Peavey EVH Wolfgang User Manual

ª

¨

SPECIAL

GUITAR

OPERATING

GUIDE

Contents:

Introduction ............................................................................ 3

Features................................................................................... 4

Body........................................................................... 4

Electronics .................................................................. 4

Neck........................................................................... 4

Hardware.................................................................... 4

Construction............................................................................ 5

Body........................................................................... 5

Neck........................................................................... 5

Pickups....................................................................... 5

Controls................................................................................... 5

Pickup Selector Switch................................................ 5

Volume....................................................................... 6

Output Jack................................................................. 6

Adjustments............................................................................. 6

Torsion Rod................................................................ 6

Tremolo Bridge........................................................... 7

String Retainer Bar...................................................... 7

Locking Topnut ........................................................... 7

String Installation........................................................ 8

D-Tuner Operation/Adjustment................................... 8

Tremolo Bridge Height/Tension .................................. 9

Tremolo Arm ............................................................ 10

String Intonation ................................................................... 11

Care of Your Instrument ....................................................... 13

Temperature & Humidity.......................................... 13

Strings....................................................................... 13

Finish........................................................................ 13

Accessories............................................................... 13

5150®Stack/212 Combo Amps ............................................. 14

Warnings............................................................................... 15

Español ................................................................................. 14

Français................................................................................. 27

Deutsch................................................................................. 38

Warranty............................................................................... 53

2

Introduction

For as long as
I’ve been
playing guitar,
I’ve always been
searching for a
certain feel and
tone...I’ve
experimented
by tearing apart
and reassem­bling hundreds
of guitars in
different ways
searching for
these qualities.
Although I’ve
ruined a lot of
great guitars by having done this, I have learned what it takes
to make a truly great guitar. The Wolfgang
and error, (for me) is that guitar.

®

, after years of trial

Based on the familylike atmosphere, their commitment to
quality and the camaraderie we established during the
research and development process of the 5150®stack and
combo amplifier projects, Peavey was my logical choice as
the company to bring my ideas to life.

Our collective efforts in designing the Wolfgang guitar have
resulted in a versatile, quality-crafted guitar that feels great,
sounds great and is truly inspiring to play. I’ve already put
mine to the test in the studio and on tour and now it’s your
turn.

Stay Tuned,

3

Thank you for buying a Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special
guitar. This guitar was built by the most skilled craftsmen
and made from the finest materials available. As with all
of our musical equipment, we have built our guitars using
a combination of leading-edge technology and traditional
handcrafted methods. Ask your Peavey dealer for a full list
of other Peavey musical equipment and accessories.

EVH Wolfgang Special Features

Body

•

Solid basswood construction

•

Unique offset cutaway design

Neck

•

Hardrock maple neck and fingerboard, oil-finished

•

Dual graphite reinforcements and adjustable torsion rod

•

25 1/2" scale length, 22 jumbo frets

•

15" fingerboard radius

•

Straight headstock with 3+3 tuning machine configuration

•

Bolt-on construction with contoured neck heel

Electronics

•

Two custom-wound Peavey humbucking pickups

•

Master volume control

•

Switchcraft®3-way toggle switch and output jack

Hardware

•

Precision die-cast tuning machines

•

Peavey/Floyd Rose®licensed, double-locking
tremolo assembly

•

D-Tuner

•

Chrome-plated hardware finish

4

Construction

Body

The body of this instrument is constructed of select basswood
chosen specifically for tonal qualities as well as for weight
characteristics. The offset, asymmetrical body design offers
comfort, proper balance and maximum playing ease.

Neck

The select hardrock maple neck is crafted to provide
unmatched rigidity and freedom from warpage.
Additional strength is provided by the dual graphite
reinforcement bars and an easy access, adjustable steel
torsion rod. (See

ment instructions.)

Pickups

The two Peavey humbucking pickups, custom-wound to
Edward's specifications, supply optimal output and tonal
response. A two-step wax dipping process is used to pro­vide ultra-low noise operation and resistance to micro­phonic feedback. The pickups are mounted directly to the
body, which further reduces feedback at high volume
levels and offers enhanced tonal response.

