Eddie Van Halen's 'Frank 2' Guitar Acquired By Smithsonian Institute

While it would be a mistake to say that Van Halen are history, the band has certainly secured their spot in American history. Thus, one of their most-recognizable artifacts has landed in the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of American History -- Eddie Van Halen's guitar.

For virtually his entire career, Eddie Van Halen has usually appeared with a homemade Fender-style guitar, customized to his specs and finished with black and white stripes across its red body. The original was named Frankenstrat and it spawned various replicas over the years, including Frank 2 -- the guitar that he played during Van Halen's 2007-2008 tour where they reunited with original frontman David Lee Roth.

The Associated Press reports that Frank 2 will be placed in the National Museum of American History's instrument collection although, sadly, a Smithsonian spokesperson said that it will not be on display to the public. Of course, when Van Halen's alleged next album finally drops, there's always a chance they'll reconsider.