Baretta Project

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Guys:

What's up! Hey, I just wanted to share a new project with you. I've decided to build (sort of) a new Baretta.:headbang

Since I'm lefty, Baretta's are hard to come by, so why not build one? I just got hold of a USA Kramer Lefty neck which should be arriving next week. Then, I contacted Warren at Southeast Guitars, and he built the body for me. This morning, I contacted Mitchell at MeanStreet for the paintjob. After a lot of thinking, I've decided I'm going to go with Super Neon 80's Poison/Ectoplasm/Slimer Green as the choice of color for the new project! What do you think?

Anyway, Warren is going to ship it right to Mitchell next week. In the meantime, I'll get my hands on the neck, start shopping for the parts, decide if I'm going to go with the JB or the Screamin Deamon (I'm leaning towards the JB) and get this party started!

She should look great by the time it's done. If anybody would like, I can show the progress as we get closer to the finish line.

"Limey" AKA "FrankenRetta" :) should look really good sitting next to "Pinky" !!!

Mike

[nightwatch]

That's a great idea - it will look incredible. I'd love to see update pics of your project :bananahea

[KramerLeftyFreak]

NightWatch:

Thanks a lot man! I'm going to keep giving updates for sure. The fun should be starting next week!

[SlipSlidinSlim]

Sounds like a cool project. I hope she turns out good. :thumbsup

[TommysGs]

What kind of wood did you have the body made of?

I'm kind of partial to the white and red Baretta's myself, but then you are not building it for me.

A florescent neon green should be awesome.
It will make the audience wear shades.

Glow in the dark would be cool. When you jump around it will make people see trails.:D

When you get it done it will be one of your fav's because it is all you.
Have fun along the way.

You are making me want to get to my Pro-axe project. I have a bare mahogany body.
Just having trouble with deciding on the color.
I'm leaning hard twords a heavily metal flaked burgandy.

[flyingvfreak]

Guys:

What's up! Hey, I just wanted to share a new project with you. I've decided to build (sort of) a new Baretta.:headbang

Since I'm lefty, Baretta's are hard to come by, so I contacted Warren at Southeast Guitars, and he built the body for me.

Anyway, Warren is going to ship it right to Mitchell next week.

Mike

:scratchhe Another Lefty By Warren :poke Weres Mine !!!:banghead Warren got some explaining to do :chainsaw

[warrenp099]

Don't worry Vinnie, you're taken care of.

[lefthandedshredder]

Sweet dude! Definately post as many pics of that baby as your heart desires :)

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Hey guys:

I'm using Alder for the project, which I believe is the best wood for a Baretta. I'll definately keep everybody in the loop and as we do the work and get the pieces, pictures will be taken! The only thing we're worried about is installing everything (posts, etc) after the body is painted. We don't want to chip anything!

So let the games begin! :toast

Mike

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Tommy:

Just start looking around everywhere online at cool guitars, and it helps decide the color for your ProAxe project. Once you get color out of the way, it's almost like breaking the ice on a project!

For me, I took a picture of my Baretta, then went into PhotoShop and changed the color of the body to every possible color unti I said to myself "Damn, that looks good!" It's a good little trick if you're into PhotoShop!

Good luck Tommy, and get that project started.:thumbsup

Mike

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Today, the Baretta body arrived at the paint shop. It's in line now to be painted Super Neon Green. When it's done, Warren will be sending me pictures, so I'll post them on here!

In the meantime, I just made the call to order many of the parts (Floyd Rose, Duncan Zebra JB, Tuners, electronics, etc.) so they're on their way too!

She's gonna be a beast!:headbang

Michael

[nightwatch]

Ahh, it will look awesome. You mean, a color kind of like this :)

(click to enlarge)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h131/gtrgeek/th_DSCN0283.jpg (http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h131/gtrgeek/DSCN0283.jpg)

[KramerLeftyFreak]

NightWatch:

Yes! Hahah! That's funny, exactly what I was thinking!

That's beautiful by the way, and now I really feel good that I picked that color!

Yes, a Baretta body, with a rosewood Kramer USA fretboard. I can't wait for these pictures.

Mike

[nightwatch]

Well, here's another shot in a bit better light. The original headstock broke, so its a replacement neck, but I love the way it plays, I decided to keep it - if it ain't broke - don't fix it. I'm looking forward to seeing your Baretta all done.

