For Pensa guitars, the MK-1 model is right there at the top. It all started back in 1988 with the debut of the Pensa-Suhr MK-1. Mark Knopfler had become frustrated by constant guitar switches during performances, so he turned to friend Rudy Pensa for a solution. The duo sketched the guitar on a coffee shop napkin, and Rudy's Music Stop guitar builder John Suhr transformed it into the MK-1 in time for Knopfler's debut at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert. The MK-1 quickly became a cherished studio and stage companion for the next five years, playing a significant role in recording Dire Straits' 1991 album "On Every Street" and throughout the subsequent 1991-92 On Every Street Tour. The MK-1 Classic model is still made right here in NYC by our Pensa builders and each one is unique and crafted to the highest standard.
Specs:
Model: Pensa MK-1 Classic
Serial: 1210/111924
Finish/Color: Nitrocellulose Lacquer/Custom Amber
Back Finish/Color: Nitrocellulose Lacquer/Heritage Cherry
Neck Finish/Color: Nitrocellulose Lacquer/Natural
Paint Option: Black headstock face, gold outline logo
Top Wood: Premier quilted maple
Body Wood: Chambered mahogany
Neck Wood: Premier birdseye maple
Neck Back: C
Scale Length: 25 1/2" 10"-12" compound radius, luminlay side dots
Fingerboard Wood: East Indian rosewood
Binding: .09" Ivoroid on the body top/fingerboard
Neck Pickup: EMG SAX Ivory
Middle Pickup: EMG SAX Ivory
Bridge Pickup: EMG 89X Ivory, rear rout mount
Electronics: Volume, tone (pull: single coil mode on EMG 89X) 5-way selector switch
Nut: Schaller Locking R2, 1 5/8"
Nut Width: 1 5/8"
Frets: Dunlop 6105 / 22
Bridge: Schaller locking
Tuners: Gotoh SG381
Hardware Color: Gold
Pickguard: None
Knobs: Dome
Weight: 7.7(3.50kg)
Case: Ameritage Hardshell
String Gauge: .010" - .046"
