Mosrite Joe Maphis models Serial Numbers List (1960s - 1980s.)

User avatar
101Volts
Master Contributor
Posts: 2486
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:33 pm
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Contact:

Mosrite Joe Maphis models Serial Numbers List (1960s - 1980s.)

Postby 101Volts » Mon Jan 03, 2022 10:19 pm

For anyone who has found this thread for the first time, you may either check this first post or one of my recent replies to see the most recent update to the list.

===============
Recent Updates:
===============

2024:

January 9:

2J300 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst, Bolt On, Klusons - Added.

January 17:

D402 - Refinished on front (but not sides) to Amber - added. Found on eBay from Japan from 2 sources. Neck and Body show wear.
2J214 (White) - Speculated number. It's likely to be this one, but I can't see the "2" very well in photos.

February 17:

Added R007 and R164. (Basses.)

=====================
Models History & Trivia:
=====================

Mosrite History is a sparsely known subject, and hopefully this can help fill some of that void.

First, there's a small batch of guitars from 1959 - 1962 that can be known as a "Joe Maphis Model." These first ones later became the Ventures model. They pre-date all of the Ventures models. I don't know much about these. They're completely different from what ended up being the Joe Maphis models later on.

After that, The production model that was the Joe Maphis single neck model seems to have started production in Jan 1966. It came as a 6 String Guitar, 12 String Guitar, and as a 4 String Bass. All of these have a body that's fatter than a Ventures model, and it has a chambered body. I'm not sure when production ended, but the 13th of February 1969 is the end date for the initial Bakersfield factory period. (The doors were locked the next day, the 14th of February 1969.) That said, we do have 1 guitar listed that was assembled in the 1970s, probably with a 1960s body.

I've also seen a variant of the 6 String Guitar, with body horns that were more curved. I'm not sure where that fits in with this model's history, yet; it may or may not be a more ornate prototype.

This model shares its body outline shape with the Mosrite "Combo" model, which is a semi-hollow guitar with an F hole.

There's also a Joe Maphis Double Neck model, though it does not share the shape of the common Joe Maphis Single Neck (production) model. It is also listed here by association of Joe's name, although the Double Neck model looks like more of a Ventures Double Neck than not. Then again, Joe primarily played Double-Necked Guitar, and he had to take a back seat to the Ventures, so I suppose this might have been a bit of an apology?

Finally, Semie still made a rare few Joe Maphis Double Neck Models in the 1980s - his death in 1992, but these differ from the first iteration of the Maphis Double Neck. These ones look much more like the one Semie built for Joe in the 1950s.

===================
Model Specifications:
===================

Single Neck 1966 - 1970s models:

24.50" Scale Length (6 String and 12 String Guitar)
30.25" Scale Length (Bass)
Mosrite Ventures Single Coil Pickups / Mosrite Ventures Bass Pickups
Maple Neck
Binding on Neck
Indian Rosewood Fretboard
Fretboard Binding
Chambered Body
Binding on Body

Lastly, I've seen some of these with more ornate horns by the neck. I'm not sure when that version dates from.

Double-Necked Models:

To be frank, I need to double-check the info before posting this here. However, I don't expect it's much different from the Ventures models. I just don't expect this model to have a chambered body, but I don't know.

=========================================================================
1959 (?) - 1963 Single Neck (Prototype and/or Pre-Ventures "Joe Maphis" Models:)
=========================================================================

Known #s - 1:

W0221676 - Sunburst. Number is on the Vibramute tailpiece. Belongs to Arturo Tapia Paulin. Pics saved. ---https://www.facebook.com/groups/329425863860893/permalink/1150905755046229/

Unknown, or No Number - 3:

No Number Visible - Sunburst, Mistake Plate model. Has a very primitive Vibramute on it, so early that it doesn't say "Vibramute." Seems to be one of the five "1959" models. Pics and page saved.--- https://reverb.com/item/4592357-mosrite ... b-58571457
No Number Visible - Sunburst. For sale from DOLPHIN GUITARS, Suita, Japan. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/40978223-mosrit ... demo-video
No Number Known - "1959" model. White (refin.)

=========================
1955 - 1962 Double Necks - 2:
=========================

"No. 1 Double" - Sunburst - 1958 model. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.fretboardjournal.com/column ... uble-neck/
570-04-8308 - "Bobby." Number is on the vibrato plate, and I'm not sure if it's a serial number or not. Guitar's in an Aqua Sparkle (Seafoam Sparkle?) finish. Guitar seems to be a 1962 - 1963 model, and it has Mahogany pickup covers. Pics and pages saved. --- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=408

==================================
1960s Single Neck Production Models:
==================================

==============
4-String Basses:
==============

(Note: the Combo and Joe Maphis Basses both started with the same letter, R.)

Known #s - 7:

R007 - Natural. Truss Rod at Headstock.
R059 - Natural. 2-Piece top, not a very well matching top. Does not have a model name on the headstock. Truss Rod at Headstock. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/210477-mosrite- ... maple-neck
R080 - Natural. No model name on headstock. For Sale on Reverb, 2021 from Yeahman's Vintage & Used Guitars in Bern, Switzerland. Pics and page saved. https://reverb.com/item/44471788-1966-m ... 02-natural
R082 - Natural. No model name on headstock. For sale on Reverb, March - April 2023. Pics & Page saved. https://reverb.com/item/66285200-mosrit ... -bass-1966
R162 - Unknown Finish. Stolen from Thomas Riley in California.
R0267 - not even sure if this is a Joe Maphis model or Combo, but it's mentioned here, without photos: http://www.guitarsite.com/database/Make ... s/54.shtml

R116469 - Sunburst, Tortoiseshell Pickguard. Part of this number appears to be a misprint or re-stamp. This may be 1646 with other digits, since the second 1 and the 9 are both faintly impressed on the fretboard. --- https://reverb.com/item/3346783-1966-mo ... r-sunburst

No # - 1:

Blank - Natural Back, Blue Front, Blue Neck, "Surfacing" Blue Burst Headstock (Original paint, painted by Bill Gruggett) - Showed on Reverb, 12 Jan 2022. Pics and page saved.

Partial # - 1:

xx06 - Natural. Truss Rod at Headstock. Pics & Page Saved. No model name on headstock. --- https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/448828 ... C2%A31295/

Speculated #s - 2:

R103 - Natural. For sale on Reverb, 2021 from Magnetic Heaven Music, San Diego, CA, USA. Seller didn't say the #, I looked at pics after inverting color. Pics and page saved. https://reverb.com/item/32646155-mosrit ... low-serial
R125 - Natural. Has a few "double die" digits. Showed on Reverb, 10 Feb 2022. Pics & Page saved. https://reverb.com/item/50521096-mosrit ... 68-natural

===========================
6-String Guitars, 1960s Models:
===========================

Joe Maphis model I / Joe Maphis model / No Name on headstock Models:

Known #s - 41:

Maphis I models with Truss Rod at Body (or, expected to be at the body: ) - Range: D001 - D249 (high number may be lower.)

D003 - Natural. Reads "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Was on eBay. Missing original tailpiece, replaced with a Bigsby. Has a cigarette burn between the string guide and Low E tuner. Has neck wear on the back, behind about the 3rd fret. 2 Low-Res Pics, and page saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... -179865387
D005 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock, which takes up most of the headstock. Owned by Josh Fehnel. but was owned by a Mosrite Forum member previously. The neck heel date says Jan 26, 1966 and the neck also seems to says "0009" under the date (the first 0 was cut off by a screw hole.) No body date, but it says "HB" in the neck pocket, which may or may not be employee initials. Guitar had a potentiometer replaced and (seemingly) a pickup replaced, but I'm not sure if these were included before the sale. Was sold by Lipham's in Gainsville, FL, a prominent store where, I've read, Tom Petty took guitar lessons and members of the Allman Brothers Band worked. Pics saved.
D024 - Natural. Neck Heel date reads "Feb 4 1966 0024." Model Name "Joe Maphis model I." Pics and page saved. --- https://www.creamcitymusic.com/vintage- ... al-finish/
D030 - Natural. Found in a 2017 "Mosrite Guitars" Facebook Post. The original owner bought it in 1966 and lived in Bakersfield, and the second owner is Rey Vel Verde, who used to go to the Mosrite factory after high school, to watch Mosrite building guitars. 2 Pics saved.
D072 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 250026277/
D076 - Mentioned here, in comments, photos not found or saved: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=27 ... 3484074300
D092 - Natural. Number clearly seen in ad. Showed up on Reverb on 10 June 2023. https://reverb.com/item/69983318-mosrit ... 66-natural
D093 - Natural. Number's according to the seller, who I messaged. Pics and page saved. For Sale from More Music in Santa Cruz, California in https://reverb.com/item/55689911-mosrit ... tural-1966
D104 - Not sure of finish. Bought by forum member "Onward." --- viewtopic.php?p=66633#p66633
D115 - Natural. Showed up for sale in Cutten, California. Can't tell location of Truss Rod in low resolution pics. Pics and page saved. --- https://cutten.americanlisted.com/music ... 99643.html
D117 - Natural. Has "Joe Maphis model I" on the headstock. Belongs to Charley Dunn. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 874070786/
D122 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Neck Heel date says "Mar 21 1966 0025." Neck Pocket says "Jim Mar 25 1966 0012." Also, the neck tongue has written on it "448-38-0639 J.W.C. Ormsby S.S. No 4S4063 4063 Draft No 44 67 45 2154." The neck tongue writing may or may not be original. Pics and page saved. ---
D189 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I." Pics and page saved. --- https://www.vintage-guitar.de/detailsit ... del-I.html
D214 - Natural. Dated April 15, 1966 on either the body or neck (not specified in ad.) Says "Joe Maphis model I" on head. For sale from Reverb, "ethan's Boutique" in Visalia, CA on Jan 3, 2023. Guitar is worn, missing some original parts including: the pickups, tuners, knobs, Moseley vibrato bar, and the guitar was routed sloppily for the humbuckers in it. Pics and page saved.
https://reverb.com/item/64525075-mosrit ... tural-1966
D221 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Body Date: April 25, 1966 0005, signed "Frances" in pocket (and is that original?) - Neck Date: April 15, 1966 0041. For sale from Reverb, seller "Gear Central" in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 2022. This guitar was bought by the original owner in 1968. Its tuners were replaced with Grovers. The vibrato spring was also replaced, all else is original. It's a very well used, worn example: worn but original frets, cracked and arm-worn (and pick-scratched) finish, paint worn through on the neck, belt buckle rash, cigarette burns on the headstock. This guitar's why I wanted to start the list in the first place. Pics and Page Saved. --- Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/48820678-mosrit ... intage-usa --- UPDATE, 6 October 2022: Mosrite Forum Member chamberedmusic owns it, and has given neck and body dates to it.

