Recent Updates:
===============
13 Jan 2022:
Added:
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.
2J266 (Speculated)
2J305
2J338
"No. 1 Double" (Late 1950s model.)
Moved "Bobby" to a new 1955 - 1962 Double Neck section.
(Also, I'm going to stop putting updates in individual sections here. This takes up too much space, listing all of the instruments added in one day is enough.)
=====================
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)
30.00" 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 - 1962 Single Neck (Prototype, Pre-Ventures) 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 - 3:
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. 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
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.
Speculated #s - 1:
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
===========================
6-String Guitars, 1960s Models:
===========================
Joe Maphis model I / Joe Maphis model / No Name on headstock Models:
Known #s - 25:
D003 - Natural. Reads "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Truss Rod at Body. 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. Truss rod at body. 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. Truss Rod at body. Neck Heel reads "Feb 4 1966 0024." Model Name "Joe Maphis model I." Pics and page saved. --- https://www.creamcitymusic.com/vintage- ... al-finish/
D030 - Natural. Truss Rod at Body. 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. Truss Rod at Body. 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
D086 - Natural. Truss Rod at Headstock. 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.
D115 - Natural. Showed up for sale in Cutten, California. 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. Truss Rod at Body. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. Neck Heel 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." Truss rod at body only. Pics and page saved. --- https://www.vintage-guitar.de/detailsit ... del-I.html
D221 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model I" on headstock. For sale from Reverb, seller "Gear Central" in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 2022. This guitar was bought by the original owner in 1968, and it had the tuners replaced for Grovers some time ago. The vibrato spring was also replaced, but everything 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
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.
D322 - Natural. Was on eBay. 1 Low-Res Pic saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... l-20179553
D358 - Natural. Was on eBay. 1 Low-Res Pic saved. --- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... -241409571
D381 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model." Truss Rod at headstock. Quote 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. Also has what seems to be a plugged hole in the headstock, near where the model name would be. Has smooth "Mark V" pickups, and the truss rod channel appears to be at the headstock, but the body end is also open. 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.
D440 - Sunburst. Says "the Ventures model" on the headstock. This was between ones that didn't have a logo, so it may not 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/
D481 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis Model" on headstock. Was in a flood, so it's missing electronics and the string guide. Belongs to Cindy Cline. Pics saved. --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 785036654/
D560 - Natural. Has a vibrato tailpiece without a baseplate. I'd have saved photos, but they're copyrighted. --- https://coolcarsnguitars.com/GG/sold/mosrite.htm
D639 - Natural. Does not have a Model name on the headstock. 2 Pics saved off Flickr.
D971 - Natural. Says "Joe Maphis model" on headstock. 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
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
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 VIntage Guitar model. Pics and page saved. --- https://reverb.com/item/2034757-1966-mo ... back-sides
M012 - Not sure of finish. Was on eBay at some point, from Adam (dorkrockrecords, Expat Guitars.) I have no photos of this one, I only found a remnant of a description of it on an eBay listing re-post (without photos) site.
Speculated and Uncertain # Section - 2:
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
D606 or D608 - Natural. Does not have a model name on the headstock, and has plastic-button Kluson tuners. Has a signature on the guitar. Pics and page saved. http://www.guitartraders.com/20288
Unknown # Section - 4:
M??1 or M??7 - Natural. Joe Maphis model II. Has a number, but I can't tell what it is. It seems to have a 1 or a 7 in the number. It was on eBay at one point, but I didn't document it. I do have 1 pic saved, though.
???? - 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
???? - Natural. Left-Handed Guitar with Righty Vibrato Tailpiece. Found under a Facebook "Mosrite Guitars" page, posted by Ben Coffey in 2016. 1 Pic saved.
===============
12-String Guitars:
===============
Blank or Unknown # Section - 1:
???? - Natural. French-Adam Gardner's. Pics saved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3294258 ... 239211182/
================================================
1960s Double Neck Models with 6 and 12 String Necks:
================================================
Known #s - 13:
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
2J158- White (Aged to Cream.) Was played by Jimi Hendrix, according to what I read. (Word is according to FrettedAmericana Page for 2J222, below.)
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
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
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
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
Unknown #s - 8:
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.
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
????? - 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/
????? - 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; 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
============================
6-String Guitars, 1980s Models:
============================
Known #s - 3:
Joe Maphis Custom:
42339, "R0SS" in Fretboard (original owner's name?) - 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
JM65 Model:
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
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 - 3:
PRO-001 - Sunburst. Prototype of the 1980s Joe Maphis Double-necks. Reads "Prototype J.M. 65 made in memory of my dear friend Joe Maphis Semie Mosely 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 - 1:
???? - 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:
3 Basses with a Known #,
1 Blank Bass,
1 Bass with a Speculated #.
25 Six-String Guitars with Known #s,
1 Partsrite "Maphis" model that's blank,
3 Joe Maphis model IIs with a known #,
2 Guitars with a Speculated #,
3 Guitars with an Unknown #.
1 Blank/Unknown 12 String Guitar,
1960s Double-Neck Models:
13 with known #s,
8 with unknown (or missing, or speculated) #s.
1970s - 1993 Instruments:
Single Neck Models:
1 Known # Combo-style body,
2 Known # Ventures-type models.
Double Neck Models::
Known #s - 3
Speculated #s - 1
Unknown #s - 1
Total Instruments - 75.
===============================
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.
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:
- Austin
