Eddie Van Halen’s Iconic Guitar Is Up for Auction — But Where is the Original?

Lauren Novak August 13, 12:48 pm

American Rock musician Eddie Van Halen, of the group Van Halen, performs onstage at the Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, April 6, 1979. — Paul Natkin/Getty Images

This October, Sotheby’s will offer Eddie Van Halen ‘s 1982 Kramer electric guitar, wrapped in red, black and white stripes, passionately played by Eddie on stage during Van Halen’s 1982 and 1983 tours. Modeled on Van Halen’s famous “Frankenstein” guitar, it could sell for somewhere between two and three million dollars, and for good reason. But while many fans have watched the master guitarist rock out on this model, it’s not his original “Frankenstein” guitar. So where is the legendary original guitar?

The guitar on auction is from the collection of Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe. On the back of the headstock it reads “#1 Edward Van Halen Model,” and across the body he inscribed a heartfelt message to his longtime guitar tech, Rudy Leiren. After Eddie handed it to Rudy, it passed on to Mars, who used it throughout the recording of Dr. Feelgood. Mars even included a note when it changed hands, saying he hoped the next owner would enjoy it as much as he did.

A Eddie Van Halen guitar on display as part of Julian Auctions Presents Icons And Idols: Rock 'N' Roll, Hollywood and Sports at Julien's Auctions on November 23, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Though it wears the Frankenstein look, this Kramer is only replica of the original Frankenstein. The version of the Frankenstein guitar that is in the collection of the Smithsonian is also a replica; it was played by Van Halen on tour in the 2000s.

So where is the original Frankenstein, which Van Halen built himself in the ’70s, combining elements of Fender and Gibson guitars to create his own unique sound? It’s exactly where it should be: with his only child, Wolfgang Van Halen. Wolfgang, 34, has followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in music; he toured with the reunited Van Halen, as well as his own band, Mammoth WVH.

In a 2023 interview, Wolfgang revealed that the guitar was in his possession, and had been used in the recording of Mammoth’s second album.

So if you’ve got a spare million or three, feel free to bid on the Sotheby’s guitar — but know that the original remains all in the family.