Maywood, NJ, United States
About this listing
1985 Kramer USA Baretta "No Bozos Guitar" Serial C5151 *Collectors Only*This listing is for my 1985 Kramer USA Baretta Serial Number: C5151 — the model featured in one of the most iconic advertisements in rock guitar history: the legendary "No Bozos" Kramer ad that ran in June 1984 issues of Circus and Guitar Player magazines. In that ad, Edward Van Halen is pictured holding this exact model, cigarette in hand, wearing his famous "No Bozos" t-shirt — a Bozo the Clown face with the red circle-and-slash through it. This image became one of the most celebrated photographs in Van Halen history.The GuitarI have put this guitar to 1985. I never claim to be the know-it-all of vintage Kramer instruments. Some believe it is an 83-84. As a guitar collector and a Van Halen fan since I was in grammar school, I might be older than you think, the exact build date is not why I have this one. This is a true vintage, USA-made Kramer Baretta featuring the coveted banana/hockey stick headstock — the headstock Ed specifically preferred and the one that put Kramer on the map. The banana headstock was introduced in late 1983 – early 1984 and is a defining feature of the holy grail-era Barettas that collectors seek above all others. This Baretta has an original Floyd Rose tremolo, single slanted humbucker and the minimalist single-volume control layout that EVH demanded — pure, uncluttered tone and feel. The guitar is in Excellent overall condition — exceptional for an instrument now over 40 years old.The Serial Number: C5151This is where it gets chilling for any Van Halen fan. The serial number is C5151. Eddie Van Halen's legendary private studio — the one where he recorded some of the greatest rock albums ever made — is called 5150. Van Halen's 1986 album 5150 went to #1 and is one of the best-selling rock records of all time. And Ed's own guitar brand, launched in 2004, called EVH, built around the 5150 legacy. This guitar's serial number misses 5150 by exactly one digit. For a guitar of this model, from this era, tied to this man, that is a jaw-dropping coincidence that any serious collector will appreciate immediately. Now you REALLY understand why I have no problem keeping it another 40 years, God willing.What's Included — A Complete PackageThis listing is not just the guitar. It is a collection of memorabilia any Van Halen fan will treasure:The Guitar — 1984/85 USA-made Kramer Baretta, banana headstock, Excellent condition.Era-Correct Hard Shell Case — original period-correct hardshell case.Original June 1984 Circus Magazine — Excellent condition, featuring the famous Kramer/EVH No Bozos ad with this guitar model.Original June 1984 Guitar Player Magazine — Excellent condition, also featuring the No Bozos ad.Brand New "No Bozos" T-Shirt — Size Large, unused — the shirt Ed wore in the ad, now yours.You are not buying a guitar. You are buying a piece of Van Halen history. Collectors like me will treasure this piece. The guitar that launched a revolution in how the world thought about the electric guitar, documented in real-time by two of the most respected music publications of the era, all together in one place — for the first time.Condition NotesBy Reverb's Condition Standards, this Kramer is Very Good. This guitar is over 40 years old and if you see the blemishes I photographed close up, I think this one is pretty darn Excellent. I have plenty of photos to see all parts of the guitar and the goodies it comes with. Questions welcome. Happy to provide additional photos or documentation upon request. This beauty weighs in at an even 8.0 Pounds. You can see a few dings and one chip on the lower edge. I do not believe in using touch up paint on guitars. 📫 I SPECIALIZE IN INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING OVER THREE DECADES. If you live on this planet, I will get this guitar to you. It will be double boxed and packaged professionally. Please note, any import and/or VAT Tax(es) are buyers responsibility. If you are not sure what your country might charge you, I recommend contacting your local Customs Office. If your country is not listed, contact me and I will get you a shipping price.
Price£4,000.68
+ £154.59 Shipping
