Designed as a more affordable alternative to the "Standard" archtop model, it maintained the same core high-performance electronics and hardware while simplifying the cosmetic and body features.
Body: Unlike the carved-top Standard, the Special features a flat-top basswood body. This provides a very balanced, mid-forward tone.
Neck: The neck is a bolt-on, oil-finished hard rock maple with a 25.5” scale length. It includes dual graphite reinforcement rods for extreme stability and the signature "Wolfgang Backshape," which is an asymmetrical profile designed to fit the natural grip of the hand.
Pickups: It uses the same custom-wound Peavey/EVH humbuckers as the Standard model. These are direct-mounted to the body to maximize resonance and provide that aggressive, articulate "Brown Sound."
Bridge: Most models featured the Peavey-licensed Floyd Rose tremolo equipped with the EVH D-Tuna, allowing you to drop the low E string to D instantly. A hardtail version was also produced for those who preferred a fixed bridge.
Controls: The Special is easily identified by its simplified control layout: a single volume knob (labeled "Tone" on some early versions as a joke by Eddie) and a three-way toggle switch.
no bag or case. It does have a chunk of finish missing near the output jack (see pic)