This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/9/2026
Offered Here: Van Halen 1987 Stage Used Humbucker With Note From Zeke To Edward. This stage-used Seymour-Duncan humbucker pickup was owned and played by Edward Van Halen during the 1987–1988 era and features handwritten masking tape labels stating "Z for Ed 1988" and "Dipped in para...6 min." It was removed from one of Eddie's guitars by the esteemed Randall "Zeke" Clark, his legendary guitar technician. The pickup is stored in a plastic case with foam backing and includes an unlaminated OU812 "Staff All Areas" pass, marked by Clark as "Z for Ed 5150 pickup."
Additional Information: During the 1987-1988 era, Van Halen was working on the album "OU812," which was released in 1988 and includes hits such as "When It's Love" and "Finish What Ya Started." This was the second album featuring Sammy Hagar as lead vocalist, following the departure of David Lee Roth.
Provenance/Authenticity: Randall "Zeke" Clark is a renowned luthier and legendary guitar/amp technician who got his start in the San Francisco music scene in the 70s, working with various A-list artists until moving to LA in the 80s, where he worked for Eddie Van Halen. From 1985 to 1993, he served as Edward Van Halen’s lead guitar and amp tech, transitioning to the crew with Sammy Hagar to maintain the band's gear through the monumental 5150, OU812, and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge eras. Beyond his historic tenure as the custodian of Eddie's tone, Clark's elite five-decade career includes building, repairing, and maintaining specialized gear for iconic artists such as Prince, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Heart, Poison, and others. This curated selection of items offers collectors a unique and direct connection to rock history through the hands of a master craftsman who shaped the sound of guitar royalty.
This item was personally handled, vetted, and released by Zeke Clark, ensuring its authenticity and rock-history provenance. Zeke Clark utilizes an Official Personal Signature Stamp to validate and inventory documents and artifacts released directly from his private estate. This item comes with his personal ink-imprinted signature stamp on the certificate of authenticity, which serves as his legally binding, authorized mark of verification and carries the full weight of a hand-signed signature.
Condition: The humbucker shows signs of use typical for stage-played equipment and is housed in a protective plastic case.
SKU: RZC1271