EVH Striped Series Shark: Eddie’s Iconic Silhouette in Burgundy & Silver
The Shark isn’t just a guitar—it’s Eddie Van Halen’s visual statement. That distinctive angular cutaway, the shark-fin headstock, the burgundy-and-silver stripes: these are signatures that defined an era. The EVH Striped Series Shark brings that legend within reach at $1,899.
This is the guitar for players who understand that tone and aesthetics aren’t separate conversations. You’re not compromising anything here.
Hardware & Build Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Solid single-cutaway with Shark silhouette |
| Body Wood | Solid ash |
| Finish | Burgundy/silver stripes, high-gloss polyurethane |
| Neck | Maple with graphite reinforcement |
| Fretboard | Pau ferro with block inlays |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ |
| Frets | 24 jumbo frets |
| Pickups | EVH Custom (neck & bridge) |
| Bridge | EVH licensed Floyd Rose |
| Tuners | Locking machine heads |
| Controls | Volume blend, tone, pickup selector |
| Weight | ~6.8 lbs |
Tone & Pickup Characteristics
Ash is the secret weapon for articulate rock tone. It’s dense enough to give sustain but open enough that you hear every nuance of attack and decay. Pair that with EVH Custom pickups and you’ve got a guitar that spans everything from crystalline cleans to saturated leads.
The 24 jumbo frets give you two extra frets compared to the 22-fret designs—perfect for high-register melody lines and solos that demand upper-fretboard access. The pau ferro fretboard is slightly brighter than rosewood, lending presence to finger-picked passages.
Dual pickups let you blend neck and bridge for tonal versatility. The bridge pickup carries the aggression; the neck adds warmth. In the middle position, you’ve got a sweet spot for rhythm that works in almost any context.
Who Is It For?
Professional touring musicians who need a statement guitar. Players serious about Eddie’s legacy who won’t settle for budget versions. Studio players who record frequently and need tonal range. Collectors who understand that genuine instruments appreciate in value.
Also perfect for players who’ve mastered the Floyd Rose and want a platform that rewards technique. This guitar is unforgiving if your setup and playing are sloppy, but immaculate if you’re dialed in.
Comparison: Shark vs. Circles vs. Wolfgang Special
Shark: 24-fret, dual pickups, ash body, burgundy/silver stripes, Floyd Rose. Premium showcase model. $1,899.
Circles: 22-fret, single pickup, hardtail, crop circles, basswood body. Budget-friendly. $699–$799.
Wolfgang Special: Semi-hollow, graphite neck, chambered center block, premium finish. Signature series. $1,799–$1,899.
For another take on the EVH formula, check out the EVH Striped Series Frankenstein.
The Shark is the visual centerpiece. The Circles is the practical workhorse. The Wolfgang Special is the experimental hybrid.
First Impressions: Playing the Shark
The body shape is asymmetrical and aggressive. Your arm rest naturally, and the cutaway gives you unobstructed access to the 22nd fret and beyond. The high-gloss finish reflects stage lights beautifully—this is a guitar that photographs well.
Plug in clean: ash body resonance is immediately apparent. Strum open chords and you hear clarity and definition. The bridge pickup has bite; the neck pickup has warmth.
If you’re exploring the EVH lineup, the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard T.O.M. is also worth a look.
Crank gain: the EVH Custom pickups handle overdrive and distortion without getting compressed. Your pick attacks register even under heavy saturation.
The Floyd Rose lock-in is rock solid. Aggressive whammy bar dives and pull-ups stay in tune.
The graphite-reinforced neck means the guitar handles humidity and temperature changes beautifully. You’re not adjusting the truss rod every season.
The Charvel Super-Stock So-Cal Aged Arctic is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
Pricing & Street Value
At $1,899, the Shark commands respect. You’re in the realm of boutique guitars and premium production models. However, this is a guitar that professional touring bands use. The value is real.
Resale is strong. EVH guitars hold 60–70% of their original value, and the Shark is one of the most recognizable models.
FAQ
Why 24 frets instead of 22?
Those extra frets give you access to higher registers without repositioning your hand. In studio or live contexts where you need exact note placement two octaves up, 24 frets eliminate the need for an octaver or second guitar.
Is the Floyd Rose on the Shark reliable?
Yes. EVH uses licensed Floyd Rose hardware, which is genuine. Locking nut, precise knife-edge pivot, quality springs. It requires proper setup and maintenance, but when regulated correctly, it stays locked in tune through aggressive play.
Can I achieve EVH’s tone with the Shark pickup blend?
You can get close. The EVH Custom pickups are voiced for aggression and clarity. Tone and technique matter more than gear, but the Shark gives you the foundation that professional players depend on.
The Jackson Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6 is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
What’s the advantage of ash body over mahogany?
Ash is brighter and more articulate; mahogany is warmer and more compressed. The Shark’s ash body lets each note ring clearly, which is critical for fast, complex playing where definition matters.
Pros
- Iconic Shark silhouette and burgundy/silver stripes—instantly recognizable
- 24 jumbo frets extend upper-register access
- Dual EVH Custom pickups provide tonal versatility
- Ash body delivers bright, articulate sustain
- Floyd Rose stays locked in tune through aggressive play
- Graphite-reinforced neck is stable and maintenance-free
- Professional touring instrument with proven reliability
Cons
- $1,899 is a serious investment
- Floyd Rose requires maintenance and proper setup knowledge
- High-gloss finish shows fingerprints and dust
- Ash body can be heavy (6.8 lbs) for extended gigs
- Limited color options (burgundy/silver only)
- Requires disciplined playing technique to avoid tuning instability
Bottom Line
The EVH Striped Series Shark is the guitar for players who understand Eddie Van Halen’s visual and sonic legacy. At $1,899, it’s a professional-grade instrument that looks like a rock star and plays like one too. If you want a guitar that turns heads and delivers tone, this is it.
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