Hey, Guitar Enthusiast! 🎸If your EVH MIJ guitar keeps you awake at night, you’re not this night, and you’re not the only one. Many guitarists, collectors, and the casual players are wondering:

👉 Will EVH MIJ guitars increase in value over time?

Given the circumstances, it is a valid inquiry. After everything, who can forget about high-end classic guitars Gibson Les Paul or the Fender Stratocaster, or the recently famed Peavey Wolfgang? All of these classic guitars saw their prices soar and EVH MIJ series poorly translated versions of the original EVH series guitars stand any chance of skyrocketing?

Keeping an eye on the EVH brand and the guitar market in general along with resale values has been my hobby for the past few years. That is exactly why in this review, I will rely on facts, trade no fluff or sell you on marketing gimmicks. The reality is straightforward. You bought an EVH MIJ, intended to buy one, or simply relish the legacy of Eddie Van Halen. Then this article is tailored for you.

Let’s get started! 🔥

What Makes EVH MIJ Guitars So Special? 🤔

To start off with the basics, an EVH MIJ guitar, what is an it and why does it matter?

It matters because EVH has a specially dedicated line of guitars that are inspired off a twin-tailed blazing comet possessing the name- Eddie Van Halen. And naturally, he was a popular musician over the years, hence Fender has tried to manufacture these guitars throughout various locations.

✅ USA (EVH Wolfgang USA Models) – Mass produced at a lower cost.
✅ Mexico (EVH Wolfgang Special & Standard) – Cheap and suitable for beginners.
✅ Indonesia (Entry-level models) – Mid range priced and good quality.

So, what’s the big deal about MIJ (Made in Japan)?

Japanese luthiers are famous for their insane build quality. Many collectors will argue that MIJ guitars are just as good, if not better, than USA counterparts.

The best part is that MIJ guitars are usually made in smaller quantities than the USA or Mexico models. Combine scarcity with superior quality and what do you get? Future price spikes.

But just because something is rare, doesn’t mean it will gain value easily. Let’s take a closer look.

The Truth About Guitar Investments 🎸💰

If you are under the impression that buying an EVH MIJ guitar is a good idea as an investment, you need to consider how guitars appreciate in value over time.

Not every electric guitar turns into a collector’s guitar. Some become genuinely sought after instruments while others disappear completely.

So the real question is, what causes a guitar to appreciate in value?

1. The Eddie Van Halen Legacy 🕶️

Let’s face it—Eddie Van Halen’s influence isn’t going away anytime soon. Among Eddie’s contemporaries like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, he stands out as the poster child for Rock music. His contributions to guitar playing, innovating gear like the Floyd Rose and D-Tuna, and impacting rock music in general is enormous.

As demand for EVH gear skyrocketed following his death in 2020, prices for Peavy Wolfgang guitars, EVH 5150 amplifiers, his signature picks, and pedals soared.

It wasn’t just nostalgia that caused this shift, people wanted to tap into the cherished legacy of Eddie, and that demand still does not seem to wane.

2. MIJ Guitars Are Already Holding Their Value 📈

A quick search on Reverb, eBay, or guitar forums will reveal a rather surprising sight, EVH MIJ guitars devaluing in price is non-existent. Some guitars are now selling at auctions for over twice their original retail price.

Why?

Well, unlike the guitars produced in Indonesia, MIJ guitars are crafted with top of the line materials and electronics giving them precision. These guitars have the feel of boutique instruments rather than mass produced guitars.

3. Scarcity: When They’re Gone, They’re Gone 🤷‍♂️

A rough reality to fathom is if Fender completely stopped the production of EVH MIJ guitars, their value would skyrocket with get ready for climb like none other.

We all know how this ends for many amateur guitarists:

🔥 Peavey Wolfgang – once available for less than $1,500, now selling for $2,500 plus.
🔥 Gibson Les Paul Standard (Certain years/models) –prices may have doubled over time, but certain years and models are prized possessions for many.
🔥 PRS Custom 24 (Early models) – Insane prices for the early editions of the custom model. Collectors show no mercy.

If the rumors of discontinuing EVH MIJ guitars turn out to be true, the bid/ask spread in the secondary market is destined to widen.

This leaves us wondering: could this mark the end of affordable pricing and availability? Should you take the plunge or summer at the edges and wait?

Should You Buy an EVH MIJ Guitar Now? 🤔

As of now, there is good news if you decide to bite the bullet, go with YES: acquire it now if you are really willing to put in the work and effort.

Surely when purchasing, don’t irrationally spend all your hard earned cash expecting EVH MIJ guitars to skyrocket in price. Instead, buy it if you’ve contemplated doing so. Here is what waiting could cost you in the long run:

1. Creatively curated stock, already in limited supply, is on the rise.
2. Fender’s manufacturing deflation could be imminent.
3. There’s a scarcity out there, stock up while you can.

Let’s face the unadulterated reality – regardless of the price, the mystique around the guitar will forever exist.

How to Keep Your EVH MIJ Guitar’s Value High 💎

Let’s say you walked down to the shop and picked up a fresh EVH MIJ Wolfgang. What methods do you have to ensure it remains or even increases in value over time?

