Saw this in a local, indy guitar shop

[dubtrub]

The trussrod adjustment at the body implies '65 as it changed to headstock adjustment in '66. As for knobs, they have been well documented elsewhere here on the forum. Unlike Fender, one can't put too much stock in serial numbers as a guideline to determine dates of manufacture as those numbers are all over the spectrum. Even potentiometer numbers aren't very good to date a guitar. Best way to get an estimated date of manufacture range is by production changes.

My '66 Ventures model has the tall derby hat knobs with the V&T. The serial number is 4140, so that doesn't help.

[johnnyboy1234]

Does anyone know specifically when the trussrod cover position changed ?

[Dennisthe Menace]

Does anyone know specifically when the trussrod cover position changed ?

Late '65-early '66, just another one of the transitional period syndrome (T.P.S.). Also during this time , you saw the new derby hat knobs (V&T) and the new
Moseley die cast whammy system system come on board. However Semie and crew would use up whatever was left over. So you will still see some early '66s
with the jewel (spun) knobs, no truss rod cover on the headstock, and also some Vibramutes, but these are very few although they are out there......

[kalanpala]

I have a '66 Ventures model serial #4981 with V and T knobs.

[Dennisthe Menace]

kalanpala:

I have a '66 Ventures model serial #4981 with V and T knobs.

Seems to be a late '66.

dubtrub:

My '66 Ventures model has the tall derby hat knobs with the V&T. The serial number is 4140, so that doesn't help.

Danny, maybe the original owner might of 'updated his Mo' with the 'newer' knobs to make it look up to date? And
that's just a guess, but some people did things like that to have the newer look.

[oipunkguy]

Agreed Dub.

[MOSDAN]

Appears to be a 1965 to me. The price is a little high but not extremely so. Compare this price to Chicago Music Exchange and some of the other dealers listed in Vintage Guitar Magazine. I know some of these dealers are high but then Mosrites being sold by these dealers for their asking price so I guess the market is good for original Mosrites. Regardless of the price, this is a great looking guitar.