The Johnny Beane Podcast

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about the latest announcement from Seymour Duncan: Eddie Van Halen's signature humbucker pickups are getting a Frankenstein makeover!

Seymour Duncan has introduced four new Frankenstein-inspired finishes across its three Eddie Van Halen Custom Shop humbuckers, bringing the legendary look of Eddie's iconic guitars to his signature pickup lineup.

The new finishes include:

🔥 Red, White & Black

http://sweetwater.sjv.io/JkNqoR

🐝 Black & Yellow Bumblebee

https://sweetwater.sjv.io/VO54ga

🎸 Black & White

http://sweetwater.sjv.io/zzVj0e

⚡ Black & Grey

http://sweetwater.sjv.io/X4e1oo

Affiliate links — your purchase helps support Johnny Beane TV and my shows at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel!

The three pickup models include:

Frankenstein Custom: A recreation of the original Frankenstein humbucker.

Frankenstein Classic: Inspired by the early PAF-style tones heard on the first Van Halen records.

Frankenstein Plus: A higher-output version with increased sustain.

Each pickup is priced at $199.

We'll discuss the history of Eddie Van Halen's relationship with Seymour Duncan, the evolution of the Frankenstein guitar, the different pickup models, and what these new finishes mean for EVH fans and guitar collectors.

Which finish would Eddie have liked best? And which one would you put in your own guitar?

Join the conversation!

Exclusively Van Halen – Van Halen news, Eddie Van Halen history, guitars, gear, music, and everything surrounding the legendary band.

Hosted by Johnny Beane on Johnny Beane TV.

#VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #SeymourDuncan #EVHGear

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we discuss why legendary guitarist Steve Vai refused to simply copy Eddie Van Halen's guitar solos when he joined David Lee Roth's band after Van Halen's split with Diamond Dave.

Steve Vai explains why competing with Eddie Van Halen was never his intention. Although he could play Eddie's notes, Vai believed nobody could recreate Eddie's unique guitar tone, feel, technique, and musical identity.

Instead of trying to outshine one of rock's greatest guitarists, Vai chose to make Van Halen's iconic guitar parts his own when performing songs like "Hot for Teacher" with David Lee Roth.

We explore Steve Vai's approach to replacing Eddie Van Halen, his work on David Lee Roth's legendary debut solo album, Eat 'Em and Smile, and why bringing his own personality to the music was more important than trying to sound like Eddie.

We also look at Eddie Van Halen's perspective on Steve Vai's playing, the rivalry between David Lee Roth's solo band and Van Halen, and the legacy of two extraordinary guitarists who approached the instrument in completely different ways.

Could anyone really replace Eddie Van Halen? Steve Vai had his own answer.

Join us for more Van Halen history, Eddie Van Halen stories, guitar legends, classic albums, and rock music discussions on Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV!

#VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #SteveVai #DavidLeeRoth

We're exploring the latest Backstage Auctions, running October 28 – November 14, 2026, featuring an incredible collection of rare Van Halen memorabilia and music history!

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we talk with Jacques van Gool from Backstage Auctions and Darlene Stone, wife of the late Mark Stone, original Mammoth and Van Halen bassist, about the history behind these incredible items and the stories that make them so special.

This auction includes amazing items from Mark Stone, Van Halen's original bassist, including rare pieces from the band's early days as Mammoth and Genesis.

Auction Highlights Include:

A 1974 original Van Halen logo hand-drawn by Mark Stone

Mark Stone's original 1973–1974 Dan Armstrong Lucite bass used with Mammoth

Rare 1971–1973 Mammoth and Genesis concert flyers

Early Van Halen, Mammoth and Genesis cover song lists

Mark Stone's stage-worn clothing

Rare Genesis and Mammoth photographs and negatives

Late '70s and early '80s Van Halen slides and negatives from photographer Waring Abbott's personal collection

A 1993 Steinberger guitar and additional items from Zeke Clark

From the earliest days of Mammoth and Genesis to classic-era Van Halen, there's some incredible history represented in this auction.