Maphis I models with Truss Rod at Headstock - Range expected to be D250 - D1000 (may be higher:)

D086 - Natural. Truss Rod at Headstock (outlier.) Says "Joe Maphis model" on headstock, instead of "Joe Maphis model I." Model name is also off-center, and a bit close to the "M" carve. 2 pics saved. Belongs to Beau Butcher.
D250 - Natural. Autographed by The Ventures. Pic saved. Mentioned in a comment here: --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 250026277/
D254 - Natural. Belongs to Allan Parks. Found reference to in "Mosrite Guitars" Group on Facebook, in a 2017 post comment section. Pic of fretboard saved.
D3 --- Natural. That is literally all of the number on the guitar; "D3." It looks like a worker didn't stamp the whole number. It might have dates stamped on it, but I don't know. I already have D003 on the list, so this isn't one of the earliest ones. Belongs to John Hylton. Pics and words about it are saved. Guitar found at Facebook: --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 722590387/
D313 - Natural. Was on eBay, included a non-original hard case, and sold on 29 Jan 2023 for $2,395 + $135 shipping.
D322 - Natural. Was on eBay. 1 Low-Res Pic saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... l-20179553
D337 - Natural. On Reverb, Early November 2023. https://reverb.com/item/75430697-mosrit ... owner-1966
D358 - Natural. Was on eBay. 1 Low-Res Pic saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... -241409571
D381 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model." Quote about dates from ad: "The neck-pocket is stamped in black 'JUN 15 1966 / 0009' (signed in blue ink by Semie Moseley) and the underside of the neck is stamped in black 'JUN 27 1966 / 0004'." This guitar was stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... his-mark-1
D402 - Refinished on front? Looks more like Amber than it otherwise should be. Back and sides are worn, neck is worn. 2 Piece Neck, "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. May have been re-fretted.
D404 - Natural. No model name on headstock. Truss rod seems to be at the headstock, but the body end is also open. Also has what seems to be a plugged hole in the headstock, near where the model name would be. Has smooth "Mark V" pickups. Belongs to Fredric Vandel. Pics saved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 9113516548
D407 - Natural. Belongs to Chris Pearce. Found reference to in "Mosrite Guitars" Group on Facebook, in a 2017 post comment section. 1 Pic saved.
D411 over D242 (misprint? looks like D421412) - Natural. Also has "056-16-1378" and then "NM32855750" scratched into the neck plate. https://reverb.com/item/75632960-mosrit ... qmTwg2Uz8s
D415 - Natural. Neck Date: June 24, 1966 0029 - Body Date (seems to be, but is faded) June 27, 1966 0003. Showed up on eBay 16 December 2022, and the seller "hearandwear" provided many helpful photos even without my asking for them. Guitar seems to have a screw hole in the headstock, near the truss rod cover. Pics and page saved.
D423 - Natural. Showed up on Reverb in Australia. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/65494780-mosrit ... ginal-case
D425 - Natural. Belongs to forum member Eltwang: --- viewtopic.php?p=18123#p18123 --- Was re-fretted: viewtopic.php?p=14585#p14585 --- Pickup dissasembly: viewtopic.php?p=19127#p19127
D440 - Sunburst. Says "the Ventures model" on the headstock. This was between many that don't have a logo, so the logo seems unlikely to be original. --- http://romanguitars.com/v/mosrite-joe-maphis/P1667
D448 - Natural. No model name on headstock. Posted by Ricky Toner on Facebook in 2017. Pics saved. Link: --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 037847959/
D474 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis Model" on headstock. https://reverb.com/item/75575786-mosrit ... ark-1-1966
D481 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis Model" on headstock. Was in a flood.
D493 - Natural. No model name. Doesn't have a model name. Truss Rod at Headstock, 4 Bolt Neck Plate. Owner posted at Mosrite Guitar Owners on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mosrite ... 916702662/
D514 - Natural. Number's according to the seller. Seller says that the fretboard was painted with what looks like nail polish. https://reverb.com/item/62431323-mosrit ... ric-guitar
D547 - Natural. No model name on headstock. 3 Bolt Neck with Ferrules. No dates stamped in neck pocket or on neck heel. Belongs to Robert Adams. Pics saved. Found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 549082668/
D560 - Natural. Has a Moseley Vibrato Tailpiece with no base-plate (like a Celebrity II, or a later Combo.) Has a neck plate. I'd have saved photos, but they're copyrighted. --- https://coolcarsnguitars.com/GG/sold/mosrite.htm
D600 - Sunburst on front and back, neck natural. Appears original. No model name on headstock. Has a 3 bolt ferrule neck. Belonged to forum member Dnepr. Pics and pages saved. --- Thread 1: viewtopic.php?p=17906#p17906 --- Thread 2 (for sale in 2010:) viewtopic.php?p=30356#p30356
D621 - Natural. https://www.facebook.com/groups/mosrite ... 149702667/
D628 - Natural. No name on Headstock. Number according to seller, who I asked. No model name on headstock, no neck plate - it has 4 ferrules instead. Has "Diamond" Tuners, sold with what appears to be the original case. Showed up on eBay on 20 January, 2023.
D639 (with a "V" under it, nearer the neck pup) - Natural. No model name on headstock. No dates on neck heel or in neck pocket. 2 Pics saved off Flickr. Update, 13 Jan - Belonged to forum member "eltuce:" viewtopic.php?p=57461#p57461
D971 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model" on headstock. 4 Bolt Neck Plate construction. Also has what seems to be a cigarette burn by the Low E tuner, and either a knot in the wood above the tailpiece, or a chip in the finish. Pics and pages saved. Number according to Ed Roman's site's URL. --- Page 1: http://www.edroman.com/detail_sheets/mo ... _d971.html --- Page 2: http://romanguitars.com/v/mosrite-joe-maphis-n-a/P994

Strange #s - 2:

D0202, D02021 or D02521 - Natural, with a white pickguard. Truss Rod at Body, and with a strange number that may or may not have been double-stamped. Found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 081757139/
D251 under D334, looks like DD235314. - A type of Burst; has dark red and then red on the edges, and more yellow / natural in the middle. Says "Hank Thompson" on Pickguard. 2 pics and pages saved. --- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2286
J88M - Natural. No obvious differences in how this model appears, except it may have a re-purposed neck that was originally meant to go for a 12 String model. https://reverb.com/item/65186605-1966-m ... _sold=true

Partsrites that I may not keep on the list - 1:

Blank - Sunburst. Tony Hunt Partsrite with Combo body and Mosrite Humbuckers, but "Joe Maphis" name on headstock. I'm at a bit of a loss whether or not to keep this one here. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/97 ... phis-model

Speculated and Uncertain # Section - 5:

D011 or D035 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Body-end truss rod, so it has to be early. I can barely tell the #, if at all, in the photos. Pics and page saved. Was for sale from Double-d-guitars in Baltimore, MD, USA. --- https://reverb.com/item/26665-mosrite-j ... ric-guitar
D200 - Natural. Early truss rod at body instrument. Showed up on Reddit in later 2022. Pics and page saved. https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarporn/com ... s_model_1/
Dx53 or Dx63 (Probably D153) - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Truss Rod at Headstock. Very good condition.
D5xx - Sunburst. No model name on headstock. Truss Rod at Headstock. Has late 1965 pots, but no dates anywhere else. Original owner owned a music store.
D606 or D608 - Natural. No model name at headstock. Truss Rod at Headstock. Plastic-knob Kluson tuners. 4 Bolt Ferrule Neck. Has a signature on the guitar. Pics and page saved. http://www.guitartraders.com/20288


Unknown (and Blank) # Section - 8:

Blank - Appears to be an Early 1966 instrument; Truss Rod at Body End. Seems to be refinished on the front. The "M" part of the headstock was cut off, and it says "Semie Hemi" on the headstock. Showed up on Reverb on 25 Oct. 2022, from Willie's American Guitars
in St. Paul, MN, United States: https://reverb.com/item/62561866-1966-m ... -model-501

???? - Red. Original. Mentioned here, in a re-post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 922775667/
???? - Natural. Has Chet Atkins' Signature on it. Low-def Pics saved, page saved. --- https://www.gbase.com/gear/mosrite-joe- ... 65-natural
???? - Solid Red Front, Sunburst Neck and Headstock with "by Semie Moseley" Logo on it. Has 3-Ply Binding on the Body, and 1-Ply Binding on the neck. Has a stop tailpiece, like seen on Mosrite 350 models. Also has "Diamond" tuners. This is most likely a 1970 - 1973 model, due to the strange finish and hodgepodge of 1970s parts, and Semie's name under the logo. This guitar was listed on Reverb in April 2018, and I posted about it; the post got a good number of replies, including one by the current owner. Pics and Pages (forum discussion included) Saved. Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/4351324-1968-mo ... ric-guitar --- Forum Post: viewtopic.php?p=69392#p69392
???? - Brown front (Refin or not?) - Truss Rod at Body. Stolen in East Texas in 2013. Pic found and saved from "JB and the Moonshine Band" Facebook Post from 2013.
???? - Not sure of finish. Weird one: No binding, smooth pickup covers, an extra toggle switch hole, tall knobs, the "I" in Maphis is missing, but it has a truss rod at the headstock. An "M" (probably in "Mosrite") was also covered by a tuner, so the tuners may not be original. Was posted in 2009, by me. No photos. --- viewtopic.php?p=20165#p20165
D??? (with a "V" nearer the neck pickup) - Natural. 3 Bolt Neck with no neck plate! No model name on headstock, Kluson tuners. Found at Facebook page "All Kindsa Guitars," 2013 post. Pics saved.
???? - Natural. Left-Handed Guitar with Righty Vibrato Tailpiece. Found under a Facebook "Mosrite Guitars" page, posted by Ben Coffey in 2016. 1 Pic saved.


Joe Maphis model II - 3:

M004 - Natural. Found in an article at VintageGuitar. --- https://www.vintageguitar.com/35753/mosrite-joe-maphis/
M008 - Natural. Was at Olivia's Vintage. Truss Rod adjustment at body end. I couldn't see the M at the start, but I'm basing the number on the model. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/2034757-1966-mo ... back-sides
M012 - Natural. Was on eBay in 2013, from Adam (dorkrockrecords, Expat Guitars.) It was bought by forum member "three13" that year. Pics and forum page saved. --- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5645


===============
12-String Guitars:
===============

Known # Section - 1:

J007 - Natural. https://reverb.com/item/73497295-mosrit ... 66-natural
J032 - Natural. Missing the original pickups and the volume pot's knob. Owner wants to put Mosrite-spec pickups in it. Owned by Edward Kwiatkowski at a Mosrite Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 212562139/

Partial # Section - 0:

Blank or Unknown # Section - 2:

???? - Natural. French-Adam Gardner's. Pics saved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 239211182/
???? - Natural. Has belt buckle rash shortly south of the neck plate. Pics and page saved.

======================================================================
1960s Double Neck Models with 6 and 12 String Necks (and other Double Necks)
======================================================================

Known #s - 28:

2J007 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string headstock. Found in "Mosrite Guitars" Group on Facebook. 1 Pic saved.
2J065 - Sunburst, Natural Necks. Was on eBay. Low-res pics and page saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... 2-27684190
2J067 - Sunburst, Natural Necks. Reads "Joe Maphis Model" on both headstocks. For sale from Japan, seller "tresurejapan" on 4 Jan 2022. Pics and page saved.
2J116 - Red (Refinish.) has smooth-top pickups, strangely. Reads "Joe Maphis Model" on both headstocks. For sale from Bryan's Gear Emporium in Ingleburn, Australia on 4, Jan 2022. Pics and page saved. --- Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/38802777-1965-m ... -twin-neck
2J120 --- Sunburst. 2 pics saved. https://guitarpoint.de/de/electric/zema ... oubleneck/
2J143 - Red. Appears to say "Joe Maphis model" on both headstocks. Was for sale at Ed Roman's site. # is according to the Ed Roman page. Pics and pages saved. --- Page 1: http://www.edroman.com/detail_sheets/mo ... _d113.html --- Page 2: http://romanguitars.com/v/mosrite-joe-m ... -1967/P995
2J192 - Sunburst. Pics saved. Found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 985427139/
2J204 - White (Aged.) Found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 081757139/
2J216 - Blue. Model Name only on 6-String Headstock. 6-String Pickups changed to Gibson-type Humbuckers. Low-res pics and page saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... -151275763
2J222 - Blue. 4 Bolt Neck Plate Necks. Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on the 6 string headstock; 12 String Headstock is bare. 12 String Fretboard is lighter wood than 6 String Fretboard. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... 612-string
2J253 - White. 4 Bolt Neck Plate Necks. Model name only on 6 String Neck. 6 String's Fretboard lighter wood than 12 String's Fretboard. https://reverb.com/item/1201998-mosrite ... ouble-neck
2J299 - Sunburst. Showed up on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 450117139/
2J300 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. 4 Bolt Neck Plate Necks. Kluson Tuners. "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 String Neck. Sold on eBay Dec 29 2023 for Best Offer, only price shown was $2,799.
2J301 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. 4 Bolt Neck Plate Necks. Kluson Tuners. https://reverb.com/item/76078872-vintag ... tar-w-ohsc
2J305 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Has strange inlays on the 12 String Neck, and a headstock repair with overspray on the 12 string neck. Says "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string neck. Page saved. --- https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0120-40674 ... ic-guitar/
2J309 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Says "The Ventures" on the 6-String Neck only. Was stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... ouble-neck
2J315 - Dark Red. Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string neck. Pics and page saved.
2J318 - Red. Finish is cracked. Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string neck. Pics and page saved. Was on Reverb in March and April 2023:
https://reverb.com/item/66968584-mosrit ... -apple-red
2J338 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Reads "Joe Maphis model" on 6 string headstock only. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/236714-mosrite- ... 6-sunburst
2J357 (Red) - For Sale from Downbeat Music in La Mesa, California in August 2022. Pics and page saved. - https://reverb.com/item/49952173-mosrit ... cherry-red --- Update, 3 March 2023: New owner posted about it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 450117139/
2J359 - Natural. Was made for Lou Martin by Mosrite. Reads "Joe Maphis model I" on the 6 string headstock only. Pics and page saved. Stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... ouble-neck
2J362 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. 4 Bolt Ferrule Necks. Kluson Tuners. 12 String Neck has lighter fretboard wood than 6 String, and 12 String Neck may be missing the serial number. - https://reverb.com/item/69415349-1960s- ... 2-sunburst
2J368 / 2J369 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst, Headstock Fronts and Backs Black (Sides Sunburst.) Serial # 368 is on the 6 String Neck, serial # 369 is on the 12 String Neck. Says "Joe Maphis model" on 6-String-Neck only. Pics and page saved. --- http://www.tuneyoursound.com/collection ... uitar-1966
2J377 - Sunburst. For Sale from Downbeat Music in La Mesa, California in August 2022. Pics and page saved. - https://reverb.com/item/49950889-mosrit ... s-sunburst
2J390 - Sunburst. Showed on 29 Dec 2022. Missing original pickguard, pups on the 6 string side were replaced with Gibson-ish Humbuckers, and the Moseley Vibrato Arm was replaced with something else. Pics & Page saved. https://reverb.com/item/64397535-mosrit ... acco-burst
2J394 - Dark Blue - Strange double neck. Has a 4 String Bass on top, and a 12 String Guitar (with a stop tailpiece) below. 4 Bolt 2 Piece Necks. https://reverb.com/item/76078805-vintag ... -of-a-kind
2J419 - Sunburst. Guitar was bought on eBay in Jan 2022, then was listed parted out on eBay in Feb 2022. I have pics from before and after. Guitar was a 3-Bolt necks model, no model names on headstocks. Kluson tuners on both necks. 2-Piece Necks. Numbers seemed to have a few misprints; 12-string appeared to say "2J04119" and 6-string seemed to say "2J4199."
2J438 - Natural. Special Spruce Top and Hollowed Walnut Back version.
2J467 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Number is according to seller, I can't tell by the pics. Guitar has Kluson tuners, and one potentiometer's dated to 1968. Guitar showed up on Reverb on 14 October 2022. Pics & Page saved. https://reverb.com/item/61852780-mosrit ... shell-case

