1980's-90's Steve Ripley / EVH infamous VHR "Test Tube" guitar. Owned by Edward Van Halen. From the 5150 stable!

1980's-90's Steve Ripley / EVH infamous VHR "Test Tube" guitar. Owned by Edward Van Halen. From the 5150 stable!

I received this guitar in trade from Steve Ripley at The Church Studios in Tulsa Oklahoma on 1.18.2003. The following is the history of it as told to me by Steve Ripley.

This Ripley guitar was originally a prototype and was used by Steve and Edward Van Halen to test out ideas and electronics. Steve and Ed had a close personal and professional relationship for many years with Ed using at least six different Ripley guitars and basses.

This guitar was part of the genesis for a company that Steve and Eddie were going to launch called VHR. The business idea was to design and market a variety of pickups, recording tools, and other electronic gadgets. The business venture was unfortunately squashed by Eddie’s handlers. Graciously at Ed's expense, Steve would later move back to Tulsa. Steve asked to get back several of the items he and Ed were working on, with this guitar being one of them.

This guitar was used by Steve Ripley, Edward Van Halen, Tulsa guitarist Steve Pryor, and lastly, Steve’s highly acclaimed band, “the Tractors.”

This guitar has a Seymour Duncan JB Pickup that says “Custom Shop Edward Van Halen” on the bottom. I have asked Seymour Duncan about this and he says that they did not make this pickup for EVH. Given the handwriting on the bottom, I believe that it is Edward’s handwriting, and I also believe he put the comment on the pickup for personal sarcastic humorous reasons.

This guitar has tons of vibe and whimsical nonsense, like a 12AX7 tube mounted in the pickup rout. “OU812” is also burned on the back. Steve Ripley’s then young daughter, did the original “clown” artwork later printed twice on the guitar. This artwork also appears in the Tractors CD. Tom Anderson crafted the guitar body and neck.

This Ripley guitar appeared in the Guitar World Buyer’s Guide from 1993-94. The guitar can be seen hanging in 5150 Studios amongst Ed’s wall of legendary and iconic guitars. The photos were taken by Larry DiMarzio.