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Vintage Veleno Aluminum 1980’s custom build 1of1 - $15,000 (Sullivan)
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DO NOT ASK IF ITS STILL AVAILABLE. IF POSTED IT IS. CASH ONLY. DONT ASK ME TO REPLY TO EMAIL. NO SCAMMERS. YOU WILL BE REPORTED AS SPAM.
Verified by Guitar Center in Brookfield Wi as original Veleno
One-of-a-Kind Special Order • Brass Accents • Sun-Etched Pickup Cover • Black pick guard
•Ruby gem inserts
Offered here is an exceptionally rare Veleno custom-made aluminum electric guitar, ordered with non-standard, collector-grade features that set it apart from typical production examples.
This instrument represents a special-order configuration, showcasing details that were not part of the regular Veleno catalog and were only executed on select custom builds.
Features & Details
• Solid aluminum body and neck, y delivering the unmistakable bright attack, long sustain, and piano-like clarity Veleno guitars are known for.
• Custom brass accents throughout — an uncommon and visually striking option that contrasts beautifully against the polished aluminum. Brass components were produced in limited quantities and are now considered highly desirable period features.
• Rare sun-etched brass pickup cover, a standout aesthetic detail associated with small-run and custom pickup hardware from the era. This etched sun motif adds both visual identity and historical authenticity.
• Black pickguard, specified as part of this custom order. Black guards were not a standard factory feature on original Velenos, making this a defining element of this one-off build and reinforcing its special-order status.
• Original early 80’s construction and styling consistent with Veleno’s low-production, artisan approach.
• DiMarzio pickups
• Bridge (saddle): split pickup
• Neck: non-split pickup
Rarity & Provenance
Original Veleno guitars were produced in extremely limited numbers, with many built to individual customer specifications. This example’s combination of brass hardware, sun-etched pickup cover, and black pickguard marks it as a true one-of-a-kind instrument, not a standard production model.
Veleno guitars are deeply embedded in rock history, having been used by legendary artists such as Eric Clapton, Marc Bolan, Lou Reed, and notably Kurt Cobain, who used a Veleno during the recording sessions for Nirvana’s In Utero album — a testament to the instrument’s distinctive tone and studio credibility.
Why This Guitar Matters
• Authentic Vintage Veleno original
• Custom / special-order configuration
• Visually striking and historically significant
• Museum-worthy collector piece that remains fully playable
This is not just a guitar — it’s a bespoke artifact from one of the most unconventional builders in electric-guitar history. Ideal for the high-end collector, studio guitarist, or anyone seeking a genuinely singular instrument with real provenance and undeniable presence.
Original Schaller tuners were changed out in early 80’s for locking tuners for better stage control. The rest is 100% VELENO
In 1980, Dave Johnson (an engineer and custom guitar builder) purchased the rights to produce and sell Veleno aluminum guitars from the brand's original creator, John Veleno.
Here are the key details regarding the 1980 purchase and subsequent production:
* Acquisition of Rights: After John Veleno stopped regular production (around 1977/1978), Dave Johnson bought the name, tooling, and leftover inventory in 1980 to continue the legacy of the all-aluminum instruments.
* Production Era: These guitars, often referred to by collectors as "Johnson Velenos," were produced in the early to mid-1980s.
* Design Changes: While Johnson stayed true to the original all-aluminum body and neck concept, his versions sometimes featured minor updates in electronics or hardware compared to the original 1970s models.
* Rarity: Like the originals, Johnson’s production run was extremely limited, making these instruments highly sought-after vintage collector items.
* Distinction: Collectors differentiate between the original John Veleno guitars (serial numbers typically ending around #185-#200) and the later models produced under Johnson’s ownership had no serial numbers for “parts” builds or a non-factory prototype .
This is your chance to open a piece of history. These are more rare than you can imagine. Get it while you can. It won’t last
Set up with new slinky’s and comes with new gig bag.
As is sale. No returns. Reasonable offers will be considered
Cash + trade of vintage Gibson,Martin will be considered as well