Last year was, without doubt, the most perplexingly difficult and trying year I’ve experienced in my lifetime — and I know the same was true for countless others, too. One of the things that helped keep me (relatively!) sane was my longtime and always-dependable savior, the international language we all know and love: music.
Sadly, 2020 also saw some wonderful, groundbreaking musicians leave us, including one of rock’s most beloved and influential guitarists: Edward Van Halen. He literally reset the bar and rewrote the rule book with his unique approach to both rhythm and lead playing.
In addition to his fiery fretwork and world-class songwriting chops, Edward was also rightfully revered for his tone. The fact that he used a homemade guitar, a handful of stompboxes, and a classic tube stack (driven by dropped-down AC voltage) makes his much-sought-after “brown sound” even more remarkable. That said, his hands and heart had a lot to do with his unique sonic signature. Edward was a self-confessed “tone chaser” when it came to his gear.
Like all truly great guitar players, Mr. Van Halen also sounded like himself regardless of what guitar he played and what he plugged it into. In the summer of 1985, I was witness to the truth of this statement.
The 1985 Summer NAMM Show was held in New Orleans, and I was lucky enough to be there as an endorsee guest of Kramer Guitars. My “job”? To play at the booth every so often . . . nice! I also got to meet, hang out with, and jam with some really cool and famous folk. On Saturday at the show, the Kramer booth was buzzing with both excitement and a bunch of extra security. Why? Because word was out that Eddie Van Halen himself was going to show up. And, when he did, the place became a sea of people and flashing cameras — it was pure pandemonium!
I got to meet the man, which was a thrill, but the real highlight for me came later that evening when I was fortunate enough to be whisked off to a private gathering in a hotel ballroom somewhere in the city.
When a bassist and a drummer appeared on the small stage, they were joined by a couple of guitarists I instantly recognized: Brian May and Ted Nugent. This makeshift quartet started jamming, and I was in heaven on earth. But wait — it gets even better…
After a while, they were joined by another guitarist who looked quite small next to these two figurative and literal giants (Mr. Nugent is 6-foot, and Brian May is 6-foot-two). The diminutive new arrival had been handed a Telecaster plugged into a small Fender combo; and, as soon as he started playing, you instantly knew who it was. Yep, it was EVH! And, as just stated, even though the setup he was using was the polar opposite to the Kramer/Marshall rig he was associated with at that time, he sounded exactly like, well, Eddie Van Halen!
Here’s the lesson in all of this: It goes without saying that every little thing in your beloved setup — from your guitar, picks, strings, pickups, cables, and pedals; to your amp, speakers, and cabinet — plays a role in shaping your signature sound. But, as that unforgettable experience in New Orleans taught me, ultimately, it’s all about your hands and heart. So, look after them, my friend. Look after them as they’re both essential ingredients in every guitarist’s ultimate goal: the creation of your own unique sonic identity!
Rest in peace, Edward. Thank you for all your timelessly influential playing plus all the amazing music and gear you gifted us with.