Unknown & Unconfirmed #s - 12:

2J112 (Speculated) - Sunburst. Was this Glen Campbell's? It was on display under a Glen Campbell exhibit. Only has a model name on the 6 string headstock. Strangely, the neck pickup on the 12 string neck is reversed in its angle, and the 6 string neck has a vibrato-type base plate, but it uses a stop tail that you'd find on a Blues Bender. Pic saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10 ... 1048829872
2J155, 2J156, or 2J158- White (Aged to Cream.) Was played by Jimi Hendrix, according to what I read. Word on the 2J158 number is according to FrettedAmericana Page for 2J222, below. I have also downloaded a photo that confirms all but the last digit.
2J1xx (Speculated) - White. Says "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string headstock. Was Rory Gallagher's. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 230352380/
2J214 (Speculated) - White. It's most likely this number, but I can't tell the "2" very well. Found on eBay, located in Japan, January 17 2024.
2J226 (Speculated) - White. Body Date reads "Jul 26 1966." Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string headstock. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/34973804-mosrit ... 1968-white
2J266 (Speculated) - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string headstock. 12 String Headstock Face shows orange peel paint.
2J312 (Speculated) - Red. No model name. Also reads "by Semie Moseley" on the headstock, so this might have been put together in the early 70s. Otherwise, it looks like a completely stock 60s model. Pics and page saved. Found on Reverb, 31 March 2023: https://reverb.com/item/67525556-mosrit ... i-1966-red
2J352 (Speculated) - Snake Skin Finish. "Joe Maphis model" name on 6 String Headstock only. I looked at photo 23 of 25, and it seemed like this # is the best guess. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/6440534-1966-mo ... newsletter
2J419 (Speculated) - Sunburst. No names on headstocks. Kluson tuners on both necks. 3-bolt necks with ferrules; it's a late one. Showed on eBay in Jan 2022. Pics and description saved.
????? - Blue. Reads "Joe Maphis model" on the 6 string neck only. For sale from Jay Rosen Music in Emeryville, CA, USA on 4 Jan, 2022. --- Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/34432420-mosrit ... -1966-blue
????? - Blue. Appears to be a late one, for multiple reasons. It has mis-matched tuners; Klusons on the 12 string, 1968/1969 "Diamonds" on the 6 string. Also has no neck plate, but 4 bolts in ferrules for each neck, like about the last 150 Mark V models. May have not been stamped, or may have been re-fretted, though it doesn't look like it. Does not have a model name on either headstock. For sale from Andy Babiuk's Fab Gear, Rochester, NY, USA. Pics and page saved. --- Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/3007991-mosrite ... -1966-blue
J3294 - Red Body, Red Necks, Red Headstocks. Also, the 6 String Neck has the headstock reversed. Number according to Heritage Auctions listing, but I'm not sure if it's accurate or not. Pics and page saved. https://entertainment.ha.com/itm/vintag ... QDs8PyZkZw

Unusual ones - 2:

????? - Sunburst, Natural Necks. Sidejack, 4 knob custom order that reads the original owner's name on the pickguard, David Barksdale. Found at an archived page of Rumble Seat Music. 1 large pic saved of the front, 1 mini pic of the back, page saved. --- http://web.archive.org/web/202009281457 ... -sunburst/
????? - Sunburst. Mandolin / 6 String, formerly owned by John & Judy Hall. Pics and pages saved. 2016 Thread here: --- viewtopic.php?p=66326#p66326 --- 2011 Thread: http://www.mosriteforum.com/forum/viewt ... 580#p50580 ---

============================
6-String Guitars, 1980s Models:
============================

Known #s - 4:

Joe Maphis Custom:

42339, "R0SS" in Fretboard (original owner's name?) - One of a kind custom. Combo style body. Natural, marbled wood. Built in 1986. Belongs to Adam (dorkrockrecords.) It's a one-off. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/142589-mosrite- ... 86-natural

1986 - 198? JM65 Model (Single Neck Version: )

V0157 - 1959 to 1962 "Maphis" style guitar (Ventures type body.) Sunburst, with an arm rest. Was made for Marty Stuart. I couldn't download the page or photos with my browser. I printed the page and found its pics elsewhere. --- https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/295 ... OZ4a1v-Xpk

1989 - 1992 models:

G2004 - Sunburst. Joe Maphis model made in 1990, but with a neck that seems to have been meant for a Gospel model, originally. Has Mosrite single coils, and belt buckle rash. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 808918548/

91010, Sunburst - Seems to be a 1991 version of a Joe Maphis model. Has Mosrite Humbuckers. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 793529989/

========================
1970s - 1990s Double Necks:
========================

Known #s - 4:

1970s:

000004 - Sunburst, 1974 model (according to this post, no pics: ) --- viewtopic.php?p=66260#p66260

Blank, or Unknown:

Blank - Red or Orange. 4 String Bass and 6 String Guitar double neck. Likely early 1970s Parts-rite. https://reverb.com/item/67822630-mosrit ... range-1971

1980s:

PRO-001 - Sunburst. Prototype of the 1980s Joe Maphis Double-necks. Reads (year date included) "Prototype J.M. 65 made in memory of my dear friend Joe Maphis Semie Moseley 1986" on the back of the 6-String Headstock. Pics and page saved. Was stolen from Frettedmericana in 2013. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... ouble-neck
JM 06 - 1986 Joe Maphis Double Neck. Sunburst. 1 Photo Saved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 248267139/ --- Update, 11 Jan 2022: An old sales page and more pics saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/37757101-super- ... igned-1986
JM 13 - 1986 or 1987 Joe Maphis Double Neck. Sunburst. Was sold from Guitar Maniacs, Tacoma, WA, USA. --- https://reverb.com/item/33015695-mosrit ... c-sunburst

Speculated #s - 1:

xxx086 Guitar Neck, 106086 Bass Neck - Sunburst. Double neck with a 6-string guitar neck and 4-string bass neck. Was for sale from Southside Guitars
in Brooklyn, NY. Pics and page saved: --- https://reverb.com/item/435639-mosrite- ... 3-sunburst

Unknown #s - 2:

???? - Sunburst with Octave Neck. Looks to be 1972 - 1974. Pics & Pages Saved. --- viewtopic.php?p=1175#p1175
???? - I'm not sure how to describe the finish, at present. This is supposed to be a 1991 - 1992 instrument, and it looks like one of Semie's 1950s builds, but with better materials available. Was posted for sale from Merinda Kispert Kacsmaryk in 2017. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 773001796/

=================
Total Instruments:
=================

Single Neck (Prototype, Pre-Ventures) Models:

1 with a known #,
3 with unknown #s (if any #s are present.)

Double Neck (1955 - 1962) Models - 2

1960s Single Neck (Production) Models:

7 Basses with a Known #,
2 Basses with a Speculated #,
1 Blank Bass,
1 Bass with a Partial #.

Joe Maphis Model I / Joe Maphis Model, Joe Maphis model II:

43 Six-String Guitars (J.M. I / J. M.) with Known #s,
3 strange numbers,
1 Partsrite "Maphis" model that's blank,
5 Guitars with a partial or speculated #,
8 Guitars with an Unknown (or Blank) #.

3 Joe Maphis model IIs with a known #,

2 Known # 12 String Guitar,
2 Blank/Unknown 12 String Guitars,

1960s Double-Neck Models:

29 with known #s (1 that's a Bass / 12 String,
12 with unknown (or missing, or speculated, or uncertain) #s.

======================
1970s - 1993 Instruments:
======================

Single Neck Models:

1 Known # Combo-style body,
3 Known # Ventures-type models.

Double Neck Models::

Known #s - 4
Speculated #s - 1
Blank - 1
Unknown #s - 2

Total Instruments - 137.

===============================
Finishes & Variants Accounted For:
===============================

Single Neck (Prototype) Models:

Sunburst

Single Neck (Production) Models:

Blue, Natural Back, Blue "Surfacing" Burst Headstock - Likely one of a kind bass, painted by Bill Gruggett.
Natural - Natural front, Natural Dark Brown Back. The most common finish for these models, may have been the only option in the 1960s, barring custom orders.
Solid Red Front, with Brown Sides & Back - Only seen on 1 early 1970s Parts-rite model.
Sunburst - Only 2 on the list.
Yellow to Red Burst - 1 on list (the Hank Thompson one.)
Natural to Dark Burst - 1 on list (D440.)

Double Neck Models:

1960s:

Aqua Sparkle (only on "Bobby," pre-Ventures)
Blue,
Red,
Sunburst,
White.

1970s:

Darker-seeming Sunburst.

1980s - 1990s:

Sunburst.
Translucent Yellow to Red Burst.

========

Finally, here's a photo of a Joe Maphis (Production model) Guitar, for Facebook posts to have something to link:

Image

- Austin
1966 Ventures II (German Carved, B670.)
1970s "Not a Blues Bender" Bodies: 2.
1976 Brass Rail Deluxe #10.
2013 Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI.

User avatar
101Volts
Master Contributor
Posts: 2486
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:33 pm
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial # List - An Ongoing Project

Postby 101Volts » Tue Jan 04, 2022 10:04 am

=============================================
Total Updates to the Joe Maphis Models Serial # List:
=============================================

(this list probably hasn't been fully updated yet.)

===========
|~~2022:~~|
===========

========
January:
========

-----
4th:

Created topic, added 10 instruments.

Added a few more instruments later, and deleted what I felt to be excessive equal sign barriers.

-----
5th:

Added:

Various guitars added, including a 1991 - 1992 Double Neck.

Later, added:

Double Necks:

2J143
2J368/2J369 (has 2 mis-matched necks.)

1980s:

Joe Maphis Single Neck model

Other Details:

Moved Charley Dunn's D117 to the Known # section, since I learned what it was.

Simplified the list to keep easier track of how many instruments are on it, so I don't confuse simple addition again if updating while being too tired.

Changed the trivia and history section.

