Joe Satriani has been busy preparing for his role on the Best Of All Worlds Tour, alongside Sammy Hagar, and his focus has centered on adapting a version of Eddie Van Halen's iconic Frankenstein guitar to suit his style. Satriani initially found the guitar exceedingly difficult to handle, calling it almost unplayable until he made the necessary adjustments.
In a recent interview with Guitarist, Satriani shared that his setup required extensive modifications to deliver the sound and performance he sought. This journey began with the realization that his own rig was not capable of channeling the distinct Van Halen tone. In his quest for the perfect sound, Satriani collaborated with 3rd Power to create a matching tube amp, drawing heavily on Van Halen's original Marshall tone. He also made alterations to a selection of stock EVH Frankie guitars, equipping them with speed knobs, Sustainer pickups, and other enhancements to facilitate versatility in his performance.
The guitarist's modifications were extensive and required input from Van Halen's former guitar techs to fully realize the potential of the Frankenstein guitar. Satriani expressed that his modifications aimed to create a guitar that could handle not only Van Halen's parts but also material from his own repertoire and covers, which required practicality on stage. Following these adjustments, he has succeeded in capturing the spirit of Van Halen's sound on tour.
Satriani humorously remarked that he fears Eddie Van Halen might haunt him for his changes, acknowledging the passionate fan base that might view his tweaks as sacrilegious. Yet, he has received positive feedback regarding his performance, effectively paying homage to Van Halen's legacy amid his personal style. For more insights, fans can read the full interview in the latest issue of Guitarist.
For additional details on Satriani's tour and guitar modifications, visit Guitar World.