Mosrite Guitar Serial Number Decoder
Mosrite Guitar Serial Number Decoder: A Guide for Vintage Collectors
Mosrite guitars are among the most sought-after instruments by vintage collectors, thanks to their unique design, sound, and history. Mosrite guitars were first manufactured in the early 1960s, and were played by influential rock and roll performers such as The Ventures, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Ramone, and Kurt Cobain. However, dating a Mosrite guitar can be challenging, as the company used different serial numbering systems over the years. In this article, we will show you how to decode your Mosrite guitar serial number and find out the year and model of your instrument.
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Identify the Model
The first step to date a Mosrite guitar is to identify the model. Mosrite guitars were produced in a variety of models, each with its own unique features. The most popular Mosrite models include:
The Ventures: This was the flagship model of Mosrite, named after the famous surf rock band that endorsed it. The Ventures model had a double cutaway body shape, a bolt-on neck, a floating bridge, two single coil pickups, and a zero fret. The Ventures model was available in different variations, such as Mark I, Mark II, Mark V, Mark X, and Mark XII.
The Celebrity: This was a semi-hollow body model that resembled a Gibson ES-335. The Celebrity model had a double cutaway body shape, a set neck, a fixed bridge, two humbucker pickups, and a bound fingerboard. The Celebrity model was available in different variations, such as Celebrity I, Celebrity II, Celebrity III, and Celebrity IV.
The Mark V: This was a solid body model that resembled a Fender Stratocaster. The Mark V model had a double cutaway body shape, a bolt-on neck, a fixed bridge, three single coil pickups, and a vibrato tailpiece. The Mark V model was also known as the Sidewinder or the Combo.
Once you have identified the model of your Mosrite guitar, you can proceed to check the serial number.
Check the Serial Number
The serial number of your Mosrite guitar can provide valuable information about the date of manufacture. However, you need to be aware that Mosrite used different serial numbering systems over the years, and some serial numbers may be missing or illegible. Here are some general guidelines to help you decode your Mosrite guitar serial number:
From 1960 to 1963: The early Bakersfield solid body period. Semie Moseley's serial numbering system was 100 series for the double necks, 1000 series for the single neck models and 000 series for the basses. Serials are stamped in the back of the headstock like Gibson.
From late 1963 to late 1968: The peak production period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped in the fretboard between the 21st and 22nd fret. You can use this [serial number listing] to find out the approximate year of manufacture.
From late 1968 to 1970: The transition period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with A or B followed by four digits.
From 1970 to 1972: The post-Ventures period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with C or D followed by four digits.
From 1972 to 1974: The Semie Moseley period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with E or F followed by four digits.
From 1974 to 1976: The Nokie Edwards period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with G or H followed by four digits.
From 1976 to 1980: The Fillmore West period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with I or J followed by four digits.
From 1980 to 1984: The Mosrite of California period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with K or L followed by four digits.
From 1984 to 1994: The Mosrite USA period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with M or N followed by four digits.
If you still have trouble dating your Mosrite guitar, you can also use this [online tool] to decode your serial number and get more information about your instrument.
Conclusion
Mosrite guitars are rare and valuable instruments that have a rich history and a distinctive sound. By using the model and the serial number, you can date your Mosrite guitar and learn more about its origin and features. We hope this article has helped you decode your Mosrite guitar serial number and appreciate your instrument even more.
Sources:
[Mosrite ID and serial numbers Tym Guitars Online]
[Mosrite Guitar Serial Number Decoder REPACK S&S ELECTRONICS]
[Guitar Dater, Decoder and Serial Number Search Lookup Tool]