Joe Maphis Model 1

[DazzRite]

I've got one of Ed's pickups in the neck spot on mine and couldn't be happier with the sound---or the blend with the stock bridge pup.

As far as the speed frets go, I agree with giving that neck a chance. I've got D'Addario 12 chromes on mine with the action set low. You play differently when string bending isn't a real option, but there's a lot of ways to make music with a guitar. I think my note selection and phrasing are challenged....And my right hand appreciates the luxury of picking strings that hold still and fight back! I've got other guitars set up for bluesy stuff.

[burntheflags]

Thanks for all the advice folks. i'm in a bit of a rush to get this guitar sounding good because i'm heading
into the studio in a few weeks and i wanted to try it out on some stuff. So, i got up with Bob Shade and ordered
a replacement pickup. i'll let y'all know how it turns out.

Dazzrite, that's really interesting about the off gassing of the pickguard. It sounds exactly like what happened
to mine. Where in the world did you find a case for it. i'm looking at modifying a flying v case right now. i do
think it will be pretty funny to show up to all these metal shows i end up playing with a jackson case and pull
this thing out of it though.

[oipunkguy]

[DazzRite]

Where in the world did you find a case for it?

I had a "Mosrite Case" search on ebay for quite a while. I'd also written down the minimum measurements necessary. Anything that looked possible was inquired after. Some were close but not quite. The case I ended up with is not the nifty alligator type---and I still need to finish redoing the compartment/neck brace attatchment. But I can carry the guitar in it, and that's what counts. I had talked to a local dealer of Coffin Cases but I don't think they had a stock size that would have worked. The offset shape and the extra width of these models present a bit of a challenge. I'm sure some of the others here could give you additional options.

[Desert Surfer]

Where in the world did you find a case for it?

I had a "Mosrite Case" search on ebay for quite a while. I'd also written down the minimum measurements necessary. Anything that looked possible was inquired after. Some were close but not quite. The case I ended up with is not the nifty alligator type---and I still need to finish redoing the compartment/neck brace attatchment. But I can carry the guitar in it, and that's what counts. I had talked to a local dealer of Coffin Cases but I don't think they had a stock size that would have worked. The offset shape and the extra width of these models present a bit of a challenge. I'm sure some of the others here could give you additional options.

Not an easy case to find. Joe Maphis Model 1 wont fit in the regular "Mosrite case" The length needs to be 44" (vs. 42") and the width needs to be 16" (vs. 15 1/2")

Luckily mine came with the original case.

[burntheflags]

Ok, so i got the pickup from Mr. Shade and dropped it in. The pickup definitely took
care of all the microphonic problems i've been having which is nice. But tonally
and output wise it sounds about the same. So my question is, are these just naturally
ultra dark sounding guitars? i mean i have to turn the treble and presence to 10 on my
hiwatt clone and the bass to 2 to get any high end from the bridge pickup. Otherwise it
just sounds like mud.

As far as Mr Shade's pickup though it seems really well made for the money and a great value.
But be aware that the pole screws are much smaller than the originals and i had a hard time getting
the pickup to rise up to the correct height.

[ElTwang]

So my question is, are these just naturally
ultra dark sounding guitars?

Well, I don't know what you're after but playing the Maphis through a Fender-style amp will give you a deep, twangy tone (yet not Tele-twangy), a hollowbody'ish thump with that Mosrite driven pup sound. Try to turn the 'mids' down on your amp.

Here's mine. Can you hear it?

[burntheflags]

Well, it ended up being the volume pot. i switched it out for one of the same value
and the guitar came to life. It seems the pot was choking the output which is weird
because it seemed to work just fine. i can't believe how good the guitar sounds now.
It's got this great twang but a really deep low end. i don't know if any of you folks
play slide on your mosrites but you should try it. i'm going to keep the shade pickup
in until i can have the originals potted. They're just uncontrollably microphonic. Man,
i've never heard a guitar that sound like this one.

[ElTwang]

Good to hear that, burntheflags. Enjoy!

[Sarah93003]

Well, it ended up being the volume pot. i switched it out for one of the same value
and the guitar came to life. It seems the pot was choking the output which is weird
because it seemed to work just fine. i can't believe how good the guitar sounds now.
It's got this great twang but a really deep low end. i don't know if any of you folks
play slide on your mosrites but you should try it. i'm going to keep the shade pickup
in until i can have the originals potted. They're just uncontrollably microphonic. Man,
i've never heard a guitar that sound like this one.

Congratulations on figuring that one out! Good move.