In a recent interview on Jeremy White's YouTube channel, Dave Friedman, the renowned rig builder and former collaborator of Eddie Van Halen, shed light on the guitar legend's unique approach to testing his gear. Known for his philosophy of 'creative destruction,' Van Halen pushed his equipment to their breaking points to fuel innovation and create groundbreaking musical tools. Yahoo Entertainment reported the fascinating conversation between Friedman and White, where they discussed a specific example of Van Halen's gear testing regime.

Friedman confirmed the marketing claim that Van Halen left his studio with an amp cranked and his guitar strings vibrating on the floor for days, as a so-called "torture test." The purpose was to put the amplifier's durability and longevity to the ultimate challenge. According to Van Halen himself, he actually left the amp running and the guitar strings vibrating for an entire month. The test proved successful, as the amp continued to operate flawlessly upon his return.

Not content with just testing the amp's performance with a guitar, Van Halen repeated the experiment using a bass to evaluate its ability to handle low frequencies. He left the bass feeding back for an entire month, ensuring that the amp and cabinet could sustain the demands of such low-frequency vibrations.

During the intense testing period, visitors from Fender, the manufacturers of EVH gear, paid a visit to Van Halen's 5150 Studio, witnessing the cacophony of sound that filled the space. Despite their surprise at the noise, Van Halen confidently explained that he was crash-testing the amp, surprising the Fender representatives with his audacious approach.

This revelation undoubtedly provided a sense of relief to Fender, knowing that their products had been rigorously evaluated by one of the most influential guitarists of all time. The dedication and commitment that Van Halen demonstrated in testing his gear was a testament to his tireless pursuit of innovation and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

In addition to discussing Van Halen's gear testing rituals, Dave Friedman also touched upon the disappearance of a mystery amp built for Van Halen by fellow amp guru José Arredondo. This amp went missing after Arredondo's unfortunate passing, and its fate remains a mystery.

The full interview with Dave Friedman, where he shares further insights into his collaboration with Eddie Van Halen, can be watched on Jeremy White's YouTube channel. Fans of Van Halen and enthusiasts of the music industry alike will find it a captivating glimpse into the mind of a true sonic visionary.

As the world continues to mourn the loss of Eddie Van Halen, stories like these remind us of his relentless pursuit of perfection and the enduring impact he left on the world of music.