OK...noted..but face it.,,that's just denial...because of his (EVH) contributions, the comparisons to Hendrix were inevitable. 

Facts is facts..EVH's first guitar was a straight-up pre CBS strat.   ALL of the first 3 or so Van Halen albums (and this is well documented) were recorded using the strat plugged into a Marshall 50 watt amp (combo, NOT amp over stack), with mods a la 60's variety.   Go figure..and not mention Jimi's influence???

The only thing EVH did differently (and I love his style, I'm just talking techo here..) was put this voltage booster called a VARIAC behind the amp..which overdrove the MF'in hell out of it...and, fried the tubes after so many hours of play...Don't EVER forget Ted Templemann...another recording GOD...produced the first few albums, and made that sound possible. 

As Jaco once said..."Don't ever put a musician down in public..at least, not in front of me..." 

I rest my case.  They are ALL great, and with love, but Jimi was one of the GIANTS.  And face it...they are few and far between.  DB..DEFINITELY being one of them, for those in the know...the reason we are all "here".

Peace,

Gene