✅ Keep it in mint condition – Avoid any scratches, unnecessary modifications, or worn-out areas.
✅ Store it properly – Storing your guitar in a too humid or hot environment will ruin it.
✅ Keep all original parts – Anything and everything from the case to instructions matter.
✅ Play it, but take care of it – The more a guitar is left untouched, the worse the condition it is in.

1. Keep It in Mint Condition – Every Scratch Matters

For collectors and people looking to buy from you in the future, when purchasing a brand new guitar, it looks spectacular off the shelf and scratches are non existent. That is a reality for them.

The value of any item goes down with any dent or scratch of any sort. Some guitarists appreciate the “road worn” aesthetic, but as previously stated, items in superb condition always earn the best prices when being sold.

Here’s how to keep your EVH MIJ looking brand new:

• Resist Unwanted Changes. Sure, pickup swaps or fitting a kill switch might be interesting mods to do, but most guitars lose their value after modification unless it’s done by a known luthier.
• Caution While Playing. Stay aware of anything that can scratch the surface like belt buckles and rings. The guitar can get mark from just sitting on a flat surface for a while too.
• Use Good Quality Stands. Avoid putting it on the bed or leaning it against the wall, a single tip can cause it to drop and damage it. Guitars can be very expensive to repair which will reduce the selling price.
• Keep It Clean. After every session, give it a wipe with a soft cloth. Keeping grime, dust and fingerprints is unnecessary and can ruin the finish of it.

2. Store It Properly – Your Guitar Hates Extreme Weather

Treat an EVH MIJ Wolfgang like wine, it’s best kept in a certain environment to age nicely.

Just like any other piece of woodworking, wood will expand or contract depending on the temperature and humidity. This means you could potentially be faced with:

• Warped neck
• Cracked finish
• Fret sprout (where the ends of the frets begin to stick out due to the wood shrinking)

To avoid this type of damage:

• Keep it in a case when not in use. A hard-shell case is your best friend as it protects against dust, moisture, and damage.
• Control the humidity. Guitars are happiest in 40-50%. If you live somewhere dryer or more humid, invest in a humidifier/dehumidifier.
• Avoid extreme direct light and temps. Never leave your guitar in a hot car, near a heater, or by an air conditioner or a window.

3. Keep All Original Parts – Every Little Detail Counts

This may seem trivial, but the entirety of what came with your guitar will greatly affect the resale value.

Picture this, years from now you’re planning to sell your EVH MIJ Wolfgang. Two listings appear:

• A flawless MIJ Wolfgang comes with the original case, tremolo arm, paperwork, and tags.
• The same guitar, minus the case, replaced pickups, and no tremolo arm.

Which guitar do you believe will get a better price?

Did you guess it right? Yes, the one with all the necessary and additional items is always preferred. Serious collectors enjoy original condition guitars because they feel more authentic and this gives the item even more value.

This means you shouldn’t get rid of the following items:

• Original hard case (no, don’t switch for a cheap gig bag!)
• The Floyd Rose tremolo arm
• The certificate of authenticity and other associated paperwork
• Any accessories or tools provided such as wrenches

4. Play It, But Take Care of It – Neglect Can Ruin a Guitar

Guitars that go untouched for extended periods often hurt and ruin guitars may come as a shock. It is easy to assume that after 10 years of a left locked guitar all it would require is a little wipe down and it will be ready to go, but in truth guitars are tools that need to be exercised regularly.

Here is why you need to always have a balance when it comes to enjoyment and care.

• After a certain time, electrical parts must have shifting or movement. Lids, switches, and pickups that have been not used has the potential to become scratchy or corroded. A played guitar stays functional.
• Tension is necessary for Floyd Rose tremolos. The springs can lose elasticity or rust if they go untouched for a while.
• A guitar is made up of wood. If a guitar is left alone the wood could warp or dry out. Regular maintenance such as changing strings and playing helps maintain its equilibrium.

That said, be highly careful with it:

• Clean it properly after playing by wiping the neck, body, and strings to avoid any dirt and sweat build up.
• Over tightening a truss rod is a no-no. Each adjustment must be made step by step, otherwise, the neck risks damage.
• Aggressive pick attacks near the finish are to be avoided. Some guitars are nice with the pick scratched finish like vintage Fender Strats, but EVH Wolfgang guitars are best kept clean.

A well taken care of and well-played guitar is always going to be more valuable than a poorly looked after one.

My Opinion: Is an EVH MIJ Guitar a Good Investment? 🎸💰

At the end of the day, love the guitar first before considering how much it is valued at second.

When talking about an EVH MIJ Wolfgang for investment purposes, I think it would be a good idea for the future based on history.

Is it going to make you a millionaire? Most likely not.

In terms of appreciation in value, will it? Yes, especially if they stop making them.

So, if you are looking to buy an EVH MIJ, I suggest purchasing it sooner rather than later. The worst possible outcome is that you get an extraordinary guitar that plays and sounds phenomenal. The best case is that you end owning a guitar that is a future collector’s item.

Would love to hear your thoughts! Are you thinking about buying an EVH MIJ guitar? Let’s talk about guitars in the comment section. 🎸🔥