Adjustments–Torsion Rod

for adjust-

Controls

Pickup Selector Switch (1)

This three-position switch
allows selection of pickups
in various combinations. The
selection possibilities are as
follows:

•

Up = Bridge pickup

•

Center = Both pickups

•

Down = Neck pickup

1

2

3

5

Volume (2)

The volume knob controls the total signal delivered
from both pickups. Rotating clockwise will increase
volume; rotating counterclockwise will reduce vol­ume.

Output Jack (3)

The output jack accepts standard guitar patch cords.
(We recommend high-quality Peavey “shielded” patch
cords.)

Adjustments

Your instrument has been carefully adjusted at the Peavey
factory for accurate intonation and playing ease. However,
your playing style and requirements may necessitate addi­tional adjustments. These should be made by your autho­rized Peavey dealer; but with a little care and by closely
adhering to the following instructions, you may attempt
these adjustments yourself.

Please read the instructions thoroughly before attempting
any adjustments

.

Torsion Rod (1)

All guitar necks have a slight amount
of bow to keep the strings from
“buzzing” on the frets. This instrument
features an easy access torsion rod
adjustment wheel located at the end of
the neck. This wheel can be adjusted
with a hex wrench or small screwdriv­er. Just insert the tool into the adjust­ment wheel and rotate accordingly.

1. Tune the instrument to
standard (A-440) pitch.

2. Fret the sixth string (E) at the
first and last frets.

3. Check for clearance between the string and the
eighth fret.

6

1

4. Clearance should be no less than .005" and no
more than .015".

5. To increase clearance‚ loosen (counterclock­wise) the torsion rod adjustment wheel.
Less clearance (straightening of the neck) is
accomplished by tightening (clockwise) the
torsion rod adjustment wheel.

6. Retune the instrument and repeat steps 1-5 until
proper clearance has been achieved.

Tremolo Bridge

The Peavey/Floyd Rose®licensed, double-locking tremolo
system features a locking topnut, locking bridge saddles and
a steel bridge plate with a massive brass inertia block for
maximum tuning stability, sustain and tonal response. This
tremolo system has been carefully adjusted for accurate
intonation, playing ease and pitch change. To adjust this
unit properly, you must first understand the operating prin­ciple. The strings are clamped at the locking topnut and
bridge areas, ensuring increased tuning stability during use.

Proper tremolo action is also a result of accurate balancing
between string tension and tremolo spring tension. This
instrument has been set up at the factory with high-quality
Peavey EVH Wolfgang guitar strings. Should you desire a
larger or smaller gauge of strings, the spring tension, as well
as the intonation, must be adjusted. For string changes, and
in case an adjustment needs to be made, read the instruc­tions carefully.

String Retainer Bar (1)

The string retainer bar is used to
provide the proper amount of down­ward string pressure over the lock­ing topnut. This should be adjusted
only low enough to keep the strings
in contact with the surface of the
locking topnut, which will prevent
the strings from going sharp in pitch
after tightening the locking topnut.

1

2

Locking Topnut (2) (at headstock)

With the supplied 3mm hex wrench, loosen the three locking

7

topnut screws to allow the strings to pass through the string
slots. Tune to pitch and tighten locking topnut screws until
snug. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN SCREWS.

String Installation

After loosening topnut screws (at headstock), use tuning
machines to remove string tension. Loosen string lock
bolts at bridge approximately three turns using the 3mm
hex wrench. Insert string end through tuning machines
and locking topnut. Cut off excess string length approxi­mately one inch past string of lock bolts. Insert string end
into bridge saddle (between saddle housing and lock
block) and tighten until snug. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
Adjust fine tuning knobs to middle position. Stretch strings
and tune to pitch. Tighten locking topnut, stretch string
once more and fine-tune to pitch. (See

and Adjustment

below.

)

D-Tuner Operation

D-Tuner Operation and Adjustment

The D-Tuner is a unique
pitch dropping device that
offers instant “Drop-D” tun­ing by dropping the low-E
string down to D. This is
located on the low-E string
lock bolt, and is actuated by
simply sliding the mecha­nism in (for E) or out (for D).
Please read the instructions
carefully to understand the
operation and adjustment of
the D-Tuner.

