The Original Octave Neck- Joe Maphis

[EF@MosriteRecords]

I used this photo on a reply under a other topic. This is the original Octave neck off the original MOS RITE SPECIAL.
As Terry (TNM) wrote on his tnmguitars.com site. The neck Semie built for the original as was the standard guitar neck,
had the tunning keys 6 in-line. Looking at the back of the headstock, you can "still see the glue up that was done to
conform to the the Head stocks that became the Floral design", 3 on a side Grover Imperial's. we all have come to know and love. I remember the first time I saw Joe with this in 1954/55. I had a chance to see and hold that guitar sometime in that time period at TOWN HALL PARTY. The History and the session's, TV Shows etc. is mind boggling. The TV Theme Tunes that were picked on that neck. And of all "FIRE ON THE STRINGS". The Bio of Joe tracks is awesome that was played on that guitar. This was used for many years as a Door Handle on Joe and Rosie's Motor Coach called the
"Tennessee Rose". The important thing is that it was rescued. It's home is now in the Custom Presentation Wood Case
That Semie Built for the recreation of Joe's Original. It was designed to hold the Recreation and the "Octave Neck". I will bring it out to Calif. in Jan. for NAMM and the Deke Guitar Fest. LORD WILLING. It will be shared with all that care to see it.
Love to all.
Elaine

[dubtrub]

Seeing this old neck inspired me to dig out my DVD of Joe Maphis Town Hall Party 1958-59, where he is playing that super beautiful guitar. I remember seeing that guitar in Semie's shop on Minner Street in Oildale in 1959. Semie had the guitar in his little shop to do some upgrades. I'd told Semie that I was familiar with Joe Maphis as we would travel down to Redondo Beach on Saturday where my relatives lived just so we could watch the show. When he learned I was familiar with Joe Maphis and that guitar, he asked me if I wanted to play it. Man! I was on cloud nine getting to play that guitar. Course being 13 years old I was actually a bigger fan of Larry Collins............and better yet... Lorie.

[EF@MosriteRecords]

Hi Danny: I know how you feel, I think a lot of us feel that way. I hope to see as many
folks as I can when we are out in Calif. In Jan.2010. I invite you to play the recreation
Semie built me as well as inspect the little neck if you wish. That guitar in my Heart will always be Joe's. Joe and Semie blessed me by the rebuild, I am just a caretaker. Two of
the biggest thrill's of my life was to see Joe play the rebuilt Doubleneck when Joe and Rosie along with Semie & Loretta. Brian & Debbie were there also. The other biggest thrill
was playing the stage at TOWN HALL PARTY. I would have never dreamed that almost
50 years later I would be the one to do The Tribute Album to Joe Maphie & Merle Travis and to have Rose Lee sing the last but tribute track to Joe, with my friends from the OPRY The Whites. To have MOSRITE RECORDS as my Label is a honor I will always respect.
God Bless; Elaine

[moaimen]

I don't know if this has been discussed before but why was Joe's guitar disassembled?

[EF@MosriteRecords]

The simple answer is weight. In 1963 or about's. Semie reworked the original design
regarding the gingerbread and the inlaid arm rest and pick guards were removed and the
necks were removed. Much of the wood under the Rest, Guards and goof plates
were cut out. I have some of those pieces of wood, I will post pictures of an example
soon as time permits. Semie only built two Doubleneck Bodies. The original body was
used until 1973 when the new lighter guitar was given to Joe. This Guitar is the one pictured on the CMH Albums and has the Mosrite Humbuckers. Getting back to the Original Guitar. The new necks also made the guitar lighter. The headstocks are smaller and the Grover Imperial's were not used. As you may know that guitar is on display at the Country Music Hall Of Fame here in Nashville. When Semie built the recreation for me there was a search for what old parts Semie still had off the original 1954/55-62 era that he could salvage to use on the recreation. Several were located (which was a miracle any pieces were found). We know that the little neck was removed because of some damage and ware. Joe's second guitar is in Bakersfield at the Museum. Over my life I played both guitars and the weight difference is noticeable. The original Guitar also experienced a couple of accidents. Pictured here is of myself, Joe Maphis, Brian Lonbeck and Semie, in1985 in California at my home there. Luv to all Elaine