Changed position of 1980s single neck, and added info to the curved-horn model (Joe Maphis model II.)

-----
6th:

Added:

Single Neck:

V0157, which is a 1986 - 1990 instrument that is a Maphis, but has a Ventures type body, with a Maphis arm rest. This is a 1959 - 1962 Maphis reissue. I couldn't download pics directly from that page, but I have them.

Double Neck:

No Number Double Neck with both Bass and Guitar necks. Pots date to 1973.

Notes:

The "1980s - 1990s" section is now the 1970s - 1990s section.

------
10th:

Added:

4 String Bass:

R116469 (Probably a wrong number? May be R1646.)

6 String Single Neck:

Joe Maphis I / Joe Maphis:

D189
D639
D971

?008 - Joe Maphis II Model.

Added a mystery # single neck 1966 - 1969 model with Chet Atkins' signature autographed on it, according to the seller.

Double Necks from 1986:

JM 06
JM 13

------
11th:

Added:

Bass:

RM059

6 String Guitar:

D011 (speculated)
D115
D381 (Natural, stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013.)
Unknown # custom order - a Joe Maphis Sidejack Sunburst with 4 knobs and the original owner's name, David Barksdale.

Double Neck:

Very early double neck, "Bobby," added.
2J158 (White, Aged [Cream]) - According to the site page for 2J222, this is the one that Jimi Hendrix played on. (Not stolen.)
2J222 (Blue.)
2J309 (Sunburst, says "The Ventures" on the headstock, stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013.)
2J352 (Speculated) - Snake Skin Finish (Original, for a NAMM show?)
2J359 (Natural, stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013.)

Notes:

As it turns out, the prototype to the 1986 Joe Maphis JM65, "PRO-1," was also stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013.

More info (sales ad, more photos) of 1986 JM 06 added.

Added minor details in a few spots, changed minor things.

And here's a full list of the guitars that were stolen in 2013:
https://sonicstate.com/amped/2013/10/28 ... a-in-cali/

------
12th:

Added:

4 String Bass:

No # Bass, Blue and Blue Burst Headstock. Original paint, painted by Bill Gruggett.

6 String Guitar:

Pre-Ventures Joe Maphis:

???? - White (Refin,) 1959 Model. (One of 5.)

Joe Maphis / Joe Maphis I:

D003
D030
D072
D250
D254
D322
D358
D407

???? - Lefty Single-Necked 1966 - 1969 model.

Joe Maphis II:

M004
M008 (which I am guessing the first letter of) moved from the Unknown section to the Known section.
M012, but there are no photos at this time. It was on eBay, but I don't know if they're at Worthpoint.

1986 - 1992 model, Ventures-shaped (1961 - 1962 Pre-Ventures Joe Maphis style:)

91010, Sunburst Single Neck (Seems to be a 1991 model.)

Double Neck:

2J007 (Natural)
2J065 (Sunburst, Necks Natural)
2J216 (Blue)

2J1xx, White (Speculated) - Was Rory Gallagher's.

Notes:

Also, I've done away with the bold, underscored text for a new instrument when it's in the list. (Edit: I didn't mean in the updates section.) It's OK with other lists that I rarely update, but it feels like it's too much for this list that I've been updating a lot.

------
13th:

Added:

4 String Bass:

R0267 - Only mentioned without photos on a site.

6 String Guitar:

D024 - Neck Heel reads "Feb 4 1966 0024."
D076
D122 - Neck Heel says "Mar 21 1966 0025." Neck Pocket says "Jim Mar 25 1966 0012."
D440 - Sunburst. Says "the Ventures model" on the headstock, unusually.
D560 - Unusual; has a Moseley tailpiece without a baseplate.

???? - Red. Original paint.
D??? - Natural. 3 Bolt neck, no neck plate. Also has V stamped in, closer to the neck pup.
???? - Brown (refin or not?) Truss Rod at Body. Stolen in East Texas in 2013.
???? - Sunburst, front and back. Neck natural.

12 String:

Unknown # 12 String model.

Double Neck:

2J266 (Speculated)
2J305
2J315 - Dark Red.
2J338

"No. 1 Double" (Late 1950s model.)

Notes:

Moved "Bobby" to a new 1955 - 1962 Double Neck section.

(Also, I've stopped putting updates in individual sections here. This takes up too much space, listing all of the instruments added in one day is enough.)

Minor update to those with dates, for easier location; now you can use Ctrl + F and then type "Date" to find whatever guitar has its date recorded.

------
14th:

Update to M012: it was bought by a forum member, "three13," in 2013; from Adam (dorkrockrecords.) viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5645

Mystery # Maphis II removed; it's the same as M012.

Added another Sunburst model in the D500 range, but I don't know the exact number.

Added a strange one, the "Hank Thompson" Guitar. Serial number looks like two numbers on top of each other; D251 under D334, so it looks like DD235314. --- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2286

Added more info to D425 and D639.

Added an Unknown # model with a Mandolin and 6 String configuration. Formerly belonged to John & Judy Hall; their names are on the pickguard.

Added 1990 Joe Maphis model G2004, Sunburst.

Mystery Sunburst # has been found, it is D600.

Mystery # Double Neck with Octave Neck added. 1972 - 1974.

000004, 12/6 Double Neck in Sunburst, 1974 model (according to this post) added: --- viewtopic.php?p=66260#p66260

Mystery # 1966 - 1969 Single Neck without binding added. This one's an anomaly, only added for its strangeness.

------
16th:

D3 added. Yes, literally; just "D3," like the vitamin. That's all that's on the fretboard. This is probably a D300-era instrument that didn't get all its digits stamped. It has the truss rod at the headstock, and I already had D003 on the list (an early one with the truss rod at the body end,) so this is most likely a D300- era instrument made from May to July 1966 (referring to D381, the dates of which are June 15 and June 27 1966.)

------
17th:

Bass, xx06, added.

------
19th:

A Double Neck that was under a Glen Campbell exhibit (did he have one of these?) added; 2J112 (speculated.)

------
23rd:

2J419 (Speculated) Added. Sunburst, No Names on headstock, 3 bolt necks with ferrules. I'm not linking it in the list since the link will be dead eventually.

=========
February:
=========

-----
7th:

2J419 Added. Guitar was sold on eBay in Jan 2022, then was parted out by Gibsondependable.

------
10th:

R125 (Bass, Speculated #) added.

------
11th:

Update to 2J419. I also updated the scale length to the 60s Maphis Bass, as it was incorrect before. (It's 30.25", not 30.00".)

------
20th:

Minor update to a title header for the 1959 - 1962 models.

------
23rd:

Minor details updated that I had missed, mostly in the Joe Maphis II models section.

======
April:
======

------
20th:

Joe Maphis I model Dx53 or Dx63 added.

Also, I moved the Joe Maphis model IIs down a bit, so they're not mixed in with the Model Is.

=====
July:
=====

------
25th:

Jxxx2 (12 String) added. Guitar's missing a knob and the original pickups. It was listed on eBay on July 22nd, 2022.

=======
August:
=======

------
12th:

2J438 (Special Double Neck) added. This is now the highest number for a Double Neck that I have on the list, and its body is like the Single Neck models; Spruce top, Hollowed Walnut Back. Adam Tober got it and listed it for sale on eBay.

------
24th:

Added:

D093 (Truss Rod at Body, Natural) - For Sale from More Music in Santa Cruz, California - https://reverb.com/item/55689911-mosrit ... tural-1966
2J357 (Red) - For Sale from Downbeat Music in La Mesa, California in August 2022 - https://reverb.com/item/49952173-mosrit ... cherry-red
2J377 (Sunburst) - For Sale from Downbeat Music in La Mesa, California in August 2022 - https://reverb.com/item/49950889-mosrit ... s-sunburst

==========
September:
==========

------
19th:

"J3294" added. I put it in the Unknown section as it's an uncertain one. Red Body, color-matching necks and headstocks. I'm not sure if this is a misprint, or if the seller read the numbers wrong. I can't zoom in to check, the pics are too blurry. Found here: https://entertainment.ha.com/itm/vintag ... QDs8PyZkZw

========
October:
========

-----
7th:

Double Neck 2J467 (Sunburst, Necks Sunburst, Black Headstocks) added. It has Kluson tuners, and this is now the highest # Joe Maphis model if the number's accurate. One of the potentiometers is dated to 1968.

-----
8th:

1 Six-String and 1 Double-Neck added:

Added either D0202, D02021, or D02521 (I'm awaiting an explanation) in Natural, with a White pickguard.

J032 (12 String) Added. It's missing the original pickups. The first 12 string with a fully known #. https://reverb.com/item/58716570-mosrit ... 66-natural

2J204, White (Aged.)

Also, considering that the plain 12 strings start with a J, perhaps Doubleneck "J3294" is a case where Mosrite just re-used one neck from a different model.

I also saved another ad of the Tony Hunt Partsrite.

------
21st:

D514 (Natural) Added. Number's according to the seller. Seller also says that the fretboard was painted with what looks like nail polish. https://reverb.com/item/62431323-mosrit ... ric-guitar

------
25th:

An odd one added; a Blank (number lost or not stamped) one that appears to be an Early 1966 instrument. Seems to be refinished. The "M" part of the headstock was cut off, and it says "Semie Hemi" on the headstock. Showed up on Reverb on 25 Oct. 2022, from Willie's American Guitars
in St. Paul, MN, United States: https://reverb.com/item/62561866-1966-m ... -model-501

=========
November:
=========

------
20th:

Moved the Hendrix Double Neck to the Unknown section. Also changed Unknown section to be the Unknown & Unconfirmed # Section.

The Hendrix guitar is indeed starting with 2J15, but then I can't tell the last digit, which is either a 5 or a 6 or an 8, making the guitar either 2J155, 2J156, or 2J158 (the latter one is what was stated by FrettedAmericana.)

=========
December:
=========

------
16th:

I realized that the mystery 12 string and J032 are the same guitar, so I deleted the duplicate of it under the mystery number. J032 is also owned by a member at a Mosrite Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 212562139/

Also, D415 showed up on eBay. The seller was most helpful adding photos that matter, I didn't even have to ask. Pics and page saved.

If anyone has a Maphis with its serial number that's also dated to Mid-October 1966, please let me know? Thanks. Just post about it at one of the 4 popular Mosrite Facebook Pages, I should see it.

------
29th:

2J390 - Sunburst, Missing some original parts, added. https://reverb.com/item/64397535-mosrit ... acco-burst

==========
|~~2023:~~|
==========

========
January:
========

-----
4th:

D214, Joe Maphis I in Natural, added. It's missing some original parts, is worn, and the sales ad says "April 15 1966" in it, but it doesn't specify if that date's on the neck or body.
https://reverb.com/item/64525075-mosrit ... tural-1966
D547: Natural, no model name on headstock, 3 neck bolts and ferrules instead of a neck plate.

Also made a few minor changes to the list.

-----
8th:

Update to D547.

------
15th:

Added to uncertain # section:

D200 (likely) - Natural - Truss Rod at body. I'm 98% sure that this is D200. https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarporn/com ... s_model_1/

------
20th:

Fixed total numbers at the tops of a few lists.

------
21st:

Added D628. It has "Diamond" Tuners, no neck plate but 4 screws with ferrules, and no model name on the headstock. Was put up for sale with its case. This number is according to the seller, who I asked.

=========
February:
=========

-----
3rd:

D313 added. Was on eBay.

------
15th:

D423 added. It was on Reverb in Australia. No dates given, but it's likely a Late June - Early July 1966 instrument.
https://reverb.com/item/65494780-mosrit ... ginal-case

======
March:
======

------
23rd:

2J192 (Sunburst) added. Found here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 985427139/

------
31st:

2J312 (Speculated, Red) added. This double neck says "by Semie Moseley" on the headstock, so it could have been assembled in 1972, but it looks completely stock to 1960s models.

Also noticed that J3294 has its 6 string headstock reversed compared to how they normally are.

======
April:
======

-----
2nd:

Bass R082 (Natural) added. https://reverb.com/item/66285200-mosrit ... -bass-1966

Double Neck 2J318 (Red) added. https://reverb.com/item/66968584-mosrit ... -apple-red

=====
June:
=====

------
11th:

D092 (Natural) Added. Showed up on 10 June 2023. https://reverb.com/item/69983318-mosrit ... 66-natural

-----
12rd:

D493 (Natural) added. No model name on headstock, 4 bolt neck plate. Owner posted at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mosrite ... 916702662/

-----
25th:

Added info of locations of truss rods to various Maphis I models which didn't have it listed. I didn't complete the list this time (I left out work for ones in the unknown and speculated sections) but it's more complete than it was.