1. Loosen the locking topnut screw for the low-E string.

2. Adjust the D-Tuner to the “D” position by pulling it
back (away from the tremolo).

3. Turn the fine-tuning adjustment screw for the low-E
string counterclockwise until it stops. Then, turn
the fine-tuning adjustment screw clockwise approxi­mately one full turn. This will allow proper travel for
the D-Tuner.

fine-tuning adjustment screw

“E” position

set screw

“D” position

8

4. Using the tuning machine, stretch and retune the low-E
string to “D.” Then, tighten the locking topnut screw and
fine tune the “D” using the fine-tuning adjustment
screw.

5. Slide the D-Tuner forward (toward the bridge) while
applying slight downward pressure. The D-Tuner will
now be in the “E” position. The fine-tuning screw will
now be positioned on the top, flat surface of the
D-Tuner.

6. Check the tuning of the low-E string.

7. If the low-E string is out of tune, use the supplied 1.5mm
hex wrench to turn the set screw on the D-Tuner clock­wise if the pitch is flat, or counterclockwise if the pitch is
sharp.

8. Pull the D-Tuner back to the “D” position and check tun­ing. Push it back to the “E” position, check tuning and
readjust the set screw if necessary.

9. Once the set screw on the D-Tuner is correctly adjusted,
use only the fine-tuning screw for tuning. (The fine-tun­ing screw will simultaneously tune both notes in either
position.)

Note

ation. The saddle should be allowed to pivot up and down
freely to ensure proper operation of the D-Tuner.

Changing string gauges or deviation from proper pitch
(A-440) will necessitate readjustment of the D-Tuner.

It is recommended that the D-Tuner, fine-tuning
adjustment screw and bridge saddle be
cleaned and lubricated to ensure smooth oper-

Tremolo Bridge Height

Bridge height may be adjusted by means of the bridge
pivot bolts. Turn the pivot bolts clockwise to reduce
bridge height. Turn the pivot bolts counterclockwise to
increase bridge height.

tremolo Bridge Tension

The tension of the tremolo bridge is set by adjusting the
spring tension screws which hold the spring claw in place.
To gain access to the spring tension screws and spring
claw, remove the spring cover on the back of the guitar.

9

Per Edward’s specification, the tremo­lo system is adjusted to rest on the
body surface for maximum sustain and
tonality. This will only allow th e
strings to be dropped below pitch.

This also ensures tuning stability when
using the D-Tuner or when a string
breaks. The instrument is equipped
with two springs, which allow proper
tension for the string gauge supplied
with the guitar. The extra spring is
enclosed should you prefer to use a heavier string gauge.

Proper tremolo tension is achieved when the bottom of the
tremolo bridge plate rests on the top surface of the guitar
body without requiring excessive force to depress the
tremolo arm.

The tremolo can be adjusted to operate as a floating style
tremolo by loosening the spring tension. Turn the spring
tension screws clockwise to increase the spring tension,
and counterclockwise to decrease the spring tension.

This instrument should be tuned to proper pitch (A-440)
before and after making adjustments.

10

Note

sion that will affect the tuning of the other strings. An extra
string lock bolt is enclosed in the case, should the D-Tuner
be removed.

If the floating tremolo style is desired, it is
recommended that you remove the D-Tuner,
as its operation causes a change in string ten-

CAUTION: Loosen all string tension before installing or

removing tension springs. Tremolo springs are designed
for high tension. Extreme care should be taken when
installing and removing these springs.

Tremolo Arm

The tremolo arm is inserted and screwed into the tremolo
arm socket on the bridge plate. This assembly can be
adjusted to control the amount of torque required to rotate
the tremolo arm. Some players prefer the tremolo arm to
stay in place when used. This can be accomplished by
using the supplied 12mm wrench to hold the top of the
tremolo arm socket while screwing the tremolo arm firmly
into place.

If you prefer to have the tremolo arm swing freely, loosen
the nut on the bottom of the tremolo arm socket. This is
accessible through the tremolo spring pocket. Edward
prefers an extremely loose feel, allowing approximately
one inch of play before the tremolo is actuated. This
adjustment accommodates Edward’s particular playing
style. It allows him to hold onto the tremolo arm while
picking without moving the tremolo until needed.

String Intonation

Accurate string intonation settings ensure that your instru­ment will play in tune at any
point on the neck. Although
“perfect intonation” is an
impossibility with a fretted
instrument, the proper
adjustments will maximize
the accuracy of individual
notes up and down the
neck.
Intonation is set by compar­ing the pitch of an open
string to the pitch of the
same string when played
one octave higher at the 12th fret. The actual “vibrating
length” of that string is varied until the notes are both at
the correct pitch. The vibrating length of the string is
altered by adjusting the individual saddles either forward
or backward, depending on whether the fretted note is
sharper or flatter in pitch than the open note.

