Like many guitarists who grew up in the 90s, I’ve always wanted an Evh Guitar. Finally, I purchased one a month or two ago, excited to experience the instrument firsthand. After setting it up and playing for a few weeks, I’m starting to question if my much cheaper Schecter C-1 might actually be a better fit for me. This realization is quite disappointing, and I’m hoping to get some insights from other EVH guitar owners to see if my experience is typical. I’ve encountered two main issues that are causing me concern.
Unexpectedly Light Body
One thing that immediately struck me was the guitar’s weight. It’s incredibly light, which is surprising as I generally prefer heavier guitars. Admittedly, this is partly my own fault for not thoroughly researching the specs – the body is made of basswood, a wood known for being lightweight. However, I was under the impression that Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitars, like the Frankenstrat and Kramer Baretta, were made of heavier woods. This difference in body weight is a significant departure from what I expected and influences the overall feel for me.
Noticeably Unbalanced Pickups
The more pressing issue I’m facing is the significant imbalance between the two humbucker pickups. When I select the neck pickup and play through a clean amp, the tone is fantastic – smooth, buttery, and everything you’d want from a neck pickup. However, switching to the bridge pickup reveals a stark contrast. The bridge pickup sounds noticeably hotter, with a slightly distorted or “sizzly” character, and the volume is considerably louder than the neck pickup.
I’m keen to know if other EVH guitar owners have experienced this pickup behavior. I’m not sure if this is a defect or if it’s intentional design choice by EVH. My suspicion leans towards the latter. I previously owned a first-generation Peavey 5150 head, and it was so high-gain and aggressively voiced that it was almost unmanageable. I wonder if EVH guitars are designed with a similar high-output philosophy in mind, reflecting Eddie’s preference for hot, overdriven tones prevalent during that era.
I really want to love this EVH guitar, but these two issues are making it difficult. Any feedback from fellow EVH owners regarding these points would be greatly appreciated.