========
October:
========

-----
6th:

Update to D221; Mosrite Forum Member chamberedmusic owns it. Neck Date: Apr 15 1966, It also has the number "0041."

Body Date: Apr 25 1966, also numbered "0005." Has a signature of "Frances" (which may or may not be original.)

------
17th:

Started re-organizing the whole thread by deleting excessive numbers of my own posts (which, I used to reply to the topic to update it, before being an Admin.) I also re-organized this update section to be more clear and short; instead of showing each individual update, updates are now compiled into 1 day intervals.


=========
November:
=========

------
11th:

Added:

D411 over D242 (looks like D421412) - Natural. Also has "056-16-1378" and then "NM32855750" scratched into the neck plate.

------
12th:

D621 added.

=========
December:
=========

------
10th:

Six String that seems to have a neck from a 12 String added:
J88M (Strange Number) - Natural.

------
11th:

Added:

D474 (Natural 6 String)

J007 (Natural 12 String)

2J253 (White Double Neck)

Blank - 4 String Bass and 6 String Guitar necks - Red or Orange.

------
12th:

Finally deleted the many replies that I had to this thread, to make it easier to navigate.

------
19th:

Added:

2J301 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst, Klusons.
2J362 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst, Klusons. 12 String Neck has lighter fretboard wood than 6 String, and 12 String Neck may be missing serial number.

------
20th:

2J394 - Dark Blue - Strange double neck. Has a 4 String Bass on top, and a 12 String Guitar (with a stop tailpiece) below. 4 Bolt 2 Piece Necks.
https://reverb.com/item/76078805-vintag ... -of-a-kind

===========
|~~2024:~~|
===========

January:

------
9th:

2J300 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst, Bolt On, Klusons - Added.

------
17th:

D402 - Refinished on front (but not sides) to Amber - added. Found on eBay from Japan from 2 sources. Neck and Body show wear.

February:

17th:

Added R007 and R164. (Basses.)

====================

- Austin
1966 Ventures II (German Carved, B670.)
1970s "Not a Blues Bender" Bodies: 2.
1976 Brass Rail Deluxe #10.
2013 Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI.

User avatar
101Volts
Master Contributor
Posts: 2486
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:33 pm
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial # List - An Ongoing Project

Postby 101Volts » Fri Jan 14, 2022 12:22 pm

This individual post is a place-holder; in case the previous update list gets too long, I may edit this post. Please move on if you see this message.

- Austin
1966 Ventures II (German Carved, B670.)
1970s "Not a Blues Bender" Bodies: 2.
1976 Brass Rail Deluxe #10.
2013 Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI.

User avatar
LoveyX
Top Producer
Posts: 321
Joined: Thu Jul 16, 2009 6:46 pm
Location: Webster, New York
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial # List - An Ongoing Project

Postby LoveyX » Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:00 pm

Hi Austin,
I just wanted to say thanks for keeping the Mosrite forum going with all you have been doing to chronicle the various models.
That is very resourceful of you and I'm sure others have enjoyed the information as well, thanks.

User avatar
101Volts
Master Contributor
Posts: 2486
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:33 pm
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial # List - An Ongoing Project

Postby 101Volts » Sat Jan 15, 2022 9:06 pm

LoveyX wrote:Hi Austin,
I just wanted to say thanks for keeping the Mosrite forum going with all you have been doing to chronicle the various models.
That is very resourceful of you and I'm sure others have enjoyed the information as well, thanks.


Thanks. It just started with Moaimen and Sumlin starting some lists for the Blues Bender 500 and Brass Rail models, then I contributed to them a little bit here and there and worked on other lists, and now here we are.

I had forgotten the first Sunburst Joe Maphis Hollow-Body model I saw, D600. It looks pretty nice to me, and Mosrite made at least two of them; maybe more.

Since Mosrite's records burned in the factory fire (from a paint booth motor) in November 1983, it's all like a treasure hunt of sorts. I actually get excited any time I see a rarer one like a 350, Blues Bender, or Brass Rail show up. I try looking for different Mosrites every day at eBay and Reverb, and most of the time I don't see one.

Sometimes, if I can't tell the serial number easily and the seller doesn't say it, I take the best photo I have and I put it in windows pant, then I get close to the number. I might need to invert the color, which sometimes helps. Other times, it's too blurry to tell. I've had to skip a number of guitars because of this and because there are no other means of identifying the guitars if I were to see them again.

- Austin
1966 Ventures II (German Carved, B670.)
1970s "Not a Blues Bender" Bodies: 2.
1976 Brass Rail Deluxe #10.
2013 Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI.

chamberedmusic
New Member
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2023 8:20 am
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial # List - An Ongoing Project

Postby chamberedmusic » Fri Oct 06, 2023 6:17 am

I recently got the Joe Maphis model 1, serial number D221. It's been played hard, but that's why I got it. Using the Eric Clapton criteria of 'if it's been played a lot, it's probably a good guitar.'

The neck has date stamp Apr 15 1966, and definitely has the truss rod in the heel. It also has the number "0041", don't know what that means.

The body has date stamp Apr 25 1966 (so 10 days later than the neck), and the signature (which appears to be original, or at least old) of Frances. The neck pocket also has the numbers "0005".

I was surprised that the top was so thick. I'm used to Gretsch DuoJets, which have a thick back and thin maple top; but the Joe Maphis is reverse of this, with a very thick top (looks like it's at least 0.5" thick), and rather thin back and sides. There doesn't appear to be any support under the bridge, other than the thick top, but I only used my fingers to check under the bridge, so there could still be something between top and back under the bridge - will need to check again when I next restring the thing.

User avatar
101Volts
Master Contributor
Posts: 2486
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:33 pm
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial # List - An Ongoing Project

Postby 101Volts » Fri Oct 06, 2023 9:49 am

chamberedmusic wrote:I recently got the Joe Maphis model 1, serial number D221. It's been played hard, but that's why I got it. Using the Eric Clapton criteria of 'if it's been played a lot, it's probably a good guitar.'

The neck has date stamp Apr 15 1966, and definitely has the truss rod in the heel. It also has the number "0041", don't know what that means.

The body has date stamp Apr 25 1966 (so 10 days later than the neck), and the signature (which appears to be original, or at least old) of Frances. The neck pocket also has the numbers "0005".

I was surprised that the top was so thick. I'm used to Gretsch DuoJets, which have a thick back and thin maple top; but the Joe Maphis is reverse of this, with a very thick top (looks like it's at least 0.5" thick), and rather thin back and sides. There doesn't appear to be any support under the bridge, other than the thick top, but I only used my fingers to check under the bridge, so there could still be something between top and back under the bridge - will need to check again when I next restring the thing.


Ah yes, D221 - the guitar that inspired me to start this list in the first place. I saw it shortly after it was first put up for sale, but then it was shared again among Ramones fans because it was just played so much, and I paid more attention to it. I don't think there's one Joe Maphis I model that I've seen with more play wear on it, so yes, it looks like someone sure did love playing this one.

Thanks for sharing the date stamp info, it's a scarce thing on this list. There's one other thing that would help, which would be the dates on the potentiometers (volume and tone knob electronics.) However, the current pots might not be original. If they are original, though, then they should say something like "14-66," which would be the 14th week of 1966, Mid-April. I may have the numbers reversed, though, maybe it's more in "66-14" format.

How are the neck and frets for you? 1960s Mosrites normally had very low, narrow fretwire in stock form. It's 0.070" wide (a discontinued width, but I have a guide about how to get that same width,) and its height is tapered: on the Low E side, it's 0.022" tall, and it lowers to 0.015" at the High E side. Knowing that yours was so used, and that it also has Grover Tuners which are not stock (stock are Klusons,) I'm also curious if there's any fret buzzing after D221 was played as much as it was.

I'm also surprised that the top is as thick as it is. I've never held a Joe Maphis model - I just love collecting serial numbers, though I do own 2 Mosrites of my own (plus 2 never assembled bodies from about 1974 that I thought were Blues Bender bodies, but turned out to be something else.) I think I might prefer the Maphis over the Combo model because of the lack of an F Hole. The Combo is a sister model for the Maphis; it has the same body shape, but not the same body wood, and it has an F Hole.

- Austin
1966 Ventures II (German Carved, B670.)
1970s "Not a Blues Bender" Bodies: 2.
1976 Brass Rail Deluxe #10.
2013 Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI.

chamberedmusic
New Member
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2023 8:20 am
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial # List - An Ongoing Project

Postby chamberedmusic » Sat Oct 07, 2023 7:52 am

101Volts wrote:Ah yes, D221 - the guitar that inspired me to start this list in the first place. I saw it shortly after it was first put up for sale, but then it was shared again among Ramones fans because it was just played so much, and I paid more attention to it. I don't think there's one Joe Maphis I model that I've seen with more play wear on it, so yes, it looks like someone sure did love playing this one.


That's awesome! I'm happy to give back to this community. It sounds relatively softer/warmer than the Ventures models I've listened to on youtube (and Ventures records). Though the pickups still have that Mosrite big, bold, cut through anything, sound.

I'm eventually going to find a good method for uploading pictures and sound clips of D221.

101Volts wrote:Thanks for sharing the date stamp info, it's a scarce thing on this list. There's one other thing that would help, which would be the dates on the potentiometers (volume and tone knob electronics.) However, the current pots might not be original. If they are original, though, then they should say something like "14-66," which would be the 14th week of 1966, Mid-April. I may have the numbers reversed, though, maybe it's more in "66-14" format.


The pots are too corroded on the outside to get good date stamps - and the wiring lacks enough slack to really get a good look at the things. It looks like years of sweat, and/or someone spilled a beer or two in there at some point. Strangely enough, the pots are very very smooth and quiet. Apart from the bridge pickup needing electrical tape to keep the epoxy/foam in, the electronics are great in the thing.

Also, at some point a cat peed on the lower back of the guitar, getting the smell out has been an effort. Though I guess it makes it more punk ;)

101Volts wrote:How are the neck and frets for you? 1960s Mosrites normally had very low, narrow fretwire in stock form. It's 0.070" wide (a discontinued width, but I have a guide about how to get that same width,) and its height is tapered: on the Low E side, it's 0.022" tall, and it lowers to 0.015" at the High E side. Knowing that yours was so used, and that it also has Grover Tuners which are not stock (stock are Klusons,) I'm also curious if there's any fret buzzing after D221 was played as much as it was.


I've put my go-to Ernie Ball regular slinky (10-46) on it. Plays great. There isn't much fret buzzing actually, though I had to raise the bridge height for the low-E string a bit (disclosure: I'm not great a setting up a guitar). The neck/frets are not good for bending notes, which I think is a hand+neck structural issue. The 2nd fret has ruts in it so bending the A or D strings doesn't go well there at all, but is ok on upper frets.

I actually like the small frets - my ideal is small frets on an ebony fretboard like a Gretsch G6120-59VS or 1962 double-cut duojet. I don't understand the whole modern giant-frets-of-rebar trend. The smooth well-worn fingerboard + the small frets is my ideal playing surface.

User avatar
101Volts
Master Contributor
Posts: 2486
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:33 pm
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial # List - An Ongoing Project

Postby 101Volts » Wed Oct 11, 2023 4:39 pm

chamberedmusic wrote:
That's awesome! I'm happy to give back to this community. It sounds relatively softer/warmer than the Ventures models I've listened to on youtube (and Ventures records). Though the pickups still have that Mosrite big, bold, cut through anything, sound.

I'm eventually going to find a good method for uploading pictures and sound clips of D221.


Thanks. I've only played my 2 Mosrites (not counting the bodies that aren't assembled,) so this gives me some idea. I do believe that body wood and neck wood do effect guitar tone. The effects are often subtle, however. I've gone through enough YT videos (using accurate timestamps for quick comparisons) to at least make my mind up about it, no matter that people are saying "Tonewood is a myth hahaha." The subtle differences (which do not account for all tonal differences) are just too clear to me.

chamberedmusic wrote:The pots are too corroded on the outside to get good date stamps - and the wiring lacks enough slack to really get a good look at the things. It looks like years of sweat, and/or someone spilled a beer or two in there at some point. Strangely enough, the pots are very very smooth and quiet. Apart from the bridge pickup needing electrical tape to keep the epoxy/foam in, the electronics are great in the thing.

