1983 ESP Japan VH-160 Kramer ad model real Frankenstrat EVH with hardcase

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Extremely rare 1983 ESP VH-160 Van Halen "Kramer ad" model. It is so rare I have not seen another yet, and probably neither have you. This is not a DIY offering but an actual ESP-made Frankenstrat to the specifications of the "Kramer ad" Frankenstrat, as close as could be achieved circa 82-83.

The model in question was not just a marketing tool but was actually used on the VH Diver Down tours of US and S.America and can be seen on youtube, for example- Jamie's Cryin' Sao Paulo 83 and Guitar Solo-Buenos Aires 83

In fact this may very well be the first ever Van Halen model offered for sale by an actual guitar manufacturer. ESP in Japan in the 80s as we now know, were the OEM for Kramer guitars at the time.

See the pic of the magazine ad for this exact model in 1983, the VH-160 at 160,000yen, a small fortune at the time. This original print ad is included in the sale. Features of this ESP VH-160 aka SE :

1-Frankenstrat- look, with painted hockey stick headstock, based on the guitar Eddie is holding in his first ad for Kramer in 1982.

2-ESP LH-250 pickup.. rare original ESP 80s pickup. The etching is very faint and faded but you can just about make it out as I've highlighted under the numbers in the pic

3. ESP Magician bridge. Period-correct and very expensive in its own right, a whopping 50,000yen at the time

4. ESP stamp & serial number

This is a serious guitar befitting the high asking price at the time. The finish is meticulous and professional as you can clearly see. As might be expected from a guitar that is more than 40 years old, there are scratches and play wear and paint chips which have been touched up. Date & workshop unknown, but seems professional.

1. paint chips on horn and headstock (pic 10, 11)

2. the clearcoat over the skunk-stripe can be felt a little due to the shrinking/expanding of the different wood over the years. I suppose it can be sanded down to be totally smooth if wanted but I had no such desire to do so. I don't think it will greatly affect your Eruption speed runs

3. a wood plug was inserted at some point to counter the tension of the bridge pulling the posts forward/leaning. Common issue and fix for early FR bridges. Plug is professionally cut and installed/painted/clearcoated and barely noticeable (pic 8,9)

4. bridge in nice condition and fully functional

That being said...this is a Frankenstrat! It's hardly made to look mint in the first place, but in my opinion still looks very respectable, with original parts, and is totally playable and will be the pride of any historic ESP or EVH collector.

Like other very early Floyd Rose designs, to remove the trem arm you need to loosen a nut at the back, so will ship with the arm attached, in a vintage Japanese hardcase that can accomodate this and also the strap eyelet hooks. The case has wear but is in respectable condition for its age, and also looks good with the guitar. Will be safely packed for shipping.

This is NOT TO BE CONFUSED with the more popular 5150 model of which hundreds if not thousands exist, which is sometimes labelled as 'VH-250' along with some wild claims but without any proof. Proof is such as I have provided in print, of the magazine ad for this much rarer model. The VH-160 or SE cost 160k yen in 1983. I also found an ad for this same exact model with LH-250 pickup, but equipped with a USA Floyd Rose, advertised as the Navigator VH-230.

Frankly in all my research I have never seen anything actually called a VH-250 in any kind of documentation yet. I've only seen claims about this by sellers. So I don't know where that term originated. I've seen plenty of ads for that guitar as VH-5150 though, which were in pretty constant production and it cost 120k in as late as 2000s (last pic). And certainly not 250k yen in the 80s, to my knowledge.

The actual VH-160 adverts and magazine cuttings shown in the 1st pic are included as part of the sale.

Please review the pics, all the pics above were taken of the most recent condition, or ask any questions if in doubt of something I may have have left out. Also please remember though it is in very good condition, that this guitar is used. As such, those people of a nervous disposition or expecting everything perfect are advised not to trouble themselves or me.

Welcome serious buyers only please.

ABOUT PAYMENT

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ABOUT SHIPPING

Flat rate shipping of $300 to US/UK/Europe and most places using UPS or DHL. Note that the actual shipping cost to me is higher. There are some countries that I am unable to ship to, so please enquire if you live in some far-flung place. Additional insurance costs 1.5% of the declared value if you desire it.

This guitar will ship bubble-wrapped and securely packed in a guitar carton.

*** buyer is responsible for all customs/import tax that may be applicable***

I am a FLEXIBLE and experienced seller with a 100% safe delivery track record and willing to assist in ways that I can to ensure a smooth clearance. However I am not responsible for any delays in transit due to unexpected circumstances. See my feedback and buy with confidence.