Good Mosrite copy?

[paulramon1962]

Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't played any Mosrite copies, but I love the look and the sound of the originals. I can't spring too much, being a working musician/college student. I've seen the Eastwood copies and they look nice, especially their copy of the Univox Hi Flyer. In fact I think that one looks more like the originals than the more expensive sidejack models. I've seen the Wilson Bros models but i'm not as impressed. The Hallmarks look good, just more pricey, and the Ed Romans look good, but the price is atrocious. What do you guys think is a good place to start?

[MWaldorf]

If you're after the Mosrite sound, save up for a Hallmark. The Japanese Mosrites are more authentic, especially in the neck profile, but the Hallmarks are great bang for the buck. The Eastwoods and Wilson Bros are fine guitars, but the pickups are pretty much standard P90s, not the high output Mosrite style.

If you do decide to go for a Japanese Mosrite, skip Ed Roman and go to Front Porch Music in Bakersfield. Artie, the owner, is a member here.

[101Volts]

I played an Eastwood Hi Flyer a few years ago, It wasn't close to the Mosrite sound I knew from the first two B-52's records. I've since purchased a vintage Ventures II (Third Generation) Model which is equivalent to an early Mark V model, My guitar hasn't yet been restored (See my topic in the Projects forum for details) But even without pickups I can tell it has the sound. I've heard Hallmarks are fantastic guitars and are very close to the Ventures I tonally but their necks are larger so it boils down to what neck size you want.

Also, If you want a Mosrite and want to save a couple hundred and don't mind if the guitar is a bit smaller, There's the Gospel Mark V reissue...



Originally, The Mark V was an economy model so it does look cheaper but mine doesn't feel cheap.

Austin

[paulramon1962]

That Gospel is gorgeous! Where can I get one of those?

[101Volts]

You might be able to get one at Front Porch Music in Bakersfield. Artie, The store owner, Is a member here. His screen name is bakeoboy and although the guitar isn't in the store's online catalog I imagine he could possibly get one in stock. One sold on eBay for $1,125.01 the other day so that's also an option when they come up, I heard they go for $1,300 new.

http://www.frontporchmusic.net/

Austin

[paulramon1962]

Thats cool. Still a bit up there. I'm in an alternative band right now, so I'm thinking of getting a cheaper guitar just to gig with. The P-90 equipped guitars may not sound like the real deal, but do they sound good?

[FritzCat]

There's a used Hallmark 60 Custom on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/Hallmark-Custom-60- ... 0661002941

[paulramon1962]

That looks really nice! I'd still be afraid to fork over that much for one right now. I'm trying to buy one and save up for college

[Sarah93003]

How about this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/JAPAN-VINTAGE-FIRST ... 3cb83e0918

[paulramon1962]

I really love it, but I don't think I'd consider it for a main guitar. If I bought it, I wouldn't want to use it live 'cause it was vintage. Plus, i'm not a black guitar person haha I sound really picky right now!