A Rock Star Inventor: Eddie Van Halen’s Innovative Guitar Patent

It’s not often that rock stars are also inventors, but sometimes the worlds of music and innovation collide in unexpected ways. And when it comes to rock legends, few names are bigger than Eddie Van Halen, the iconic guitarist of the band Van Halen. Known for his legendary riffs and groundbreaking guitar techniques, Eddie wasn’t just a master of the six-string. He was also a creative inventor, and in 1987, he patented a unique device that would change the way musicians could play their instruments.

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Eddie Van Halen’s musical instrument support, a clever innovation that proved rock stars can have more than just a flair for music. Sometimes, they have a gift for invention too.

The Story Behind the Patent

In 1987, at the height of his musical career, Edward L. Van Halen (yes, that Van Halen) was awarded U.S. Patent No. 4,656,917 for a “musical instrument support.” The idea came from Van Halen’s continuous pursuit to push the boundaries of guitar playing. His signature tapping technique required the use of both hands on the fretboard, making it hard to support the guitar while performing complex maneuvers. This led Eddie to invent a device that could solve this issue once and for all.

Van Halen’s patented invention was designed to prop up string instruments such as guitars, banjos, or mandolins on the player’s leg. This allowed musicians to free both hands for playing, opening up new creative possibilities for musicians to experiment with techniques that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. It wasn’t just about supporting the instrument—it was about giving guitarists the freedom to explore music in completely new ways.

How the Invention Works

Eddie Van Halen’s device is simple but effective. The musical instrument support is essentially a small bracket or stand that attaches to the guitar and rests on the player’s thigh. The design makes it easier for the musician to hold the guitar in place without needing one hand to stabilize the instrument.

Here’s what made this invention special:

• Full use of both hands: The support allowed guitarists to fully concentrate on finger-tapping techniques or complex chord progressions, which require both hands on the fretboard.
• Adaptability: While Van Halen is synonymous with the electric guitar, the support was designed to work for various string instruments like banjos and mandolins.
• Enhanced performance: Players could move more freely on stage while maintaining complete control over their instrument without sacrificing precision.

Why This Patent Matters

For Eddie Van Halen, innovation was a natural part of his approach to music. He wasn’t just content with mastering the guitar; he wanted to redefine how it was played. His patented support did exactly that.

This invention came at a time when technical guitar solos were at their peak in the music world, and the ability to have both hands on the fretboard created endless new possibilities for guitarists. While it wasn’t a mass-market product, it showed that Van Halen wasn’t just thinking about playing music, he was thinking about changing it.

Van Halen’s invention didn’t revolutionize the industry in the way his music did, but it was still a pioneering moment in the world of guitar playing. The device was another extension of his genius—a demonstration that his talent extended beyond the stage and into the realm of engineering.

Van Halen: The Innovator and the Guitarist

While most of us know Eddie Van Halen for his explosive guitar solos and unforgettable hits like “Eruption” and “Jump,” this patent reminds us that he was also an inventor at heart. He continually looked for ways to improve his craft, whether through tweaking his playing techniques or coming up with new tools to make guitar playing easier and more expressive.

The musical instrument support was one of many innovations Eddie experimented with over the years. He even built his own famous Frankenstrat guitar by mixing parts from different guitar models to achieve a unique sound that suited his playing style.

EVH Frankenstrat at the German Floyd Exhibit. EVH’s primary guitar from 1977 to 1983

Van Halen was always trying to break the mold, to do something different, and his 1987 patent was a perfect example of this drive. He wasn’t just content with playing the guitar; he wanted to rethink it, reimagine it, and reinvent the way musicians could interact with their instruments.

A Legacy of Innovation

Eddie Van Halen’s musical instrument support may not be as well-known as his guitar solos, but it stands as a testament to his genius. His invention showed that creativity and innovation go hand in hand, whether you’re writing a hit song or filing a patent.

In the world of rock and roll, Eddie Van Halen will always be remembered for his pioneering contributions to music. But among those who know his story, he’ll also be recognized as a rock star who thought outside the box, not only with his music but with his inventions.

Conclusion

Edward L. Van Halen didn’t just change rock music—he took it a step further with his innovative thinking. His 1987 musical instrument support patent is a reminder that even rock stars can have a hand in pushing the boundaries of invention. This unique device may not have become as iconic as his music, but it’s a fascinating piece of rock history that shows us just how far Eddie was willing to go in pursuit of his passion.

Source: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2020/12/did-you-know-that-eddie-van-halen-had-a-patent/
https://patents.google.com/patent/US4656917A/en