Hang Ten
Mosrite
Ventures II / Mark V
1965 - 69
Data base — a collection of Mosrite Ventures II / Mark V serial numbers and years
The Mosrite Ventures II / Mark V database – a collection of serial numbers of Mosrite’s cheapest electric guitar to date yours. The guitar Johnny Ramone has used as his main guitar his entire Ramones career from 1974 to 1996.
Originally designed in early 1965 as a student model (allegedly by Andy Moseley) with a slab body, full size pickguard and unique pickups and vibrato, a few months later changed to a more elaborate model with German carve, Moseley vibrato and bigger pickups. Played by Johnny Ramone (Ramones), Kurt Cobain (Nirvana), Ricky Wilson (The B-52’s), Don Wilson (The Ventures), Nokie Edwards (The Ventures).
The “—” in the tables means that I don’t have the data, not that there is not such data.
Please note: All information here is the autor’s belief. The estimated numbers of made exemplars are a rough guess. All information is without engagement, no responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information.
If you have more information about serial number and model and year or have pictures of your Mosrite that you’d allow me to publish here, please tell me at max@hang10.de.
Updates
Jul 29, 2023: B325 added
Aug 01, 2023: B544 added
Aug 05, 2023: ad added to B544
Aug 15, 2023: ad added to B246
Sep 08, 2023: ad added to 011 (Mel-O-Bar)
Nov 29, 2023: ad added to B1605
Jan 23, 2024: B033 added (coincidenatally that’s exactly 50 years after Johnny bought his blue Mosrite ;))
Feb 08, 2024: B1306 added
Feb 27, 2024: B641 added
Mar 20, 2024: B780 added
Mar 26, 2024: ad added to B138
Mar 29, 2024: s/n added to B132, B673 added
Apr 27, 2024: B717 (?) added
Apr 30, 2024: B739 and B1547 added
May 08, 2024: ad added to B135
May 23, 2024: B904 added
Jun 03, 2024: B924 added
Jun 11, 2024: B558 added
Jul 04, 2024: ad added to red no s/n Andy Moseley-“transition”
Sep 23, 2024: some videos added to Kurt Cobain’s B1697
Oct 11, 2024: B547 added
Oct 16, 2024: B1705 added
Oct 19, 2024: link added to B630
Oct 30, 2024: B180 (perhaps B1080 with typo) added, link added to B777
Oct 31, 2024: B703 and B1515 added, link added to B1695
Nov 09, 2024: another generation 2 Slab added
Mosrite Ventures II variations
model | approx. made | from | to | lowest known s/n | highest known s/n |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ventures II model—slab body | 150 | May 1965 | Aug 1965 | B002 | B149 |
Ventures II model—”transition”—made from parts | ? | ? | ? | no s/n | no s/n |
Ventures II model—transition | 120 | Aug 1965 | Dec 1965 | B154 | B258 |
Ventures II model—production | 430 | Dec 1965 | Feb 1966 | B263 | B687 |
Ventures Mark V—truss nut body side | 210 | Feb 1966 | Apr 1966 | B480 | B1177 |
Ventures Mark V—truss nut head side | 600 | Apr 1966 | late 1968 | B924 | B1506 (?) |
no Ventures logo | 150 | late 1968 | early 1969 | B1544 | B1687 |
Gospel | 15 | early 1969 | 1969 (?) | B1689 | B1705 |
Mark V bass | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Mel-O-Bar | 300 allegedly | 1966 | 1967 | 008 | 166 |
That means that the following numbers have been produced:
- Ventures II SLAB body: approx. 150 pcs
- Ventures II/Mark V/no-logo/Gospel GERMAN CARVE body: approx. 1550 pcs
The German Carve guitars are more or less the same, only small changes over the years regarding finish (nitro or poly), routing of the electrics cavity, number of pickguard screws, position of the trussrod nut, backplate or inserts, etc.
Missing and/or interesting serial numbers
from | to | variation | date |
---|---|---|---|
B001 | B149 | every slab body | May–Aug 1965 |
B150 | B153 | slab body or transition model | Aug 1965 |
B254 | B262 | transition or normal production model | Aug–Dec 1965 |
B481/B688 | B693 | II model or Mark V; B480 is a Mark V (outlier?), B687 is a II model | Feb–Mar 1966 |
B892 | B942 | trussrod screw body end or headstock; B1177 has it at the body end (outlier?) | Mar–Apr 1966 |
B1490 | B1543 | Mark V or no logo | mid/late 1968 |
B1679 | B1694 | no logo or Gospel | early 1969 |
B1698 | ? | every Gospel | early 1969 |
Slab body color chart
No Data Found
German carve body color chart
No Data Found
Mosrite Ventures II — slab body
B001–B149
approx made: 150
May–August 1965
There are two different runs; changes in generation 2:
body:
- body’s neck joint thicker and shorter
- slightly different body shape
neck:
- neck-thickness at body joint; joint area shorter, too
- fretboard way thicker (maple thinner)
hardware:
- vibrato unit’s top part changed from flat to arched (rolled edge)
- vibrato unit’s base plate’s spring bump positioned more in direction of the bridge (better spring angle)
- ½ round string guide changed to ¼ round
- pickups’ backs not with foam and clear (yellow) epoxy but without foam fully closed with black epoxy
- pickups’ DC resistance ~6.7 kΩ instead of ~12.3 kΩ
- thinner neck plate
Sometimes generation 2 slabs have generation 1 parts, e.g. a gen. 1 body or a gen. 1 vibrato top on a gen. 2 vibrato base.
According to a Japanese website Don Wilson has played a slab Ventures II in summer 1965 at Shinjuku Welfare Pension Hall as backup and again in 1967. Allegedly Nokie Edwards has had a slab Ventures II as backup, too. Difference to the regular run of slab bodied Ventures IIs is the binding on the fretboard and a little longer headstock, probably not prototypes but custom made or simply a version between generation 1 and 2.
Early copies sometimes have a thicker neck heel while the body is exactly the same as that of the regular generation 1 models. B002, B006, Johnny Ramone’s blue and Sunburst, B017, B022 and B033 have that thick neck heel, I can’t tell for the guitars in between; B021 has the regular generation 1 neck heel.
The first batch has pots made in the third week of May 1965. The second batch has second and fourth week of July 1965 pots (even up to third week of August ’65) and body and neck have been made July 29–August 2, 1965 (August 1 was a Sunday), so batch one’s body and neck should have been made in late May, early June 1965. Ink stamping the dates on body and neck started July 10, 1965.
54 have appeared so far, three of them with unknown serial numbers might be doublets.