Also, at some point a cat peed on the lower back of the guitar, getting the smell out has been an effort. Though I guess it makes it more punk ;)


Ah well. I'd suggest using some Quick Glow on the pots, but that might even remove the lettering.

Oh. Well, I could have imagined that happening to a guitar, but it's also the first time I've heard of it to any electric guitar. I may have heard of it happening to an Acoustic once.

chamberedmusic wrote:I've put my go-to Ernie Ball regular slinky (10-46) on it. Plays great. There isn't much fret buzzing actually, though I had to raise the bridge height for the low-E string a bit (disclosure: I'm not great a setting up a guitar). The neck/frets are not good for bending notes, which I think is a hand+neck structural issue. The 2nd fret has ruts in it so bending the A or D strings doesn't go well there at all, but is ok on upper frets.

I actually like the small frets - my ideal is small frets on an ebony fretboard like a Gretsch G6120-59VS or 1962 double-cut duojet. I don't understand the whole modern giant-frets-of-rebar trend. The smooth well-worn fingerboard + the small frets is my ideal playing surface.


Surprising, considering how much it has been played. I have 11-56s on my 1966 Ventures II Carved model, but I'm not after bending. It's probably a lot easier with 10s. On mine, even with the Zero Fret being worn down to a point where I'd think there would be buzzing, there's none (although, I sometimes tune up while holding the string off the zero fret.) With some of the lower frets, I have a bit of slight "almost buzzing," but not quite.

I don't understand why small frets aren't very longed after, myself. I get the idea of "Higher Frets = easier bending," but then the tall frets are also like trying to slide up and down on railroad ties. My hand is not a Citroen DS car, so of course I'm going to feel it. I guess the argument is to not hold the neck so hard, but I sometimes wonder how conducive that is to playing like Joe Maphis or Les Paul were playing in the 50s - 60s.

- Austin
1966 Ventures II (German Carved, B670.)
1970s "Not a Blues Bender" Bodies: 2.
1976 Brass Rail Deluxe #10.
2013 Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI.

User avatar
101Volts
Master Contributor
Posts: 2486
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:33 pm
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Contact:

Re: Mosrite Joe Maphis Models Serial Numbers List (1960s - 1980s.)

Postby 101Volts » Tue Dec 12, 2023 2:12 pm

===============
Recent Updates:
===============

12 Nov 2023:

D621 added.

10 Dec 2023:

Six String that seems to have a neck from a 12 String added:
J88M (Strange Number) - Natural.

11 Dec 2023:

Added:

D474 (Natural 6 String)

J007 (Natural 12 String)

2J253 (White Double Neck)

Blank - 4 String Bass and 6 String Guitar necks - Red or Orange.

12 Dec. 2023:

Finally deleted the many replies that I had to this thread, to make it easier to navigate. Saved each post in Text format.

=====================
Models History & Trivia:
=====================

Mosrite History is a sparsely known subject, and hopefully this can help fill some of that void.

First, there's a small batch of guitars from 1959 - 1962 that can be known as a "Joe Maphis Model." These first ones later became the Ventures model. They pre-date all of the Ventures models. I don't know much about these. They're completely different from what ended up being the Joe Maphis models later on.

After that, The production model that was the Joe Maphis single neck model seems to have started production in Jan 1966. It came as a 6 String Guitar, 12 String Guitar, and as a 4 String Bass. All of these have a body that's fatter than a Ventures model, and it has a chambered body. I'm not sure when production ended, but the 13th of February 1969 is the end date for the initial Bakersfield factory period. (The doors were locked the next day, the 14th of February 1969.) That said, we do have 1 guitar listed that was assembled in the 1970s, probably with a 1960s body.

I've also seen a variant of the 6 String Guitar, with body horns that were more curved. I'm not sure where that fits in with this model's history, yet; it may or may not be a more ornate prototype.

This model shares its body outline shape with the Mosrite "Combo" model, which is a semi-hollow guitar with an F hole.

There's also a Joe Maphis Double Neck model, though it does not share the shape of the common Joe Maphis Single Neck (production) model. It is also listed here by association of Joe's name, although the Double Neck model looks like more of a Ventures Double Neck than not. Then again, Joe primarily played Double-Necked Guitar, and he had to take a back seat to the Ventures, so I suppose this might have been a bit of an apology?

Finally, Semie still made a rare few Joe Maphis Double Neck Models in the 1980s - his death in 1992, but these differ from the first iteration of the Maphis Double Neck. These ones look much more like the one Semie built for Joe in the 1950s.

===================
Model Specifications:
===================

Single Neck Models:

24.50" Scale Length (6 String and 12 String Guitar)
30.25" Scale Length (Bass)
Mosrite Ventures Single Coil Pickups / Mosrite Ventures Bass Pickups
Maple Neck
Binding on Neck
Rosewood Fretboard
Fretboard Binding
Chambered Body
Binding on Body

Lastly, I've seen some of these with more ornate horns by the neck. I'm not sure when that version dates from.

Double-Necked Models:

To be frank, I need to double-check the info before posting this here. However, I don't expect it's much different from the Ventures models. I just don't expect this model to have a chambered body, but I don't know.

=========================================================================
1959 (?) - 1963 Single Neck (Prototype and/or Pre-Ventures "Joe Maphis" Models:)
=========================================================================

Known #s - 1:

W0221676 - Sunburst. Number is on the Vibramute tailpiece. Belongs to Arturo Tapia Paulin. Pics saved. ---https://www.facebook.com/groups/329425863860893/permalink/1150905755046229/

Unknown, or No Number - 3:

No Number Visible - Sunburst, Mistake Plate model. Has a very primitive Vibramute on it, so early that it doesn't say "Vibramute." Seems to be one of the five "1959" models. Pics and page saved.--- https://reverb.com/item/4592357-mosrite ... b-58571457
No Number Visible - Sunburst. For sale from DOLPHIN GUITARS, Suita, Japan. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/40978223-mosrit ... demo-video
No Number Known - "1959" model. White (refin.)

=========================
1955 - 1962 Double Necks - 2:
=========================

"No. 1 Double" - Sunburst - 1958 model. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.fretboardjournal.com/column ... uble-neck/
570-04-8308 - "Bobby." Number is on the vibrato plate, and I'm not sure if it's a serial number or not. Guitar's in an Aqua Sparkle (Seafoam Sparkle?) finish. Guitar seems to be a 1962 - 1963 model, and it has Mahogany pickup covers. Pics and pages saved. --- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=408

==================================
1960s Single Neck Production Models:
==================================

==============
4-String Basses:
==============

Known #s - 5:

R059 - Natural. 2-Piece top, not a very well matching top. Does not have a model name on the headstock. Truss Rod at Headstock. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/210477-mosrite- ... maple-neck
R080 - Natural. No model name on headstock. For Sale on Reverb, 2021 from Yeahman's Vintage & Used Guitars in Bern, Switzerland. Pics and page saved. https://reverb.com/item/44471788-1966-m ... 02-natural
R082 - Natural. No model name on headstock. For sale on Reverb, March - April 2023. Pics & Page saved. https://reverb.com/item/66285200-mosrit ... -bass-1966
R0267 - not even sure if this is a Joe Maphis model, but it's mentioned here, without photos: http://www.guitarsite.com/database/Make ... s/54.shtml

R116469 - Sunburst, Tortoiseshell Pickguard. Part of this number appears to be a misprint or re-stamp. This may be 1646 with other digits, since the second 1 and the 9 are both faintly impressed on the fretboard. --- https://reverb.com/item/3346783-1966-mo ... r-sunburst

No # - 1:

Blank - Natural Back, Blue Front, Blue Neck, "Surfacing" Blue Burst Headstock (Original paint, painted by Bill Gruggett) - Showed on Reverb, 12 Jan 2022. Pics and page saved.

Partial # - 1:

xx06 - Natural. Truss Rod at Headstock. Pics & Page Saved. No model name on headstock. --- https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/448828 ... C2%A31295/

Speculated #s - 2:

R103 - Natural. For sale on Reverb, 2021 from Magnetic Heaven Music, San Diego, CA, USA. Seller didn't say the #, I looked at pics after inverting color. Pics and page saved. https://reverb.com/item/32646155-mosrit ... low-serial
R125 - Natural. Has a few "double die" digits. Showed on Reverb, 10 Feb 2022. Pics & Page saved. https://reverb.com/item/50521096-mosrit ... 68-natural

===========================
6-String Guitars, 1960s Models:
===========================

Joe Maphis model I / Joe Maphis model / No Name on headstock Models:

Known #s - 41:

Maphis I models with Truss Rod at Body (or, expected to be at the body: ) - Range: D001 - D249 (high number may be lower.)

D003 - Natural. Reads "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Was on eBay. Missing original tailpiece, replaced with a Bigsby. Has a cigarette burn between the string guide and Low E tuner. Has neck wear on the back, behind about the 3rd fret. 2 Low-Res Pics, and page saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... -179865387
D005 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock, which takes up most of the headstock. Owned by Josh Fehnel. but was owned by a Mosrite Forum member previously. The neck heel date says Jan 26, 1966 and the neck also seems to says "0009" under the date (the first 0 was cut off by a screw hole.) No body date, but it says "HB" in the neck pocket, which may or may not be employee initials. Guitar had a potentiometer replaced and (seemingly) a pickup replaced, but I'm not sure if these were included before the sale. Was sold by Lipham's in Gainsville, FL, a prominent store where, I've read, Tom Petty took guitar lessons and members of the Allman Brothers Band worked. Pics saved.
D024 - Natural. Neck Heel date reads "Feb 4 1966 0024." Model Name "Joe Maphis model I." Pics and page saved. --- https://www.creamcitymusic.com/vintage- ... al-finish/
D030 - Natural. Found in a 2017 "Mosrite Guitars" Facebook Post. The original owner bought it in 1966 and lived in Bakersfield, and the second owner is Rey Vel Verde, who used to go to the Mosrite factory after high school, to watch Mosrite building guitars. 2 Pics saved.
D072 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 250026277/
D076 - Mentioned here, in comments, photos not found or saved: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=27 ... 3484074300
D092 - Natural. Number clearly seen in ad. Showed up on Reverb on 10 June 2023. https://reverb.com/item/69983318-mosrit ... 66-natural
D093 - Natural. Number's according to the seller, who I messaged. Pics and page saved. For Sale from More Music in Santa Cruz, California in https://reverb.com/item/55689911-mosrit ... tural-1966
D104 - Not sure of finish. Bought by forum member "Onward." --- viewtopic.php?p=66633#p66633
D115 - Natural. Showed up for sale in Cutten, California. Can't tell location of Truss Rod in low resolution pics. Pics and page saved. --- https://cutten.americanlisted.com/music ... 99643.html
D117 - Natural. Has "Joe Maphis model I" on the headstock. Belongs to Charley Dunn. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 874070786/
D122 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Neck Heel date says "Mar 21 1966 0025." Neck Pocket says "Jim Mar 25 1966 0012." Also, the neck tongue has written on it "448-38-0639 J.W.C. Ormsby S.S. No 4S4063 4063 Draft No 44 67 45 2154." The neck tongue writing may or may not be original. Pics and page saved. ---
D189 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I." Pics and page saved. --- https://www.vintage-guitar.de/detailsit ... del-I.html
D214 - Natural. Dated April 15, 1966 on either the body or neck (not specified in ad.) Says "Joe Maphis model I" on head. For sale from Reverb, "ethan's Boutique" in Visalia, CA on Jan 3, 2023. Guitar is worn, missing some original parts including: the pickups, tuners, knobs, Moseley vibrato bar, and the guitar was routed sloppily for the humbuckers in it. Pics and page saved.
https://reverb.com/item/64525075-mosrit ... tural-1966
D221 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Body Date: April 25, 1966 0005, signed "Frances" in pocket (and is that original?) - Neck Date: April 15, 1966 0041. For sale from Reverb, seller "Gear Central" in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 2022. This guitar was bought by the original owner in 1968. Its tuners were replaced with Grovers. The vibrato spring was also replaced, all else is original. It's a very well used, worn example: worn but original frets, cracked and arm-worn (and pick-scratched) finish, paint worn through on the neck, belt buckle rash, cigarette burns on the headstock. This guitar's why I wanted to start the list in the first place. Pics and Page Saved. --- Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/48820678-mosrit ... intage-usa --- UPDATE, 6 October 2022: Mosrite Forum Member chamberedmusic owns it, and has given neck and body dates to it.

