Review the Veleno guitar

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Q&A Question: Which production-made guitar holds the record for the highest percentage of guitars made (and were not given to them) that were owned by top, well known, performers or artists? Answer: The Veleno guitar. See www.veleno.com

106 thoughts on “Review the Veleno guitar”

  1. #133
    Anonymous

    I bought 133 in 1984 for four hundred dollars. A local guitar shop had it for at least a year, nobody wanted it.
    I figured it would be worth something someday, due only to novelty.

    It was difficult to play, neck-heavy, uncomfortable and did not sound good clean or distorted. I talked to John Veleno about this one, because it had a Bigsby and I wanted to know if he put that on, which he did not. He did tell me he had considered building some with Bigbsys, and was not against the installation.

    I sold it to a particular “collector” which was one of the worst transactions I’ve ever had. Yeah, I got the money, but also weeks of headaches due to the seller being jerky.

  2. WANTED VELENO GUITARS
    Vincent Gallo

    I will pay the highest price for an original Veleno guitar under serial #120
    I will also pay high for an original Veleno case or any original Veleno guitar parts
    100% I will pay the highest so please give me a shot if you are ever selling
    [email protected]

    I would also pay crazy high for a TRavis Bean Wedge guitar
    [email protected]

    1. Be Careful with Vinny
      Anonymous

      Sure, he will give you the highest price, but it’s not worth the crazy.
      He claimed he was going to sic his lawyers on me for “fraud”, because FedEx screwed up the billing and billed him instead of me for shipping.

      I even sent him the receipt showing the mistake, but he went nutzoid. I sent many photos showing the guitar and when he received it, he also blew up because it was missing the “original strap button” which I never had when I purchased it in 1984.

  3. Veleno #29 available for sale
    Vince

    I have the #29 Veleno Guitar if anyone is interested. Did check that it is legitimate and was inherited in Monterey, CA. Eric Clapton has used this one according to the certification. Thank you.

  5. Veleno #5
    Bill B

    I’ve owned #5 made in 1972 for over 25 yrs. I acquired it from Ace Frehley of Kiss back in 1991. I was friends with him and I did guitar work for him as well. I’ve had many people interested in it, but no real solid offers. I think I’ve got some photos of it on my website, under guitars or memorabilia. Thinking about letting it go, for the right price. It was built for Lou Reed, and then Lou sold it to Ace, and then I’ve had it. It was used on stage during the Hotter Than Hell / Alive tour (I have photos) and was pictured in Circus Magazine. I also have the purple jumpsuit Ace wore in the photo shoot. My email is on the sale page of my website if anyone is interested. http://www.theacefrehleyarchive.com Thanks, Bill

    1. Veleno Guitar
      Tony

      I am the original owner of #63 Veleno guitar (maybe 64 – I will need to check). No modifications. original case with original “manual”. It is in great shape with minor micro cracks at worst. The case certainly shows some wear and tear.
      I still have the original receipt.

  9. Tuners , please i ned the tuners of veleno guitar alumini
    Felipe Cavazos

    se me dañaron los afinadores , vivo en monterrey n.l. Mexico tengo la num # 137 y no donde buscarlos

  10. veleno guitar
    ronnieAnonymous

    I have one I bought in three pieces about 25 years ago from St. Petersburgh Florida. Plays beautifully. Has gold fender accessories. If anyone is interested in this please get in touch as I would like to sell it.

  11. My Gold Veleno Guitar # 102
    Dan Moss

    I am the original owner of a Gold Veleno Guitar serial-# 102. I purchased in 1975 while playing in Recording group Avalanche bases out of Tampa, Fl. This is one fantasic playing guitar. I retired this guitar in 1978 and it has been in a 1966 Fender Telecaster case ever since then. I still have a letter from John and brochures just in case while touring I would run into someone wanting to buy a Veleno. I have never thought of selling it unless someone wanted it more than me.

  16. Veleno body
    Taylor

    Does anyone know if the front dimensions on a real Veleno body are identical on each side (16") or is the upper side slightly longer (16 3/8") like a Tele body? There are alot of fakes out there and I don’t want to fall for a fake.

