NAMM Preview: Peavey 6505 and Carina

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Peavey announced it has parted with Edward Van Halen after a 13-year partnership. Peavey collaborated with the guitarist on his signature-model Peavey Wolfgang Series electric guitars and Peavey 5150 Series amplifiers.

According to the company, Van Halen retains the rights to the names 5150 and Wolfgang, as well as certain design elements of the Wolfgang guitar, but the 5150's circuitry and tone will remain in the Peavey family as the 6505 amplifier. Peavey will launch the new 6505--named in celebration of Peavey's first forty years, 1965 to 2005--at the Winter NAMM (International Music Products Association) Expo, Jan. 20-24, 2005, in Anaheim, Calif.

Peavey will also debut its Carina (Italian for 'beautiful') guitars to replace the Wolfgang. Carina Series guitars highlight many of the Peavey innovations used in the Wolfgang and other Peavey guitars, including computer-shaped necks that ensure all Carina guitars exhibit a consistent, comfortable neck radius and superior playability.

The successful 5150 Series guitar amplifiers and Wolfgang electric guitars, which launched in 1991 and 1995, respectively, have become staples of modern rock music. Endorsers ranging from Ted Nugent, 3 Doors Down and Default to underground metal heroes Atreyu, Darkest Hour and God Forbid, and even power-punkers such as Visqueen, have lauded the contributions these Peavey products have made to rock 'n' roll.