Eddie Van Halen’s Unknown Acoustic Guitar (Josephina, 1998)
Eddie used this acoustic guitar during a live performance of the song Josephina, from Van Halen’s 1998 album, Van Halen III.
Model
Unfortunately, at this time, the exact model of the guitar is unknown. At that time Eddie played Peave guitars, so it could be that this was an acoustic guitar that Peavey built for him. But the fact that the guitar doesn’t match any of the Peavey designs, and the fact that Eddie covered the headstock logo with a tape, suggests that this was likely something else.
The headstock shape suggests that it could be a Taylor, but once again, it’s hard to match it exactly to any of the models that the company produced in the 90s.
As always, if you happen to know anything more, be sure to leave a comment below.
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Hello! It is hard to tell, but I believe Eddie’s “Josephina” acoustic guitar is a mid-90’sYamaha from their APX line. Here is a 1997 version that was listed on Reverb some time ago:
https://reverb.com/ca/item/26853558-yamaha-apx-8a-1997-natural-spruce
I look forward to your thoughts.
That is very close. Certainly, you got the brand right and the series. The only thing that I’m not seeing on Eddie’s guitar is the headstock inlay – maybe it’s taped over? I don’t know
Also, the label inside Eddie’s guitar is black and square, while every other APX series Yamaha seems to have a white oval label. Maybe this indicates something, maybe not. But APX 8A is very close, if not spot on.
Enlarging the 2nd picture on this post with my iPhone, I believe the original sound hole sticker is covered with a Jolly Roger/skull and crossbones sticker. It looks like it’s sideways to cover Yamaha’s oval sticker.
And I’m sure any identifiable markings like the headstock inlay would be taped over so Eddie wouldn’t violate any contracts or appear to endorse a guitar company he had no relationship with.
I really believe we have ID’d the guitar. Just wish we could confirm 100%.