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Hi All,

My luthier is looking to sell a 1964 Ventures model for a recently laid-off client. He is not sure of its value, so I though I would assist by posting some pics here. His client is the original owner and bought it new in 1964. It is Candy Appple Red, although it looks more burgundy due to its age. It is all original including the Vibramute with rubber mute in good shape. Serial number is 1538 (quite faded, but he was able to read it with magnifying specs and LED light). The neck shows a good amount of playing time and some frets are well worn. It has a few chips and scratches and wrinkles, but is in good shape otherwise. I saw it briefly this afternoon. He didn't plug it in to an amp when I was there, but I assume the electronincs are fine.
It has the original case including a vintage white coily cord. The case is a bit worn in a few places, but otherwise in good shape. The interior appears to be in very good condition.
I thought it might fetch up to $4000, but I figured the forum sages could lend their expertise on an appraisal.

Many thanks!
-John

Hi John,

I checked ebay to see if there are any other '64s to see what their price is but there are none to compare to that I could find.

The 60s Ventures model / Mark 1s that are there however appear to be going for $2500 to 6000.

That one looks pretty nice, I like the German Carve on the treble horn but I wonder if he still has the original bridge?

I wouldn't be surprised if some of those more experienced with guitar pricing would chime in!

Cool guitar, but it looks like he made his Vibramute mute Get the original bridge back on it, and go ebay with a comfortable reserve for the seller and see what happens.

Rocco

My luthier said according to a guitar blue book, 1964 was the only year with the rubber mute pad?? I don't know enough about that to comment, but I have a feeling that Semie never installed a rubber mute pad with the kind of bridge that I saw on the guitar. It seems to have rollers on it and looks completely different from the "normal" Mosrite bridge.

So can we assume that the bridge on the guitar as pictured replaced the original spec bridge?

-John

To me the bridge looks like one from an Italian made Vox or Eko guitar. They used the weather stripping mute pads like this one as well.

You guy's are right that the bridge is not original Mosrite. Here is the only rubber mute Mosrite ever used.

I think your guitar would be more likely considered an early 65 model. I believe when referring to 1964 models, they are referring to the ones that have a screw on cover plate covering the large screws/bolts attaching the neck. Later models have a bolt thru cover plate that has the bolts that attach the neck going thru the cover plate. Dates of manufacture are pretty hazy with Mosrites but thats generally how late 1964 models are look at ie screw-on cover plate for 64 models and bolt thru cover plates for 65 and later models. Then the bolt-on cover plate models are further divided by being vibramute vs mosley models. Good luck with the sale, a very nice looking Vibramute model.

1963-64 = Set necks
mid to Late 64 = Screw on cover plate covering neck bolts
1965 and later = Bolt thru cover plate

Thank you all for the feedback! I have forwarded it to my luthier.
-John

Seen sorta ratty ones at Chicago shows and a big shop well over 5 K.