Mosrite Ventures II slab body
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
B002 | red (ref. red) | no date | no date | generation 1 with thick neck heel, a ’63 mute bridge (without the mute mechanism, not even the screw hole for that), info here at mosriteforum.com: 1965 Mosrite Ventures ii slab body # B002. Potentiometers: Centralab 1346520 (3rd week of May ’65). Meanwhile in Germany, refinished by me, ;) – have fun, Phil! |
B006 | — | no date | — | generation 1 with thick neck heel, neck only, sold on eBay March 2005 |
B007 | white | — | — | generation 1, originally bought at Larry Morgan Music in Garland/TX (original price: 240 USD), it was sent back to Mosrite in 65/66 because of a crack at the Body’s neck heel — retured was a German Carve Ventures II, B510/3003, very intersting story here: Ventures II. |
B010 | blue | — | — | no pictures, just mentioned in Arthur’s Music Store’s reverb.com ad for B017: Mosrite The Ventures II 1965 White in January 2016. Arthur’s recieved the guitar from Mosrite July 7th, 1965… |
B011 | white | — | — | generation 1, story here: Ventures II, price was 3200 USD in October 2012. |
B012 | red | — | — | no pictures, just mentioned in Arthur’s Music Store’s reverb.com ad for B017: Mosrite The Ventures II 1965 White in January 2016. Arthur’s recieved the guitar from Mosrite July 7th, 1965… |
B017 | white over red (factory) | no date | no date | generation 1 with thick neck heel, the shop recieved it July 7 1965, so made in June at the latest? Pix and thread here: Ladies and Gentle men of the Mosrite forum… More pictures here: 1965 Mosrite Ventures 2 model | Photobucket. Sold by Arthur’s Music Store at reverb.com in January 2016: Mosrite The Ventures II 1965 White for 7500 USD. Great info there: "The body was originally finished Red and repainted White at the Mosrite factory to fill our order of a Ventures II in White. Around the interior edges, under the pickguard, in the neck pocket, under the bridge, you can still see some of the Red peeking through the factory White finish. (…) Studying the finish up close, you can see where the finish was very hurried. It is thick in some places, and buffed shiny in some spots on the shoulders while an eggshell finish everywhere else." Sold again February 2017: 1965 Mosrite Ventures II for 10,500 USD (10,152 EUR then), now (October ’17) for 12,500 USD: 1965 Mosrite Ventures II Slab Body. Seems it was finally sold for 9,995USD. |
B018 | blue | no date | no date | generation 1, bridge pu changed, owned by S.J., pix here: The Rorkus JinX. |
B019 | blue | — | — | generation 1, mentioned here: Mosrite II pickup question, rewound bridge pickup |
B021 | white | no date | no date | generation 1, potentiometers: Centralab 1346520 (3rd week of May ’65). Has been found in Bath/UK and now is mine – pictures can be found here: Mosrite Ventures II 1965 Slab white. |
B022 | blue | — | — | generation 1 with thick neck heel, bought used in New York in 1970. Thanks a lot to K.C. for showing me! As of November 2021 it’s for sale on Reverb: Mosrite Ventures II Slab Body Guitar Serial #B022 1965 Blue, price: 14.995 US$. Finally sold for 12,745.75 US$ (15% off) in July 2022. |
B033 | blue (ref. blue) | no date | no date | generation 1 with thick neck heel, appeared on an estate sale in Wisconsin in early 2024… potentiometers: Centralab 1346520 (3rd week of May ’65). More soon ;) |
B037 | red | — | — | generation 1, water-damaged, sold Feb 2009 (ebay), once owned by M.M., pix here: Michael Marks’ Mosrite Web Site. |
B040 | red | no date | no date | generation 1, potentiometers: Centralab 1346520 (3rd week of May ’65) |
B041 | blue | — | — | generation 1, owned by T.B. |
B043 | red | — | — | generation 1; I’ve found some pictures of it in the www in January 2003, now it re-appeared and is owned by Z.N. |
B047 | red | — | — | generation 1; once owned by T.B., rewound bridge pickup. For sale at Tym Guitars in March 2017: Mosrite The Ventures II model 1965, price: 8250 AUD. Now (October 2017) available at Reverb: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Mark II Slab Body / Johnny Ramone for 8995 USD. As of November 2017 it’s being sold on eBay: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Mark II Slab Body Guitar, The Ramones, Johnny, Vintage for BIN 9,955.– USD. For sale again Fabruary 2021: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Mark II Slab Body, price: USD 13.445,– / EUR 11.592,11. As of September 2021 it’s for sale for 17,995US$. Back on Reverb July 2023: 1965 Mosrite Ventures II Slab – Johnny Ramone, price: USD 16.995,– / EUR 15.939,89. |
B048 | red | no date | no date | generation 1, once owned by D.C., story at guitarnerd.com — meanwhile sold. Thanks to B.D. for the info. |
B051 | blue | — | — | generation 1, owned by R.C., for sale on eBay Jan 2013: |
B072 | white | — | — | generation 1 with fretboard binding, roller bridge and long headstock, owned by Eiji Shima (Yuzo Kayama, The Wild Ones). Neck with binding and long headstock (like the so called “Don Wilson prototype #2”), vibrato changed to Moseley, back signed by The Ventures in 1969, front signed by Yuzo Kayama and Kunihiko Kase in 1992. Pictured on the cover of a Japanese 1983 Ventures promo for “Walk don’t run” – thanks to Vincent for showing me!!! This is the guitar on the poster for The Ventures “Beloved Invaders” movie – a good picture of this poster can be found here at sfomuseum.org and it seems both photos are just the same picture. Good pictures can be found in the Japanese book “Guitar Graphic Vol. 2”, p. 101 – here’s a sample: Vintage Guitar Books Rittor Music: Guitar Graphic Vol 2, Fender Strat 40th Anniversary 0ct 1996 RARE. I finally got a copy of that book, now I’m sure it is B072. |
B076 (?) | white (ref.) | Aug 2 1965 | — | generation 2, owned by J.H. who bought it pawn shop in Arizona around 1978. Tuners swapped for Grovers, pickups changed to humbuckers. Serial number hard to read, but B076 seems to be the best guess (B07x is sure, could be 070 or 078 or 079, too). Thanks to A.C. for all the info and the pictures! |
B077 (?) | red | — | — | generation 2, eBay Nov 2014 for a BIN of 1500 USD (!): Mosrite Ventures 2, 6 String. I think I can read something like B077 … And I know that this is not the first underpriced eBay-BIN slab I’ve missed ;) |
Bxxx | red (refinished white) | Jul 31 1965 04x | — | generation 2, facebook November 2024: Later on, my uncle brought me an original slab body Ventures II model. It was missing a truss rod and somebody drilled shallow holes along the side of the neck where the fret markers are. – hope there will be some more info soon. Color is a guess as there seem to be some red traces on the neck heel. |
B080 | red | Jul 31 1965 019 | Jul 30 1965 005 | generation 2, Adam Tober found another one in Japan, info and pictures on his website |
B081 | red | — | — | generation 2, vibrato top missing, Gibson type tailpiece through base plate, neck pickup changed to Strat style singlecoil, knobs changed, pickguard broken, serveral stickers, tuners changed to tulip style. Serial number hard to read on the pictures but looks like B081. |
B003 (?) | red | Jul 1965 | Jul 1965 | generation 2, Grover tuners, changed tailpiece to fixed 1988 Moseley, owned by R.E., pic here: Mosrite Ventures Model Owners List. Serial number and date stamps according to owner — the s/n is probably B083 (my guess) or perhaps B063. |
