Need help with couple Mosrites identification.

[MikeWilson]

Hi there,

Think I'm in right place to identify my guitars. Yes, I tried to surf thru the threads but it was bit difficult to find any useful information, especially with older topics, because the most of links do not work. So, I have couple Mosrites (bought it in Japan), Japanese I presume, but I have couple confusing moments. Let's start from the first one:

It's Mosrite Ventures Model, looks like pretty straight copy of the original, some photos:







The moments I was confused with: 1) amoeba-shaped neckplate with Mosrite logo - pretty unusual for Japanese I think; 2) PU's have "Mosrite of California" description (I had few japanese copies and everyone had PU's with the only "Mosrite" word); 3) it has serial number (2072) and "USA" desription, both impressed on fretboard; 4) tremolo looks much better than on regular Japanese copies; 5) vintage Kluson-like tuners.


Second one. I just bought it few hours ago and I know nothing about this guitar except it looks real f**king great! Price was also good, so I couldn't let it go. Absolutely no information from seller. Looks pretty Mk II, but... you better take a look. Photos (the only three photos from seller's description):







Tell me something, please!! By the way, really apologize if my English was too broken))

[Dennisthe Menace]

Mike, the 1st guitar is very very nice. The only time there was a logo on an American Mo' was when it was
stamped "Semie Moseley," but you have a very nice Japanese version of a '65 MARK I Ventures Model....

The 2nd one was done very nicely although I'm not sure if it came from the factory as such. You basically have
a MARK II Japanese model with some 'upgrades.' Replacing the smaller p'ups that were on the MARK II, you have
the MARK I upgrades that were on the other models (Celebrity Is and IIs, Combo, Joe Maphis, Ventures, etc).
It looks as though the p'guard has the MOTS upgrade. The only unusual piece on there would be the Fender type of
tremelo system that would be found on the Jaguars and the Jazzmasters. Still, that's a nice looking model!

[MOSDAN]

Mike, the first guitar is definitely a Japanese copy and a very nice one at that. Over time the Japanese, with several companies, have made some excellent copies of the Mosrite Ventures model as they are still doing today. The more recent copies can not have "The Ventures" logo because of copyright being owned by the Ventures. Older copies, such as yours, can have and many do have the logo.

Now the second guitar you have. What a cool guitar!!! It looks like a child of a Mosrite father and a Jazzmaster mother. This one is very high on the Awsomely Cool list!!!!

[MikeWilson]

Finally, I got that second!!! So, what we have:

- Jaguar-style tremolo was installed by previous owner, I think. Looks like there was simple stopbar before
- Tuners are not original (according to older holes, it was Vintage style tuners)
- "Mosrite Of California" logo on the neck
- "Mosrite of California" PUP's
- Serial number impressed in the end of fingerboard (8144)
- A bit unusual caps on pots (no "M" letter, but sems like original)
- Very cool modern-style roller bridge

So, any idea? Guitar sounds really good, Easily became one of my fav's!=)

[MWaldorf]

My guess on the second one is a modified Japanese "Johnny Ramone" style Mk 2. Based on the neck screw placement I'm pretty sure it's a Fillmore. Whatever it is, it's really cool looking!

[MikeWilson]

My guess on the second one is a modified Japanese "Johnny Ramone" style Mk 2. Based on the neck screw placement I'm pretty sure it's a Fillmore. Whatever it is, it's really cool looking!

Looks like yes, but I think it's simple MkII (because of its yellowish colour - not the paper white, like the "Ramone" one).

Actually, got one more early seventies (I presume) Japan-made "Special")) Actually, that's the second one with maple fretboard I ever seen (first one was here, on forum, 1988 Original).