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Up for sale is this 1993 Ernie Ball Music Man EVH Signature Hardtail in Translucent Red. While every original Music Man EVH Signature is a highly desirable instrument, factory hardtail examples are in an entirely different league. These were produced in extremely limited numbers and have become one of the most sought-after variations of the original Eddie Van Halen signature model. While Ernie Ball has never released official production figures, longtime collectors generally believe that only approximately 600 hardtail EVH models were produced, with roughly 200 each in Translucent Red, Translucent Purple, and Translucent Amber. Whether or not those estimates are exact, there is no question that factory hardtails surface only rarely and are among the most collectible Music Man guitars ever built.

According to Ernie Ball Music Man’s serial number database, this guitar was completed on June 4, 1993, making it an early example of this already scarce model. The lightweight 6 lbs. 14.2 oz. body is topped with a beautifully figured flame maple cap beneath the classic Translucent Red finish, while the oil-finished birdseye maple neck delivers the fast, broken-in feel that helped make these guitars legendary.

The guitar retains its original proprietary DiMarzio-made EVH humbuckers, including the correctly marked “N1” neck and “B1” bridge pickups. An interesting factory peculiarity is that the neck pickup is installed 180 degrees from the orientation normally seen on these guitars, with its cream coil facing the neck rather than the bridge. We removed both pickups to verify their originality and found the pickup leads to be extremely tight, with insufficient free lead to simply rotate the neck pickup. The wiring and solder joints appear original and undisturbed, leading us to believe that the pickup orientation and short/tight lead are simply an original factory assembly peculiarity. Rather than disturb the original wiring or solder joints, we have left everything exactly as found.

Condition is a solid VG. It has clearly been enjoyed over the years but remains very clean overall. There are scattered light scratches, swirl marks, and a handful of small dings and finish imperfections consistent with careful use, all of which are shown in the photos. Nothing is excessive, and the guitar presents beautifully. The frets remain in excellent shape with plenty of life remaining, showing only the slightest hint of wear on the first five frets, mostly under the plain strings. See pics for condition details and please excuse any reflections.

This was recently given a pro setup with a set of 9-42 strings so it plays amazingly with a straight neck, low action, and accurate intonation. The hardtail bridge provides outstanding tuning stability along with a slightly different tonal character than the more common Floyd Rose-equipped models, offering exceptional resonance, sustain, and direct string-to-body transfer.

The guitar comes complete with its original Ernie Ball Music Man gig bag.

Specifications:

• Serial Number: 83724
• Manufactured: June 4, 1993
• Finish: Translucent Red
• Weight: 6 lbs. 14.2 oz.
• Nut Width: 1.61”
• Neck Thickness: .815” (1st fret)
• Neck Thickness: .925” (12th fret)
• Pickups: Original proprietary DiMarzio-made EVH N1 neck / B1 bridge humbuckers
• Bridge: Factory Music Man Hardtail
• Includes: Original Ernie Ball Music Man gig bag

Original Music Man EVH Signatures have become increasingly collectible over the past several years, and factory hardtail examples are among the most elusive. Combining outstanding playability, a remarkably lightweight body, early 1993 production, and one of the rarest configurations offered during the model’s short production run, this is an exceptional example of a very difficult-to-find EVH variation.

It will be carefully packed, require a signature upon delivery and shipped fully insured.

—Northside Buy & Sell