This EVH Striped Series Frankie in Red/White/Black Relic brings the unmistakable look and stripped-back performance philosophy of Eddie Van Halen's legendary Frankenstein guitar into a production instrument built for serious playing.

The specification combines a basswood Strat-style body, graphite-reinforced quartersawn maple neck, maple fingerboard and direct-mounted EVH Wolfgang bridge humbucker with an EVH-branded Floyd Rose locking tremolo and EVH D-Tuna.

The dummy neck pickup, dummy 5-way switch, black Frankie pickguard and single volume control labelled “Tone” faithfully recreate many of the deliberately unconventional details that became part of Eddie's original instrument.

This pre-owned example is presented in Excellent Condition, weighs 7.86 lbs, and is sold without a case or gigbag.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	EVH
Model	Striped Series Frankie
Finish	Red/White/Black Relic
Body	Basswood
Neck	Quartersawn Maple
Neck Reinforcement	Graphite
Neck Profile	EVH Modified C
Fingerboard	Maple
Radius	12"–16" Compound
Scale Length	25.5"
Frets	22 Jumbo
Bridge Pickup	EVH Wolfgang Humbucker
Neck Pickup	Dummy Strat-Style Pickup
Switching	Dummy 5-Way Blade
Control	Master Volume labelled “Tone”
Bridge	EVH Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo
D-Tuna	Yes
Weight	7.86 lbs
Condition	Excellent
Included	Guitar Only – No Case

Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This EVH Striped Series Frankie is presented in Excellent Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Excellent means the guitar shows only very light evidence of previous use while remaining exceptionally well presented and fully functional.

It is important to distinguish genuine signs of use from the guitar's extensive factory relic treatment.

The worn paint, aged appearance and distressed hardware are intentional parts of the Frankie specification and are designed to recreate the heavily modified and road-worn character of Eddie Van Halen's famous original guitar.

What's Included?

✔ EVH Striped Series Frankie Red/White/Black Relic

✘ No Case Included
✘ No Gigbag Included

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

Factory Relic Finish

The Red, White and Black striped finish is deliberately aged at the factory.

Intentional relic characteristics include:

• Simulated finish wear
• Distressed paintwork
• Aged-looking hardware
• Exposed areas designed to resemble years of use
• Scratches and marks forming part of the visual treatment

These characteristics are part of the original EVH design rather than evidence that the guitar has been poorly cared for.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned EVH guitar has been checked for general operation and playability.

Assessment includes:

• EVH Wolfgang bridge humbucker operation
• Master volume control
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Maple fingerboard
• Frets
• Floyd Rose locking nut
• EVH Floyd Rose tremolo
• EVH D-Tuna
• Tuning machines
• General hardware
• Structural condition
• Overall setup
• General playability

The dummy neck pickup and dummy 5-way selector are intentionally non-functional as part of the Frankie specification.

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Tremolo setup
• D-Tuna operation
• Hardware
• General playing feel

Changing string gauge or substantially altering the tuning may require the Floyd Rose and D-Tuna setup to be adjusted accordingly.

What Makes The EVH Striped Series Frankie Special?

The Frankie is based on one of the most recognisable electric guitars ever created.

Eddie Van Halen famously built, modified, repainted and reconfigured his original Frankenstein over many years in pursuit of exactly the feel and sound he wanted.

The Striped Series Frankie recreates that unconventional philosophy with a single working bridge humbucker, dummy electronics, locking tremolo, D-Tuna and highly distressed striped finish, while retaining the refined neck geometry expected from a modern EVH instrument.

Basswood Body

The Strat-style body is made from basswood.

Basswood is widely associated with high-performance guitars thanks to its:

• Balanced midrange
• Controlled low end
• Smooth upper frequencies
• Relatively manageable weight

It provides an excellent foundation for the powerful EVH Wolfgang bridge humbucker.

Iconic Red, White & Black Stripes

Few guitar finishes are as immediately recognisable as Eddie Van Halen's striped design.

The guitar combines:

• Red base colour
• White stripes
• Black stripes
• Extensive factory relic treatment

The result deliberately mirrors the chaotic, modified appearance of the original Frankenstein.

Quartersawn Maple Neck

The bolt-on neck is made from quartersawn maple and incorporates graphite reinforcement.

This combination provides:

• Strong structural stability
• Immediate attack
• Fast response
• Dependable performance under demanding playing conditions

Oiled Neck Finish

The back of the neck uses an oiled finish rather than a heavy gloss coating.

This gives the neck a smoother, more natural feel and reduces the sticky sensation some players experience with highly polished finishes.

EVH Modified C Profile

The neck uses the EVH Modified C backshape.

It is designed around fast, comfortable playing while retaining enough substance for confident rhythm and lead work.