  19. I Have a Red Veleno Please Help
    michael terry

    I have a Veleno that i have owned for over 30 years. I bought this guitar from Veleno in Florida. It is red rather than chrome. They offered a few different colors, and talked me into a red one. I have been searching for information, and only see chrome ones. I understand that is it pretty rare. I am considering selling it, but i need help figuring out what its worth. Does anyone know where i can look?

    1. Re: I Have a Red Veleno Please Help
      Fred Perry

      : I have a Veleno that i have owned for over 30 years. I bought this guitar from Veleno in Florida. It is red rather than chrome. They offered a few different colors, and talked me into a red one. I have been searching for information, and only see chrome ones. I understand that is it pretty rare. I am considering selling it, but i need help figuring out what its worth. Does anyone know where i can look?

      Hi Michael. I just came upon your post. I have a music store near Woodstock, NY, and I have a customer who might be interested in your Veleno, if you still have it. Please let me know if you do. Thanks.

  20. i have no. 54 - ex-pete haycock/climax blues band
    [email protected]

    i bought no.54 off pete in 1978, the neck is coated in black and probably comes from his earlier model, the pick-ups were exchanged for di-mazios. considering selling, seeking current value

    1. Re: i have no. 54 - ex-pete haycock/climax blues band
      Christopher John Runciman

      : i bought no.54 off pete in 1978, the neck is coated in black and probably comes from his earlier model, the pick-ups were exchanged for di-mazios. considering selling, seeking current value.

      I have the original neck here at home which i hung on to after I changed the original on the road. I put the Di-marzios in as well and I think I still have the original gold plated pick ups some where in the workshop! The black one was Teflon coated as the original corroded very quickly on the road.I was the ‘tech’ and FOH engineer 1972 – 1980
      regards
      Chris Runciman

      1. Re: i have no. 54 - ex-pete haycock/climax blues band
        Pete Hay****

        : : i bought no.54 off pete in 1978, the neck is coated in black and probably comes from his earlier model, the pick-ups were exchanged for di-mazios. considering selling, seeking current value.

        : I have the original neck here at home which i hung on to after I changed the original on the road. I put the Di-marzios in as well and I think I still have the original gold plated pick ups some where in the workshop! The black one was Teflon coated as the original corroded very quickly on the road.I was the ‘tech’ and FOH engineer 1972 – 1980
        : regards
        : Chris Runciman
        Erm….So can I have them back then Chris? I bought them after all, and I had no idea you still had them when you went to do FOH for The Blues Band! You know my phone number and email, Pete Haycock.

        1. Re: i have no. 54 - ex-pete haycock/climax blues band
          Mr Cooper

          : : : i bought no.54 off pete in 1978, the neck is coated in black and probably comes from his earlier model, the pick-ups were exchanged for di-mazios. considering selling, seeking current value.

          : : I have the original neck here at home which i hung on to after I changed the original on the road. I put the Di-marzios in as well and I think I still have the original gold plated pick ups some where in the workshop! The black one was Teflon coated as the original corroded very quickly on the road.I was the ‘tech’ and FOH engineer 1972 – 1980
          : : regards
          : : Chris Runciman
          : Erm….So can I have them back then Chris? I bought them after all, and I had no idea you still had them when you went to do FOH for The Blues Band! You know my phone number and email, Pete Haycock.

          Another Hay**** f****** gear snatchback.
          CC

        2. Re: i have no. 54 - ex-pete haycock/climax blues band
          Mr Cooper

          : : : i bought no.54 off pete in 1978, the neck is coated in black and probably comes from his earlier model, the pick-ups were exchanged for di-mazios. considering selling, seeking current value.

          : : I have the original neck here at home which i hung on to after I changed the original on the road. I put the Di-marzios in as well and I think I still have the original gold plated pick ups some where in the workshop! The black one was Teflon coated as the original corroded very quickly on the road.I was the ‘tech’ and FOH engineer 1972 – 1980
          : : regards
          : : Chris Runciman
          : Erm….So can I have them back then Chris? I bought them after all, and I had no idea you still had them when you went to do FOH for The Blues Band! You know my phone number and email, Pete Haycock.

