Initially started as a custom build company by Semie & Andy Moseley in late '50s California, Mosrite guitars were one of the most unique, and ultimate short lived, guitar manufacturers to come out of the West Coast electric guitar boom of the '50s & '60s. Working with Paul Bigsby and Rickenbacker prior to starting Mosrite, Semie Moseley is responsible for some of the quirkiest and most intriguing electric guitar designs of the '60s, with his instruments popularised initially by Joe Maphis and The Ventures, and eventually gaining international acclaim in the hands of Johnny Ramone.
This 1965 Mosrite Ventures II model is the quintessential Mosrite guitar. Introduced in this incarnation in 1965 and renaming in production for 3 short years, the Ventures II guitar was a German Carved version of the earlier offset body Ventures models produced in conjunction with one of the West Coast's most popular surf bands at the time.
Constructed from an alder body with bolt on Maple neck and Rosewood board, the Ventures II features a number of forward thinking design elements, with a zero fret, roller bridge and unique Mosrite designed VibraMute vibrato system. The body is fitted with a pair of Mosrite made P90 style pickups that have a wonderfully full tone with plenty of bite and growl. The body is finished in a Candy Apple Red lacquer akin to that used by Fender during the ‘60s, with a small amount of gold undercoat visible in areas of wear on the body.
this guitar is internally and externally original and in great condition, with the pots dating to the 27th week of 1965, and the neck stamp showing a July 26 1965 ink date.
As with all vintage instruments, this 1965 Mosrite Ventures II has been given a full service and appraisal by the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
