NGD - Kramer Tele Mick Mars (?)

[bongano]

She's just arrived.
It's still a mystery to me. :scratchhe
Nothing on the trussrod cover, nothing back of the h/s, nothing on the neckplate (blank).
Only "Japan" written on the volume pot and Kramer logoed black tuners.
Next days I'll dismount her completely hoping to find some more tells.
The back of the neck looks like it's factory black painted. Body was clearly home repainted long ago.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/9371/16082010822.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4968/16082010823.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5619/16082010824.jpg

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1860/16082010825.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5139/16082010826.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2941/16082010827.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8686/16082010828.jpg

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/6043/16082010818.jpg

[muttznmongrelz]

Interesting guitar. Sure looks like a Japan Issue Model of some sort. Glad to see you grabbed that one. Looks like it'll clean up nice too. :thumbsup

[KramerBassFan]

Yep, def looks like a Jap only model to me...

[junior]

Nothing wrong with a jap model, I've been on a Tele kick myself I like it :thumbsup

[muttznmongrelz]

Black & Pink "GGG" or a "Holoflash", although it looks just fine in Black.

[bongano]

Black & Pink "GGG" or a "Holoflash", although it looks just fine in Black.

Yeah, I just finished a dinner with a friend of mine talking about how to finish this guitar and the most voted choice has been the "Girls Girls Girls" black/pick one indeed. :thumbsup
I was looking at pics and now I'm searching for the right types characters. The last "s" is quite strange...

[Loll]

Yeah, I just finished a dinner with a friend of mine talking about how to finish this guitar and the most voted choice has been the "Girls Girls Girls" black/pick one indeed. :thumbsup
I was looking at pics and now I'm searching for the right types characters. The last "s" is quite strange...

Great!
Love that guitar and love that album too!:jump

[muttznmongrelz]

Yeah, I just finished a dinner with a friend of mine talking about how to finish this guitar and the most voted choice has been the "Girls Girls Girls" black/pick one indeed. :thumbsup
I was looking at pics and now I'm searching for the right types characters. The last "s" is quite strange...

to seeing this one when you get done w/her! :thumbsup

[geetar10]

Is the logo on the headstock a decal or waterslide? ;):D

:poke

[bongano]

Is the logo on the headstock a decal or waterslide? ;):D

:poke

:happy1:happy1:happy1

[Spadeace]

Nice score mate :urock

[juancho142]

Indeed, deffinitely a jap only model, here it is:

http://kramerguitars.hp.infoseek.co.jp/sub31_today_2.html

http://kramerguitars.hp.infoseek.co.jp/MMgirls_TO1.jpg


At least it fits the description;)


Juanxxö

[marsmountain]

.....it is a Jap model. Most likely a Mick Mars GGG with a home paint job. From my "research", I have found that one to be the only Jap Mars series tele to have the slanted humbucker and the pointy headstock. Sweet guitar.:thumbsup I would have grabbed it had I found it first.
K.

[KramerBassFan]

Thought so... the black paint looks rather.. meh.

But hey, we can thank Mick for my Love of Kramers, and Niki for my Bass playing. :thumbsup

[bongano]

Yeah, it was a very bad home paintjob.
Here she is just striped.


http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/7222/17082010830.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/6420/17082010831.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/6642/17082010832.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/4300/17082010833.jpg

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/4756/17082010834.jpg

Who knows what kind of wood is it? :scratchhe

[KramerBassFan]

It already looks better matey. :thumbsup

Mahogany perhaps?

[bongano]

It already looks better matey. :thumbsup

Mahogany perhaps?

Yeah could be mahogany.

[bongano]

3 pieces wood body.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2248/17082010835.jpg

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/4466/17082010836.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/1854/17082010837.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2520/17082010838.jpg

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/108/17082010839.jpg


Now sealed.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2996/17082010840.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/7003/17082010841.jpg

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/8825/17082010842.jpg

[bongano]

And after two (2!) hours of sanding here's the neck in its original shape!