B000xx | white | Jul x1 1965 002 | xx xxx 1965 001 | generation 2 with flat tremolo top and roller bridge, ad here at guitartraders-tokyo.com in March 2016. I just can’t read the serial number, but it looks like B000xx. A little hacked inside and the pickguard is 3 ply, so maybe not original. Pot dates: 6533 (3rd week of August ’65), stamps are hard/impossible to read. |
B09x | white | — | — | generation 2 with flat tremolo-top, owned by T.O., found here: |
B097 | Pearl White | Aug 2 1965 042 | Jul 30 1965 015 | generation 2 with flat tremolo-top and roller bridge (maybe the guitar above), pots 1346527 (Centrallab, 2nd week of July ’65). It first appeared in some pix of Fillmore’s collection on their website in the early 2000s, then in a calendar, eBay November 2013: Vintage Mosrite Set of 12 Glossy Pictures 1963-1965 The Ventures II 8×11 RARE. As of April 2015 it’s for sale at Hyper Guitars, some pictures still at their blog, sold in August 2015 for 10,500 USD. In March 2024 it won first price (most authentic vintage guitar) at the Vintage Guitar show in Veenendaal Holland :) |
B102 | red | — | — | generation 2, for sale on eBay Dec 2012, Jan 2013: |
B106 | Sunburst | Aug 2 1965 049 | Jul 31 1965 003, handwritten “B” | generation 2 with flat tremolo-top, for sale on Heritage Auctions July 16th 2011, (USD 4481,25 w/o fees), auction archive, for sale again eBay November 2011, starting at USD 3600, sold for USD 5350 (3972 EUR then). Pictures can be found here. |
B113 | red | — | — | generation 2, vibrato top missing, potentiometers: Centralab 1346529 (Centrallab, 4th week of July ’65) |
B120 | brown (ref.?), ref. gold | — | — | Johnny Ramone’s, generation 2, FS-1 (?) at bridge, original PU at neck, rare brown color (or refinished?) until 1989, later refinished gold for the Acid Eaters tour 1993—backup guitar 1984–1994, used in the videos for “Pet Sematary”, “I Believe in Miracles” and “Substitute ” (refinished gold)—here’s some more info. Thanks to P.W. and F.H. for that info! |
B121 (?) | red | — | — | generation 2 but ½ round string guide. Here’s what the owner told me about its serial number: “The serail number on the red one appears to be B 21. It could also be B2 but there appears to be a 1 to the right. not real pronounced but it could be.” Now that the white B021 has appeared it seems this guitar’s serial number may rather be B121 – the bodyshape and fretboard do actually look more like that of a later (about B080 upwards) example. Refined body and headstock, vibrato top piece re-attached, owned by D.G., pix here: the collection | Facebook. |
B124 | Sunburst | Aug 2 1965 024 | Jul 29 1965 002 | generation 2, 2 tuners changed (D, G), for sale Jul 2011 6000usd. Photos can be found here: Mosrite Venture 11. As of March 2015, located in the UK, it’s for sale at reverb.com: Mosrite Ventures Mk 11 Slab (Ramones) 1965 – listing has ended, guitar is sold to Budapest (thanks for the info, Zoli). |
B125 | Sunburst | Jul 31 1965 051 | sprayed over | generation 2, played by Steve Spenard, guitarists of GG Allin & The Jabbers, video here: GG Allin & The Jabbers (lip sync, 1982). Steve owned it since the early 80s — vibrato top missing, vibrato plate converted to a fixed tailpiece by previous owner. Here’s the story and some pics: Here is Mosrite Mark II slab body serial # B125. Thanks to Steve and Z.N. for showing me! Another video of Steve Spenard playing his Mosrite for the very last time: Jabber’s final goodbye jam with his beloved 1965 Mosrite Ventures II. |
B126 | Sunburst | Jul 31 1965 05x | no date, handwritten “B” | generation 2 with generation 1 body, trussrod cover at pickguard (factory made by Mosrite? According to original owner the plate has already been there when he bought it new in 1965). For sale at eBay Jan 2013 1965 MOSRITE VENTURES MARK MK II JOHNNY RAMONE MODEL VINTAGE ELECTRIC GUITAR for 8999 USD or best offer. Finally sold for 7100 USD. Here are some more pictures. Now owned by K.R. Potentiometers: 1346527 (Centrallab, 2nd week of July ’65) |
B132 | red | — | — | generation 2, owned by M.M., pix here: Michael Marks’ Mosrite Web Site. As of February 2024 it’s for sale at eBay: 1960’s MOSRITE Original Slab Body Mark II – Just Like Johnny Ramone’s Guitar, price: US $22,500 s/n according to the owner, thanks a lot MM for that info! |
B135 | blue | Aug 2 1965 028 | Aug 2 1965 015, handwritten “B” | generation 2, thanks to DD for the info! It’s on Reverb in January 2020: Vintage Mosrite Ventures ii Slab Body 1965 Blue EXTREMELY RARE Johnny Ramone HSC !!!, price 4999 USD! I was allowed to do repro pickguard and pickups for it as it got a humbucker conversation years ago… Here’s the original 2019 ad on Reverb: Mosrite Ventures II 1964 Blue, price 1100 USD!!! |
B137 | blue | — | — | generation 2 |
B138 | blue | Jul 31 1965 058 | Aug 2 1965 016 | generation 2 – thanks to Z.N. for the dates. Reverb March 2024: Mosrite Ventures II Slab Body 1965 – Blue, price: 17,000€/19,200US$ |
B149 | blue, ref. Tabaccoburst | Aug 1965 | Aug 1965 | generation 2 – eBay September 2018: Mosrite Ventures model II, 1965 with original case. Serial # B146, starting at 3000 USD (BIN was 4000 USD). Dates according to seller who bought this guitar in 1969 at a pawn shop and refinished it about 20 years ago. Seller confirmed it’s B149, thanks a lot to S.H. Sold for 5100 USD. |
Mosrite Ventures II slab body – unknown serial number
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
— | blue | — | — | Johnny Ramone’s, generation 1 with thick neck heel, bought January 23/24 1974 at Manny’s for USD 69.55. Original in 1974 except for bridge (Gibson/Schaller harmonica bridge – maybe this is a very early Ventures II that had a ’63 mutebridge like B002), later changed to fixed Gibson tailpiece through orig. chrome plate—stolen Oct. 22, 1977 (Chicago). |
— | Sunburst | — | — | Johnny Ramone’s, generation 1 with thick neck heel, fixed tailpiece with chrome plate, black P90-style PU in bridge-position, black plastic knobs—early backup guitar that appeared around late 1975—I guess it was stolen with the blue Ventures II. |
worn off/lost in refret | white | — | — | Johnny Ramone’s, generation 1, refinished back in 1977 (white over original white?), many changes over the years, never seen with original vibrato, always Gibson-style tailpiece, original holes closed, refretted (Jumbos), DiMarzio FS-1 1980, Seymour Duncan mini humbucker 1983. It appeared right after the blue Ventures II was stolen in the night October 22nd/23rd, 1977 As of August 2021 this very guitar is auctioned at RR Auctions: Johnny Ramone’s Stage-Used and Owned Mosrite Ventures II Guitar starting at 25,000 USD… Finally sold for USD 937,500. |
no real Mosrite | black, neck black | no real Mosrite | no real Mosrite | Johnny Ramone’s, one pickup (single coil, FS-1?), Grover Rotomatic tuners, no Mosrite or Ventures logo at headstock, smaller pickguard, probably neck trough design—not a real Ventures II but something custom made (similar shape, but very thin at large beveled area, slightly different shape, less offset). Backup guitar from early 1978–1982 or 83—perhaps it was stolen in the second Ramones equipment burglary at April 24th, 1983 (after concert at Reseda Country Club). I know this guitar does not belong in this list, it’s only listed here to clarify that ;) And because I really like it ;)) |