Maple Fingerboard

The maple fingerboard features:

• Black dot inlays
• 22 jumbo frets
• 12"–16" compound radius
• Heel-mounted truss rod adjustment wheel

The maple construction provides a bright visual contrast with the heavily reliced body.

12"–16" Compound Radius

The fingerboard becomes progressively flatter towards the upper frets.

This gives:

• Comfortable chord work in lower positions
• Easier string bending higher up the neck
• Fast lead playing
• Reduced risk of bends choking out
• A modern performance feel

22 Jumbo Frets

The guitar has 22 jumbo frets.

Their larger size suits:

• Wide bends
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Fast lead playing
• Hard-rock rhythm work

25.5" Scale Length

The traditional 25.5" scale provides a firm, defined string response.

It contributes to:

• Tight rhythm playing
• Strong attack
• Clear harmonics
• Familiar super-Strat feel

EVH Wolfgang Bridge Humbucker

The only functional pickup is a direct-mounted EVH Wolfgang humbucker in the bridge position.

Direct mounting couples the pickup directly to the body rather than suspending it from a pickup ring or pickguard.

The pickup delivers:

• Strong output
• Tight low frequencies
• Rich harmonics
• Aggressive midrange
• Excellent high-gain definition
• Smooth lead sustain

Dummy Neck Pickup

The neck-position Strat-style pickup is intentionally a dummy pickup.

It is included to recreate the appearance of Eddie's original Frankenstein and is not part of the working electronics.

Dummy 5-Way Switch

The blade switch mounted in the middle pickup position is also intentionally non-functional.

This is not a fault.

It is part of the factory design and exists to reproduce the unconventional appearance of the original guitar.

One Working Control

The electronics are deliberately simple.

There is one functional:

Master Volume

In classic Frankie fashion, the skirted control knob is labelled:

“Tone”

The unusual labelling is intentional.

EVH Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo

The guitar uses an EVH-branded Floyd Rose locking tremolo with a Floyd Rose R3 locking nut.

This provides:

• Strong tuning stability
• Wide pitch movement
• Dive-bomb capability
• Harmonic effects
• Classic EVH tremolo techniques

Brass Tremolo Block

The Floyd Rose system uses a brass tremolo block, contributing to the hardware specification and sustain characteristics of the bridge system.

EVH D-Tuna

The EVH D-Tuna allows the lowest string to move rapidly between standard E and drop D.

This makes it possible to switch between:

E Standard → Drop D

without manually retuning the string using the tuning machine.

It is especially useful for players moving between standard and drop-D material during live sets.

EVH-Branded Gotoh Tuners

The guitar uses EVH-branded Gotoh tuning machines.

Combined with the locking nut, these provide precise adjustment during setup and string changes.

Licensed Fender Stratocaster Headstock

One of the most recognisable visual elements is the licensed Fender Stratocaster-style headstock.

Its natural maple appearance closely complements the aesthetic of Eddie's original guitar.

Heel-Mounted Truss Rod Wheel

Neck relief can be adjusted using the convenient heel-mounted truss rod adjustment wheel.

This allows easier access than traditional headstock-adjusted designs.

Weight

7.86 lbs

This is the actual measured weight of this individual guitar rather than a generic manufacturer figure.

It provides a comfortable balance for rehearsals, recording sessions and longer live performances.

Frankie vs Standard EVH Striped Series

The Frankie differs from more conventional Striped Series guitars through details specifically inspired by Frankenstein.

These include:

• Dummy neck pickup
• Dummy 5-way switch
• Custom black Frankie pickguard
• Single functional humbucker
• Single volume control labelled “Tone”
• Extensive relic treatment
• D-Tuna-equipped Floyd Rose

The result is much closer visually to Eddie's famous working instrument than a straightforward striped super-Strat.

Who Is It For?

Eddie Van Halen fans – One of the most accessible ways to own a factory-built instrument closely inspired by Frankenstein.

Hard-rock players – The Wolfgang humbucker and Floyd Rose provide the essential tools for aggressive rhythm and lead playing.

Lead guitarists – Compound radius, jumbo frets and locking tremolo suit expressive techniques.

Drop-D players – The D-Tuna makes switching tunings exceptionally quick.

Collectors of EVH instruments – The Frankie occupies a particularly important place within the EVH range.