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/6709/17082010843.jpg

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4228/17082010844.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/706/17082010845.jpg

:headbang

[muttznmongrelz]

You don't f'around when you're working on a project. Looking much better already! :funnel

[Loll]

You don't f'around when you're working on a project. Looking much better already! :funnel
Agree!
She's gonna be a great guitar!

Ps. Stefano, as you now i'd paint it white:D

[bongano]

Agree!
She's gonna be a great guitar!

Ps. Stefano, as you now i'd paint it white:D

No, she's gonna be a "GGG" black/pink replica.

[bongano]

Sh*t, my paints "pusher" is closed for holiday.
Have to wait till next monday to buy them... :banghead

[Craig Johnson]

Man, that is going to look sweet. How are you going to do the GGG letters? Hand paint the letters?

[KramerBassFan]

Damn you Bongano, and your fast project turn arounds! :arrg

But, is it just me, or does the truss rod route on the headstock look very... long?

[bongano]

Man, that is going to look sweet. How are you going to do the GGG letters? Hand paint the letters?

No, I put the original guitar pic on the background of Autocad then I vectorialized it.
Then I'm gonna print it with a cutting plotter on a sticky plastic sheet and use it as a mask.

[bongano]

Damn you Bongano, and your fast project turn arounds! :arrg

But, is it just me, or does the truss rod route on the headstock look very... long?

Yes it's longer than the American one.
Good sight. :thumbsup

[Craig Johnson]

No, I put the original guitar pic on the background of Autocad then I vectorialized it.
Then I'm gonna print it with a cutting plotter on a sticky plastic sheet and use it as a mask.

That's high tech stuff. Would have never thought about doing it that way. Post pics of the process. I want to see how you do it. I have to refinish my 1000 and would like to see that process.

[bongano]

First import raster image into Autocad and follow writing edges.
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/7594/clipboard01rbg.th.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clipboard01rbg.jpg)

Then remove the background image and here's the vector.
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/6863/clipboard02p.th.jpg (http://img834.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clipboard02p.jpg)

Into Corel Draw and laying out the printing page.
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6201/clipboard03k.th.jpg (http://img442.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clipboard03k.jpg)

Here's a preview of how it will be.
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4184/clipboard04uxz.th.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clipboard04uxz.jpg)

I'm trying this procedure for the h/s logos too :poke :happy1

[marsmountain]

Looks like you need to go into the buisness.:thumbsup I have a black tele that needs some graphics too.
K.

[bongano]

Looks like you need to go into the buisness.:thumbsup I have a black tele that needs some graphics too.
K.

You can send that body to me and I'll paint it! :thumbsup

[Craig Johnson]

Hurry up and get some paint.:):jump

[bongano]

Some updates.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1299/23082010863.jpg

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/3273/23082010864.jpg

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7594/23082010865.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/82/23082010866.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/7369/23082010867.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5784/23082010868.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/768/23082010869.jpg

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6246/23082010870.jpg

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/559/23082010871.jpg

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1829/23082010872.jpg

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7409/23082010873.jpg

[eddiedbone]

thats is looking sweet

[marsmountain]

NICE!:thumbsup

[sixstring]

very kool

[shredder1997]

:yikes wow thats amazing!:urock

[JGB]

Looks awesome Stefano!!! Very nice!

[muttznmongrelz]

nice... :thumbsup

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7409/23082010873.jpg

[juancho142]

Some updates.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1299/23082010863.jpg

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/3273/23082010864.jpg

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7594/23082010865.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/82/23082010866.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/7369/23082010867.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5784/23082010868.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/768/23082010869.jpg

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6246/23082010870.jpg

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/559/23082010871.jpg

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1829/23082010872.jpg

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7409/23082010873.jpg

:drool
Nice:thumbsup

[SHADOWSHADY]

That looks incredible, Great job

[kramerman65]

Lookin' good, always wanted one of those....
Hey my mom is coming to Italy first of September can you have it ready for her to pick up by then?:D:D:D

[Craig Johnson]

Looking sweet Stefano. What type of paint are you using?

[KenHeartsKramer]

You are really getting good at this, Stefano! :thumbsup

[vantage81]

I'm very jealous, that is one of my dream Kramers.

