Eruption

The recording

Eruption was recorded at Sunset Sound in September 1977 with Eddie Van Halen playing his custom Frankenstrat, using the bridge humbucker for maximum output. The signal ran through an MXR Phase 90 and two tape‑echo units (a Maestro Echoplex and a Univox EC‑80A) before hitting a 1968 Marshall Super Lead amp that Eddie ran through a Variac at reduced voltage, giving the famed “brown sound” compression and sustain. The amp was miked from a vintage Marshall 4×12 slant cabinet, while the studio’s reverb chamber added depth to the final tone. The performance relies on two‑handed tapping, rapid legato runs, and extensive whammy‑bar use, producing a fluid, hyper‑sustained solo.

Tuning E A D G B E

Reported gear

Eddie Van Halen Frankenstrat (1970s)

Guitar

Eddie performed 'Eruption' on his custom Frankenstrat, a hybrid Stratocaster body fitted with a single bridge PAF humbucker and a distinctive red‑and‑black striped finish built in the early‑mid 1970s.

MXR Phase 90 (1978)

Pedal

A MXR Phase 90 was placed after the guitar to add the subtle swirling modulation heard throughout the solo.

Maestro Echoplex (1970s)

Pedal

The signal then passed through a Maestro Echoplex tape echo, providing the warm analog repeats that enrich the sustain.

Univox EC‑80A Tape Echo (1970s)

Pedal

A Univox EC‑80A tape echo was used in the chain for the low‑growl delay at the solo's ending.

Marshall Super Lead 100W (1968)

Amp

The combined signal was driven into a 1968 Marshall Super Lead 100W amp, run through a Variac at reduced voltage for the famed “brown sound” compression.

Marshall 4×12 Slant Cabinet (1960s)

Cabinet

The amp was miked from a vintage Marshall 4×12 slant cabinet, delivering the thick, punchy low end heard on the recording.

Alternatives

EVH 'Eruption' Signature Guitar

Modern equivalent · for the Eddie Van Halen Frankenstrat (1970s)

$1,800 to $2,200

Boss DD‑7 Digital Delay

Modern equivalent · for the Univox EC‑80A Tape Echo (1970s)

$150 to $200

MXR Phase 90

Still made · for the MXR Phase 90 (1978)

$150 to $250

Marshall JCM 800 100W

Modern equivalent · for the Marshall Super Lead 100W (1968)

$800 to $1,200

Maestro Echoplex Reissue

Reissue · for the Maestro Echoplex (1970s)

$500 to $700

Marshall 1960A 4×12 Cabinet

Modern equivalent · for the Marshall 4×12 Slant Cabinet (1960s)

$600 to $900

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Use two‑handed tapping across the fretboard to execute rapid arpeggios.
2. 2.Maintain a tight legato by hammer‑on and pull‑off with minimal pick attack.
3. 3.Employ the whammy bar for dive‑bomb pitch bends and subtle vibrato.
4. 4.Control sustain by adjusting the guitar’s volume knob and picking dynamics.
5. 5.Practice alternate‑picking arpeggios slowly, then increase tempo gradually.