          Another Hay**** f****** gear snatchback.
          CC

    1. Re: My Veleno Guitar Sale
      Frank

      How much?$$ please reply in English if possible
      : Quisira contactarme con gente que le pudiera inresar la compra de mi Veleno.
      : Gracias.

    2. Re: My Veleno Guitar Sale
      leo

      : Quisira contactarme con gente que le pudiera inresar la compra de mi Veleno.
      : Gracias.

      …Hola, he escuchado esa guitarra y me gustó mucho el sondio. Espero que todavia revises este foro ya que ha pasado mucho tiempo. Me gustaria saber si todavia vendes tu guitarra Veleno.

      saludos desde Chile.
      Leo

  23. I have a Veleno Aluminium #137 Original
    Gabo

    Hi, i have a veleno aluminium original, its the 137/200 guitars, I used that guitar on my band, and I am selling it for more than $7,000 the quality is really great and the neck was made from the NASA Rockets, so Its compared to a stravarius violin, any one interested please post or send me an email.

    2. Re: I have a Veleno Aluminium #137 Original
      vincent gallo

      : Hi, i have a veleno aluminium original, its the 137/200 guitars, I used that guitar on my band, and I am selling it for more than $7,000 the quality is really great and the neck was made from the NASA Rockets, so Its compared to a stravarius violin, any one interested please post or send me an email.
      sell to me [email protected]

  24. I have a Veleno Aluminium #137 Original
    Gabo

    Hi, i have a veleno aluminium original, its the 137/200 guitars, I used that guitar on my band, and I am selling it for more than $10,000 the quality is really great and the neck was made from the NASA Rockets, so Its compared to a stravarius violin, any one interested please post or send me an email.

  25. I have the neck to guitar number 51
    robert king

    Anyone out there know where the rest of this guitar is? the neck came out of key west florida around the mid eighties. I assume it is from the fifty-first guitar since the number 51 is stamped on the neck where it bolts onto the body. Any help would be appreciated.

    1. Re: guitar number 51
      JD Smex

      : I assume it is from the fifty-first guitar since the number 51 is stamped on the neck where it bolts onto the body. Any help would be appreciated.

      IS there anything ingraved on the back of the headstock between the tuners? The Steve Stevens Veleno was on EBAY a couple weeks ago and the "serial number," was engraved on it there. I love to have a Veleno neck even if it didn’t have a body. : )

  27. veleno wanted
    james marturella

    [The body of this post has been reconstituted from replies so it may differ from what was originally written.]

    i am looking to buy a chrome veleno guitar in any shape i sold #70 to a guy in europe does anyone know him? i want to buy it back and pay him more than he bought it for all leads appreciated

    1. Re: veleno wanted
      Dan

      Hello,
      I own Veleno #48 and would sell only at the right price. I wouldn’t let it go for under $10,000(US$). there is currently one for sale on Ebay and it is at $9000 US and climbing, so this price isn’t outrageous by any means. let me know if you’re still interested.

      Dan in Canada

      : i am looking to buy a chrome veleno guitar in any shape i sold #70 to a guy in europe does anyone know him? i want to buy it back and pay him more than he bought it for all leads appreciated

    1. Re: My Veleno
      Sami

      Are any of these still available? Please let me know. I am intrested in the traveler guitar specifically. Thanks Sami

      : One Veleno original Serial# 34. One Veleno Traveler Serial# 3. For sale one or both for the right price.

  29. YOUR Veleno Guitar
    Steve Szirotnyak

    Send a picture to John; he’s pretty good at getting back to people. I have a Veleno, too, a gold one; it’s pictured at the bottom of the first guitar page on the Veleno website. Customized in the ’70’s, possibly by the guy from Climax Blues Band. Does your guitar have just three control knobs on it? If so, it’s one of the first. I’ve seen three Velenos advertised in Vintage Guitar this year, asking prices $6500, $8500 (sold, but don’t know selling price) and $9500. I got mine for less than any of those, so that gives you an idea of the price ranges. Hope this helps.

