Mistake plates

[GattonFan]

Can anyone explain these mistake plates to me? I'm seein more of them - at least now noticing them more. Were they covers for a blem, or bad route, or what. If a body was messed up, why not just repair the wood?

Thanks!

Dennis

[dubtrub]

Take a gander through this topic. Especially page two. Also look at the close up of Damon's double neck photo's in his photo album. It shows a couple of good close up of the plate inletted deeper into the body.

The forums 'SEARCH' feature at the top of the page is your friend.

[mosman]

Hey GF I have an article from a 1991 issue of Guitar player which explains the 'mistake plates '.
Basically Semie made some Vibramute units for the Guild company but they were rejected for being too crudely made.He decided not to waste them and put them on some Mosrites but as they weren't designed for Mosrites initially, he had to cut a cavity into the bodies and cover it with what is now known as a 'mistake plate'.If you give me an email address I can send you the complete article if you like.

[GattonFan]

Thanks for the thread. If it involved the trems/routing, then what's up with this example on eBay, with a plate above the pickguard?? http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Mosrite-Ele ... 286.c0.m14

[mosman]

I saw that one myself and couldn't figure it out based on what I've read.If only Semie were here eh?

[Dennisthe Menace]

Thanks for the thread. If it involved the trems/routing, then what's up with this example on eBay, with a plate above the pickguard?? http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Mosrite-Ele ... 286.c0.m14

That's a '73 at best. Semie had gone back to Klusons by then, and this Gtr seems to have the correct ones
without any 'molestation' screw holes for the ones used anywhere from late '69-'73. It also seems to come with
an early '90s case that's suppose to be close to the original case...but isn't...and the MISTAKE PLATE??
....well...it AIN'T SUPPOSE TO BE ON THERE ...so, let's just say THAT'S...a Mistake in itself....

[GattonFan]

Thanks for all the info - you guys are an education in yourselves. Think I'm gonna email the guy and ask to show pix of what kind of damage the plates covering. Thanks again ...

Dennis

[GattonFan]

Got an answer back from the seller - he said he will not remove the plate above the pickguard, as there is no damage. This is (according to him) a pickguard extender (???) made by Semie himself, and actually adds value to the guitar. Anyone ever seen one of these? Also, I'm going to replace the trem bearings in one of my MIJ clones ... is this tricky to do?

Thanks,

Dennis

[dorkrockrecords]

Secondary pickguards have always been a way to customize/personalize Mosrites and the like, although I've only seen a very few examples. The pickguard material does look right though, so if it is indeed the vintage celluloid four-ply tortoise shell stock I'd say it's "original" - either done by Semie or Gene Moles, etc.

Here is a top secret example of one such secondary guard. Shhhh...

[dubtrub]

Adam, how is that black celluloid material attached to the guitar body around the vibrato plate? Glue or screws?

If it is removable, any chance of getting some close up photo's of the vibrato. I'd sure like to see what one looks like uncovered.