no s/n | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | generation 1; thread here: Artie’s new acquisition. |
— | red | — | — | generation 1; refretted, Moseley vibrato, pix can be found in this video: R. W. Armstrong – Train Bound For Nowhere. |
— | white | — | — | generation 1; near mint condition, yellowed, roller bridge, pickguard has only 9 (insted of 10) screws; some pictures here at the mosrite forum: Semie made Ramones Mosrite |
— | white | — | — | generation 1 with roller bridge, here it’s called number 0001 and Nokie Edwards‘ backup guitar, but that may just stand as an example. I think I can see a slightly different shaped three ply pickguard (blk/wht/blk). The info in the link says it’s number one, but I’m not sure about the serial number. Analogue to Don Wilson’s slab Nokie Edward’s Ventures II may not have a serial number and may be the Eiji Shima Slab (see table above). |
no s/n (or maybe lost in a refret?) | white | no date | no date | generation 1 with fretboard binding, roller bridge and long headstock. “#2” sticker on pickguard’s back (what does not have to mean anything ;)); Adam Tober/Expat Guitars has found another one with neck binding, posted this on Facebook. Adam believes this is “one of the two slab-bodied Ventures II prototypes the Ventures used on their 1965 tour of Japan.” Here’s some older info and pictures of it being played as backup by Don Wilson. As of January 2021 it’s for sale again: Mosrite Ventures Mk 2 (11) 1964/5 Pearl White, price: USD 14.147,32 / GBP 9.799 / EUR 11.676,15 – finaly sold July 2023 for UDS 11.765,89 / GBP 8.799 / EUR 10.761,57. According to a comment here on facebook this guitar did not belong to Don Wilson – trying to find out more about Don’s Ventures II. Thanks to TT for his comment! That would mean there’s another one, Don’s. The emergence of B072 let’s me doubt that prototype theory, so my former naming it “generation 0” might just be wrong, it’s probably more like gen. 1.2 ;) I guess a s/n is lost in a refret and it was B071 or B073 or something around that range. |
worn off | black, neck black (ref?) | — | — | Some info here on facebook. 1/4 round stringguide, many slotted screws, not very pointy horns – hard to decide from the pictures whether it’s a gen 1 or gen 2. The lacquer looks original on the few pictures but it might be a black refinished sunburst. Quite bad condition with a major breaking area, missing vibrato top, bridge pickup, tuners. |
worn off | blue | Aug 1965 | Aug 1965 | generation 2, vibrato missing, owned by I.H., pictures here: Captain Crunch Tour Photos. |
— | white | — | — | generation 2; seems to be in Japan and is played here: 気ままな親父のベンチャーズ・バンド イースト・ベンチャーズ結成ご披露ライブ&8月2回目のパルス(春日市)ライブ. This guitar may be B097. |
— | blue | — | — | generation 2; picture from the 60s and discussion here on facebook, January 2024: Could anyone tell me anything about this model Mosrite?. Might already be above in the list ;) |
Mosrite Ventures II — German carve
“transition” — rounded neck heel and folded sheet vibrato
no s/n
approx made: ?
These guitars are sometimes called “transitions” because they have attributes from the early slab body models (vibrato, neck) and from the later German carve models (body, pickups, pickguard, knobs). They have no serial number.
My guess: made from factory left overs that were on auction in 1969; some parts sold by Andy Moseley years after.
Mosrite Ventures II “transition” + left over necks
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
V11 0016 | red | — | — | sold by Andy Moseley on eBay in February 2008; s/n according to Andy’s auction, I guess it has no number |
no s/n | white | — | — | vibrato var. 2, Japanese tuners, Bigsby arm, signed by Johnny Ramone (head back) |
no s/n | Sunburst | — | — | vibrato var. 2, roller-bridge |
no s/n | white | — | — | vibrato var. 2, metal Kluson tuners, owned by M.M., ebay Jan 2012, BIN 7000 usd |
no s/n | white | — | — | vibrato var. 2, Japanese tuners, eBay Feb 2012, start 5000 usd, BIN 6000 usd |
no s/n | no body | Aug 20 1965 001 | no body | neck only (left over), sold by Andy Moseley on eBay in June 2004, NOS with slight water damage |
no s/n | no body | Aug 20 1965 010 | no body | neck only (left over), sold on eBay February 2012 by Artie of Front Porch Musik, Bakersfield, NOS but heavy finish damage, some wood missing |
no s/n | no body | Aug 20 1965 011 | no body | neck only (left over), sold by Andy Moseley on eBay in June 2004, NOS with slight water damage |
no s/n | no body | Aug 20 1965 013 | no body | neck only (left over), very good condition |
no s/n | black | Oct 1 1965 039 | — | vibrato var. 2, metal Kluson tuners, |
no s/n | red | November 1965 | November 1965 | vibrato var. 2, Japanese tuners, pots CTS September 1970, at frettedamericana, October 2012: The Ventures II Guitars 1970 Mosrite The Ventures II, price: 2500 usd (all dates according to seller). Back in the game July 2024: Mosrite of california THE Ventures model Electric Guitar, BIN 2800 USD (EUR 2.591,51 then). |
Mosrite Ventures II — German carve
transition — narrow head, cut at heel, enlarged pickguard
B154–B253
approx made: 100
August–December 1965
- German carve body
- Moseley vibrato
- Mosrite of California pickups without pole pieces
- “hat type” volume and tone knobs
- pickguard all the way under neck-pickup
Enlarged pickguard to close the gap from the pu-routing (pu is put a little bit more in direction neck because of the neck’s cut end); reason may be: New body-design with german carve was ready for production with a newly shaped neck’s ending, but there were around 100 Ventures II necks left over that were used BEFORE the newly designed necks were used…
Mosrite Ventures II—transition
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
B154 | Candy Apple Red | Oct 1 1965 006 | no number or painted over | wrong vibrato arm, refretted, metal kluson tuners, potentiometers: Centralab 1346533 (33rd week (August) 1965) |
Bxxx | blue | Nov 2 1965 | Nov 3 1965 0043 | Jauce January 2019: Mosrite Ventures Mark II 1965年製 モズライト ベンチャーズ 送料無料; ad says the serial number would be B532, but I guess it’s misread, should be something like B1xx, perhaps it is B153…? Reverb ad here: Mosrite Ventures Mark II 1965 blue, price: 1401USD/1241EUR. |
B160 | blue | Nov 5 1965 0001 | Dec 6 1965 0002 | eBay October 2014: Mosrite Vintage The Ventures II Model Blue Guitar All Original USA Made – thanks to Olivier from Belgium. More pix here: Het zoekertje met de titel ‘1965 Mosrite The Ventures II Model – Vintage Made in USA’ is helaas verwijderd. Potentiometers: Centralab 1346605 (5th week 1966). On eBay May 2015: Rare Vintage 1966 Mosrite of California The Ventures II Model – Made in USA starting at 2200 EUR. |
B163 | blue | Oct 2 1965 003 | Nov 23 1965 0029 | Reverb November 2022: Mosrite Venture2 1965 Blue Original, 3,500 USD. |
B167 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay November 2016: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model II Electric Guitar w/ HSC – BIN 4499 USD or best offer. |
