ESP M-II NTB to KH-2 Ouija conversion?
ESP M-II NTB to KH-2 Ouija conversion?
Hello,
I'm thinking about buying a used M-II NTB and convert it into a black KH-2 Ouija, as this was always my dream guitar but too expensive. Woods and dimensions are all the same, except for the neck contour that on the KH-2 is "extra thin U" and on the M-II is "thin U" but I guess it will be already thin enough : )
From what I researched, I would need:
- Black M-II NTB without the neck and headstock bindings (here). Can find used for about $1k
- Drill new holes for additional Vol, Tone and 3 way switch (is the electronics cavity the same size of the KH-2? Looks like it is)
- Remove the rosewood fingerboard and build a new one with the moon/stars inlays (probably the trickiest part)
- Repaint it with the Ouija graphics. I heard that the old Ouija's had a glow in the dark graphics paint, and the new 09' ones are just white. Is this true?
I would obviously need a very good luthier and painter to do the job and I already have it. Am I missing something? Do you guys think it is possible?
Hello,
Thanks for the info. You are right, if there is a Ouija for less than USD 4k maybe it is a good deal, but I never saw any neck-thru Ouija for less than $7k. Besides that, I would have to pay 60% of customs taxes when it get to my country. Anyway, I'll do the math to know if it will worth the job.
Guijs wrote:Hello,
Thanks for the info. You are right, if there is a Ouija for less than USD 4k maybe it is a good deal, but I never saw any neck-thru Ouija for less than $7k. Besides that, I would have to pay 60% of customs taxes when it get to my country. Anyway, I'll do the math to know if it will worth the job.
Sorry mate, I must have missed the part where you wanted one of the 2009 re-issue Ouijas which is why you wanted the NTB guitar.
You are right, you won't find one of those around US $4000 anytime soon.
If you have to pay 60% tax on top, then you are definitely better off having a crack at having one made lol.
Which country do you live in? I want to know so I don't ever move there to live. lol
Hi mate,
Anything is possible, of course.
But I wouldn't undertake such a project. You will find it will end up costing you not much less than actually purchasing a real original Ouija.
An original Ouija recently sold here in Australia for AU $5000 which is approx US $3700. That was in mint condition and it went to a new owner over in the UK.
The original Ouijas didn't have glow in the dark paint. They reckon they did, but I reckon only Kirk's original two guitars glowed in the dark.
They were all painted white, but the white paint slowly but surely turns yellowish over time. Some turned yellowish quicker than others, depending on sun/UV exposure.
For the sake of a few bucks, look for an original Ouija mate. You will then have the real deal and won't have to worry about having to find a good luthier and airbrush artist.
Wish you all the best with whichever way you want to go about it.