his time and expertise, Taft Stricklin for setting up logistics and connecting all of us together, and George Ross for equipment and setup. A special thank you to the Five Star Guitars crew for endless hard work, creativity, and dedication.