Eddie backstage using a Peterson Model 400 strobe tuner. Photo copyright 1979 by Lynn Goldsmith.
Here’s something even longtime Van Halen fans might not realize: the guitar tunings heard on the band’s legendary 1978 debut album aren’t exactly the same from song to song.
Although the album is widely associated with E-flat tuning (a half step down from standard), the guitars on many tracks are actually tuned slightly sharp, while one track is slightly flat. Some individual strings also have subtle pitch adjustments that contribute to the sound of the original recordings.
Now, Peterson Strobe Tuners and EVH have teamed up to introduce two new tuners that allow guitarists to explore those differences: the StroboStomp EVH Tuner Pedal and the StroboClip EVH Clip-On Tuner.
Both feature 13 exclusive EVH guitar tuning presets, developed to match the pitch variations heard throughout Van Halen’s groundbreaking debut album, along with 11 corresponding bass tuning presets.
Why 13 guitar tunings for an album with 11 tracks? In addition to a tuning for each song, Peterson included two special presets: one for the Open E-flat acoustic guitar intro to “Ice Cream Man” and another for the overdubbed harmony guitars on “Jamie’s Cryin’.”
The collaboration also has a genuine historical connection. Eddie Van Halen relied on Peterson strobe tuners, including the company’s Model 400, to fine-tune his sound. These two new EVH models bring that precision to modern guitarists, complete with special tuning settings inspired by Eddie’s original recordings.
StroboStomp EVH Tuner Pedal — $179
Sporting Eddie’s unmistakable red, black, and white striped design, the StroboStomp EVH combines Peterson’s renowned 0.1-cent tuning accuracy with a large, high-definition strobe display and customizable LED backlighting.
Designed for pedalboards, it features true-bypass and buffered operating modes, more than 150 additional Sweetened and Guided Tunings, and USB connectivity for creating and managing custom tuning presets.
For guitarists who want to play along with the original Van Halen recordings, the 13 special EVH presets are the main attraction.
Watch the StroboStomp EVH product video:
StroboClip EVH Clip-On Tuner — $69.99
The StroboClip EVH brings the same 13 exclusive EVH guitar tunings and 11 bass tunings to a smaller, more affordable package.
Featuring a distinctive red housing and matching red-backlit LCD display, this compact tuner clips directly onto a guitar’s headstock. It delivers the same 0.1-cent tuning accuracy as the pedal, along with additional Sweetened and Guided Tunings for a variety of instruments.
Its portable design makes it especially convenient for guitarists who want access to those special Van Halen tunings without adding another pedal to their setup.
Watch the StroboClip teaser video:
Available Now at Van Halen Store
Both new Peterson EVH tuners are available at Van Halen Store:
Peterson StroboStomp EVH Tuner Pedal — $179
Peterson StroboClip EVH Clip-On Tuner — $69.99
Customers purchasing the StroboStomp EVH pedal receive FREE U.S. Economy Shipping on their entire order, plus a free collectible photo print of Eddie Van Halen backstage in 1979 using a Peterson Model 400 strobe tuner. (Pictured above).
For musicians who have spent years trying to play along with Van Halen’s debut album and wondered why their guitars didn’t quite match the recordings, these new tuners offer a fascinating way to explore the subtle tuning details behind Eddie’s legendary sound.