M-3 California models

[dorkrockrecords]

edit] I only noticed dorckrockrecords' input after I posted. Adam, glad to learn about the "scarf joint"...on Brass Rails too!!!

Brass Rail, singular. I've never seen another Mosrite like it.

[raygun85]

Interestingly enough, although that headstock construction would look more at home on a Kramer or Jackson than a Mosrite, Brass Rail 007 (which I used to own) is built in the very same way, scarf joint and no volute and all.

Adam

I wonder when the scarf joint became a popular method of construction...could Semie have been ahead of his time on that one too?

[MWaldorf]

Well, personal opinion here, but I think a lot of people who buy Mosrites and clones thereof are attracted by the look and feel. If it were me, and it were a choice between two comparably prices Mosrite clones, I'd go with the one that was more "correct", be it handmade here or from a factory in Japan.

Anyway, just one guy's opinion.

[raygun85]

I agree with you for the most part. But we're not exactly trying to compete with Fillmore or Hallmark here. Fillmore is continuing on the tradition of vintage Mosrites, Hallmark is building on those designs and bringing them up-to-date. We're doing something altogehter different. We're talking about short runs and custom orders mostly with our shop. We'll have a base model to start with of course, but for under $2,000 I'm sure a lot of our custom options will appeal to a wide range of players. Neck profiles, nut width, hardtail or vibrato equipped, binding or no binding, choices of fretboard wood and inlay options...etc...
Electronics are going to be a pretty sweet deal too. We're winding our pickups as close to the originals as possible and keeping them hot like Mosrite pickups are known for, but what about people who want them wound a little softer? I was just talking last week with someone who is interested in having one of these new guitars and he expressed that he was frustrated with the Mosrites he played in the 60s because he could never get a clean tone, and asked if we could wind the pickups to sound more like a Jazzmaster. He also requested 250K pots instead of 500K and the neck to be made like a Fender C-neck. And we're still keeping the price well under $2,000...
Being a custom shop is great because the cost doesn't change all that much for custom options since we build every guitar as orders are recieved. Unless someone wants something that is really outlandish, most of those options won't change the price very much, if at all.

And I'm sure my dad would be more than willing to do a one-piece neck with the volute if thats what a customer wanted. In fact, he mentioned to me this morning that if anyone on the forum is interested that maybe we could offer a discount...he was in a good mood when he said it so I can't promise that!

[Veenture]

...But we're not exactly trying to compete with Fillmore or Hallmark here...//... We're talking about short runs and custom orders...

Raugun85, from what I read, you and your dad's approach to cater for the modern needs of lovers of the Mosrite shape and sound -in this custom way- sounds healthy to me. Success in your endeavours

Paul

[MWaldorf]

...But we're not exactly trying to compete with Fillmore or Hallmark here...//... We're talking about short runs and custom orders...

Raugun85, from what I read, you and your dad's approach to cater for the modern needs of lovers of the Mosrite shape and sound -in this custom way- sounds healthy to me. Success in your endeavours

Paul

Yes, it sounds like you've done your market research, and you're offering a lot of value at the price point!

[thunderhead]

Sounds interesting, can't wait to see one. Any Double Necks planned????

[raygun85]

Absolutely! At least a prototype. I was just telling my dad the other day that I want a double neck of my own so I'm sure we'll do at least one. If we get an order from someone then we'll probably be starting on one even sooner. I have a friend in Tehachepi that is interested in one so you never know...

[GTSP]

Is that a Celebrity at the bottom of the "about us" page that you are making?

[raygun85]

actually its a celebrity that we're restoring...