For Pensa guitars, the Soho Custom 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 Soho Custom model is still made right here in NYC by our Pensa builders and each one is unique and crafted to the highest standard. Custom handmade guitars, built right here at Rudy's for over 30 years. Model: Soho Custom Body Finish/Color:Nitrocellulose Lacquer Top/Custom Amber Back Finish Color:Nitrocellulose Lacquer Top/Heritage Cherry Neck Finish/Color: Nitrocellulose Lacquer/Natural Paint Option: Black headstock face, gold outline logo Top Wood: Quilted maple Body Wood: Chambered mahogany Neck Wood: Hard maple, heel adjust truss rod Neck Back: C Scale Length: 25 1/2" Luminlay side dots, 10"-12" compound radiusFingerboard Wood: East Indian rosewood, 1/4" clay facemarkersBinding: .09" Ivoroid on the body top and the fingerboard Neck Pickup: EMG SA Ivory Middle Pickup: EMG SA Ivory Bridge Pickup: EMG 85 Ivory Rear rout mount Electronics: Volume, Tone (Pull: Activate EMG SPC/Mid-range booster) 5-way pickup selector switch Nut: Locking Schaller R2, 1 5/8" Frets: Dunlop 6105 / 22Bridge: Schaller locking, no body top recess Tuners: Gotoh SG381 Hardware Color: Gold Pickguard: None Knobs: Dome Weight: 7.9lbs/3.55kg Case: Ameritage Custom Hardshell String Gauge: .010" ~ .046"