Players who prefer simple electronics – One working pickup and one volume control keep the signal path straightforward.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Hard rock
• Classic rock
• Heavy rock
• Glam metal
• Hair metal
• Shred
• Instrumental rock
• Alternative rock
• High-gain rhythm
• Technical lead guitar
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Drop-D playing

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	EVH
Model	Striped Series Frankie
Model Number	5107900503
Finish	Red with Black & White Stripes Relic
Country of Manufacture	Mexico
Body Shape	Stratocaster-Style
Body Material	Basswood
Neck Material	Quartersawn Maple
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Reinforcement	Graphite
Neck Finish	Oiled
Neck Profile	EVH Modified C
Fingerboard	Maple
Fingerboard Radius	12"–16" Compound
Scale Length	25.5"
Frets	22 Jumbo
Position Inlays	Black Dot
Nut	Floyd Rose R3 Locking
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86mm
Bridge Pickup	Direct-Mount EVH Wolfgang Humbucker
Neck Pickup	Dummy Strat-Style Pickup
Middle Pickup	None
Controls	Master Volume
Control Knob	Strat-Style Skirt Knob Labelled “Tone”
Switching	Dummy 5-Way Blade
Electronics	Passive
Bridge	EVH-Branded Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo
Tremolo Block	Brass
D-Tuna	EVH D-Tuna
Tuners	EVH-Branded Gotoh
Hardware Finish	Reliced Chrome
Pickguard	Black Custom Frankie
Weight	7.86 lbs
Included	No Case or Gigbag
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent

Relic Specification Note

The extensive visual wear across this model is intentionally applied as part of the factory Frankie Relic specification.

The relic work should therefore not be interpreted in the same way as accidental damage on a normally finished guitar.

The Excellent Condition grade refers to the condition of this individual pre-owned guitar relative to its deliberately aged factory specification.

D-Tuna Setup Note

The D-Tuna is designed around a properly balanced Floyd Rose setup.

Substantial changes to:

• String gauge
• Tuning
• Tremolo adjustment
• Action

may require the bridge and D-Tuna to be readjusted for reliable operation.

Case Note

No case or gigbag is included.

EVH offers compatible Striped Series protection separately, and suitable protection is recommended for regular transportation.

Power Requirements

None.

The EVH Wolfgang humbucker and volume circuit are passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The EVH Striped Series Frankie Red/White/Black Relic succeeds because it captures both the visual chaos and the practical simplicity of Eddie Van Halen's most famous guitar.

Its basswood body, graphite-reinforced quartersawn maple neck, compound-radius maple fingerboard and EVH Wolfgang bridge humbucker provide a serious high-performance platform beneath the unmistakable reliced striped finish.

The Floyd Rose and D-Tuna add genuine performance benefits, while the dummy pickup, dummy selector and volume knob marked “Tone” preserve the unconventional details that make the Frankenstein design so recognisable.

At 7.86 lbs, this example remains comfortable and well balanced.

Presented in Excellent Condition and sold without a case or gigbag, it is a compelling choice for EVH fans and hard-rock players who want much more than a purely cosmetic tribute.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its actual condition, measured weight and included accessories are represented clearly.

On this EVH, the Excellent condition grade, 7.86 lbs measured weight and absence of a case or gigbag are all clearly stated, while the intentional factory relic treatment is distinguished from genuine wear.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this EVH.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this EVH Striped Series Frankie.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this EVH Frankie in?

It is presented in Excellent Condition, showing very little genuine evidence of previous use beyond its intentional factory relic treatment.

Is the damaged-looking finish intentional?

Yes. The guitar is deliberately reliced at the factory to recreate the worn appearance of Eddie Van Halen's original Frankenstein.

What is the body made from?

It uses a basswood body.

What is the neck made from?

The neck is quartersawn maple with graphite reinforcement.

What neck profile does it have?

It uses the EVH Modified C backshape.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a maple fingerboard.

What is the fingerboard radius?

It uses a 12"–16" compound radius.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 jumbo frets.

What is the scale length?

It uses a 25.5" scale length.

What pickup is fitted?

The functional pickup is a direct-mounted EVH Wolfgang humbucker in the bridge position.

Does the neck pickup work?

No. The neck pickup is intentionally a dummy pickup and forms part of the Frankie replica styling.

Does the 5-way switch work?

No. The 5-way blade switch is intentionally non-functional.

Is that a fault?

No. Both the dummy neck pickup and dummy selector are deliberate factory features.

Why does the volume knob say “Tone”?

That recreates the unconventional control arrangement of Eddie Van Halen's original Frankenstein guitar. It is a volume control despite being labelled “Tone”.

Does it have a Floyd Rose?

Yes. It uses an EVH-branded Floyd Rose locking tremolo with locking nut.

What is the D-Tuna?

The EVH D-Tuna allows the low E string to be quickly switched between E and D for drop-D tuning.

Does it have locking tuners?

It uses EVH-branded Gotoh tuners together with a Floyd Rose locking nut.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 7.86 lbs.

Are the electronics active?

No. The Wolfgang bridge humbucker is passive.

Does it require a battery?

No.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case or gigbag is included.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the individual relic treatment and condition or hear the EVH Wolfgang humbucker and D-Tuna in operation before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.