Glen Campbell's hollow body Mosrite

[mark1]

Tdaoust. I live about twelve miles from Adams Ma., I was born there! I bought a lot from Fran ( he has been gone several years now ) . Fran started selling from his home in the early 50's . He also gave lessons. The only company that I know he would not buy from was Peavey. He would only say something about Earth amps and Peavey , they did have a lot in common. Fran fixed up his garage . When things were selling great in the 60's you could hardley move in there . I know for a fact that he raised one son , had a real nice speed boat and a Harley from what he sold! And to top it off he would send his wife to Europe . Not to bad for an at home shop " just past the middle of nowhere " I was there many times when he was on the phone with Leo Fender.

[Mr. Bill]

Combos were probably the most labor intensive guitar for the factory to produce, as there was a lot of carving done on that body.

I don't know if they are really rare, but they certainly aren't as common as Mark I or Celebrities.

[rcblair]

I drove over to a little town called Adams, MA to a music store in a guy's garage, Fran's Music. The old guy (probably 50) sold instruments at rock-bottom prices. I ordered it and it took a month to get it. Thanks for making me relive that. So glad I never sold it.

Looking back, I probably bought it somewhere close to Mosrites peak of production.

Fran's had a great reputation in western Mass. I had to go to Springfield from Pittsfield to find my Mosrite bass in 1965 (my father was the one who found the dealer - eternally grateful Dad!). Fran started selling Mosrites the next year IIRC. I never visited his shop but I probably could have bought a much nicer amp than the POS Gibson Atlas that we bought in Springfield. I think his standard deal was 40% off list.

Rick B.

[tdaoust]

I love hearing from folks who remember Fran's. He discounted guitars big-time. That's why we drove 50 miles to buy from him.

[sleeperNY]

We had a music shop here in central NY like that. Falso Music. He started in one room in his house and sold everything that was the latest greatest to come along. He had great discounts and did his own financing in house. I bought most of my equipment from him back then. He would get anything you wanted even if he didn't stock it. My first Gretsch guitar in 1968 came from him and he wasn't a Gretsch dealer. I would also drive almost 50 miles to his store because he was the best around. He has also been gone many years now. Time stands still for no one.

Jim

[tdaoust]

Driving far was part of the fun, I think. That meant it was very special, and imported. You couldn't even go online and see the progress of your shipment via FedEx. Every day you waited in anticipation. Is today the day? Then the postcard from Fran's arrived with the simple words "Your guitar is in." Oh, the simple things in life.

Tom Daoust
Concord, NC