Buiding a Johnny Ramone inspired guitar.

[LancePhilip1]

So my Pitbull Guitars MKA-2 kit arrived the other day. I'm building a Johnny Ramone replica. I'm going to be making some modifications to this kit. First off I was able to find a Mosrite headstock decal on Ebay that I will be using instead of the Pitbull logo. The biggest change is that I will be using a DiMarzio FS-1 pick up instead of the kit single coil. Johnny had the mini humbucker and tone pot disconnected. Johnny only used the FS-1 direct to the volume knob. I'll be doing this as well. He also had mismatched knobs on his guitar which I will be doing as well. The only thing I'm undecided about is to whether I should paint it to look new or if I should distress the finish to look road worn. What do all of you think?

[cork sniffer]

IMHO road worn is what happens, I can't see any street cred in an fake.
I've got faded jeans with holes but they left the shop years ago in new condition.

[gavinturner]

Great project dude. I put the FS-1 in mine and it sounds awesome. Will be watching your thread with inerest!

cheers,
Gav.

[wokkaboy]

welcome to the forum Lance, I prefer a new guitar look, fine if the guitar is beaten up after years of playing and gigging.
I like your build plans. As this is an ash body best you grain fill it. You might as well connect the neck pickup, I don't see any point having the neck pup in place and not connected.

Good luck with the build and look forward to seeing progress

[Fretworn]

Welcome Lance!

[stan]

Welcome Lance, sounds like a cool tribute build

[LancePhilip1]

GavinTurner I took a look at your build on FB. Great job. Just curious as to what paints you used on the MK-2 build? Also did you shield the pick up cavity? Lastly is that the mini humbucker that came with the kit?

[LancePhilip1]

I'm considering using Tru Oil gunstock finish on the neck. It's easy to apply and looks great when it's done. The only thing that I'm worried about is how well the decal will adhere to the headstock after the oil has been applied. I'm also wondering if it will take a clear coat paint to seal the decal in place after it's done.

[pablopepper]

I use tru oil on all my necks. I usually put the decal on after 2 or 3 coats and then put 5 or 6 more coats of oil over the top. No need to clear over.

[gavinturner]

Hey Lance, Yep I just used the mini HB that came with the kit. Like you I read that it shouldnt even be connected, so I just used the stock one as a *why not*. For paint I used Septone White Gloss Acrylic from SupercheapAuto. I definitely shielded the control cavity and the back of the scratchplate. I also used Tru-Oil on the back of the neck - love the way it feels when playing.

cheers,
Gav.