Two Eddie Van Halen Guitars to Go Up for Auction

Two guitars formerly owned, and partially designed, by the late rock star Eddie Van Halen are being offered at Julien’s Auctions’ “Icons & Idols Trilogy” Rock ‘n’ Roll” auction on Dec. 4 and 5, in Beverly Hills and online. (Credit: Julien’s Auctions)

Two electric guitars that were owned, played, and partially designed by the late rock ‘n roll legend and former Pasadena resident Eddie Van Halen are scheduled to go up for auction in December, according to Julien’s Auctions.

The instruments will be offered as part of Julien’s upcoming “Icons & Idols Trilogy: Rock ‘n’ Roll” auction, scheduled for Dec. 4 and 5, the auction house said in a written statement.

“As we were preparing for our annual Icons & Idols: Rock and Roll auction lineup, we were stunned to hear the sad news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing last week,” Julien’s Auction’s President and CEO Darren Julien said. “We are honored to include at this event two iconic guitars from his brilliant and blazing career as one of rock’s greatest and most gifted guitar heroes. His instruments join their rightful place among other rock royalty items from Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, and many others we look forward to announcing in the coming weeks.”

Featured will be a 2004 EVH Charvel Art Series guitar, with the unique black-and-white striped pattern fans will recognize from Van Halen’s 1978 Van Halen I guitar, according to Julien’s.

“The front of the body is signed Eddie Van Halen, initialed VH 04 and inscribed in Van Halen’s hand San Antonio Texas / 9-28-04,” the statement said. “This guitar also features an EVH humbucking pickup with evidence of a cigarette burn to the front.”

It includes numerous photos of Van Halen playing the guitar.

A customized guitar built by Van Halen and his guitar tech, Matt Bruck, at Van Halen’s 5150 home studio will also be up for auction.

“In 1991, the guitar was gifted to Van Halen’s close friend Bryan Cash, the owner of Cash’s Centenary Oyster House in Shreveport, LA. It is inscribed Yo – / Bryan / Let’s get / shucked / up / Eddie Van Halen / 5150 and was displayed at the bar where it was played by Van Halen when he visited,” the Julien’s statement said.

The guitars are expected to fetch between $40,000 and $80,000 each.

The auction will take place in Beverly Hills, as well as online.

Van Halen went to Pasadena High School and bandmate David Lee Roth attended crosstown rival John Muir. The two met at Pasadena City College and formed the band that would eventually become Van Halen.

A push has started for a permanent memorial honoring Van Halen. Councilmember Elect Felicia Williams has discussed an option with city staff. Separate fundraising effort has started also.

More information is available online at wjuliensauctions.com.