    1. Re: YOUR Veleno Guitar
      JD

      : Send a picture to John; he’s pretty good at getting back to people. I have a Veleno, too, a gold one; it’s pictured at the bottom of the first guitar page on the Veleno website. Customized in the ’70’s, possibly by the guy from Climax Blues Band. Does your guitar have just three control knobs on it? If so, it’s one of the first. I’ve seen three Velenos advertised in Vintage Guitar this year, asking prices $6500, $8500 (sold, but don’t know selling price) and $9500. I got mine for less than any of those, so that gives you an idea of the price ranges. Hope this helps.

      1. Re: YOUR Veleno Guitar
        JD Smex

        : I’ve seen three Velenos advertised in Vintage Guitar this year, asking prices $6500, $8500 (sold, but don’t know selling price) and $9500. I got mine for less than any of those, so that gives you an idea of the price ranges.

        My old friend Bruce from Detroit, sold his for $200 in 1979, D’OH!

  30. MY Veleno Guitar
    Billy Reno

    I have one,…NO pickguard,…and no serial #,…could this be a prototype? IT"S THE MONSTER–soooooooooo,…what’s it’s CURRENT value? By the way,..it’s MINT! Get Back

    1. #17 Veleno - ?
      gary king

      I bought Veleno “No. 17” from a music store in Union, NJ around 1972. With the guitar came a little pamphlet stating the corundum ruby embedded in the neck added a “mark of distinction”. Also listed was the address of Veleno in Florida. I soon contacted Mr. Veleno by mail with various questions about the guitar. He replied, and through the next 10 or so years, I contacted him mostly about maintenance issues. He recommended using buffing compound on the neck to help get pits out that developed in the fretboard from use, and he also recommended the use of acetone for cleaning. In the late 70’s I contacted him again and he sold me a black ‘anodized’ aluminium neck that would not pit. I retired the guitar from live use due to several reasons I’ll list below, and returned to using wooden guitars – Les Paul, PRS, strats. In 2005 I contacted him again for a quote to refinish and restore the guitar, and I mentioned the fact that the guitar’s tuning goes wacky with temperature changes – a fact that I learned from the more than 3,000 (yes, 3,000) band gigs I did through the years. The guitar could be tuned at room temperature, but when it warmed by being held and played, it’s tuning went horribly out of. It would take total retuning between each of the first 5 or so songs every set to stabilize. Putting the guitar down during every set break caused the guitar to return to room temperature again. John Veleno totally refused to accept this fact and through email he denied his guitars had any tuning problems. His indignance and denial indicated I had offended him.
      Last year I finally decided to restore the guitar, which is in poor shape due to heavy use. Mr. Veleno provided his address, and offered to provide a “letter of authenticity” along with refinishing and other repair work. Although I didn’t ask for any verification, I agreed. After receiving the guitar he emailed me with various questions that I found odd, including
      “where did you buy the neck?”,
      “where did you say you got it?”,
      “send me a photocopy of your driver’s licence”,
      “do you have the 1972 receipt from the music store?”.
      ODD
      Weeks later I received the guitar back ($130 cost in shipping) – unfinished – basically nothing done to it, and then I received his “letter of verification” stating that it was not his guitar, he didn’t know where I got it, and I was possibly a con trying to pull something on him. I know that John Veleno has had a few strokes, and for a while totally lost the ability to speak, but I was, and remain, floored. After decades of communication with this man, he not only claims not to know of me or #17, but claims I am some way dishonest. He also stated that the serial # looks like it was added later, but also said the guitar looks like it has been in a guitar case for a long time (It has – for 29 years). In my defense, I have pictures of me, my band(s), playing my VELENO guitar. I was in my early 20’s at the time and am now 59 yrs old. I also have a reputation in and around the Wash. DC area of playing that guitar and have many friends who can verify this. I recently sent these pics to John Veleno but got no response. My conclusion is that John Veleno is a stroke damaged, paranoid, defensive old man who has lost touch with reality. I have seen owner lists of Veleno guitars, and #17 is always blank.
      After using this guitar for MANY gigs, my critique is this: The tone is mostly tinny (even with Humbuckers), which one would expect from a cold metal guitar. The nut is aluminium (for no good reason – and the strings cut into this soft metal causing sticking). The neck design requires the strings to have a sharp bend between the nut and the tuning pegs, and as a result, the strings stick – applying 3-in-1 oil helps a bit, but the guitar still goes sharp. I’ve already gone into the actual ‘physics’ of tuning problems due to temperature changes, but this fact alone is enough to prevent this guitar from professional live usage. Although the list of people owning this guitar is impressive, none of these owners actually uses the guitar as a primary instrument. Finally, customer service??? Owners are dealing with a paranoid nutcase who may or may not believe you’re who you claim you are. My overall critique? The guitar has gained in value simply because there are so few of them. I paid $800 in ’72. So if monetary value is your reason for buying one of these fine, or if you want a flashy looking guitar, go for it. Just don’t expect it to be a practical/usable guitar, because it’s not.
      I really would challenge any person with a #17 Veleno to step forward. I truly do not know the origin of this guitar. Only that I bought it in NJ in 1972, when they were selling for $800 and were not collector’s items.