Join Johnny Beane for Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV as we take a closer look at these rare collectibles, photographs, guitars, and pieces of Van Halen history, featuring conversations with Jacques Van Gool and Darlene Stone!

#VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #BackstageAuctions #ExclusivelyVanHalen

A brand-new EVH-inspired guitar accessory has arrived! On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, Allen Garber joins us and we're checking out the newly released Peterson StroboStomp EVH Strobe Tuner — a professional-grade tuner featuring a custom Eddie Van Halen-inspired finish and 13 tuning presets based on legendary Van Halen songs!

Check out the Peterson StroboStomp HD EVH Edition! This is an affiliate link, and your purchase helps support Johnny Beane TV, the channel, and all of our shows. Thanks for your continued support!

https://sweetwater.sjv.io/KBmD2A

Peterson is known for some of the most accurate guitar tuners in the industry, and the StroboStomp EVH takes things to another level with incredible 0.1-cent tuning accuracy. Whether you're tuning up before a gig, dialing in your guitar at the workbench, or making precise intonation adjustments, this tuner is built for serious guitar players.

Here's what makes the Peterson StroboStomp EVH special:

🎸 13 EVH Song-Specific Tunings – Presets inspired by Eddie Van Halen's legendary songs.

🎸 100+ Sweetened Tunings – Customized tuning adjustments designed to improve tuning harmony.

🎸 0.1-Cent Accuracy – Professional strobe tuning precision for guitar and bass.

🎸 High-Visibility LCD Display – Customizable, variable-color LED backlighting for dark stages and bright outdoor environments.

🎸 Three Operating Modes – True bypass, buffered bypass, and monitor mode.

🎸 Capo & Drop Tunings – Additional options for alternate tunings and different playing styles.

🎸 Rugged Metal Construction – Road-ready pedalboard design with USB firmware updates.

This is an interesting new addition for Van Halen fans, EVH guitar collectors, and guitar players who appreciate precision tuning with a little Eddie Van Halen style.

What do you think? Would you put the Peterson StroboStomp EVH on your pedalboard?

Join us for more Van Halen news, EVH gear, guitar discussions, and everything related to the music of Eddie Van Halen on Exclusively Van Halen!

Subscribe to Johnny Beane TV for more guitar news, gear, and Van Halen discussions!

#PetersonTuner #EVHGear #EddieVanHalen #VanHalen

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're checking out one of the wildest Fender collaborations yet!

Fender Japan is celebrating Pokémon's 30th anniversary with two limited-edition electric guitars inspired by the original Pokémon Red and Green video games.

And these aren't just guitars with Pokémon graphics slapped on them!

The collection includes a Red Stratocaster and a Green Telecaster, both featuring pixel-art graphics inspired by the original Game Boy-era Pokémon games. They have semi-transparent, fluorescent-effect pickguards, Poké Ball fretboard inlays, and special 30th-anniversary neck plates featuring Pikachu.

But here's where things get really interesting: both guitars feature an onboard 8-bit sound effect! Pull up the push-pull volume knob, and you can add a retro video game-style sound to your guitar playing.

Want an 8-bit sound effect?

Check out the Bitcrusher Pedal SONICAKE Wave Crush Unboxing, Review & Demo https://youtu.be/28HJ8SK0eu0

🛒 Interested in the SONICAKE Wave Crush? You can pick one up using my Amazon affiliate link below.

https://amzn.to/4bfCzNC

Each guitar also comes with a hard case, Pokémon guitar picks, and a certificate of authenticity.

There's just one catch: these guitars are extremely limited, and interested buyers have to enter a lottery through Pokémon Center Online for a chance to purchase one.

With Fender getting into collaborations with Pokémon, Godzilla, Monster Hunter, and other pop culture franchises, are we seeing a whole new era of collectible electric guitars?