B174 | ref. white | Aug 26 1965 | Aug 26 1965 | date stamps as told by the owner; I doubt the body date is right. Body heavily sanded/reshaped to look more like Johnny’s white, according PG. Picture here at the mosriteforum: on page 5 mentioned again on the top of page 6. |
B176 | red | — | — | — |
B186 | Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to M.K. for showing me his Mosrite! |
B188 | Sunburst | Aug 1965 | Sep 1965 | Dates according to owner. Pictures at facebook: B188. |
B194 | blue | — | — | Thanks to D.C. for showing me his Mosrite! |
B20x | white | — | — | Pictures here at ronsvintage.com |
B202 | Sunburst | — | — | custom PG, bridge PU only (originals still existing) |
B222 | metallic brown | — | — | very rare color – owner bought it in 1982 at a flea market. Vibrato missing, now stripped to bare wood. |
B232 | white | — | — | eBay December 2016: Original Mosrite Ventures Electric Guitar 1966 B232 – BIN 2800 USD or best offer. |
B233 | white | — | — | — |
B237 | blue | — | — | eBay March 2011 |
B246 | white | Oct 21 1965 014 | Nov 24 1965 0029 | Ad here: Mosrite The Ventures Model Mark II ’66 White, 268,000円, s/n hard to read on the pictures, so not 100% sure ;) As of January 2023 for sale at Guitartraders: Mosrite 1965y Ventures Mark 2, weight: 3.44kg |
B247 | red | — | — | No pictures, only a post in this thread. |
B250 | red | — | — | — |
B253 | red | — | — | — |
B258 | red | — | — | found in my old notes – sold or for sale in 1999 für USD 1650. |
B2xx | red | Oct 1 1965 037 | Nov 23 1965 0034 | Yahoo ad here: 非常にレアMosrite ventures ll model 1965年製 USA製 JACARANDA 指板, 465,480円 (exact numbers in ad blacked -> xx). Back on eBay November 2021: Mosrite USA Mark 2 1965 Rare Jacaranda Fingerboard, BIN: US$2,969.99 (serial number blacked). |
B532 | blue | — | — | total outlier – pix here at facebook: Mosrite allways a mystery, here photos of one of my mosrite guitars, serial probably from 1966 or not?, long pickguard covering cavity, early ventures II neck, but serial B532. refretted, fretboard planned, serial number probably restamped (wrong font). |
? | metallic brown | — | — | rare color, played by Japanese guitarist Char, found here: チャー、ベンチャーズを弾く – 大宮ベンチャーズ – Yahoo!ブログ. Some videos on youtube, for example here: 永遠のロックギタリストChar -B面- 8/11 and here: Two Thousand Pound Bee Part II – The Ventures by Char. |
Mosrite Ventures II—German carve
wider head, uncut neck
B263–B687
approx made: 400
December 1965–February 1966
As before, but:
- pickguard half the way under neck-pickup
- wider headstock
- neck heel uncut, longer than on slab body models
The final Ventures II design: neck matches body, head wider than first Ventures II design, normal Ventures’ attributes: vibrato, ¼ round string guide, 3 piece neck…
Mosrite Ventures II German carve
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
B263 | red | — | — | normal pickguard, uncut neck, wide headstock; pictures here: Mosrite Ventures II #B263, and here: Mosrite | GuitarCollectionVirtual. |
B276 | white | — | — | normal pickguard, uncut neck but neckplate with short screw alignment, wide headstock; great pictures here at facebook – eBay July 2014: MOSRITE VENTURES II. 1966. ALL ORIGINAL. RARE WHITE. ONLY 400 BUILT COLLECTIBLE, starting at 3495 USD, and here at reverb.com: Mosrite VENTURES II 1966 White. EXCELLENT CONDITION. ONLY 400 BUILT. Joey Ramone. COLLECTIBLE. For sale on eBay in September 2019: great pictures here at facebook, price 3000 USD bin. |
B278 | white | — | — | normal pickguard, uncut neck, wide headstock; on eBay May 2013, starting at 2000 USD. On eBay again March 2014: MOSRITE VENTURES II MODEL GUITAR with original case sold for the starting bid of USD 2000. |
B282 | white | — | — | normal pickguard, uncut neck, wide headstock; thanks a lot to KC for showing! |
B292 | white, refinished light blue | Dec 19 1965 | — | extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock |
B296 | white | — | — | extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock, potentiometers: Centralab 1346533 – eBay July 2014: original 1966 MOSRITE “The Ventures” II model V-2 WHITE!!!, starting at 2390 USD. |
B297 | Maroon or Candy Apple Red (ref?) | Dec 17 1965 0023 | Dec 7 1965 | extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock, potentiometers: Centralab 1346534 – kijiji.ca December 2014: 1965 Mosrite Ventures II, price: 1750 USD. Appeared in facebook in February 2015. March 2015: Reverb ad with great pictures here: Mosrite Ventures II – 12/1965 – 1/400 – Factory Custom Color? Refinish? – Priced to Sell – MUST GO. |
B304 | red | — | — | Oct 1965 (according to my notes) |
B307 | stripped | — | — | extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock, Ventures logo removed – Reverb March 2020: Mosrite Ventures II – 1965 – Wood Color – with Original Case, price: 3000 USD/2818 EUR. |
B317 | blue | — | — | eBay January 2019: 1965 Mosrite Ventures II Mark V Pacific Blue Electric Guitar, BIN 1950 USD |
B321 | Ink Blue | 1965 | 1965 | extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock, refinished in original colors, pictures here at Southbound Custom; thanks to G.B. |
B323 | blue | — | — | thanks to Marshall Aver |
B324 | red | Dec 22 1965 0014 | Dec 8 1965 0008 | extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock – eBay July 2014: MOSRITE VENTURES II GUITAR. ALL ORIGINAL. 1965. BEAUTIFUL RED., starting at 3495 USD. |
B325 | blue | — | — | extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock – Reverb July 2023: Vintage Mosrite “The Ventures 2” Electric Guitar, Ink Blue, price: 2495USD (2.370,51€ then); missing vibrato arm. |
no s/n | blue | Dec 20 1965 0001 | Dec 9 1965 0006 | No serial number (lost in refret job?), painted neck (brown with grain), reshaped volute – pictures and story here: Mosrite newbie presents: blue ’65 Ventures II (non-slab). |
B328 | blue | — | — | extended pickguard; eBay February 2023: MOSRITE VENTURES II GUITAR WITH CASE-UNTESTED, BIN 2,999.– USD. Reverb April 2023: Vintage 1965/66 Mosrite Ventures II Blue, price US $3,495. |
B330 | red, ref. Surf Green | Dec 21 1965 0006 | Dec 8 1965 0047 | eBay August 2014: eBay September 2018: RARE MOSRITE VENTURES 2 1960’s GUITAR nirvana ramones, price 1700 USD. |
B334 | ref. body and neck | Dec ? 1965 0031 | Dec ? 1965 0055 | — |
B338 | red, ref. black | Dec 22 1965 0026 | Dec 8 1965 0041 | replacement body, Sunburst, dated Mar 2 1966. Modified to replicate Johnny Ramone’s “Time Has Come Today” guitar meanwhile… ;) |
B349 | red | Dec 23 1965 | — | eBay July 2011 |
B358 | blue | Dec 22 1965 0008 | Dec 9 1965 0004 | eBay August 2020: Mosrite of California MARK II 1965 The Venture II Model Vintage Electric Guitar, price US $3,892.00 from Japan. |
B375 | blue | — | — | extended pickguard, short–medium neck heel |
B376 | blue | — | — | extended pickguard, short–medium neck heel. Thanks to J.H. Reverb Juli 2022: Mosrite Ventures II Guitar Blue All Original – Including Case – More pics if neededMosrite of California MARK II 1965 The Venture II Model Vintage Electric Guitar, price US $3,999.00. |
B388 | Sunburst | Jan 11 1966 0014 | Dec 31 1965 001x | Originally bought in 1966 at “Medley Music” in Ardmore, PA – for sale from original owner on eBay May 2013, 3995 USD BIN – has not been sold. |
B397 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B399 | red | — | — | — |