    2. MY Veleno Guitar #137
      FELIPE J. CAVAZOS

      I HAVE OWNED A VELENO # 137 FOR THE PAST 20 OR MORE YEARS..
      COULD ANY ONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE VALUE OF IT NOW…
      THANKS
      F.J. CAVAZOS

      1. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
        Mark Breecher

        Never mind the current value, I have been looking high and low for years to own a gold one.

        Who will sell ???????????????????????

        Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

          2. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
            Ketil Stokkan

            John Veleno has a new line of Veleono guitars at 9000 UDS (retail), which means you can get it cheaper by calling Veleno directly –

            Best
            Ketil
            N-Norway

        2. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
          mark kremer

          : Never mind the current value, I have been looking high and low for years to own a gold one.

          : Who will sell ???????????????????????

          : Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

          Frank Hannon of the rock group "Tesla" gave me a Anodized Gold Veleno, It’s the one leaning against the tree on this web site.
          He still has 1 Chrome one left & one Traveler # 7, Might be for sale if the price was right ?

          1. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
            Mark Kremer

            I just looked, This posting was from 2002, Its almost 2008.
            My E-mail address is [email protected]

            I can still pull up one, Maybe 2 original Velenos if the price was right ?

            People that own them don’t want to give them up unless the price is right.
            Thanx.
            Mark Kremer-Sacramento California

          2. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
            Richard Plumb

            : : Never mind the current value, I have been looking high and low for years to own a gold one.

            : : Who will sell ???????????????????????
            Dont have a guitar for you Mark old buddy…..but I sure would love to talk to you and Judy after all these years….314-630-8277
            : : Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

            : Frank Hannon of the rock group "Tesla" gave me a Anodized Gold Veleno, It’s the one leaning against the tree on this web site.
            : He still has 1 Chrome one left & one Traveler # 7, Might be for sale if the price was right ?

        1. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
          tomas

          : I am looking to buy a Veleno guitar.
          : Anybody with one for sale. Please let me know.
          : thanks
          : yulu0003

          no entiendo ingles pero soy propietario de una veleno y de las primeras. Me gustaria saber mas sobre ustedes.
          Muchas gracias.

          1. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
            Steve

            Original Veleno for sale. Chrome body, black neck. Beautiful. 100% original and have owned this guitar for over 25 years. Excellent condition.

          3. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
            pooker

            I have an original Veleno for sale. I have owned it for over 25 years. It is 100% original and comes with the original case. Guitar is in excellent condition. Pictures available on request.

          4. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
            gene

            : :i have aoriginal 1976 veleno number 135 mint get back

            : no entiendo ingles pero soy propietario de una veleno y de las primeras. Me gustaria saber mas sobre ustedes.
            : Muchas gracias.

