REISSUE VINTAGE 1963's & INVOLVEMENT OF DANA MOSELEY

[EF@MosriteRecords]

Hi Mosrite Fellows:

This posting could be placed in a couple places on the Forum. However because it
deals with 63 model Venture Guitars, I tossed a dime and here I am. I have had a wonderful time with Semie's daughter Dana, here in Nashville, certainly a decades old friend. I was shown the new 63 Vintage re-issue Serial #008. It's a good looking guitar and the neck felt good. Also Dana her husband and Jiro Okabe met with Andy Moseley, Mark Moseley, Rose Lee Maphis and myself. These guitars are being built under her direction, and Dana is working with the Fillmore people in Japan. The somewhat new news is I think they want to bring the production to Bakersfield and make it a American Guitar. I understand the Mosrite Guitar Name & Logo still remains the property of the Japanese. This has been proven time and time again in Court actions. It is sad to say the least.

The 1963 I saw was the nicest I have seen since Semie stopped making them, and the
1963 reissues he did up to he time of his passing. I do understand the situation that is fact, that the Moseley Family does not own the Mosrite Guitar Business. However they are trying to include the family in future business. It was also made known to me and other Moseley Family members that the widow of Semie is marketing Mosrite Guitars in Japan and possible other foreign countries. These guitars Ads are using the names of ELAINE FRIZZELL and other Moseley Family Members in her ads and promotion. I hope she will stop that practice. She does not have written and/or permission to use my name or likeness for any purpose. I hope this report proves false. These ads at this time seem to be only in foreign languages as it was reported to me. We can hope and pray someday Semie's brother and the family will have the name and Logo back. They are also offering 1965 reissues.

Declaration:
Since November 20th 2008 I have had the endorsement, and I endorse and am a Gretsch/ Fender Musicial Inst. Corp./ Artist . In my mind Mosrite ceased to exist with the passing of Uncle Semie. Mosrite Records is still, thank God owned by The Moseley Family and I am proud to record for this 56 year old and highly respected Label. I am proud to join past Artists such as Barbara Mandrell, Joe & Rose Lee Maphis and other great stars on this label as a Mosrite Records/Artist.

Let it be known that I have not since cira. 1992. Endorsed or in any way
promoted Mosrite Guitars for any promotion or Sales Ads. All inquiries should go
Directly To Dana Moseley Mosrite Guitars. 2005 G St. Bakersfield, Calif. 93301
PH.#661-348-4711. Or speak with Artie at Backporch Music in Bakersfield, Calif. For
Sales Info on the new Guitars.

Merry Christmas
Elaine

[EF@MosriteRecords]

I am sorry. The pictured guitar is a Original 1963 and not a re-issue. I tell you i am getting old and eye problems to boot.
Luv
EF

[jfine]

Beautiful! I spoke with Artie a month or so ago about those, and I guess they're going for around $4000--which isn't really out of line if you consider that to be the equivalent in today's money of the $398 that they cost in '63, about a third again higher than a Strat, but it's still too rich for my wallet! I want one--maybe someday! If Dana can get US production going, maybe she'll offer different neck options--I'd prefer a wider neck with bigger frets myself.

[Veenture]

Let it be known that I have not since cira. 1992. Endorsed or in any way
promoted Mosrite Guitars for any promotion or Sales Ads. All inquiries should go
Directly To Dana Moseley Mosrite Guitars. 2005 G St. Bakersfield, Calif. 93301
PH.#661-348-4711. Or speak with Artie at Backporch Music in Bakersfield, Calif. For
Sales Info on the new Guitars.

Good of you to report about the '63 reissue Elaine. Sorry to hear about your name being used without your say-so.

I see Artie is now selling Mosrites at his "Backporch" too...heh heh (...at FRONTPORCH Music, Bakersfield)

Dear Elaine, no need to apologise about getting old etc. ...it's something you have no influence over! This year I've turned 65 now and can't read anything without putting on my specs...

Take care,
Paul

[gplayer]

Yeah, not sure how big a market there'll be for $4K Mosrite. As much as I love 'em, that's beyond my buying power.

[Sarah93003]

Very well stated Elaine. As a business decision, I don't know how wise it would be to make them in California. Everything is so high here and not exactly "business" friendly. I am more familiar with Gretsch guitars and I know a lot of people who play them. I also have had very interesting conversations with Fred Gretsch and Joe Carducci about the brand and quality of guitars being made. I worked many years in Quality Management, specifically in manufacturing and even more specifically in precision machining. So, I know a fair bit about manufacturing processes, holding high tolerances, etc. I have to agree with the general consensus that the guitars coming out of Japan's Terada plant for Gretsch are probably the best guitars ever produced under that label. Gretsch is enjoying a resurgence in popularity which is evidenced by the fact that I see them regularly in music stores. When I was younger, I didn't run across them very often.

In my humble opinion it is going to be tough to sell a guitar for $4,000 with a name brand that is not readily recognizable to the population at large. It will have to compete against Gretsch White Falcons, Penguins, Duo Jets and not to forget high end Les Pauls, Fenders, PRS's, etc. I think the key to success is to get the price below $3,000 and focus on distribution, as Fender has done for Gretsch.

Just my two cents worth, which in this economy won't even get a stick of gum!

[LOSTVENTURE]

As much as anyone, I would love to see the Mosrite made in the USA. There are probably two reasons that I will never happen.
For the first reason, look at the demographics survey that Dubtrub is tracking. 47 percent of this group is over 50 years old. We are a fairly settled group, knowing what we like, and knowing Mosrite. As far as actual purchasing, most of us already have our Mosrite or are happy with our "clones". In the greater instrument buying world we probably don't account for more than a couple percent. I can tell from some of the recent surveys that I have taken part in, that we are not a "target" in anybody's advertising campaigns. Not something that I am happy about (I'm 63) but there you are. So in order to even get noticed, Mosrite has a lot of advertising to do, and then a distribution system that goes cosiderably beyond the "Front Porch" music store. Getting Dana on the cover of "Newsweek" and "Rolling Stone" would be a good start.
Second, the price needs to be trimmed to match the American market. I am sure that some of the $4000 price point is influenced by the Japanese philosophy that Mosrite is worth it. Nobody on this forum is going to argue THAT point. But, rather we like it not, we are a minority. Trying to cut the cost and move to American production at the same time would be difficult.
Personally, my dream would be to see a Mosrite on the cover of Guitar Player, with an article telling how the brand had resurected itself. I would difinitely buy that copy.
Don

[Veenture]

I am sure that some of the $4000 price point is influenced by the Japanese philosophy that Mosrite is worth it.

...and let's not forget, the Japanese have excellent craftsmen who are very much dedicated in accurately replicating Mosrites. Don has some very good arguments there that I've heard before on the Forum about any (i.e. "no") future Mo's made in USA -for the full one hundred percent, that is

[jtr654]

The problem with a $4000 guitar is the original 64 and newer can be had for less money. Who would buy a 59 Sunburst RI for $225K when you could get the real 59 for that same price.

[MWaldorf]

If we're talking about a handmade guitar built under Dana's supervision in Bakersfield, I think $4000 is not unreasonable. Consider the effort guys like Ed Elliot and Terry McArthur put into their guitars. I wouldn't expect many of these to be made, but as a top of the current Mosrite line, it makes sense, especially if you can custom order to your own specifications. Yes, you can get vintage topjack Mosrites for less, but if you want a sidejack Mosrite, this is about as good as it gets.

We're lucky to be at a time and place where there are quality Mosrite style guitars at various price points. That wasn't the case a few years ago.