The Eddie Van Halen Destroyer surprises a lot of fans: one of rock’s greatest legends played a Japanese guitar. This article follows that 1975 Destroyer from one of the first batches shipped to the US, onto Van Halen’s 1978 debut album, and into the famous Shark guitar. For the model itself, see the Ibanez Destroyer guide.
Eddie Van Halen’s Ibanez Destroyer Quick Facts
- Guitar: 1975 Ibanez Destroyer (model 2459)
- Built by: FujiGen, Japan; a Gibson Explorer copy
- Body: Japanese sen ash
- His mods: repainted white, Fender-style knobs
- On record: Van Halen (1978), incl. “You Really Got Me”
- Became: the Shark, after he cut and repainted the body
Prefer to watch? This article is based on my own video below.
The Guitar: a 1975 Ibanez Destroyer 2459
The guitar was an Ibanez Destroyer, a Gibson Explorer copy built by FujiGen in Japan in 1975. Eddie is said to have gotten one from the very first batches shipped to the US.
Trivia: korina or sen?
The body was Japanese sen ash. Ibanez advertised the early Destroyer as “Korina,” but that name referred to the amber finish, not the wood. Eddie reportedly bought his at the same time and from the same store as Chris Holmes, later of W.A.S.P.
Step by Step: How the Eddie Van Halen Destroyer Became the Shark
From a Japanese Explorer copy to one of rock’s most iconic guitars
Repainted White and Given Fender Knobs
Eddie repainted the Destroyer white and swapped in Fender-style knobs, the first steps in making the guitar his own.
1978: Van Halen’s Debut Album
In this form, the Destroyer ended up on Van Halen’s 1978 debut album. It is featured on tracks like these:
| Track | Album |
|---|---|
| Runnin’ with the Devil | Van Halen (1978) |
| You Really Got Me | Van Halen (1978) |
The Shark: Cut, Silver, Stripes and Burgundy
Later, he turned it into the famous Shark guitar. He cut the body, painted it silver, striped it, and sprayed on burgundy paint. That’s how one of rock’s most iconic guitars was born.
According to Van Halen gear researchers, the cuts changed the tone, and Eddie later regretted it; for parts of Women and Children First (1980), he reportedly borrowed Chris Holmes’s Destroyer instead.
Ace Frehley Loved It Too
Eddie wasn’t the only star with a Destroyer. Ace Frehley of KISS loved this guitar as well, while his bandmate Paul Stanley played another Ibanez original, the Iceman.
Getting the Look Today
| You want… | Look for |
|---|---|
| The real thing | An original 1975–1978 Ibanez Destroyer (rare) |
| A Japanese Destroyer to play | An ’80s Destroyer II |
| The Shark look | EVH Striped Series Shark (burgundy with silver stripes) |
Original Ibanez Destroyer
Rare and short-lived; check originality carefully. See the Ibanez Destroyer guide for the model’s history.
EVH Striped Series Shark
The easiest way to get the Shark’s shape and finish today.
Final Thoughts
It still surprises me that the Eddie Van Halen Destroyer, one of rock’s most iconic guitars, started life as a Japanese Explorer copy from FujiGen. Eddie bought it, painted it, recorded a landmark album with it and then cut it into something nobody else had.
FAQ
Did Eddie Van Halen play a Japanese guitar?
Yes. He played a 1975 Ibanez Destroyer, model 2459, built at the FujiGen factory in Japan, and used it on Van Halen’s 1978 debut album.
What songs did Eddie Van Halen record with the Ibanez Destroyer?
It is featured on tracks like Runnin’ with the Devil and You Really Got Me from the 1978 debut album Van Halen.
What is Eddie Van Halen’s Shark guitar?
It is his 1975 Ibanez Destroyer after he cut the body and repainted it: silver, then striped, then sprayed with burgundy paint.
Was Eddie Van Halen’s Destroyer made of korina?
No. The body was Japanese sen ash. Ibanez advertised it as Korina, but that name referred to the finish.
Did Eddie Van Halen regret making the Shark?
According to Van Halen gear researchers, he did: the cuts changed the tone, and he later borrowed Chris Holmes’s Destroyer to record parts of Women and Children First.
Can you buy an Eddie Van Halen Shark guitar today?
EVH offers the Striped Series Shark, a burgundy guitar with silver stripes inspired by the original. Original 1975 Ibanez Destroyers are rare vintage instruments.
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