Mosrite VIII that Could Be

[dorkrockrecords]

Al -
The photo I posted IS your guitar, or rather most of it. Not only are the screw holes the same, but it has the same ding on the bass side of the lower bout. As you can see, Curtis attempted assembly of it at least once before you took position of it, with a different neck. He sent me that photo back in 2005.

For reference, my former California Grape (transparent, not metallic) American model prototype:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=528

And what I chose to do with my Mosrite reject parts:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=851

Adam

[Black Headstock]

Adam. again as always your body of knowledge, experience and content-base is most impressive.

Wow, so it seems that Curtis is the guy that (butchered) the tailpiece holes; that explains why the screw holes for the pickups and the tailpiece were more fresh than rest of guitar. They were too fresh to have been done at factory back in late 80's/early 90s.

I am just most disappointed in Curtis Muldoon for not disclosing that fact that he had attempted an assembly and totally screwed it up and then listed it on Ebay with no mention of his (mis-work). The act of a most dishonorable businessman based on this event. I should have asked more questions.

I remember having follow-up conversations with Curtis, and stating that I didn't realize the tailpiece holes were mis-alligned and mis-drilled (from the visual on Ebay), and he just responded "Oh yes, I guess that might be so".

Anyway, I am going to make this one come to life, and preserve the best of what is orginal. And yes, Adam I am aware of your outstanding redesign of your VIII by Bill Grugett. Really made my consider all options. Grugett's quality craftsmanship is most noteworthy.

Tough lesson learned.

Thanks Adam and all.

Alan.

[olrocknroller]

I had this problem with an Ibanez that a fellow wanted hot-rodded. The bridge he wanted didn't cover two tailpiece holes from the previous unit. I considered plugging and refinishing, and making a "custom" pickguard, but without adequate refinishing resources the plug was out. The custom pickguard would have dominated the guitar visually. Finally, I found some "official" looking chromed socket screws, and set them into the offending holes. He says that people always ask him what they adjust... Sometimes mother is the necessity of invention! Unfortunately, I did this project before I owned a digital camera, so have no pictures.

[Veenture]

I didn't realize the tailpiece holes were mis-alligned and mis-drilled, ...he just responded "Oh yes, I guess that might be so".

I find the misalignment to be rather severe; it makes me think he (or someone else) might have applied a template for the tailpiece in a reversed manner...

[sleeperNY]

All my dealings with Curtis were very good. I also talked with him on the phone on several occasions. He also replaced anything I thought might be a problem. You just had to make sure that you were happy with what you got.

Jim

[Black Headstock]

[Black Headstock]

[GattonFan]

All of my dealings with Curtis were good, also. Even though it took 3 tries to get a body that was suitable, Curtis was never less than honorable in our dealings, and always willing to work with me.
Dennis

[Black Headstock]

Hey guys, I acquired a number of other items from Curtis after I got the body & neck. He & I always had very straight forward communcations; no problems.

Forgive me, the "shock value" of Adam's photos of this very guitar body, and info provided about Curtis apparently doing the drilling just caused me to react in a forceful manner.

No hard feelings (Curtis), I'll lay off on the "dishonorable stuff", just rough and tumple of collecting vintage guitars. Not a perfect science.

Alan.

[olrocknroller]

I had this problem with an Ibanez that a fellow wanted hot-rodded. The bridge he wanted didn't cover two tailpiece holes from the previous unit. I considered plugging and refinishing, and making a "custom" pickguard, but without adequate refinishing resources the plug was out. The custom pickguard would have dominated the guitar visually. Finally, I found some "official" looking chromed socket screws, and set them into the offending holes. He says that people always ask him what they adjust... Sometimes mother is the necessity of invention! Unfortunately, I did this project before I owned a digital camera, so have no pictures.

Just read this entire topic again, and I realize how crass this comment might be to "purist" collectors. Understand that while I appreciate the joy of owning something that is 100% original, I also am practical about the concept of "collecting." If I find a guitar that is "vintage" but altered, incorrect, or damaged such that the restoration will render it non-original, I shift my focus from restoration to making it as good as I can as a guitar.

I no longer regard it as a "collectable" but merely an interesting piece. Case in point, my old Hagstrom II...the electronics had given up the ghost, and I could not find original replacements, so I made the fateful decision, re-wired it with new pups, put the Jaguar trem on it, and created a much improved, but non-original guitar... I know this approach is at odds with what many people on this forum might feel, but I do believe it is more practical.