Can Anyone Tell Me What Model Mosrite THIS Is?

[apossibleworld]

The pickups look a lot like Magnatones from the late 50s, especially the surrounds.

[oipunkguy]

This is one thing that is always intriguing about Mosrites. It seems like the exception is the rule in more cases then not. I think it's safe to say that this is one of the many reasons we all loves Mosrites, AND why this forum is so informative.

[Sarah93003]

I know! It's just great!

[jfine]

I've seen in a post somewhere on this forum that Semie would build guitars to give away to preachers, pastors, and gospel performers, and that he would use whatever parts he had hanging around for these giveaways--I guess he figured that no one would complain about sub-standard parts on a free guitar! The body appears to be from a '60's Celebrity, and I thought "Magnatone" too when I saw the photo of the pickups. Magnatone changed from the Barth/Bigsby-influenced design to a more Fender-like style in the mid-'60's, and it's possible that Semie acquired some surplus Magnatone pickups at that time, or he could have gotten them through Paul Barth, whom he would have known from his time at Rickenbacker. I've never seen that style of bridge on a Mosrite, but the tailpiece and truss-rod cover are Mosrite parts. The fact that the guitar was acquired from a preacher may indicate that it was donated by Semie. Or it might be one of the Celebrities that Ed Elliot referred to. Whatever it is, it's highly unusual.

[Sarah93003]

I've seen in a post somewhere on this forum that Semie would build guitars to give away to preachers, pastors, and gospel performers, and that he would use whatever parts he had hanging around for these giveaways--I guess he figured that no one would complain about sub-standard parts on a free guitar! The body appears to be from a '60's Celebrity, and I thought "Magnatone" too when I saw the photo of the pickups. Magnatone changed from the Barth/Bigsby-influenced design to a more Fender-like style in the mid-'60's, and it's possible that Semie acquired some surplus Magnatone pickups at that time, or he could have gotten them through Paul Barth, whom he would have known from his time at Rickenbacker. I've never seen that style of bridge on a Mosrite, but the tailpiece and truss-rod cover are Mosrite parts. The fact that the guitar was acquired from a preacher may indicate that it was donated by Semie. Or it might be one of the Celebrities that Ed Elliot referred to. Whatever it is, it's highly unusual.

Very good points.

[Veenture]

... I wonder what it might be worth?

It sounds corny maybe, but it's worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I would think that if your guitar was an important or significant stage in the development of one of Semies more famous models, it would be a different matter. Just a thought

[Sarah93003]

There would be potential if there is ever a Mosrite museum. I would think.

[dubtrub]

There would be potential if there is ever a Mosrite museum. I would think.

The closest we'll ever get to a Mosrite museum is at Artie's Front Porch Music. The Vintage Mosrite book printed in Japan in the early 90's featured a lot of his stuff. He's got an example of about every version of Mosrite guitars and amps and other paraphernalia, many of which isn't on display.

[trusswow]

Since I'm from Oklahoma and Semie has some history here.. the Mosrite story has always interested me. It's truly a piece of the "American Fabric"... musically anyway.
I bought the guitar to help a guy out and because it's sort of an "odd ball".. I love that sort of thing.

Don't know what I'll do with it.. I might put it back in the closet for awhile.. I might sell it if I could get 500.00 or so out of it.. and it was someone that REALLY collected Mosrite guitars and appreciated the history.

I appreciate your feedback..

T Russell

[handbrake]

Although it doesn't conform closely to what was marketed as the Celebrity model, you'll probably find someone here is willing to spend $500 for it. Don't overlook the Classified Section on the forum for those folks who aren't following this thread.