lost in refret | red | Jan 11 1966 001x | Dec 31 1965 0017 | 4-piece neck, 3-ply pickguard, eBay January 2019: 1965 – 1966 Mosrite Moseley Ventures II Vintage USA Red, bin USD 2195. |
B411 | red | Jan 11 1966 0024 | — | 4-piece neck, 3-ply pickguard, eBay Jan 2013 |
? | Sunburst, refinshed dark red | Jan 11 1966 0029 | Dec 31 1965 0023 | 4-piece neck, 1-ply pickguard, eBay May 2015: 1965-MOSRITE-VENTURES-II-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-Serial-0028. |
B419 | white | Jan 14 1966 0005 | Dec 7 1965 0024 | 3-piece neck, pencilled “Dee” in neck pocket, Reverb June 2018: Video Demo 1966 Original Mosrite Ventures II White Pro Setup Original Hard Shell Case Strap, price: 6000 USD. |
B427 | red | Jan 1966 | Jan 1966 | 3-piece neck, NOS near mint condition with the original strings, it also still has the packing paper, original case and contents including supple leather strap, cord, and everything. Pots date 1965. EBay April 2012, BIN 2695 USD. |
B431 | blue | — | — | 4-piece neck |
B434 | red | — | — | 4-piece neck |
B440 | medium blue | Jan 17 1966 0010 | Jan 10 1966 0026 | 4-piece neck – again, great pictures in the owner’s facebook album: 1966 MOSRITE VENTURES II |
B454 | white | — | — | Tortoise shell pick guard, thanks a lot to JG for his contribution and the picture. |
B458 | (neck only) | Jan 19 1966 0015 | (neck only) | neck only, eBay September 2022: 1966 Mosrite Ventures II guitar. vintage neck only with tuners., price: 1,500 US$ Seems to have some severe trussrod trouble ;) |
B468 | white | Jan 17 1966 0008 | Jan 10 1966 0038 | Story and pictures here at the mosriteforum: Just got my hands on a ’66 Ventures II. |
? | natural (ex-white?) | Jan 19 1966 0005 | Jan 3 1966 0028 | — |
? | blue | Jan 17 1966 0018 | Jan 10 1966 0007 | — |
B471 | Sunburst | — | — | 4-piece neck, 3-ply pickguard, eBay January 2021: Vintage 1966 Mosrite Ventures II Electric Guitar, bin USD 1495. |
B477 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B486 | Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to Kim and Marcus for their contribution. |
B489 | red | Jan 19 1966 | Jan 3 1966 | eBay October 2019: Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Mark II Used, BIN 3430 USD Pot dates 1346605, weight 3.29kg (as the date stamps according to last seller). For sale here (November 2021) at guitartraders.com: Mosrite 1966y The Ventures Mark Ⅱ, price: ¥297,000.– |
B500 | white | Jan 19 1966 0004 | no date | near mint, 4-piece neck, 3-ply pickguard, eBay Jun 2013, BIN 3.295 USD (EUR 2.529 then)—later sold in parts |
B502 | red | — | — | auction April 2012, auction archive. Listed in eBay May 2014: 1966 MOSRITE VENTURES II MODEL GUITAR with original case, starting at 1,999 USD, BIN is 2,600 USD. |
B510 | stripped, ex-white? | — | — | additional s/n 3003; replacement sent by Mosrite for cracked B007, story here: Ventures II. Bridge pickup replaced with a Mark I PU in late 70s/early 80s. |
B518 | Sunburst | — | — | 4-piece neck |
B529 | red | Jan 21 1966 | Jan 5 1966 | — |
B538 | red | — | — | 4-piece neck |
B539 | red | — | — | 4-piece neck – thanks to Satu for the new pictures! |
B542 | blue | Jan 21 1966 0038 | Jan 10 1966 0028 | eBay October 2019: Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Mark II Used, BIN 3430 USD. Dates according to guitartraders.com: Mosrite 1966y The Ventures Mark Ⅱ, pot dates: 1346605, weight: 2.83kg |
B544 | Sunburst | — | — | Hyperguitars July 2023: Mosrite ’66 The Ventures II Model; pots changed to CTS. Reverb August 2023: Mosrite The Ventures Model Mark Ⅱ 1966 – Sunburst, price: 3000USD/2.855,94 € from Japan; weight: 3.22kg. |
B546 | blue | — | — | Johnny Ramone owned this guitar: Mosrite Ventures II German Carve, 1966, blue. Story and some pictures and a video here: Johnny’s (other) blue Mosrite. |
B547 | blue | — | — | Thanks to George for showing me! |
B558 | red | — | — | Yahoo June 2024: ☆Mosrite モズライト The Ventures Model Mark Ⅱストロベリーレッド ベンチャーズ 1963年製 ビンテージ. Only 99% sure about the first digit, could be a 6, too. |
B559 | white | — | — | eBay Germany December 2014: -Rarität- Original Mosrite Ventures II von 1966 -Rarität- |
B590 | Sunburst | Feb 1 1966 0036 | Feb 9 1966 0012 | eBay June 2015: RARE 1965 MOSRITE VENTURES MK ll MODEL – ALL ORIGINAL – Excellent Condition, BIN 2499GBP (3934USD then) Reverb November 2016: Mosrite Ventures II 1966 Sunburst All-original w/Case, price: 2850 EUR from France. |
B55x or B65x (?) | Sunburst | Feb 3 1966 0023 | Feb 10 1966 0005 | eBay, November 2017: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Mark V Sunburst Project Guitar Restoration Kurt Cobain, incomplete and disassembled, neck sanded to bare wood, serial number hard to read, I guess it’s something like B55x or B65x. |
B610 | Sunburst | Jan 31 1966 0026 | Feb 11 1966 0004 | thread here: My latest find and here: Mark II |
B619 | Sunburst | Jan 31 1966 0033 | Feb 11 1966 0002 | Thanks to Seth for his contribution. |
B630 | Sunburst | — | — | 4-piece neck, Reverb 2018: Used 1965 Mosrite Ventures II German Carve Body 3-Tone Burst, price 1.999,99 US$. |
B638 | Sunburst | Jan 31 1966 0022 | Feb 25 1966 | — |
B640 | Sunburst | Mar 1 1966 0022 | Feb 1 1966 | 4-piece neck |
B641 | Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to D.B. for his contribution. |
B648 | Sunburst | — | — | Not sure with serial number as it’s hard to read on the pictures, found here in France: Mosrite – Ventures 2 |
B649 | Sunburst | — | — | 4-piece neck, eBay September 2013, BIN 1990AU$ (1883USD then): 1966 Mosrite Ventures Mark II – Real Vintage USA Mosrite, Rare and Amazing! |
B655 | refinished red | Feb 1 1966 0005 | — | Stringguide and zero-fret changed to standard nut. |
B670 over B641 | refinished | Jan 31 1966 0036 | Mar 3 1966 0003 | |
B673 over B644 | stripped | — | — | Serial number seems to be hard to read, could be B676, too. Thanks to Austin for showing me :) |
B674 over B645 | Sunburst | Mar 1 1966 0001 | Mar 2 1966 0009 | Pix here at the forum: FS: ’66 Mosrite Ventures II Model w/ original case, strap. Seller tells Potentiometers are Central Lab 134-66-05, made 5th week of 1966, Pickups read about 12.8K. With narrow M-knobs changed for spun knobs and blue instead of red interior case for sale December 2018 at reverb: 1965 Mosrite Ventures II Sunburst Electric Guitar with OHSC, sold for 2,400 USD/2,180 EUR. |
B678 over B649 | Sunburst | — | — | Another serial number with some extra digits, I guess to correct a duplication. Custom made tortoise pickguard. Pictures and description here at the mosriteforum: New to this forum. Please help!. |
B681 | red | — | — | found here: Vintage 1966 Mosrite Ventures Ii Very Rare Ex Condition 1/400? Produced L@@k! |
B686 | red | — | — | found here: MOSRITE VENTURES II #B686. Found again on eBay: vintage MOSRITE VENTURES ll MODEL 60’S |
B687 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B690 | Sunburst | — | — | Johnny Ramone’s 1982/83 backup guitar, custom made full size pickguard and only one DiMarzio FS-1 (probably) at the bridge, Gibson style tailpiece instead of the original Moseley tailpiece, Grover Rotomatic tuners. I’m not sure if it has a Ventures II model or Mark V logo on the headstock. |
B705 over B636 | Sunburst | — | — | Again a corrected doublette: B673065 – Thanks a lot to EC for showing me. |
Mosrite Ventures Mark V
“Mark V” instead of “II model”
B480–B891; B1177 (outlier?)