(click to enlarge)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h131/gtrgeek/th_DSCN0278.jpg (http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h131/gtrgeek/DSCN0278.jpg)

[JimmyDenton]

Dean brought out some guitars in awesome colours , neon green, pink, yellow and purple. they didnt have a floyd rose tho just a vintage trem and thats no good for what ide want to play, i love flouresent colours tho. hope it comes out good:thumbsup

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Thanks Jimmy! Me too! I'm praying that it comes out like the vision in my head! We'll see! I'm betting on it!

Michael

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Hey guys:

I just wanted to give everyone an update about my latest project, I'm getting the body back from Mitchel at Meanstreet today!!!!! Woo!!!! Let the fun begin.

Here's the pictures Mitchel sent me. I'll take more when I actually have it in my hands today!

What do you think? This thing's going to be badass when I'm done. Of course, I'll show the pics when we complete the project.:toast

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/MeanStreetPaintjobSlimeGreenMichael.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Thanks guys!

Michael

[atomicholiday]

Oh man, I love that green. Very cool project.:thumbsup

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Thanks Atom! Yes, Mitch is the man:thumbsup

I'm at work right now anxiously awaiting the UPS truck!:lol

Measurements over the weekend for the floyd, etc, then I'll buy the parts and get this party started!

Thank you both Warren and Mitchel for being so kick ass! :urock

Michael

[nightwatch]

Wow! Words fail - that is just and incredible looking color. Ok, we need to see it completed this long holiday weekend. That is going to be killer when complete :drool :drool :drool :bananahea

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Thanks NightWatch! I think I was listening to a lot of Poison at the time when I came up with that color :lol

I really wish I could finish the project this weekend, but I need to do measurements and order the parts, so unfortunately it's going to take a little longer than a weekend. However, believe me, it's not going to take that long! I'm too anxious to get this completed, I'm not going to be wasting too much time.

I'll keep you guys posted every step of the way.

God I hope this baby has that Baretta sound when we're done.

Michael

[nightwatch]

It will have the right sound. I've found on my Barettas, the OFR and the SD JB/or Schaller - depending on year, combo give that "sound" on those shaped bodies.

I've had a couple of Kramers with changed pickups, and when I've put the "correct" one in there - there it is, that sound they have.

That really is kickass - on the neck, is the fretboard maple or rosewood? You might have said, I don't recall right now.

[xbolt]

Zowie...that kicks :guns

[lefthandedshredder]

DUDE That colour is KILLER!!!! :headbang

[flyingvfreak]

Very Nice, you Gonna put A Maple Board on their :drool :scratchhe Whats up with the Painted Black neck pocket!! Painting a Neck pocket is a :nono Think of the Leo Fender method , Wood on Bare Wood = Sustain!!!

[lefthandedshredder]

Aaah Vinnie that's where you're wrong, it's actually a new technique patented by Chris called Fire-Sustain, where you soak the neck pocket in gasoline then set a match to it, the acoustical properties of burnt flaking wood result in greater sustain and tuning stability. A warning though; it should only be used on Multi-Ply Resonant bodies because of their high plastic content.

[flyingvfreak]

:scratchhe Huh???, I dont think so :lol

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Guys, once again thanks for the comments on the color.:urock God I can't wait for this baby to be done.

NightWatch thanks for the assurance that this project will have that Baretta sound that I'm craving. :thumbsup

Flying V, thanks for the advice on the neck pocket. To be honest, I didn't paint her, so I don't know why the neck pocket was painted.:banghead However, now I just learned something for today. Maybe I'll sand down the neck pocket, removing the paint? :scratchhe

We are currently sanding the neck pocket on the sides anyway to get the neck to fit. It's a little tight, so we're carefully sanding her to fit. The tight fit is most likely due to the paint. With this in mind, I'll probably sand the bottom of the pocket as well as the sides then, gently of course.

The neck is going to be a lefty rosewood sharktooth inlay neck.:headbang My favorite Kramer necks are of course the maple ones, but they're not that easy to find in lefty anymore. I scored an amazing sharktooth rosewood lefty neck, so that's what's going on! It's going to be badass!:evil

This week will be the week for ordering parts, and waiting for them to come in :banghead so the wait isn't going to be easy for me.

Anyway, thanks again guys and I'll keep you up to date on this as soon as I start getting these parts in.

Michael

[lefthandedshredder]

Sweet!
So I guess if you ever find a nice NOS lefty neck you'll slap her on?

