Song Rig
Panama
Eddie Van Halen · 1984 · 1984
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The classic EVH "brown sound" in a song format — the Kramer with a Floyd Rose and the Peavey 5150 prototype gives a slightly tighter, more polished tone than the earlier Frankenstrat + variac setup. More controlled and production-ready.
Signal Chain
- 1Kramer guitar (Floyd Rose tremolo, modified DiMarzio humbucker)
- 2Marshall Super Lead 100W (modified)
- 3MXR Phase 90 (subtle, in effects loop)
Amp Settings
Higher presence setting than Eruption — the 1984 production is brighter and more polished. Slightly scooped mids compared to the debut album setup. The Phase 90 adds subtle movement in the effects loop.
Technique
How to Play It
The main riff alternates palm-muted low strings with open harmonic chord stabs — a technique requiring very precise right-hand muting control.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any humbucker guitar (Floyd Rose if possible for the whammy bar dive bombs) + EVH-voiced amp or MXR 5150 overdrive into a Fender-style clean amp.
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