Serial Number Help...

[handbrake]

Now we're getting somewhere. But is that story consistent with the 1965 pot codes?

Trust me, your guitar (assuming it is virtually identical to jgs61's - remember, we've yet to see it) is no '65. Those of us who are a little longer in the tooth, Mosritely speaking, know that each model year has uniquely identifiable features and carves, and there is no doubt that jgs61's is a post-Ventures instrument. As for the pots, at bankruptcy auctions everything must go, and I wouldn't be surprised if the pots in the assembly room were of assorted years. Finally, I have seen Gene Moles Mosrites with the closely grouped three-bolt necks before, and don't think it is too much of a stretch to assume these originated in his shop. But again, these are assumptions based on years of exposure and I welcome a definitive answer if anyone out there has it in his or her back pocket.

I defer. What I said above about jgs61's guitar being earlier that '68 was me just being excited and not asserting too much more than the satisfaction of having found a date at all.

[jgs61]

This is pretty interesting. So when Mosrite went bankrupt at the end of the 60's, Moles bought some of the leftover parts and assembled Mosrites himself under the Mosrite logo? Wasn't Semie doing the same thing with leftover parts around the same time? Regardless, I would assume that mine is probably one of them, which is cool with me.

[handbrake]

The story of these bodies being seconds and reclaimed for market later makes sense. I think everyone appreciates knowing a little about the provenance of his/her vintage instruments, even if it's as circuitous as the one above. Thanks, Adam.

I haven't held the guitar pictured above yet, but it occurred to me that the seller did say it was on the heavy side. Maybe a second due to weight?

[dorkrockrecords]

Also note that if you are going to give credence to the date stamp on the body and pots (1965), you need to give equal consideration to the serial number, headstock shape and lack of The Ventures logo on the neck (1967/68 or later). Not to get into a Pro Choice / Pro Life debate over whether a guitar becomes a guitar at conception or birth, at best you have a single instrument spanning several years - which would support the remaindered parts hypothesis.

[handbrake]

Also note that if you are going to give credence to the date stamp on the body and pots (1965), you need to give equal consideration to the serial number, headstock shape and lack of The Ventures logo on the neck (1967/68 or later). Not to get into a Pro Choice / Pro Life debate over whether a guitar becomes a guitar at conception or birth, at best you have a single instrument spanning several years - which would support the remaindered parts hypothesis.

I think it's safe to say that some Mosrites had a longer gestation period than others.