EVH is pushing Eddie Van Halen’s legacy forward with the reimagined 5150 Series DX and 5150 Series DX QM. At their core, both models share the same DNA. A Modified Strat-Style Basswood body with a deeper upper body curve alongside a Graphite-Reinforced Quartersawn Baked Maple neck to ensure rock-solid stability, even under extreme conditions.
Carved into a Modified “C” profile and finished with a Hand-Rubbed Satin Urethane back, it offers a smooth, fast-playing surface that encourages fluid movement across the fretboard. That fretboard – a Baked Maple slab with a 12″-16″ Compound Radius and 22 Jumbo frets – delivers the best of both worlds.
Where the DX and DX QM diverge is primarily visual. The standard DX keeps things straightforward and aggressive, while the DX QM adds a Quilt Maple top for a more refined, high-end aesthetic. It’s a subtle but impactful difference – one aimed at players who want a touch of visual flair without sacrificing the core 5150 identity.
Tonally, both models mark a significant evolution from the original single-pickup concept. The addition of an HH configuration, featuring EVH Wolfgang Alnico 2 humbuckers in both bridge and neck positions, dramatically expands the sonic palette.
Control layout is streamlined but purposeful. A Three-Way Toggle Switch allows quick pickup selection, while the custom Low-Friction Volume knob ensures smooth, even swells. The High-Friction Tone knob stays firmly in place, preventing accidental adjustments mid-performance.
A standout addition is the Lower Bout Kill Switch. It’s a nod to classic techniques – think the stuttering rhythms heard in songs like “You Really Got Me” – and opens the door to modern, percussive playing styles.
No EVH instrument would be complete without a serious tremolo system, and both models deliver. The EVH-Branded Top-Mount Floyd Rose bridge is built for extreme expression, offering precise tuning stability even under the most aggressive dive bombs. Paired with the EVH D-Tuna, switching between Standard and Drop D tuning is instantaneous.
Get the 5150 Series DX and 5150 Series DX QM here – $1,399.99 for the former, $1,499.99 for the latter – and keep up with all our EVH coverage right here.
