From the moment the EVH brand burst onto the scene in 2007, it carried a singular purpose: to deliver the groundbreaking tools of Eddie Van Halen directly into the hands of guitarists worldwide. The EVH Wolfgang® USA, the inaugural guitar in this mission, stands as a testament to that commitment, embodying unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Decades of innovation and hands-on experience are poured into the Wolfgang USA. This guitar is engineered to unleash pure rock fury, delivering massive sound, effortless playability, and stage-commanding aesthetics. It’s not just an instrument; it’s a culmination of Eddie Van Halen’s relentless pursuit of guitar perfection.
As Eddie Van Halen himself stated, “Everything that I’ve built, destroyed, stumbled onto, learned and experienced is in this guitar.” This quote encapsulates the meticulous detail and upgrades incorporated into every facet of the Wolfgang Guitar. From stainless steel frets ensuring longevity and smooth playing, to double-potted custom-wound pickups eliminating unwanted noise and maximizing tone, no detail was overlooked. The guitar boasts five-piece binding on both the body and headstock for enhanced visual appeal, along with custom-made signature tuning machines and a Floyd Rose® bridge for rock-solid tuning stability and expressive whammy bar action. Even the potentiometers are custom-designed, featuring new low-friction pots for volume control and high-friction pots for tone, ensuring precise and responsive adjustments. The list of premium features goes on, reflecting a commitment to leaving “no stone unturned” in the pursuit of guitar excellence.
The Wolfgang USA’s construction starts with a resonant basswood body, available with either an arched big-leaf maple top or a striking 5A flame maple top, depending on the model. The bolt-on quartersawn maple neck, fortified with graphite reinforcement rods, provides exceptional stability and resistance to warping, crucial for maintaining consistent playability under varying conditions. The 12″ – 16″ compound radius ebony fingerboard offers a comfortable playing experience across the neck, facilitating both chord work and fast soloing. It features 22 vintage stainless steel frets, known for their durability and smooth feel, and is adorned with mother of pearl block inlays (or dot inlays on Stealth models) for visual elegance and fretboard navigation.
Electronically, the Wolfgang USA is powered by direct mount EVH Wolfgang USA zebra humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and articulate tone that’s perfect for rock and metal. A three-way toggle switch with reverse wiring provides intuitive pickup selection. The volume control utilizes a 500K EVH Bourns® low friction pot with a treble bleed circuit, preserving high-end clarity even at lower volumes. Conversely, the tone control features a 250K EVH Bourns high friction pot for precise tone shaping. The guitar is equipped with an EVH-branded Floyd Rose® locking tremolo bridge, complete with the EVH D-Tuna® for instant drop-D tuning changes. EVH-branded Gotho® High Ratio die-cast tuners with white pearloid buttons complete the hardware package, ensuring accurate and stable tuning.
In conclusion, the Wolfgang USA is more than just a guitar; it’s an experience. It offers ultra-fast playability, a colossal sonic palette, and timeless aesthetics. For guitarists seeking the pinnacle of rock performance and a direct connection to Eddie Van Halen’s legacy, the Wolfgang guitar stands ready to unleash your musical potential.