Would you play one of these Pokémon guitars, or would you keep it as a collector's item?

Let's talk about it!

Johnny Beane TV

#Fender #Pokemon #ElectricGuitar #TalkingGuitars

In this episode, we're talking guitars, rock music, and what's happening in the music community! We also check out footage from a Guitar Center visit, where I plug in a seriously aggressive-looking used BC Rich electric guitar and play it through a Blackstar amplifier.

🎸 BC Rich Guitar Demo at Guitar Center

I found this interesting-looking BC Rich guitar in the used section at Guitar Center and had to plug it in to hear how it sounded. With its heavy strings, low tuning, and aggressive look, this guitar was definitely worth checking out! Watch and listen as I put it through its paces using the dirty channel on a Blackstar amp.

🕊️ Rest in Peace, Donnie Iris

We also take a moment to remember Donnie Iris, known for his iconic 1980 power-pop hit “Ah! Leah!” His music remains a memorable part of rock history, and we want to pay our respects.

I couldn't remember where I'd heard this song before, but now I remember! 🎸 Donnie Iris's iconic 1980 power-pop hit, “Ah! Leah!”, has been used as bumper music on Coast to Coast AM for years. That's where I've heard it so many times! What a great song. Rest in peace, Donnie Iris. ❤️🤘

📞 Music Therapy Laz Calls In!

Our friend Music Therapy Laz joins us for a call, and we spend some time talking about his future plans and his big return to YouTube. We're looking forward to seeing what he has in store!

👉 Make sure to subscribe to Music Therapy Laz's channel using the link below and stay tuned for his upcoming content.

https://www.youtube.com/@MusicTherapyLaz

Thanks for joining us for another episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, featuring electric guitar demos, Guitar Center finds, amplifier tones, rock music news, and conversations with friends from the music community.

💬 Would you play this BC Rich through a Blackstar amp? And are you looking forward to Music Therapy Laz's return to YouTube? Let us know in the comments!

👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more guitar demos, guitar gear discoveries, rock music discussions, and live shows on Johnny Beane TV!

#BCRich #BlackstarAmp #GuitarCenter #DonnieIris

Join us on Talking Guitars with Kyle Broughton from Brough Guitars Review (BGR) for a conversation about all things electric guitar, guitar gear, legendary players, and the music that inspires us to play!

Kyle is passionate about guitars and believes there’s always something new to learn. Through Brough Guitars Review, he shares his personal opinions, perspectives, and experiences on everything from guitars and gear to the latest topics in the guitar world. He welcomes your thoughts, comments, questions, and opinions because great guitar conversations are even better when everyone gets involved!

Kyle is a huge fan of legendary guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Reb Beach, and Steve Lukather, with musical tastes spanning classic rock, oldies, EDM, country, and anything else that sparks inspiration.

In this episode of Talking Guitars, we celebrate the guitar community, share our passion for music and gear, and talk about what makes playing guitar so much fun.

🎸 Check out Brough Guitars Review! Follow Kyle Broughton on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, show your support, and join the conversation.

Whether you're a beginner picking up your first guitar or a seasoned player with years of experience, there's always something new to discover.

What's your favorite guitar, piece of gear, or guitarist? Let us know in the comments!

#TalkingGuitars #BroughGuitarsReview #ElectricGuitar #GuitarGear

🎮🎸 Guitar Hero is making a comeback — and Fender is getting in on the action! Could a new modular guitar controller change the way we play rhythm games?

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re checking out the new Drakong InfinaKore Telecaster-style controller, developed in collaboration with Fender for Stage Tour, the upcoming rhythm game being called the spiritual successor to Guitar Hero.

With a launch scheduled for December 10, Stage Tour is bringing guitar gaming back into the spotlight. Gibson previously joined the project with a Kramer-style controller, and now Fender is entering the picture with a controller designed for customization, speed, and a whole new way to play.

🎸 Here’s what makes the InfinaKore interesting:

- Two-hand tapping: Extra buttons along the fingerboard let players tap out notes instead of relying solely on traditional strumming.

