early 64 ventures
Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 8:15 am
A few months ago I picked up this little conundrum. I don't know when some different features came and went, so I'm interested to hear anybody's thoughts.
It appears to be a 1964 Ventures. I assume the body is refinished, although it's the back of the neck that looks "fake" next to the darker body. The owner said that he'd had it since 1968 and got it this way. The pickup surrounds appear to have been painted silver...? Pickups are '63-style, look very crude in the most wonderful way. The serial is 0386 or 0385 and the vibramute is in nice shape.
Deke pointed out that the string spacing is really far off on the bridge pickup, although it's not actually as bad as it looks in the photo. He suggested it could have been an employee one-off, just cobbled together, although I wouldn't call it a Partsrite per se, because they are all early '64 parts, yes?
The important part: it sounds great and it's easy play! Speed frets in great shape, and the neck is Mosrite-correct but not overly skinny. I love it. Plus considering what dealers are asking for clean '64s, even ones that are more like '65s, I feel quite lucky to be able to finally own one.
It appears to be a 1964 Ventures. I assume the body is refinished, although it's the back of the neck that looks "fake" next to the darker body. The owner said that he'd had it since 1968 and got it this way. The pickup surrounds appear to have been painted silver...? Pickups are '63-style, look very crude in the most wonderful way. The serial is 0386 or 0385 and the vibramute is in nice shape.
Deke pointed out that the string spacing is really far off on the bridge pickup, although it's not actually as bad as it looks in the photo. He suggested it could have been an employee one-off, just cobbled together, although I wouldn't call it a Partsrite per se, because they are all early '64 parts, yes?
The important part: it sounds great and it's easy play! Speed frets in great shape, and the neck is Mosrite-correct but not overly skinny. I love it. Plus considering what dealers are asking for clean '64s, even ones that are more like '65s, I feel quite lucky to be able to finally own one.
