Peavey EVH Wolfgang 5150 Black – 1996 First Year – Pre-Patent – Low Serial #252

If you’ve been searching for a genuine early Wolfgang, not just another listing claiming it, this is the one.

This Peavey EVH Wolfgang was built on December 5, 1996, placing it before the patent was even filed. Serial number #000252, this sits right at the very front of the Wolfgang story, when Eddie Van Halen was still deeply involved in refining every detail.

This isn’t “early”, this is as early as it gets.

Why This One Matters?

• Pre-patent (Dec 5, 1996)
• Ultra-low serial: #000252
• First-year production – among the earliest released
• Built during the original EVH / Peavey era
• Highly sought-after by collectors and serious players

There are plenty of Wolfgangs on the market.
Very few with this level of provenance.

Condition

Exceptionally clean for its age and clearly well cared for.

• Light pick swirling on the front
• Small ding on the headstock
• Minor buckle wear on the back
• Small ding near back plate (cosmetic only, does not break finish)

No structural issues. No surprises.

Originality & Performance

• 100% original
• Original pickups and electronics
• No modifications
• No scratchy pots or faults
• Plays effortlessly, sounds exactly as a great early Wolfgang should

This is not a project piece—it’s a reference example.

Includes

• Original hard-shell case (OHSC)
• Trem arm
• Extra spring
• Original hex wrenches

Comments

There’s a big difference between a Wolfgang… and an early Wolfgang like this.

The early production instruments from this era are known for capturing the original intent of the design, before changes, before scaling, before compromise.

This is one of those guitars.

Final Words

Early Wolfgangs built like this are getting harder to find—especially with documented pre-patent status and a sub-300 serial number.

Collectors know. Players feel it instantly.

If you’ve been waiting for a real one, this is it.

Serious buyers only.

Happy to provide additional photos, answer questions, or discuss offers.