This is “the one that got away” for me! I bought it new in 1982 from Marguerite’s Music in Moorhead, Minnesota, with money I was supposed to use for college that fall.

I sold it in 1983 or 1984 – a move I instantly regretted.

I’m working on a new book about those crazy 1980s, and this guitar has a part to play in the story. It could also be secretly carrying two other very interesting tales. However, those stories can only be told correctly if we can find the guitar.

If you are the owner, rest assured I will only share what you allow me to, and you’ll have the right to review anything I publish.

To my fellow hunters out there, please be respectful to the current owner!

If you know where this guitar is, I would, of course, love a chance to buy it back. But telling the story is much more important!

Some key items to look for:

• Black headstock with Charvel logo
• Stripes matching this photo or any photo of Eddie Van Halen from the back of Van Halen II
• The 12th fret markers are unusually wide, much closer to the edge of the neck than any other Charvel