          6. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
            ps

            : : I am looking to buy a Veleno guitar.
            : : Anybody with one for sale. Please let me know.
            : : thanks
            : : yulu0003
            I have a friend who has number 7 and might want to sell it. I realize you posted this a while ago but maybe you are still looking?

            : no entiendo ingles pero soy propietario de una veleno y de las primeras. Me gustaria saber mas sobre ustedes.
            : Muchas gracias.

        2. We have a celbrity owned veleno for sale
          Laura

          We have a Veleno made for Low Reed, then owned by Ace Frehley… Pictures of him with the guitar from Circus Magazine, the guitar is signed.
          Let us know if you have interest, and we will email you photos. Laura

          1. Re: We have a celbrity owned veleno for sale
            K

            : We have a Veleno made for Low Reed, then owned by Ace Frehley… Pictures of him with the guitar from Circus Magazine, the guitar is signed.
            : Let us know if you have interest, and we will email you photos. Laura

            I´m in contact with Joe Veleno andf his family, and I really need to know whether this is a real object for sale or a hoax. I know all the numbers between xxxx and xxxx. Talk to me!

            K

          2. Re: We have a celbrity owned veleno for sale
            Tony Young

            : We have a Veleno made for Low Reed, then owned by Ace Frehley… Pictures of him with the guitar from Circus Magazine, the guitar is signed.
            : Let us know if you have interest, and we will email you photos. Laura

            1. Re: We have a celbrity owned veleno for sale
              ibuyvelenos.com

              ill take it. Please email [email protected]

              : : We have a Veleno made for Low Reed, then owned by Ace Frehley… Pictures of him with the guitar from Circus Magazine, the guitar is signed.
              : : Let us know if you have interest, and we will email you photos. Laura

          3. Re: We have a celbrity owned veleno for sale
            john smith

            can you send me some pictures of the guitar i am a huge fan of kiss mostly ace frehley thanks a million!

            …..john……..

          4. Re: We have a celbrity owned veleno for sale
            Kevin

            : We have a Veleno made for Low Reed, then owned by Ace Frehley… Pictures of him with the guitar from Circus Magazine, the guitar is signed.
            : Let us know if you have interest, and we will email you photos. Laura
            I am interested am would like all the deatails and photos with a price-thank you .Kevin [email protected]

        3. We have a celbrity owned veleno for sale
          Laura

          We have a Veleno made for Low Reed, then owned by Ace Frehley… Pictures of him with the guitar from Circus Magazine, the guitar is signed.
          Let us know if you have interest, and we will email you photos. Laura

        4. Re: MY Veleno Guitar
          Dan K.

          : I am looking to buy a Veleno guitar.
          : Anybody with one for sale. Please let me know.
          : thanks
          : yulu0003

          I own a Veleno (serial #48), and although I’m not sure if I want to part with it (it’s a magnificent guitar), I could be persuaded if the price is right. How much are you looking to pay for one?

          Dan

            1. Re: I Have a Veleno
              Ketil Stokkan

              Talk to me. And whar about that Kahler,- has it been mounted after you (or the original owner) bought it? Picture, Certificate?

              Best

              Ketil
              N-Norway

            2. Re: Celebrity owned Veleno FOR SALE
              Paul

              I have a Veleno (#114) previously owned by Steve Stevens (of Billy Idol and The Atomic Playboys). Comes with full certification and signed hardcase. Beautiful condition and playability.

      3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... John Veleno
        John Veleno

        : I have one,…NO pickguard,…and no serial #,…could this be a prototype? IT"S THE MONSTER–soooooooooo,…what’s it’s CURRENT value? By the way,..it’s MINT! Get Back

        2. Veleno, one of the 196-198 copies made in 1972-73?
          Anonymous

          Hi!

          Talked to the man himself. He´s worried that there are so many falcified copies going around. Ans as I know more than serial numbers and what makes a Veleno a real object, what are you really offering?

          K

          My email address/account is: – [email protected]

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