For Wolfgang Van Halen, few devices carry extra emotional weight than his father’s Frankenstein guitar – the long-lasting red-black-and-white Strat that rewrote the principles of rock.

Constructed and modded by Eddie Van Halen himself within the late ‘70s, Frankenstein is without doubt one of the most recognisable guitars in music historical past. And a long time later, it’s nonetheless shaping the sound and story of Van Halen’s legacy, now by means of Wolfgang’s fingers.

Talking to Guitar World about Mammoth’s upcoming album The Finish, Wolfgang explains that each time he brings out the guitar, he feels the complete gravity of what it represents.

“Any second I’ve it in my fingers… simply having the ability to maintain one thing that my dad had such a historical past with is sweet, since my dad’s not round anymore,” says Wolfgang. “It’s a little bit bittersweet, nevertheless it’s a pleasant factor to have on the document with me. I believe that’s why I attempt to carry it out on each document.”

Recording on the famed 5150 studio, he provides, solely amplifies that feeling.

“I imply, simply the very fact I’m recording in 5150 is sufficient,” says the guitarist. “However as a result of Frankenstein is arguably one of the crucial well-known devices in music historical past, not to mention guitars… the emotional and historic weight of all of it is so much to deal with. You virtually must push it to the aspect and simply benefit from the second.”

Whereas the Frankenstein makes its presence felt throughout The Finish, Wolfgang says the spine of the album comes from his personal signature EVH SA-126 – a guitar he developed alongside Matt Bruck, Eddie’s longtime guitar tech, and EVH masterbuilder Chip Ellis.

“I’ve a burst – I imagine it was the second prototype of the 126 – and that was the spine of Mammoth II,” he says. “Just about every thing recorded on The Finish was the goldtop 126 I’ve now, aside from the Frankenstein guitar elements. It’s simply been so enjoyable to have this instrument that Matt Bruck, Chip Ellis and I put collectively develop into the defining sound of what Mammoth has develop into.”

Amp-wise, he’s saved issues easy, sticking to what he is aware of greatest. “It’s fairly simple, and it’s what we’ve been utilizing on tour,” Wolfgang notes. “I’ve the EVH 5150 III 6L6, and the precise one I’ve within the studio is the one I used for the Taylor Hawkins tribute reveals [in 2022]. The cupboard, too.”