Peterson’s StroboStomp EVH puts Van Halen’s debut-album tunings on your pedalboard
Peterson’s new EVH tuner focuses on the pitch nuances of Van Halen’s debut—not simply one E-flat setting. Listed at $179, with retail availability to check.
The stripes grab your attention. The tuning presets are the real story. Peterson’s new StroboStomp EVH pairs its strobe-tuner platform with 13 guitar settings inspired by the recorded pitches on Van Halen’s 1978 debut, plus companion bass settings. Peterson lists the pedal at $179.
More than a striped tuner
According to Peterson, the EVH settings target the tuning nuances of the recordings—not simply a single half-step-down setting for the whole album. Its preset list distinguishes between the main and overdubbed guitars on “Jamie’s Cryin’”, and between the electric part and open-E-flat acoustic introduction on “Ice Cream Man”.
That is the useful distinction for players learning along with the record: choosing E-flat standard gets you into the right territory, but it does not account for every recorded-pitch difference. These presets are Peterson’s present-day interpretation of the recorded pitches, not a reconstruction of the equipment used in the original sessions.
The practical pedalboard details
The specification includes claimed accuracy of ±0.1 cent, an LCD strobe display with selectable backlight colours, and a choice of pop-less true bypass or buffered operation. USB connectivity supports firmware updates, while the wider preset library covers more than 150 Sweetened and Guided Tunings.
A tuner can help you target a pitch; it cannot supply Eddie’s phrasing, touch or amplifier sound. For players working through the debut, though, this is a more specific proposition than a familiar finish wrapped around an otherwise unchanged accessory.
Price and availability
Peterson’s listed price is $179. Availability needs a separate check: when we verified the US listings on November 2, 2026, Sweetwater was accepting pre-orders with an estimated November 9 arrival. That is a retailer estimate, not a guaranteed worldwide release or delivery date.
Want to dig deeper into Eddie’s playing and gear? Read our Eddie Van Halen guide.