Maphis I models with Truss Rod at Headstock - Range expected to be D250 - D1000 (may be higher:)

D086 - Natural. Truss Rod at Headstock (outlier.) Says "Joe Maphis model" on headstock, instead of "Joe Maphis model I." Model name is also off-center, and a bit close to the "M" carve. 2 pics saved. Belongs to Beau Butcher.
D250 - Natural. Autographed by The Ventures. Pic saved. Mentioned in a comment here: --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 250026277/
D254 - Natural. Belongs to Allan Parks. Found reference to in "Mosrite Guitars" Group on Facebook, in a 2017 post comment section. Pic of fretboard saved.
D3 --- Natural. That is literally all of the number on the guitar; "D3." It looks like a worker didn't stamp the whole number. It might have dates stamped on it, but I don't know. I already have D003 on the list, so this isn't one of the earliest ones. Belongs to John Hylton. Pics and words about it are saved. Guitar found at Facebook: --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 722590387/
D313 - Natural. Was on eBay, included a non-original hard case, and sold on 29 Jan 2023 for $2,395 + $135 shipping.
D322 - Natural. Was on eBay. 1 Low-Res Pic saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... l-20179553
D337 - Natural. On Reverb, Early November 2023. https://reverb.com/item/75430697-mosrit ... owner-1966
D358 - Natural. Was on eBay. 1 Low-Res Pic saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... -241409571
D381 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model." Quote about dates from ad: "The neck-pocket is stamped in black 'JUN 15 1966 / 0009' (signed in blue ink by Semie Moseley) and the underside of the neck is stamped in black 'JUN 27 1966 / 0004'." This guitar was stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... his-mark-1
D404 - Natural. No model name on headstock. Truss rod seems to be at the headstock, but the body end is also open. Also has what seems to be a plugged hole in the headstock, near where the model name would be. Has smooth "Mark V" pickups. Belongs to Fredric Vandel. Pics saved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 9113516548
D407 - Natural. Belongs to Chris Pearce. Found reference to in "Mosrite Guitars" Group on Facebook, in a 2017 post comment section. 1 Pic saved.
D411 over D242 (misprint? looks like D421412) - Natural. Also has "056-16-1378" and then "NM32855750" scratched into the neck plate. https://reverb.com/item/75632960-mosrit ... qmTwg2Uz8s
D415 - Natural. Neck Date: June 24, 1966 0029 - Body Date (seems to be, but is faded) June 27, 1966 0003. Showed up on eBay 16 December 2022, and the seller "hearandwear" provided many helpful photos even without my asking for them. Guitar seems to have a screw hole in the headstock, near the truss rod cover. Pics and page saved.
D423 - Natural. Showed up on Reverb in Australia. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/65494780-mosrit ... ginal-case
D425 - Natural. Belongs to forum member Eltwang: --- viewtopic.php?p=18123#p18123 --- Was re-fretted: viewtopic.php?p=14585#p14585 --- Pickup dissasembly: viewtopic.php?p=19127#p19127
D440 - Sunburst. Says "the Ventures model" on the headstock. This was between many that don't have a logo, so the logo seems unlikely to be original. --- http://romanguitars.com/v/mosrite-joe-maphis/P1667
D448 - Natural. No model name on headstock. Posted by Ricky Toner on Facebook in 2017. Pics saved. Link: --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 037847959/
D474 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis Model" on headstock. https://reverb.com/item/75575786-mosrit ... ark-1-1966
D481 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis Model" on headstock. Was in a flood.
D493 - Natural. No model name. Doesn't have a model name. Truss Rod at Headstock, 4 Bolt Neck Plate. Owner posted at Mosrite Guitar Owners on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mosrite ... 916702662/
D514 - Natural. Number's according to the seller. Seller says that the fretboard was painted with what looks like nail polish. https://reverb.com/item/62431323-mosrit ... ric-guitar
D547 - Natural. No model name on headstock. 3 Bolt Neck with Ferrules. No dates stamped in neck pocket or on neck heel. Belongs to Robert Adams. Pics saved. Found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 549082668/
D560 - Natural. Has a Moseley Vibrato Tailpiece with no base-plate (like a Celebrity II, or a later Combo.) Has a neck plate. I'd have saved photos, but they're copyrighted. --- https://coolcarsnguitars.com/GG/sold/mosrite.htm
D600 - Sunburst on front and back, neck natural. Appears original. No model name on headstock. Has a 3 bolt ferrule neck. Belonged to forum member Dnepr. Pics and pages saved. --- Thread 1: viewtopic.php?p=17906#p17906 --- Thread 2 (for sale in 2010:) viewtopic.php?p=30356#p30356
D621 - Natural. https://www.facebook.com/groups/mosrite ... 149702667/
D628 - Natural. No name on Headstock. Number according to seller, who I asked. No model name on headstock, no neck plate - it has 4 ferrules instead. Has "Diamond" Tuners, sold with what appears to be the original case. Showed up on eBay on 20 January, 2023.
D639 (with a "V" under it, nearer the neck pup) - Natural. No model name on headstock. No dates on neck heel or in neck pocket. 2 Pics saved off Flickr. Update, 13 Jan - Belonged to forum member "eltuce:" viewtopic.php?p=57461#p57461
D971 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model" on headstock. 4 Bolt Neck Plate construction. Also has what seems to be a cigarette burn by the Low E tuner, and either a knot in the wood above the tailpiece, or a chip in the finish. Pics and pages saved. Number according to Ed Roman's site's URL. --- Page 1: http://www.edroman.com/detail_sheets/mo ... _d971.html --- Page 2: http://romanguitars.com/v/mosrite-joe-maphis-n-a/P994

Strange #s - 2:

D0202, D02021 or D02521 - Natural, with a white pickguard. Truss Rod at Body, and with a strange number that may or may not have been double-stamped. Found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 081757139/
D251 under D334, looks like DD235314. - A type of Burst; has dark red and then red on the edges, and more yellow / natural in the middle. Says "Hank Thompson" on Pickguard. 2 pics and pages saved. --- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2286
J88M - Natural. No obvious differences in how this model appears, except it may have a re-purposed neck that was originally meant to go for a 12 String model. https://reverb.com/item/65186605-1966-m ... _sold=true

Partsrites that I may not keep on the list - 1:

Blank - Sunburst. Tony Hunt Partsrite with Combo body and Mosrite Humbuckers, but "Joe Maphis" name on headstock. I'm at a bit of a loss whether or not to keep this one here. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/97 ... phis-model

Speculated and Uncertain # Section - 5:

D011 or D035 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Body-end truss rod, so it has to be early. I can barely tell the #, if at all, in the photos. Pics and page saved. Was for sale from Double-d-guitars in Baltimore, MD, USA. --- https://reverb.com/item/26665-mosrite-j ... ric-guitar
D200 - Natural. Early truss rod at body instrument. Showed up on Reddit in later 2022. Pics and page saved. https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarporn/com ... s_model_1/
Dx53 or Dx63 (Probably D153) - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Truss Rod at Headstock. Very good condition.
D5xx - Sunburst. No model name on headstock. Truss Rod at Headstock. Has late 1965 pots, but no dates anywhere else. Original owner owned a music store.
D606 or D608 - Natural. No model name at headstock. Truss Rod at Headstock. Plastic-knob Kluson tuners. 4 Bolt Ferrule Neck. Has a signature on the guitar. Pics and page saved. http://www.guitartraders.com/20288


Unknown (and Blank) # Section - 8:

Blank - Appears to be an Early 1966 instrument; Truss Rod at Body End. Seems to be refinished on the front. The "M" part of the headstock was cut off, and it says "Semie Hemi" on the headstock. Showed up on Reverb on 25 Oct. 2022, from Willie's American Guitars
in St. Paul, MN, United States: https://reverb.com/item/62561866-1966-m ... -model-501

???? - Red. Original. Mentioned here, in a re-post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 922775667/
???? - Natural. Has Chet Atkins' Signature on it. Low-def Pics saved, page saved. --- https://www.gbase.com/gear/mosrite-joe- ... 65-natural
???? - Solid Red Front, Sunburst Neck and Headstock with "by Semie Moseley" Logo on it. Has 3-Ply Binding on the Body, and 1-Ply Binding on the neck. Has a stop tailpiece, like seen on Mosrite 350 models. Also has "Diamond" tuners. This is most likely a 1970 - 1973 model, due to the strange finish and hodgepodge of 1970s parts, and Semie's name under the logo. This guitar was listed on Reverb in April 2018, and I posted about it; the post got a good number of replies, including one by the current owner. Pics and Pages (forum discussion included) Saved. Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/4351324-1968-mo ... ric-guitar --- Forum Post: viewtopic.php?p=69392#p69392
???? - Brown front (Refin or not?) - Truss Rod at Body. Stolen in East Texas in 2013. Pic found and saved from "JB and the Moonshine Band" Facebook Post from 2013.
???? - Not sure of finish. Weird one: No binding, smooth pickup covers, an extra toggle switch hole, tall knobs, the "I" in Maphis is missing, but it has a truss rod at the headstock. An "M" (probably in "Mosrite") was also covered by a tuner, so the tuners may not be original. Was posted in 2009, by me. No photos. --- viewtopic.php?p=20165#p20165
D??? (with a "V" nearer the neck pickup) - Natural. 3 Bolt Neck with no neck plate! No model name on headstock, Kluson tuners. Found at Facebook page "All Kindsa Guitars," 2013 post. Pics saved.
???? - Natural. Left-Handed Guitar with Righty Vibrato Tailpiece. Found under a Facebook "Mosrite Guitars" page, posted by Ben Coffey in 2016. 1 Pic saved.


Joe Maphis model II - 3:

M004 - Natural. Found in an article at VintageGuitar. --- https://www.vintageguitar.com/35753/mosrite-joe-maphis/
M008 - Natural. Was at Olivia's Vintage. Truss Rod adjustment at body end. I couldn't see the M at the start, but I'm basing the number on the model. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/2034757-1966-mo ... back-sides
M012 - Natural. Was on eBay in 2013, from Adam (dorkrockrecords, Expat Guitars.) It was bought by forum member "three13" that year. Pics and forum page saved. --- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5645


===============
12-String Guitars:
===============

Known # Section - 1:

J007 - Natural. https://reverb.com/item/73497295-mosrit ... 66-natural
J032 - Natural. Missing the original pickups and the volume pot's knob. Owner wants to put Mosrite-spec pickups in it. Owned by Edward Kwiatkowski at a Mosrite Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 212562139/

Partial # Section - 0:

Blank or Unknown # Section - 2:

???? - Natural. French-Adam Gardner's. Pics saved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 239211182/
???? - Natural. Has belt buckle rash shortly south of the neck plate. Pics and page saved.