approx made: 200
February–July 1966
The final Ventures II design with a slightly different logo
Mosrite Ventures Mark V
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
X384 | silverburst | — | — | strange serial number, very rare color, near mint condition, pots are dated 1966 28th week, thread here: “X” in Mark V Serial #, pictures here at guitarworksltd.com. Back on eBay in November 2015, starting at 2199 USD: 1966 MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V SILVER BURST EL. GUITAR W/ OHSC Serial # X384. |
B480 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B605 | red (refin.?) | — | — | eBay June 2012, serial number according to seller; neck plate missing |
? | Sunburst | Feb 1966 | Feb 1966 | — |
B694 | Sunburst | — | — | As of March 2023 it’s for sale in Sweden: Mosrite Ventures Mark 5, price: kr34,995.00 (3.142E then). |
? | blue | Mar 1 1966 | ? | — |
B703 | translucent Maroon | Mar 3 1966 | — | Elderly October 2024: Mosrite Mark V Electric Guitar (1966), price: 3,300 US$, refretted. Not sure about s/n, could be B707, too |
B708 | blue | Mar 3 1966 0020 | Feb 19 1966 0018 | Great story here at Tym Guitar’s blog: 1966 Mosrite Mk V. My first real Mosrite. |
B717 (?) | white | — | — | eBay April 2024: Mosrite Genuine 65 Mark V Price Fluctuates, BIN US $2,516.06 from Japan. Serial number hard to read so it’s not safe. |
B726 | blue | — | — | — |
B733 | blue | — | — | — |
B734 | natural (stripped) | Apr 6 1966 | unreadable | — |
B735 | sunburst (ref.) | — | — | Reverb ad February 2016 here: Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1966 Sunburst, price: 1800USD/1644 EUR. |
B739 | sunburst | — | — | facebook April 2024: Can someone help me identify the year of my Mosrite?, refretted with Jumbos. |
B751 | ex-red – refinished | — | — | has been red – sold in eBay for restauration |
B758 | translucent maroon | — | — | custom pg |
B765 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay June 2011 |
B774 | white | — | — | — |
B777 | white | Jun 7 1966 | Mar 29 1966 | Found on this Japanese website: ★Mosrite 「The Ventures Mark V」モデル エレキ★ジャンク品★ – ヤフオク!—I guess it’s for sale. eBay October 2024: Mosrite Mark V 1965 VWT, BIN US $2,201.00, weight: 3.125kg, GOTOH locking pegs, bridge replaced, refretted (fingerboard corrected) – all dates and data according to seller. |
B780 | blue | — | — | Facebook March 2024: Picked up this 1966 Mosrite Mark V yesterday. |
B791 | ref.? | — | — | — |
B795 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B797 | Sunburst | — | — | found here: MOSRITE MARK V VENTURES MODEL sunburst / original case – thanks to Austin for the link! |
B799 | Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to CH for showing me. |
B800 | red | — | — | eBay December 2016: Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1965 German Carve guitar, Merry Christmas!, 2950 USD BIN or best offer. |
B802 | red | — | Jul 14 1966 0013 | eBay October 2012, 2899 USD starting |
B807 | white | — | — | Found on this Japanese website: Mosrite 1966 MARK-5, OLYMPIC WHITE, MOSLEY ARM,(中古・ヴィンテージ)【Jギター楽器詳細|Mosrite】—I guess it’s for sale. As of March 2018 it’s for sale on eBay: Mosrite It 1966 The Ventures Model Mark V Pearl White Used FREE Shipping, BIN 3620 USD |
B808 | refinished | — | June 26 1966 | Appeared in facebook in January 2015. Not completely sure about serial number. |
B817 | Sunburst | — | — | Signed by Nokie Edwards |
B822 | white, ref. met. purple | painted over | Jul 19 1966 0016 | serial number (perhaps B812) hard to read; the complete guitar 1966 MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V CALIFORNIA PURPLE SPARKLE REFINISH and earlier here: Mosrite of California Electric Guitar. Neck only on eBay March 2014, 750 USD starting: 1965 MOSRITE OF CALIFORNIA THE VENTURES MARK V NECK & TUNERS—later the neck has been relisted and nearly all other parts of that guitar appeared on eBay, too. |
B830 | red | — | — | vibrato changed to Bigsby-type |
B843 | Sunburst | — | — | signed by Nokie Edwards |
B844 | white | Jul 22 1966 | no date | ad at jauce.com March 2015: ■1966 mosrite USA mark V■Ventures■エド・エリオット■mod■. Pickups changed to grey Ed Elliotts, refretted with medium jumbo frets. eBay March 2020: Mosrite The Ventures Mark 5 Used, BIN US $3,243.57 from Japan. |
B856 | red | — | — | — |
B860 | red | — | — | thread here at mosriteforum, January 2018: Recently Acquired A 1965 Mark 5 |
B875 | blue | — | — | eBay October 2016: Vintage1965 Mosrite The Ventures Mark V 6 String Electric Guitar RARE MODEL!!!, BIN 1650 USD, changed tuners, missing tone knob and strap buttons. |
B884 | blue | — | — | found here: Mosrite Mark V Guitar 1965 (one owner) – thanks to Austin for the link! S/n hard to read, may be something like B8x4. |
B889 | red | — | — | — |
B891 | blue | — | — | eBay April 2011, perhaps B801, potentiometers: Centralab 1346628 |
B892 | red | Jul 19 1966 0016 | no date but stamped s/n | eBay April 2018: 1966 Mosrite Mark V Mark 5 The Venture Model. S/n hard to read, might be B882 as well (thanks to Austin for the info and picture). Body is stamped B1140 in the neck cavity, so it might be a replacement. |
B895 | blue | — | — | thanks to J.G. for photo and info! |
B904 | Brownburst | — | — | Reverb May 2024: Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1966 Ramones, price 2,900US$ (2.793,06 € then); signed by Marky Ramone, Daniel Rey and Monte Melnick, string guide and tuners replaced, no original case. |
? | blue | — | — | Ricky Wilson’s (B-52’s) guitar, replaced tuners and tone-knob; picture here. |
B1027 | white (ref.) | no date | painted over | outlier with the trussrod nut still at the neck’s body end – some parts missing (vibrato spring and arm, original knobs and pg-screws); eBay September 2022 Mosrite The Ventures Mark V Guitar, starting at 1,200US$, sold for 1,427.05US$. Thanks to M.P. for the additional photos and info! |
B1028 | blue | — | — | outlier with the trussrod nut still at the neck’s body end; reverb.com, sold in October 2015 for €1,932.40EUR (located in England): 1965 Mosrite ‘The Ventures’ Mark V. |
B1177 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | near mint condition, outlier with the trussrod nut still at the neck’s body end; eBay August 2013, starting at 2195USD, BIN 2995USD: BEAUTIFUL MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V, finally sold for 1895USD. |
Mosrite Ventures Mark V
trussrod nut at headstock
B943–B1506 (?)