Note

the untrained ear to determine when the open note and the
fretted note are at precisely the same pitch. Some players
find that comparing the 12th fret harmonic of the string
(rather than the open note) to the fretted note is much
easier.

This process should always be performed with
new strings. Intonation problems can often
result from worn strings. It is often difficult for

11

A harmonic is played by plucking the string with the right
hand while touching the string with the left index finger (as
lightly as possible) directly above the 12th fret. The left fin­ger is drawn away as quickly as possible after the string is
plucked, producing a ÒchimeÓ effect. This chimed note is
then compared to the fretted note. For greater ease and
accuracy, we recommend one of the many types of elec­tronic guitar tuners that are available from most music
stores.

1. Ensure that the torsion rod and string-height settings
are accurate and the strings are new.

2. Tune the instrument to standard (A-440) pitch.

3. Hold the instrument in a normal playing position or
place the guitar on a clean, flat surface so that the
body is in contact with the work surface. Any pressure
on the neck will affect intonation settings.

4. Play the first (E) string open and compare it to the
pitch of the same string when it is played at the 12th
fret. These notes should sound the same (actually,
there is an octave difference).

5. Using a 2.5mm hex wrench for the tremolo, adjust the
string saddle so that both the fretted and open notes
are the same. If the fretted note is sharper than the
open note, the vibrating length of the string must be
increased. Move the bridge saddle to the rear–away
from the pickups. If the fretted note is flat, the vibrat­ing length must be shortened. Move the bridge saddle
forward–toward the pickups–to shorten the length.

12

Note

It will often be necessary to retune the open
string to standard pitch after the bridge
position is altered.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the remaining strings.

7. Repeat steps 1-6 until the intonation of all the strings
is accurately adjusted.

Care of your Instrument

The EVH Wolfgang is a high-quality musical instrument
constructed from the finest materials, using the most up­to-date production methods. With reasonable care, it
should provide many years of service and outstanding
playability.

Temperature and Humidity

It is important to protect your instrument from any extreme
or sudden changes in temperature or humidity. You should
store the instrument in its case when not using it.

Strings

Your instrument is equipped with high-quality Peavey EVH
Wolfgang strings. String life may be greatly extended by
frequent cleaning with string cleaner. Dirt and perspira­tion tend to build up on the underside of the strings, so it
is often necessary to slide a rag between the strings and
the fingerboard. Dirt-laden strings cause tuning and into­nation problems, as well as rust and corrosion.

For optimum performance, strings should be changed
approximately once a month, or after about every twenty­four hours of playing. Some players prefer to change
strings more often.

Finish

Your instrument has a polyester/urethane finish that is
both durable and weather-resistant, but requires care.
Regular cleaning with Peavey guitar polish is recommend­ed. Between polishes, the instrument should be wiped
with a dry, soft cloth.

Accessories

Peavey offers a full line of accessories for your instru­ments. Cases, amplifiers, strings, polishes, straps and more
are all available from a Peavey dealer near you.

13

WARNINGS

All amplification accessories, microphones, mixers,
etc., must be properly grounded and should be
utilized with a 3-wire mains system in order to
prevent electrical shock.

Do not come into contact with other electrical
apparatus when playing (or touching) your
instrument. The metal parts of this instrument are
grounded according to proper and accepted
industry practice, but it is possible to encounter an
electrical shock when coming into contact with
another electrical apparatus if it has improper
grounding facilities.

Do not use improper or poorly designed guitar
straps or other means of support. Possible injury
could result if improper, inferior, ill-fitting, or worn
out straps are used. The instrument could possibly
fall, causing bodily injury or damage to the
instrument or associated equipment if the holding
devices fail for any reason.

Guitar strings are made from very strong steel
alloys and are under considerable tension when
tuned to pitch. Exercise extreme care when tuning
(especially above concert pitch) or when employing
string bending or "popping" playing techniques. The
possibility of string breakage and personal injury
exists under these conditions.

14

Note

link for optimum performance. A high-quality,
well-shielded cord should be used in this
application.