================================================
1960s Double Neck Models with 6 and 12 String Necks:
================================================

Known #s - 24:

2J007 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string headstock. Found in "Mosrite Guitars" Group on Facebook. 1 Pic saved.
2J065 - Sunburst, Natural Necks. Was on eBay. Low-res pics and page saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... 2-27684190
2J067 - Sunburst, Natural Necks. Reads "Joe Maphis Model" on both headstocks. For sale from Japan, seller "tresurejapan" on 4 Jan 2022. Pics and page saved.
2J116 - Red (Refinish.) has smooth-top pickups, strangely. Reads "Joe Maphis Model" on both headstocks. For sale from Bryan's Gear Emporium in Ingleburn, Australia on 4, Jan 2022. Pics and page saved. --- Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/38802777-1965-m ... -twin-neck
2J120 --- Sunburst. 2 pics saved. https://guitarpoint.de/de/electric/zema ... oubleneck/
2J143 - Red. Appears to say "Joe Maphis model" on both headstocks. Was for sale at Ed Roman's site. # is according to the Ed Roman page. Pics and pages saved. --- Page 1: http://www.edroman.com/detail_sheets/mo ... _d113.html --- Page 2: http://romanguitars.com/v/mosrite-joe-m ... -1967/P995
2J192 - Sunburst. Pics saved. Found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 985427139/
2J204 - White (Aged.) Found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 081757139/
2J216 - Blue. Model Name only on 6-String Headstock. 6-String Pickups changed to Gibson-type Humbuckers. Low-res pics and page saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... -151275763
2J222 - Blue. Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on the 6 string headstock; 12 String Headstock is bare. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... 612-string
2J253 - White. Model name only on 6 String Neck. 6 String's Fretboard lighter wood than 12 String's Fretboard. https://reverb.com/item/1201998-mosrite ... ouble-neck
2J299 - Sunburst. Showed up on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 450117139/
2J305 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Has strange inlays on the 12 String Neck, and a headstock repair with overspray on the 12 string neck. Says "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string neck. Page saved. --- https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0120-40674 ... ic-guitar/
2J309 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Says "The Ventures" on the 6-String Neck only. Was stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... ouble-neck
2J315 - Dark Red. Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string neck. Pics and page saved.
2J318 - Red. Finish is cracked. Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string neck. Pics and page saved. Was on Reverb in March and April 2023:
https://reverb.com/item/66968584-mosrit ... -apple-red
2J338 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Reads "Joe Maphis model" on 6 string headstock only. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/236714-mosrite- ... 6-sunburst
2J357 (Red) - For Sale from Downbeat Music in La Mesa, California in August 2022. Pics and page saved. - https://reverb.com/item/49952173-mosrit ... cherry-red --- Update, 3 March 2023: New owner posted about it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 450117139/
2J359 - Natural. Was made for Lou Martin by Mosrite. Reads "Joe Maphis model I" on the 6 string headstock only. Pics and page saved. Stolen from FrettedAmericana in 2013. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... ouble-neck
2J368 / 2J369 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst, Headstock Fronts and Backs Black (Sides Sunburst.) Serial # 368 is on the 6 String Neck, serial # 369 is on the 12 String Neck. Says "Joe Maphis model" on 6-String-Neck only. Pics and page saved. --- http://www.tuneyoursound.com/collection ... uitar-1966
2J377 - Sunburst. For Sale from Downbeat Music in La Mesa, California in August 2022. Pics and page saved. - https://reverb.com/item/49950889-mosrit ... s-sunburst
2J390 - Sunburst. Showed on 29 Dec 2022. Missing original pickguard, pups on the 6 string side were replaced with Gibson-ish Humbuckers, and the Moseley Vibrato Arm was replaced with something else. Pics & Page saved. https://reverb.com/item/64397535-mosrit ... acco-burst
2J419 - Sunburst. Guitar was bought on eBay in Jan 2022, then was listed parted out on eBay in Feb 2022. I have pics from before and after. Guitar was a 3-Bolt necks model, no model names on headstocks. Kluson tuners on both necks. 2-Piece Necks. Numbers seemed to have a few misprints; 12-string appeared to say "2J04119" and 6-string seemed to say "2J4199."
2J438 - Natural. Special Spruce Top and Hollowed Walnut Back version.
2J467 - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Number is according to seller, I can't tell by the pics. Guitar has Kluson tuners, and one potentiometer's dated to 1968. Guitar showed up on Reverb on 14 October 2022. Pics & Page saved. https://reverb.com/item/61852780-mosrit ... shell-case

Unknown & Unconfirmed #s - 11:

2J112 (Speculated) - Sunburst. Was this Glen Campbell's? It was on display under a Glen Campbell exhibit. Only has a model name on the 6 string headstock. Strangely, the neck pickup on the 12 string neck is reversed in its angle, and the 6 string neck has a vibrato-type base plate, but it uses a stop tail that you'd find on a Blues Bender. Pic saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10 ... 1048829872
2J155, 2J156, or 2J158- White (Aged to Cream.) Was played by Jimi Hendrix, according to what I read. Word on the 2J158 number is according to FrettedAmericana Page for 2J222, below. I have also downloaded a photo that confirms all but the last digit.
2J1xx (Speculated) - White. Says "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string headstock. Was Rory Gallagher's. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 230352380/
2J226 (Speculated) - White. Body Date reads "Jul 26 1966." Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string headstock. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/34973804-mosrit ... 1968-white
2J266 (Speculated) - Sunburst, Necks Sunburst. Reads "Joe Maphis model" only on 6 string headstock. 12 String Headstock Face shows orange peel paint.
2J312 (Speculated) - Red. No model name. Also reads "by Semie Moseley" on the headstock, so this might have been put together in the early 70s. Otherwise, it looks like a completely stock 60s model. Pics and page saved. Found on Reverb, 31 March 2023: https://reverb.com/item/67525556-mosrit ... i-1966-red
2J352 (Speculated) - Snake Skin Finish. "Joe Maphis model" name on 6 String Headstock only. I looked at photo 23 of 25, and it seemed like this # is the best guess. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/6440534-1966-mo ... newsletter
2J419 (Speculated) - Sunburst. No names on headstocks. Kluson tuners on both necks. 3-bolt necks with ferrules; it's a late one. Showed on eBay in Jan 2022. Pics and description saved.
????? - Blue. Reads "Joe Maphis model" on the 6 string neck only. For sale from Jay Rosen Music in Emeryville, CA, USA on 4 Jan, 2022. --- Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/34432420-mosrit ... -1966-blue
????? - Blue. Appears to be a late one, for multiple reasons. It has mis-matched tuners; Klusons on the 12 string, 1968/1969 "Diamonds" on the 6 string. Also has no neck plate, but 4 bolts in ferrules for each neck, like about the last 150 Mark V models. May have not been stamped, or may have been re-fretted, though it doesn't look like it. Does not have a model name on either headstock. For sale from Andy Babiuk's Fab Gear, Rochester, NY, USA. Pics and page saved. --- Reverb Listing: https://reverb.com/item/3007991-mosrite ... -1966-blue
J3294 - Red Body, Red Necks, Red Headstocks. Also, the 6 String Neck has the headstock reversed. Number according to Heritage Auctions listing, but I'm not sure if it's accurate or not. Pics and page saved. https://entertainment.ha.com/itm/vintag ... QDs8PyZkZw

Unusual ones - 2:

????? - Sunburst, Natural Necks. Sidejack, 4 knob custom order that reads the original owner's name on the pickguard, David Barksdale. Found at an archived page of Rumble Seat Music. 1 large pic saved of the front, 1 mini pic of the back, page saved. --- http://web.archive.org/web/202009281457 ... -sunburst/
????? - Sunburst. Mandolin / 6 String, formerly owned by John & Judy Hall. Pics and pages saved. 2016 Thread here: --- viewtopic.php?p=66326#p66326 --- 2011 Thread: http://www.mosriteforum.com/forum/viewt ... 580#p50580 ---

============================
6-String Guitars, 1980s Models:
============================

Known #s - 4:

Joe Maphis Custom:

42339, "R0SS" in Fretboard (original owner's name?) - One of a kind custom. Combo style body. Natural, marbled wood. Built in 1986. Belongs to Adam (dorkrockrecords.) It's a one-off. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/142589-mosrite- ... 86-natural

1986 - 198? JM65 Model (Single Neck Version: )

V0157 - 1959 to 1962 "Maphis" style guitar (Ventures type body.) Sunburst, with an arm rest. Was made for Marty Stuart. I couldn't download the page or photos with my browser. I printed the page and found its pics elsewhere. --- https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/295 ... OZ4a1v-Xpk

1989 - 1992 models:

G2004 - Sunburst. Joe Maphis model made in 1990, but with a neck that seems to have been meant for a Gospel model, originally. Has Mosrite single coils, and belt buckle rash. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 808918548/

91010, Sunburst - Seems to be a 1991 version of a Joe Maphis model. Has Mosrite Humbuckers. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 793529989/

========================
1970s - 1990s Double Necks:
========================

Known #s - 4:

1970s:

000004 - Sunburst, 1974 model (according to this post, no pics: ) --- viewtopic.php?p=66260#p66260

Blank, or Unknown:

Blank - Red or Orange. 4 String Bass and 6 String Guitar double neck. Likely early 1970s Parts-rite. https://reverb.com/item/67822630-mosrit ... range-1971

1980s:

PRO-001 - Sunburst. Prototype of the 1980s Joe Maphis Double-necks. Reads (year date included) "Prototype J.M. 65 made in memory of my dear friend Joe Maphis Semie Moseley 1986" on the back of the 6-String Headstock. Pics and page saved. Was stolen from Frettedmericana in 2013. --- https://www.frettedamericana.com/produc ... ouble-neck
JM 06 - 1986 Joe Maphis Double Neck. Sunburst. 1 Photo Saved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/5297862 ... 248267139/ --- Update, 11 Jan 2022: An old sales page and more pics saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/37757101-super- ... igned-1986
JM 13 - 1986 or 1987 Joe Maphis Double Neck. Sunburst. Was sold from Guitar Maniacs, Tacoma, WA, USA. --- https://reverb.com/item/33015695-mosrit ... c-sunburst

Speculated #s - 1:

xxx086 Guitar Neck, 106086 Bass Neck - Sunburst. Double neck with a 6-string guitar neck and 4-string bass neck. Was for sale from Southside Guitars
in Brooklyn, NY. Pics and page saved: --- https://reverb.com/item/435639-mosrite- ... 3-sunburst

Unknown #s - 2:

???? - Sunburst with Octave Neck. Looks to be 1972 - 1974. Pics & Pages Saved. --- viewtopic.php?p=1175#p1175
???? - I'm not sure how to describe the finish, at present. This is supposed to be a 1991 - 1992 instrument, and it looks like one of Semie's 1950s builds, but with better materials available. Was posted for sale from Merinda Kispert Kacsmaryk in 2017. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 773001796/

=================
Total Instruments:
=================

Single Neck (Prototype, Pre-Ventures) Models:

1 with a known #,
3 with unknown #s (if any #s are present.)

Double Neck (1955 - 1962) Models - 2

1960s Single Neck (Production) Models:

5 Basses with a Known #,
2 Basses with a Speculated #,
1 Blank Bass,
1 Bass with a Partial #.

Joe Maphis Model I / Joe Maphis Model, Joe Maphis model II:

42 Six-String Guitars (J.M. I / J. M.) with Known #s,
3 strange numbers,
1 Partsrite "Maphis" model that's blank,
5 Guitars with a partial or speculated #,
8 Guitars with an Unknown (or Blank) #.

3 Joe Maphis model IIs with a known #,

2 Known # 12 String Guitar,
2 Blank/Unknown 12 String Guitars,

1960s Double-Neck Models:

25 with known #s,
12 with unknown (or missing, or speculated, or uncertain) #s.

======================
1970s - 1993 Instruments:
======================

Single Neck Models:

1 Known # Combo-style body,
3 Known # Ventures-type models.

Double Neck Models::

Known #s - 4
Speculated #s - 1
Blank - 1
Unknown #s - 2

Total Instruments - 129.

===============================
Finishes & Variants Accounted For:
===============================

Single Neck (Prototype) Models:

Sunburst

Single Neck (Production) Models:

Blue, Natural Back, Blue "Surfacing" Burst Headstock - Likely one of a kind bass, painted by Bill Gruggett.
Natural - Natural front, Natural Dark Brown Back. The most common finish for these models, may have been the only option in the 1960s, barring custom orders.
Solid Red Front, with Brown Sides & Back - Only seen on 1 early 1970s Parts-rite model.
Sunburst - Only 2 on the list.
Yellow to Red Burst - 1 on list (the Hank Thompson one.)
Natural to Dark Burst - 1 on list (D440.)

Double Neck Models:

1960s:

Aqua Sparkle (only on "Bobby," pre-Ventures)
Blue,
Red,
Sunburst,
White.

1970s:

Darker-seeming Sunburst.

1980s - 1990s:

Sunburst.
Translucent Yellow to Red Burst.

========

Finally, here's a photo of a Joe Maphis (Production model) Guitar, for Facebook posts to have something to link:

Image

- Austin
1966 Ventures II (German Carved, B670.)
1970s "Not a Blues Bender" Bodies: 2.
1976 Brass Rail Deluxe #10.
2013 Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI.


Return to “Mosrite Guitars & Basses Vintage USA”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 45 guests