EVH takes the legacy into 2021, with a 5150 overhaul and new Wolfgang models
Eddie Van Halen's guitar legacy lives on!
After the news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing began to sink last year, it became clear that the NAMM Show 2021 was going to be a special one for the EVH guitar line. So expectations were high – and we weren’t disappointed! The brand has added new 5150 guitars, plus two new Wolfgang models including the Wolfgang Special and the Wolfgang WG Standard. Looks like the company is determined to keep Mr Van Halen’s designs alive in 2021 and beyond. Go EVH!
EVH 2021
The loss of Eddie was a real kick in the teeth for the whole guitar community. Thankfully his name and legacy live on in many ways, including his guitar line. Now EVH Guitars has issued a revamped 5150 model as well as a couple of new ‘Wolfies’.
EVH 5150 2021 lineup announced · Source: EVH
EVH 5150 2021
All the 5150 models have a Strat-style basswood body with deep upper body carves for better upper fret access. The bolt-on quarter-sawn maple neck was carved to Eddie’s specifications. I think it feels good in the palm and suits many playing styles. These guitars all have a 22-fret 12-16″ compound radius fretboard with a heel-mounted truss rod adjustment wheel, and a retro ’80s style hockey stick-style headstock with the small EVH decal.
New EVH 5150 models for 2021 · Source: EVH
Kill Switch
All models come with a pair of EVH Wolfgang humbuckers in the bridge and neck, with a three-way toggle switch, a single volume control with a treble bleed and tone control. I like that these models all include an arcade-style button Kill Switch on the lower bout of the body – perfect for getting percussive and pounding out some mean riffs. We also get a top-mounted EVH-branded Floyd Rose locking trem system and EVH-branded Gotoh tuners.
5150 Series Deluxe Poplar Burl
The new 5150 Series Deluxe Poplar Burl is finished in either Aqua Burst or Black Burst.
RRP – USD 999.99 / GBP 899 / EUR 999
5150 Standard Ebony & Maple
Also new is the 5150 Series Standard Ebony models with an ebony fretboard. These come in either Ice Blue Metallic or Stealth Black finishes. Last up is their 5150 Series Standard Maple series in Neon Pink with chrome hardware and a maple fretboard.
RRP – Standard Ebony and Maple USD 899.99 / GBP 899 / EUR 999
Wolfgang Specials
But that’s not all. EVH has also announced new Wolfgang Special QM models with quilted maple tops in either Charcoal Burst or Chlorine Burst finishes. These have baked maple necks and fingerboards.
RRP – USD 1099.99 / USD 1259 / EUR 1399
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- EVH Wolfgang Special QM in Charcoal Burst · Source: EVH
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- EVH Wolfgang Special in Miami Blue · Source: EVH
A new Wolfgang Special in Miami Blue is also new, with black body binding, a matching headstock and all black hardware.
RRP – USD 999.99 / USD 1259 / EUR 1399
EVH Wolfgang in Wolfgang WG Standard and these are being offered in Exotic Bocote and Exotic Koa · Source: EVH
Wolfgang WG Standard
Last up is the Wolfgang WG Standard, offered in Exotic Bocote and Exotic Koa, plus the WG Standard QM in Transparent Green and Silver Sparkle.
RRP – USD 699.99 and 649 for Silver Sparkle finish / GBP 599 / EUR 659
More Information
- EVH 2021 New Products
- For more EVH news, click here
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3 responses to “EVH takes the legacy into 2021, with a 5150 overhaul and new Wolfgang models”
So Fender is building a Kramer now? Uh, OK.
Since around 2019, yeah… lol
I hope that the QC on the standards have been stepped up.My WG Exotic Standard needed a really a good looking over and tightening.The tuners were loose and wobbly and so were the neck joint screws and the high e string slips off the fret board.
I’m sure that my favorite person In the world,Mr EVH,whom I looked up to and still do,would be rather disappointed.