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Flying V:

Yes, you're right about that. I'm going to put the rosewood sharktooth on for now, but in the future, down the road, if I find a NOS maple lefty neck, I'm going to slap her right on instead. To me, the ultimate guitar in my taste is a Maple neck Baretta. I wouldn't even think twice about it.

For now though, that sharktooth neck looks great, and I can't wait to hear how she plays. Soon!

Mike

[lefthandedshredder]

Mike, mate, you're always getting me confused for Vinnie!!!

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Oh LH Shredder I'm sorry! You're right! I must have been half asleep writing that message, sorry about that!

Maple necks are best, but I'll take the sharktooth!

Mike

[lefthandedshredder]

No worries bro.

Go the maple!!

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Guys:

In response to the question about painting over the neck pocket, and how it may potentially lessen the sustain, here's your answer:;)

Don't worry about the paint that's on the sides unless the neck seems too big to fit in the pocket. It should be perfect since I used one of my Kramer necks to measure. Think about it this way, if the neck fits the pocket perfectly, and there is paint inside the pocket...if you then removed that paint, there would be a gap left between the neck and the body on the sides.

Also, the black that's on there is just black wood dye...it has zero thickness, just to make it look better for the pics I sent you.

Also, as long as the back of the neck is flush against the body and bolted, you will achieve the same sustain value.

So there you have it, mystery solved! :thumbsup

[Alexander]

Surely if you're using a Floyd, you'll lose more sustain/tone from that, than from having a looser neck pocket? Or am I dead wrong?

[Dino]

Looks great!
Warren and Mitch do great work.
Keep us posted. ;)
________
Lovely Wendie99 (http://www.lovelywendie99.com/)

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Dino:

You got it man, yes they both did such a great job.:thumbsup Thanks again Warren and Mitch! :urock I'll keep everyone posted. The latest on the project is we are ordering the parts right now. We couldn't order a lot of the parts until we got the body in, because of measurements (measuring for the floyd, etc.). The first thing we're ordering is the floyd rose which will help us connect the neck to the body properly.

Also, we found the exact blueprint layout for a 1985 Baretta, showing exactly what pots were used, pickups (not that we didn't know) ect. We're ordering our parts based on that blueprint. It's all going to come together soon, but there are many things involved.

On top of that, I'm doing this as a team project with my guitar guy (high school buddy) Pete. Neither of us have done anything quite like this before, even though Pete is the repair guy for Guitar Center (works for a 3rd party that Guitar Center does their repair work with). He does the best set ups I've ever seen and can repair a Les Paul broken headstock like the best of them! Haha!:lol so we're being very careful, and doing our research!:funnel

I'll keep you and everyone else posted, I promise. This project is going to be bad ass. :evil Thanks for checking it out Dino!

Michael

[IownaSC3]

All you need are shiney cavity covers:thumbsup

Jerry

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Hey everyone! I'm very sorry (if anyone cares) that I haven't given an update on this Baretta project lately. The problem was that we ran into some trouble ordering parts. However, everything's been settled, and the parts are still flying in. There was a big problem when we ordered the lefty black Floyd Rose.:arrg

The Green Slime Baretta will be finished by Mid/End of August. In fact, I just ordered the cavity covers from Warren yesterday. I'm anxious to finish this up and take some pictures. Once I take the pics, they'll be up here right away.

Thanks guys!:urock

Michael

[nightwatch]

Sounds great! I can't wait to see it:bananahea

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Thanks NightWatch! We're almost done! I'm already talking to Warren about the next project! (damn building guitars is addictive!)

Michael

[monty_williams]

That's cool. I had an '85 Baretta painted lime green, similar to Dweezil Zappa's, back in the late 80's. I regret selling that guitar, the neck was a perfect fit for my hands.

[KramerLeftyFreak]

THE DAY HAS COME!!!! Tonight, when I get home from work, the new project will be completed! "Slimer" will finally come to life! I just got the last few remaining parts in the mail, and she will be done tonight!

I promise I will post pictures ASAP (probably this weekend). :bling

Monty: Do you happen to have a picture of Dweezl's Lime Green Baretta? I have to see it. :drool

Anyway, thanks everyone, and I'm excited to show you guys the result! :thumbsup


Michael

[pel666]

Can't wait to see it Mike!

And by the time you want to get rid of that Clawneck, be sure to let me know :)

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Pel:

You got it man! The same rule applies when you're ready to get rid of one of your maples!:)

Michael

[KramerLeftyFreak]

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!:headbang My Baretta project is finally done!!! She sounds INCREDIBLE, and looks even better! These pictures don't even do it justice (it's darker, richer green than this...my camera's retarded), but here they are anyway!!!! Let me know what you think guys, I hope you like!

