Ok what should I look for in a Celebrity II?

[Mr. Bill]

Saturday, I'm going to check out a Celebrity II. Probably late '60s, 3-color burst, white pick guard and control plate. Bound neck and body, half Moseley vibrato tailpiece, with two adjustable pickups.

I know that unless there is some major problem with it, I'll fall in love and take it home with me. I'm just asking for some advice as to what to watch out for and what might be hidden that I wouldn't think to look for.

[Sarah93003]

Aside from the obvious defects such as neck repairs, etc. You should find the following on a Celebrity-II

1. Deluxe Kluson tuners, chrome versus butter bean plastic
2. Deluxe pickups. The pole pieces should be exposed. The economical pickups have the smooth cover.
3. Multi-layered binding/purfling on the bout.
4. Binding on the neck.
5. If it has the half tremolo it would be best if it has the deluxe roller bridge.
6. Check the serial number on the fretboard. Does it match the label inside the left F hole?
7. The serial number will likely be the "M" prefix for 1966 - 1968 models; 2c for 1972 models, 2DL for 1973-1974 Deluxe models.
8. The pickguard will be unique to the CE-II versus a CE-III. You can see these on my website.
9. Make sure the knobs are the Mosrite "M" knobs. They may or may not have the V and T on them.
10. The pickup selector switch tip should be a "turned" metal piece.

I'd make sure the guitar plays to your liking and that everything is functional. Lastly, what are they asking for it? We can tell you if you're getting a fair price or not.

Keep in mind if you get this sweetheart of a guitar that you must share pictures and serial number with me!!

[Mr. Bill]

Sarah:
Thanks you so much for the laundry list of items. I will print it out and take it with me as a guide.

From a photo, I already know that the guitar has the nickel plated tuners, deluxe pickups and bound neck. The other details will be checked out when I see the guitar in person.

As for price, the guy is asking for $900, but that is negotiable.

Thanks again,
Bill

[Sarah93003]

Hopefully it has the original Victoria Luggage hardshell case.

[Mr. Bill]

Alright, so I did fall in love and now I own it. Sadly the case is a non-original hardshell. Except for a few chips and some minor belt buckling, no major problems. Can't wait to take it apart and see what info I find.

And everything was just as Sarah foretold. She is the Mistress of the Celebrity.

[sleeperNY]

Congrats Bill, and yes Sarah has done her home work with the Celebrity. I would be willing to bet she knows a bit about all the Mosrite models.

Jim

[Sarah93003]

No pictures = it didn't happen!

Congratulations Mr. Bill! I can't wait to see. I would love to know the serial number and get photos for my project. I am also very interested in the pot codes and any interior images to see how the internal structure is.

[GTSP]

Sarah is right!!! We need pictures!!! Now!!!

[cliff]

Hello, just a quick one, what is the difference between the pick ups?
I had a Combo with poles now a celebrity without, sound wise its hard to say
as I have changed my amp?
If the others are better I'd change them if could get hold of a pair.
Thanks,
Cliff.
PS If I can work out how to add pics I'll do it.

[GTSP]

PS If I can work out how to add pics I'll do it.

www.photobucket.com