Vintage 1980 Charvel Stephen Stern Style 2 Custom Sunburst SUPER-RARE Guitar

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Here at Truetone Music, we are fortunate to have close relationships with some of the most prolific guitar builders.  One that stands above the rest is the legendary Stephen Stern, Senior Masterbuilder at the Gretsch Custom Shop.  Over the years, he was also responsible for D'Aquisto, Benedetto and Fender Custom Shop builds.

While he is mainly known for amazing Gretsch builds, Stern's had a long history prior to that.  Going back to begining - as in the very begining - he started at Charvel in 1980.  This is where it all started.  He stayed for 4 years before moving out of the guitar industry for 9 years to do carpentry work, not coming back until 1993 to join the Fender Custom Shop.  That's what led to the Gretsch Custom Shop and an incredible legacy.  There's much to be said about all of that, but for now, let's get back to this guitar.

After joining Charvel, Stern came across a Tele-shaped body that was set off to the side.  Being told it weighed too much to use, he was able to secure it to build a guitar, which was never sold - he built it for himself.  Stern kept it for a number years before selling it to a close friend.  Together, they recently brought it here to Truetone.  That is that guitar, available on the market for the first time, 44 years later.

The guitar is essentially a Tele Custom; using Charvel's naming convention, it's a Style 2.  The ash body has a beautiful grain that really pops out under the transparent sunburst lacquer finish - visually, the guitar is beyond pleasing to the eye.  The aged white binding on the top really frames the guitar well and adds a classic touch.  The one-piece maple neck has a C-shaped profile that is super comfortable to play. 

Of course, it's not just about looks and feel, it's also about sound - and this Charvel sounds amazing.  It's loaded with Seymour Duncan pickups - Stern believe that the bridge position has a Quarter Pound Tele pickup and that the neck position has a vintage 50's style model (these are the original pickups put in the guitar nearly half a century ago).  You get the classic Tele sound with a higher output, giving you more punch and saturation.  Plugged in, this guitar is incredible.

Overall, the guitar is in great shape - there are a few dings on the body, as seen in the photos, but nothing major.  The neck has plenty of life left in it.  The guitar has been setup to play perfectly by the techs in our shop.  A hardshell case is included.  Also, note that the back of the headstock has been signed by Stern himself.

We've had a lot of special instruments here but not many with as interesting of a history as this one.  It could be said that it's the first professionally made guitar by Stephen Stern.  Considering his own legacy, that makes this beyond special.  We're excited to have it, and while we'll be sad to see it go, we know it will mean a lot to whomever gets it!