The Ultimate Van Halen Collectible: Hot For Teacher Guitar and Costume Up for Auction

Van Halen fans and collectors have a rare opportunity to own a piece of rock history. A unique Van Halen collectible, tied to the iconic "Hot For Teacher" music video, has recently appeared at auction. This is not just any memorabilia—it is the guitar played by the young Eddie Van Halen character in the video, signed by Eddie himself, along with the entire outfit worn by the actor portraying young Eddie. This collection also includes numerous photos and extras from the day of filming, making it a treasure trove for enthusiasts.

This post explores the significance of this collectible, its background, and why it stands out as a must-have for Van Halen fans and music memorabilia collectors alike.

A Rare Glimpse into Van Halen’s Early Visual Legacy

The "Hot For Teacher" video is one of Van Halen’s most memorable and visually striking works. Released in 1984, it features a young Eddie Van Halen character played by child actor Bryan Hitchcock. The guitar used in the video is a scaled-down, non-playing version of Eddie’s famous red, black, and white striped guitar. What makes this collectible extraordinary is that the guitar is signed by Eddie Van Halen himself, with a personal note saying "Thanx Bryan."

The guitar features a Kramer headstock, a black scratchplate, and a single volume control, faithfully replicating the look of Eddie’s Frankenstrat guitar. It comes in a leather carrying case labeled "VH Productions," adding to its authenticity and charm.

What You Get with This Collectible

This auction lot is not just about the guitar. It includes:

• The scaled-down guitar signed by Eddie Van Halen

• The entire outfit worn by Bryan Hitchcock as young Eddie Van Halen in the video

• Numerous photos and extras from the day of filming

• The leather carrying case with the "VH Productions" label

  
  

All these items were kept by Bryan Hitchcock for over 35 years before being sold at Julien’s Auctions. The collection was also featured on The History Channel’s hit TV series Pawn Stars (Season 21, Episode 14, "The Big Kahuna"), adding to its provenance and appeal.

The Guitar’s Place in Rock History

Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstrat guitar is legendary, known for its unique design and sound that helped define Van Halen’s music. The original Frankenstrat guitar, which Eddie played in the "Hot For Teacher" video, sold at auction for an astonishing $4 million in 2023. This fact alone highlights the value and cultural importance of anything connected to that guitar.

While the guitar in this auction is a scaled-down prop version, it carries the signature and personal thanks from Eddie Van Halen, making it a genuine piece of Van Halen history. It represents the early visual identity of the band and the youthful energy captured in the "Hot For Teacher" video.

Celebrity Endorsement and Public Attention

The guitar caught the attention of world-renowned guitarist John 5, known for his work with Marilyn Manson and Mötley Crüe. In 2025, John 5 posted a video about this guitar across his social media platforms, praising its significance. Searching "John 5 Coming in Hot For Teacher" on Google or Instagram reveals his posts, which helped bring this collectible to the attention of a wider audience.

This endorsement from a respected guitarist adds credibility and excitement around the auction, making it even more desirable for collectors.

Why This Collectible Matters to Fans and Collectors

For Van Halen fans, owning this guitar and costume is like owning a piece of the band’s story. It connects them directly to the "Hot For Teacher" video, a defining moment in Van Halen’s career. The signed guitar and original outfit bring the video to life in a tangible way.

Collectors will appreciate the rarity of this item. Memorabilia signed by Eddie Van Halen is highly sought after, and this guitar’s connection to the video and the actor who portrayed young Eddie makes it unique. The inclusion of photos and extras from the filming day adds depth and context, enhancing the collectible’s value.

How to Verify Authenticity and Provenance

Julien’s Auctions, known for handling high-profile music memorabilia, provided a detailed description of the collectible. The provenance is strong, with the actor Bryan Hitchcock having kept these items for over three decades. The signature and inscription by Eddie Van Halen add authenticity.

The appearance of this collection on Pawn Stars further confirms its legitimacy. Interested buyers should reach out to us here by clicking the button below.

Price: $75,000

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