The other big question is, are going to find someone to paint the boobs on the back? :headbang

[literary]

Now that's a model I haven't seen around a lot.

[Loll]

It looks great!:drool

[bongano]

Looking sweet Stefano. What type of paint are you using?

Duplicolor nitro lacquer.

[bongano]

I'm very jealous, that is one of my dream Kramers.

The other big question is, are going to find someone to paint the boobs on the back? :headbang

There are already the boobs on the back, but I put a black bra on them.... :whistle

[kg4wih]

Sweet:thumbsup

[Craig Johnson]

Damn sorry dude. I might have to strip mine back down again too. Cheer up though. You'll have a Mars GGG when you're done.:)

[adkima00]

Stefano - you do really nice work! :notworthy

[bongano]

Thanks you all guys for your kind encouragement! :thumbsup

I just fixed the finish and I'd like to explain you the easy way I found and show you some pics, but now here in pizzaland is late night and pics come out bad with flash.

Tomorrow for updates. :thumbsup

[SHADOWSHADY]

Glad to hear you saved it, nothing worse than getting that far and having something happen.

[bongano]

Here's how I fixed the paintjob without sand it all out.
First I wet sanded the whole body qith 1000 grit paper to remove imperfections. I printed the graphic on normal printer paper. Then I cut the letters with a cutter just 1 mm. larger than the originals. I wet them with water and sticked over the graphic sliding them a little to perfectly cover the pink letters on the guitar. As they were wet they sticked slightly over the graphic. Finally I sprayed a couple coats of black and removed the paper letters immediately.

Here's the result.

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/8866/sam0686.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4155/sam0687.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/5746/sam0688y.jpg

Nearly perfect. Only need some little retouches around the letters and it should be good.
Didn't need to sand everything off and came out great IMO. Now I'll spray again some (good) coats of clear and see how it'll come out. :thumbsup

[bongano]

After first 3 clear coats.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4381/26082010888.jpg

[Kammo1]

Great work bro, Stefano do yourself a favour and spray some 2K clears on that guitar it will be more durable and protect that great paint job. Search Spraymax aerosol it is a 2K Clear in a can its just absolutely the best way to go using rattlecans and its sprays like a gun!!!! I was amazed when I first used this before I got my spraygun set-up and whenever I need a quick clear that doesn't involve dirtying my gun I use this stuff, try it you will not be dissapointed, hope this helps.

[bongano]

This clear finish is from Lechler (http://www.lechler.eu/on-line/Home.html) and it's a pro finish. Lechler's are considered one of the best paints on the retail market. Here, at least. :thumbsup
Never heard about Spraymax here in Italy. :scratchhe

[Kammo1]

Stefano is the Lechler stuff a 2K product or just a single stage ie just add thinners and spray ? if so the finish will NOT be as durable as a 2K finish thats whay I suggested a 2K clear in a can.

[bongano]

Oh I see what you mean. Bi-component paint, right?
No it isn't. I saw that bi paint in can, amazing. It has something like a trigger on the bottom of the can that frees the activator inside. Next time I'll try it. :thumbsup

[Kammo1]

Stefano also try these guys as well there in your neck of the woods and their stuff is excellent too. Nearly all the best Poly's and Polyester comes from Italy you know :D small world bro enjoy
http://www.astravernici.it/

[bongano]

Here she is polished and shining.
Will hang on the wall till the Dimarzio arrives and then will be setup time. :headbang

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4713/27082010901.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4135/27082010902.jpg

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/3189/27082010903.jpg

[Loll]

Here she is polished and shining.
Will hang on the wall till the Dimarzio arrives and then will be setup time. :headbang

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4713/27082010901.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4135/27082010902.jpg

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/3189/27082010903.jpg
Nice, really nice!:)
Ps. "you know what" just arrived!:thumbsup

[bongano]

Nice, really nice!:)
Ps. "you know what" just arrived!:thumbsup

I told you there were 2 or 3 days max at the customs...

[Loll]

I told you there were 2 or 3 days max at the customs...

In fact you were right, no doubt about it, you're my kramer guru!:D

[bongano]

Now shoot some pics and start a NGD thread.