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/KramerBarettaProjectSLIMERIsBorn-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/KramerBarettaProjectSLIMERIsBorn-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/KramerBarettaProjectSLIMERIsBorn8-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/KramerBarettaProjectSLIMERIsBorn-6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/IMG_8930.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/KramerBarettaProjectSLIMERIsBorn-7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/KramerBarettaProjectSLIMERIsBorn-5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

I really have to thank Warren at Southeast Guitars and Mitch at Meanstreet Guitars.:urock You guys did such an awesome job on the body, thanks so much!:notworthy

Now onto my next project! Hmm......:scratchhe


Hope you like the pics!

Michael

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Oh, I almost forgot. Here's the latest (rushed) portrait of Pinky and Slimer together!:D

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/IMG_8953.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

A match made in Kramer heaven...:)

Michael

[flyingvfreak]

Thats AWsome dude, Me like alot, :scratchhe but whats up with the TRC

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Vinnie:

That's a really crappy photo as well. We decided to get a little crazy and make a TRC in the exact shape of the "sharktooth" inlays. Believe me, it doesn't look cheesy at all IRL. It matches with the inlays perfectly, and looks bad ass (at least we think so?). We used the same material, and carefully carved it out (believe me, in real life it doesn't look ghetto at all).:happy1

Besides, I could always change it pretty easily if I get tired of it.;)

Michael

[lefthandedshredder]

Kick ass! That looks fantastic!

[warrenp099]

Looks great Mike I think I would leave the claw on it. I think it looks better than it would with Maple.

[KramerAmsterdam]

Yo I missed this tread totally!

Slimey and Pinky match perfectly! Very well done, tasteful too!

You did well Mike, told you Mitch can do great paintjobs, he's great!

Since you did a Baretta project-I have to do one myself....oops, already did! Pics will follow next week,,but it is not nearly as neat as yours!


Remy

[ullathorne]

Its not very often I'm stuck for words. But let me tell ya :drool :drool :drool :drool :drool :drool :drool

I LOVE IT


Hope you have many many years of fun playing them both.

Andy.:toast

Ps i recently had Warren and Mitch create an amazing guitar for me. Let me tell ya. You wont even want a fingerprint on it, never mind playing it in a bar. I'm scared stiff of scratching it.:D



Oh, I almost forgot. Here's the latest (rushed) portrait of Pinky and Slimer together!:D

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/IMG_8953.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

A match made in Kramer heaven...:)

Michael

[KramerUK]

totally missed this as well until today, but thats a stunning double act there Mike :thumbsup :drool
Nice to see Remy's old pinky has a new sibling to hang with :)

Oh, I almost forgot. Here's the latest (rushed) portrait of Pinky and Slimer together!:D

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/rocco11510/IMG_8953.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

A match made in Kramer heaven...:)

Michael

[KramerUK]

Don't you just love the Quote button, means you can have the pic in every reply :D

[plazmik]

Cool job Mike:thumbsup, looks great:drool

[nightwatch]

I've been waiting patientlly for this.

That is just absolutely awesome:yikes :yikes What a great job.

The two of them look wonderful together.

Congrats:drool :drool :drool :bananahea

[kb7010]

Very nice looking axe...!!! :thumbsup

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Damn guys thanks a lot for the props!:thumbsup
:urock

I'm so pleased with this guitar, I can't concentrate at work right now! She sounds great:toast

Because I can't get my mind off of this project and how cool of an experience it's been, it came to me this morning while getting ready for work what the next project is going to be......

I need opinions! I'm thinking about a Holoflash Baretta! I'm not sure what type of Holoflash design yet, but I'm seriously considering going in that direction.

Sound good?

Thanks again all of you guys for checking out and commenting on the new axe! Everyone keep the projects coming!

(oh and Remy.....you must share with me your latest project!):drool

Michael

[KramerLeftyFreak]

Guys:

There is one thing I need a hand with. Does anybody know where in the hell to get the alan key holder that goes on the back of the headstock? (this is a signature Kramer feature, I must have it!:guns ).

I'm not looking for the crappy/bulky one that comes on some of the Yo overseas Kramers. I'm looking for the cool, small one that goes on the real Kramers (and also comes on Jackson's I believe).

Any clue where I can find one of those for this beast? Thanks everyone for your suggestions!:headbang

Michael