®

5150
Floyd Rose®is a registered trademark of Floyd Rose

Marketing, Inc.
Switchcraft®is a registered trademark of Switchcraft, Inc.

The patch cord between the guitar and
the amplifier is an extremely important

is a registered trademark of Edward Van Halen.

ESPAÑOL

Gracias por comprar una guitarra Wolfgang Special
EVH de Peavey. Esta guitarra fue construida por los

artesanos más habilidosos y los mejores materiales
disponibles. Al igual que todos nuestros equipos de
música, hemos fabricado nuestras guitarras combinan­do una tecnología de vanguardia con métodos arte­sanales tradicionales. Solicite a su distribuidor Peavey
una lista completa de los equipos de música y acceso­rios de Peavey.

Características de la guitarra
Wolfgang Special EVH

Cuerpo

•

Construcción de madera maciza de tilo

•

Exclusivo diseño con recorte desplazado

Cuello

•

Cuello y diapasón de madera de arce de extrema dureza,
brillantes

•

Refuerzos dobles de grafito y varilla de torsión regulable

•

Escala de 648 mm de longitud y 22 trastes

•

Radio del diapasón de 381 mm

•

Clavijero recto con configuración de dispositivo
de sintonía de 3+3

•

Fabricación atornillada con talón del cuello contorneado

Componentes electrónicos

•

Dos fonocaptores antizumbido Peavey de devanado per
sonalizado

•

Control maestro de volumen

•

Interruptor de conmutación Switchcraft®de 3 vías y
enchufe hembra de salida

15

Componentes mecánicos

•

Dispositivos de afinación fundidos de precisión

•

Conjunto de trémolo de doble bloqueo con la licencia de
Peavey/Floyd Rose

•

Afinador D

•

Piezas mecánicas con acabado cromado

®

Construcción

Cuerpo

El cuerpo de este instrumento está construido con madera de
tilo seleccionada, elegida específicamente por sus cualidades
tonales así como por sus características de peso. El diseño
del cuerpo recortado en forma asimétrica resulta confortable,
equilibra el instrumento y ofrece una máxima facilidad de
uso.

Cuello

El cuello de madera seleccionada de arce de máxima dureza
está construido artesanalmente para darle una excepcional
rigidez y evitar el alabeo. La rigidez adicional se logra medi­ante barras de refuerzo dobles de grafito y una varilla de tor­sión regulable de acero que resulta fácil de ajustar.
(Encontrará las instrucciones de ajuste en la sección

Ajustes–Varilla de torsión

.)

16

Fonocaptores

Los dos fonocaptores antizumbido, devanados especialmente
según las especificaciones de Edward, proporcionan una sali­da y respuesta tonal óptimas. Se utiliza el proceso de bañado
en cera de dos etapas para lograr un funcionamiento con
nivel ultrabajo de ruidos y resistencia a la retroalimentación
de los micrófonos. Los fonocaptores están montados directa­mente sobre el cuerpo, lo que permite reducir aún más la
retroalimentación cuando se ejecuta con volumen muy alto y
ofrecer mejor respuesta tonal.

Controles

Interruptor selector de
fonocaptores (1)

Este interruptor de tres posiciones
permite seleccionar las diferentes
combinaciones de los fonocap­tores. Las posibilidades de selec­ción son las siguientes:

•

Hacia arriba = Fonocaptor del
puente

•

En el centro = Ambos
fonocaptores

•

Hacia abajo = Fonocaptor
del cuello

1

Volumen (2)

La perilla de volumen controla el nivel total de las señales
de ambos fonocaptores. Para aumentar el volumen se debe
girar la perilla hacia la derecha y, para reducirlo, hacia la
izquierda.

Enchufe hembra de salida (3)

El enchufe hembra de salida permite realizar conexiones
temporales con guitarras convencionales. (Recomendamos
emplear cables “blindados” Peavey de alta calidad para las
conexiones temporales.)

2

3

Ajustes

Este instrumento ha sido ajustado cuidadosamente en la
fábrica de Peavey para estar entonado con precisión y simpli­ficar el uso. Sin embargo, su manera personal de tocar y sus
requerimientos quizás exijan realizar ajustes adicionales. El
distribuidor autorizado Peavey puede realizar estos cambios,
pero con un poco de cuidado y si cumple estrictamente las
siguientes instrucciones, usted puede tratar de hacerlos por
su cuenta.

17