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Podcast: The Johnny Beane Podcast
Episode: Exclusively Van Halen: Did Paul Reed Smith Build the #VanHalen Kramer 5150 Guitar? 8/7/25
Description: In a recent interview with Guitar Interactive Magazine, Paul Reed Smith opened up about his unexpected connection to Eddie Van Halen.
“I made the 5150 pickup. I made the 5150 guitar. I’m the one who bolted it together and got it working at Kramer,” Smith revealed, recalling his hands-on role in shaping one of rock’s most iconic guitars.
Although a signature PRS model for Eddie never materialized, Smith did craft a custom guitar for him years later. The collaboration nearly happened—an “almost” that has since become part of guitar legend.
“I did make one for him… He was a sweetheart. He was...