1971 Veleno Traveler #2
A fascinating and exceptionally rare piece of guitar history, this 1971 John Veleno Traveler is number 2 of just 11 examples ever produced. Built by Florida visionary guitar maker John Veleno, these instruments represent one of the earliest and most distinctive explorations of aluminium-bodied electric guitar design. While Veleno is best known for his full-size aluminium guitars that gained cult status among major artists in the 1970s, the Traveler was an experimental and highly limited offshoot of that concept.
Constructed entirely from aluminium, the Traveler mirrors the aesthetic and construction approach of Veleno’s larger instruments but in a compact, portable format. The body and neck are machined from aluminium and finished to a bright sheen, giving the guitar its unmistakable futuristic appearance.
Most if not all of these instruments were reportedly given as gifts to artists. This example, number two of the twelve made, was presented to concert promoter Margie Sexton of Gulf Artists Productions and Silver Star Productions by John in the early 1970s. Sexton was deeply involved in the rock touring circuit across Florida and Georgia and frequently introduced artists to John Veleno’s instruments backstage. Many well-known players encountered Veleno guitars through her concerts, helping build the brand’s reputation among touring musicians of the era.
In keeping with Veleno’s approach, the hardware and electronics are simple and functional, allowing the aluminium construction to do much of the tonal work. The result is a bright, focused voice with excellent sustain and a very distinctive character that sits somewhere between classic electric guitar clarity and the piano-like immediacy often associated with metal-neck instruments.
Veleno guitars have long held cult status among collectors thanks to their unique construction and association with numerous artists throughout the 1970s rock era. The Traveler models are far rarer still, making surviving examples exceptionally difficult to find.
A remarkable and historically interesting instrument, this 1971 Veleno Traveler #2 represents a truly unusual chapter in electric guitar design, combining experimental engineering, rock-tour provenance and extreme rarity in one striking package! Complete with the original soft case.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
A fascinating and exceptionally rare piece of guitar history, this 1971 John Veleno Traveler is number 2 of just 11 examples ever produced. Built by Florida visionary guitar maker John Veleno, these instruments represent one of the earliest and most distinctive explorations of aluminium-bodied electric guitar design. While Veleno is best known for his full-size aluminium guitars that gained cult status among major artists in the 1970s, the Traveler was an experimental and highly limited offshoot of that concept.
Constructed entirely from aluminium, the Traveler mirrors the aesthetic and construction approach of Veleno’s larger instruments but in a compact, portable format. The body and neck are machined from aluminium and finished to a bright sheen, giving the guitar its unmistakable futuristic appearance.
Most if not all of these instruments were reportedly given as gifts to artists. This example, number two of the twelve made, was presented to concert promoter Margie Sexton of Gulf Artists Productions and Silver Star Productions by John in the early 1970s. Sexton was deeply involved in the rock touring circuit across Florida and Georgia and frequently introduced artists to John Veleno’s instruments backstage. Many well-known players encountered Veleno guitars through her concerts, helping build the brand’s reputation among touring musicians of the era.
In keeping with Veleno’s approach, the hardware and electronics are simple and functional, allowing the aluminium construction to do much of the tonal work. The result is a bright, focused voice with excellent sustain and a very distinctive character that sits somewhere between classic electric guitar clarity and the piano-like immediacy often associated with metal-neck instruments.
Veleno guitars have long held cult status among collectors thanks to their unique construction and association with numerous artists throughout the 1970s rock era. The Traveler models are far rarer still, making surviving examples exceptionally difficult to find.
A remarkable and historically interesting instrument, this 1971 Veleno Traveler #2 represents a truly unusual chapter in electric guitar design, combining experimental engineering, rock-tour provenance and extreme rarity in one striking package! Complete with the original soft case.
