Johnny Ramone, the legendary guitarist for the Ramones, wielded his instrument like a weapon, forging the raw, energetic sound that defined punk rock. While his downstroke-heavy style was instantly recognizable, so too was his signature guitar: a white 1965 Mosrite Ventures II. This wasn’t just any guitar; it was the Johnny Ramone Guitar, his constant companion for nearly two decades of relentless touring and recording. This article delves into the fascinating story of this iconic instrument, exploring its history, modifications, and enduring legacy as a symbol of punk rock rebellion.
From Chicago Replacement to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The story of this particular Johnny Ramone guitar begins with misfortune. In October 1977, disaster struck when the Ramones’ gear van was stolen after a Chicago show, including Johnny’s beloved blue Mosrite Ventures II. Fate, however, intervened. Just days later, Johnny acquired this 1965 Mosrite Ventures II as a replacement. Ironically, he had initially turned down this very guitar earlier that year, deeming the $500 price tag too steep. Little did he know, this “expensive” guitar would become his most cherished instrument and a cornerstone of punk rock history.
This white Mosrite became Johnny’s primary guitar from November 1977 until the Ramones’ final show in August 1996. Over these nineteen years, it endured approximately 1,985 high-octane performances and was instrumental in recording all fifteen Ramones albums released during that era, both studio and live. If you’ve heard a Ramones bootleg from this period, you’ve undoubtedly heard the raw power of this guitar. Its significance extends beyond recordings and concerts; this very guitar was even displayed at the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, cementing its place in music history.
Modified for Punk Rock Mayhem
While a 1965 Mosrite Ventures II is a sought-after guitar in its own right, Johnny Ramone’s guitar is unique due to its history and modifications. When Johnny acquired it, the guitar had already undergone some changes. The original basswood body had been refinished in white, and the vibrato tailpiece, standard for this model, had been replaced with a stop tailpiece – a modification Johnny had previously made to his blue Mosrite. Evidence of the original vibrato tailpiece remains, with plugged screw holes visible near the stop tailpiece. Similarly, the neck plate was missing, and the screw holes were filled.
Further alterations were made to optimize the guitar for Johnny’s aggressive playing style and punk rock demands. Before Johnny even received the guitar, his guitar tech, ‘Little Matt’ Lolya, replaced the original Kluson tuners with Grover tuning machines for enhanced stability. The pickups also evolved over time. Initially equipped with stock pickups, Johnny swapped the bridge pickup for a Dimarzio FS1 in the late 1979-early 1980, chosen for its hotter output. Then, in 1983, a Seymour Duncan SM model mini humbucker was added in the neck position, further broadening the guitar’s sonic palette. Both pickups remain functional, testaments to the guitar’s enduring reliability.
Johnny Ramone’s white Mosrite Ventures II guitar body, showcasing the stop tailpiece modification, plugged vibrato tailpiece holes, and wear and tear from years of punk rock performances.
Other distinctive features include a Gibson-style ‘Rhythm/Treble’ poker chip on the toggle switch and a non-roller bridge original to the guitar. A piece of cardboard, taped behind the bridge, served to stabilize it during Johnny’s energetic performances. The guitar retains its original floating nut. The pickguard and pickups are secured with a mix of slotted and Phillips screws, reflecting the guitar’s utilitarian, punk-rock aesthetic.
The knobs also tell a story of use and preference. While originally equipped with Gibson-style ‘top hat’ knobs, the volume knob was replaced with a more practical ‘tele’-style domed knob. The original tone knob, however, remains, bearing a chip at the #3 mark – a small but telling “battle scar.” Notably, the rosewood fingerboard lacks a serial number, a detail that became significant after the Chicago gear theft when Sire Records began requiring serial numbers on equipment manifests. This guitar was simply listed as ‘RM1’ on those documents.
Wear Marks of a Punk Rock Warrior
The wear and tear on Johnny Ramone’s guitar is not just cosmetic; it’s a visual representation of his intense playing style and the guitar’s history on stage and in the studio. The fretboard exhibits significant wear, particularly on the bass side of the higher frets, a testament to Johnny’s aggressive downstrokes. The neck was refretted at some point with heavier gauge fret wire to withstand his powerful playing. The original neck finish displays extensive checking due to age and the various environments the guitar was subjected to. The back of the neck shows considerable wear from the first to fifth fret, further illustrating the guitar’s heavy use. Nicks, dings, and finish wear are present throughout the instrument, each mark telling a story of punk rock history.
Attached to the guitar with gaffer tape is Johnny’s original ‘Straps Unlimited, Inc.’ strap and three Ramones guitar picks. Remarkably, these are the very strap and picks used at the Ramones’ final performance on August 6, 1996. The guitar itself is surprisingly light, weighing only 7.2 pounds with the strap. It comes with a heavy-duty ‘strat’-style case, signed by Johnny Ramone, though the case shows its age with one replaced latch and one broken latch.
The guitar case signed by Johnny Ramone, showing signs of wear consistent with years of touring.
A Near Miss and Lasting Legacy
Adding to the guitar’s legendary status, it narrowly avoided a second gear theft in Los Angeles in 1983. While the rest of the Ramones’ equipment was stolen from their hotel, this guitar was spared as it was undergoing maintenance by Matt Lolya in the hotel room. This close call further emphasizes the guitar’s almost mythical resilience.
The 1965 Mosrite Ventures II slab-body guitars were produced in limited numbers, estimated to be between 100 and 150, making them rare instruments. Johnny Ramone owned four of these guitars throughout his career, but this white example remains the most iconic and historically significant.
This Johnny Ramone guitar, originating from the Ramones and Punk Collection of Daniel Rey, is more than just a vintage instrument. Accompanied by a letter of provenance, it represents a tangible piece of punk rock history. It’s a testament to Johnny Ramone’s enduring influence and the raw, powerful sound that defined a genre. For collectors, fans, and guitar enthusiasts alike, this guitar is a true icon, embodying the spirit of punk rock rebellion and the unforgettable legacy of Johnny Ramone.