- Modular design: Swap the headstock, fret buttons, strum bar, and whammy components.

- Fast, low-profile switches: Kailh Choc switches are designed for quick response and rapid playing.

- Customizable controls: Remap buttons and personalize the controller to suit your playing style.

- 3D-printable possibilities: Experiment with different body shapes beyond the Telecaster-inspired design.

- Foldable construction: The controller folds in half for easier storage.

- Broad compatibility: Designed for PC, Steam Deck, handheld gaming PCs, mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.

- Price: $129.99, with preorders available and shipping timed for the game's December 10 launch.

The big question: Will two-hand tapping and a fully modular controller make Stage Tour the next big thing in guitar gaming?

And with both Gibson and Fender getting involved, could this be the beginning of a new era for music-based video games?

👇 Let me know in the comments: Would you buy a guitar controller that lets you tap notes with both hands, or do you prefer the classic Guitar Hero setup?

Join us for more guitar news, gear talk, music industry stories, and discussions on Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV!

👍 Like the video, subscribe to Johnny Beane TV, and join the conversation.

#StageTour #GuitarHero #Fender #GuitarNews

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're hanging out with Viking Stew for a fun conversation about music, Squier basses, and maybe even a little Rush! 🤘 You never know where the conversation will go when guitar players get together!

Love guitars, basses, and great music conversations? Join us, jump into the comments, and let us know what YOU want to hear us talk about next!

👍 Like, share, and subscribe to Johnny Beane TV for more guitar talk, music stories, and gear discussions!

#TalkingGuitars #SquierBass #Rush #GuitarCommunity

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're looking back at the incredible connection between Eddie Van Halen and one of the most beloved science-fiction movies of all time: Back to the Future (1985)!

Every October 21, fans celebrate Back to the Future Day, revisiting the time-traveling adventures of Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and the legendary DeLorean. But did you know Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing helped play a pivotal role in the movie's story?

Here's why Eddie's influence on this classic film is still worth talking about!

🎸 How Eddie Van Halen Helped Marty McFly's Future

Eddie Van Halen's legendary guitar sound: In one of the film's most memorable scenes, Marty McFly uses a Walkman, a cassette labeled “Edward Van Halen,” and a radiation suit to blast his father, George McFly, with an otherworldly guitar solo.

Saving Marty McFly's future: George needs the confidence to pursue Lorraine, Marty's future mother. Marty uses the sounds of Eddie's guitar to give his father the push he needs to stand up for himself.

The butterfly effect: If George and Lorraine never get together, Marty and his siblings might never exist. That makes Eddie's guitar sound a surprisingly important part of the movie's plot!

The Enchantment Under the Sea Dance: Remember when Marty realizes his family photo is being restored? He celebrates with an explosive, Eddie Van Halen-inspired tapping solo that leaves the 1955 dance crowd stunned.

Eddie Van Halen meets Hollywood: The film's use of his name and unmistakable guitar style helped connect Van Halen's revolutionary sound with one of the defining pop-culture movies of the 1980s.

📰 The Story Behind the Story

Syfy writer Adam Pockross explored this very connection in his article, “If Not For Eddie Van Halen, Marty McFly Wouldn’t Have Existed At All.” His take highlights how Marty's desperate attempt to change his parents' future depends on the power of rock 'n' roll.

Read the original article on Syfy.

From Eddie's groundbreaking guitar techniques to the unforgettable time-travel adventures of Marty McFly, this is another reminder of just how far Van Halen's influence reached beyond the world of rock music.

What do you think? Could Marty McFly have saved his future without Eddie Van Halen's legendary guitar playing? 🎸🔥

Join us on Exclusively Van Halen, only on Johnny Beane TV, for more Van Halen history, Eddie Van Halen stories, classic rock discussions, and everything about the legendary band.

#VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #BackToTheFuture #JohnnyBeaneTV