[KramerBassFan]

Damn Bro, you really are racking them up....:D

[bongano]

The GGG is finished. :thumbsup
Everything's done but the pickup that is on the way. This one is the crap one I found on her when bought but a nice DiMarzio Super Distortion will be on her soon.
Watcha think guys?

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/1315/30082010911.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/2387/30082010912.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7397/30082010913.jpg

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9151/30082010915.jpg

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/5757/30082010918.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/5299/30082010919.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1369/30082010914.jpg

[bongano]

Googling looking for a MM pic I found a pic of the japan model guitar like mine...

http://take-a-walk.cocolog-nifty.com/photos/machine/kramer_girls.html

[marsmountain]

She is a beauty! :thumbsup
K.

[eddiedbone]

thats looks killer:thumbsup

[CMH (OH)]

Awesome save on the graphic!

It looks great. That has to be the fastest refin I've ever seen :)

Cheers,
Chris

[vantage81]

Awesome work. It looks great!

[muttznmongrelz]

A big :thumbsup on the conversion to "GGG" Graphic.

[BamaKramer]

A big :thumbsup on the conversion to "GGG" Graphic.

+1 to that! :banghead

[mikethaninefive]

Wow! Nice! I literally have been searching high and low for a GGG graphic for my Strat. I've tried a million different fonts and visited the local vinyl guys. I hate to rob your hard work but any way You could share the vectorified (or whatever it's called,lol) file? I would be eternally grateful! :) If not I understand too :) Orrr, you could sell GGG stickers ;)

[bongano]

Wow! Nice! I literally have been searching high and low for a GGG graphic for my Strat. I've tried a million different fonts and visited the local vinyl guys. I hate to rob your hard work but any way You could share the vectorified (or whatever it's called,lol) file? I would be eternally grateful! :) If not I understand too :) Orrr, you could sell GGG stickers ;)

This is not a sticker. It's pink paint.
PM me your email and I'll send you the vector file. :thumbsup

[bongano]

Finally finished.


http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7200/sam0860.jpg

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/121/sam0861y.jpg

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/1401/sam0862c.jpg

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/2462/sam0863.jpg

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/4127/sam0864n.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/8089/sam0865.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5705/sam0866.jpg

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/1700/sam0867.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/7365/sam0869o.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/2448/sam0870u.jpg

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/5288/sam0871y.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/7587/sam0872.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1117/sam0873p.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2705/sam0874.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6316/sam0875.jpg

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/1060/sam0876.jpg

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/2435/sam0878.jpg

[JoeyM]

Another job well done Stefano!

[pel666]

:bling :headbang :headbang :headbang

[mrwhipper]

Just stunning! :thumbsup:headbangIf you ever come to the US, I will have to get you to where I work. You would have a blast messing around.

[Chucho]

BEAUTIFUL job on your guitar!

I also like the look of your front door area & home! Makes me terribly miss that part of the world.

\m/

[adkima00]

BEAUTIFUL job on your guitar!

I also like the look of your front door area & home! Makes me terribly miss that part of the world.

\m/

I completely agree. Certainly doesn't look like new construction to me!

:happy1

[99 In The Shade]

awesome work!! simply stunning :)

[bongano]

Now this guitar is with a forum bro in Holland. :thumbsup

[moku]

nice work, stef. :thumbsup

[KramerUK]

I totally missed this somehow, but at least I got to see it all without any breaks, bit like pre-recording your favourite show and watching the whole series :D :D

Excellent work once again Stef, one thing I've noticed is that those necks have a similar profile to the block logo pointy necks used on the American series

[gilbertwannabe]

amazing job, and now its a cool unique kramer:thumbsup im very impressed with the autocad ability and using it for graphics. cool idea. keep up the good work.

the words on that guitar pretty much sum up my life; GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS and KRAMER:notworthy

[Gabry]

wow , this guitar is very nice! Congratulations Bongano! :thumbsup

[kramerman65]

Nice job Stephano, really nice. I love those MM Kramer Tele's. You really did a great job.:thumbsup

[kramerman65]

Sorry I butchered your name. My Italian is poor:D

[Werner Mars]

nice job!! interested in a mirror top???