approx made: 550
April 1966–1968 (?)
Analogue to all other Mosrite models, the trussrod was installed reverse, from the headstock side – more handy, less pretty ;)
Mosrite Ventures Mark V – trussrod nut at headstock
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
B903 (?) | white | — | — | Serial number very hard to read (so not sure), eBay March 2014: 1960’s MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V CALIFORNIA, sold for 1,375 USD. |
B924 | blue | — | — | — |
B926 | blue | — | — | Facebook June 2024: Got this beauty Appraised, appraised 3,700 USD. |
B928 | blue | — | — | Changed string guide, for sale here from Madrid/Spain: Mosrite Mark V 1965 Blue, price 3000 Euro. |
B930 | blue | — | — | 3 layer undercoat: white primer + red laquer + blue laquer; thanks to Dino for showing his guitar. |
B933 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay February 2004 |
B936 | blue | — | — | eBay January 2004: Mosrite Mark V guitar circa 1966 all original with case.—sold for the starting bid of USD 1699. |
Bx36 | cream ref. | — | Feb 28 1966 006 | eBay June 2012, BIN USD 2500, seller reads B036, I guess it’s B936, perhaps B836. Again on eBay Jan 2013 starting at USD 1495. Refinished, non original pickguard, tuners, switch, jack. Roller bridge. Refretted? |
B943 | red | — | — | — |
B948 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay October 2019: Mosrite Mark V Ventures VTG 1966 Guitar Sunburst Org. Case Cobain Style Surf FIX, BIN 2000 USD – serial number hard to read, the last digit may be a 5 or 6. |
B949 | red | — | Dec 9 1965 0024 | eBay October 2012, BIN 2950 USD |
B950 | red | — | — | — |
B963 | white | — | — | serial number hart to read (B9x3), 3 piece neck, eBay March 2014: 1960’s MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V CALIFORNIA – sold for USD 1375. |
B967 | white | — | — | 3 piece neck, German eBay October 2013: Sammlergitarre: 68er Mosrite The Ventures Mark V mit Koffer – sold for EUR 1765. Again for sale on eBay Kleinanzeigen September 2022: Mosrite VENTURES MK-V Vintage 1966, price EUR 3300. |
B968 | Sunburst | — | — | Pictures here at vintagesilvertones.com. |
B970 | Sunburst | — | — | Reverb February 2019 Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1966 Sunburst, price 2950USD/2695EUR |
B975 | ref. white | — | unreadable | eBay April 2013; refinished, “The Ventures” logo missing |
B983 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B985 | white | — | — | Refretted; eBay May 2014: VINTAGE 1960’S MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V MK 5 ELECTRIC GUITAR RARE COLOR! – BIN 2,250 USD. |
B988 | white | no date | no date | Thanks to Chris Reeky for showing me ;) |
B989 | white | — | — | eBay December 2013: RARE 1966 MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V White Body Electric Guitar w/Case & Amp – sold for US $1,625.00 (with Univox U65RN amplifier). |
B992 | Sparkle Blue (ref., originally white) | — | — | Reverb ad here: Mosrite Mark V Ventures 1966 Blue Sparkle, price: $1499 |
B993 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B994 | cream (white) | — | — | auction April 2012, auction archive |
B996 | yellowed white, ref. | Feb 28 1966 | — | Sold in parts on eBay Jan 2013: VINTAGE 1966 Mosrite Mark V Ventures Model EZ PROJECT. Refinished, missing pickups, potentiometers: Centralab 1346552 and 1346601 |
B997 | white | — | — | — |
B1002 | white | — | — | For sale on eBay July 2017 Mosrite Ventures Mark V Guitar – White (1966), BIN 1999USD; weight: 7.3 lbs. |
B1009 | Sunburst | — | — | For sale on gbase 1964 Mosrite Mark V The Ventures and on the french seller’s website: Mosrite Mark V The Ventures 1965. |
B1025 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B1036 | blue | — | — | thanks to B.C. for the info! |
B1037 | blue | — | — | — |
B1038 | blue | — | — | thanks to P.S. for the info! |
B1040 | red | — | — | body only on eBay, November 2013: VINTAGE MID 1960’s MOSRITE USA VENTURES MARK V RED GUITAR BODY PART I II – finally sold for US $249.95 in December 2013. |
B1046 or B1048 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay Jan 2012 |
B1050 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | no date | Oct 26 1966 (no further ink stamped number), serial number embossed in neck pocket | thanks to G.G. for showing me! Polyester lacquer on body and neck. Parted out meanwhile… |
B1062 | blue | — | — | eBay July 2014: original 1966 MOSRITE “The Ventures” Mark V 5 BLUE!!!, starting at 2090 USD. |
B1068 | Sunburst | — | — | Excellent condition, thanks for info and pictures to C.G. |
B180 (?) probably B1080 | Sunburst | no date | no date but “HELEN” with red pencil | Reverb October 2024: 1966 Mosrite The Ventures Model Mark V Vintage Sunburst Electric Guitar- Rare 100% All Original ’66 MK V German Carve Ventures II Bakersfield CA (B180), price: 2,999 US$/2,901.12 €. Serial number must be a typo, one digit missed, guess it should be B1080 ;) Thanks to Austin for showing me. |
B1092 | white | — | — | missing some parts (knobs, bridge, bridge pu) – thanks to zoli for his contribution ;) |
B1140 | white | no date | no date | Information I got: “body serial B 1140, neck stamp appears to be double stamped (reads BB 4 / 6 / 5 / 4 (vague)) and is hard to read. I got a potmeter code as well, the volume control reads 1346628.” Thanks a lot to Martijn. Ad and pictures here: Mosrite 1965 Venture Mark VI Olympic White. More pictures here: Mosrite The Ventures Mark V 1966 Aged White. |
B1144 | white | — | — | — |
B1153 | red | — | — | — |
B1168 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | thanks to K.H. for the info |
B1171 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | — |
B1172 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | — |
B1186 | — | — | — | No pictures, but mentioned here. |
B1191 | red | — | — | eBay April 2012, 2450 usd BIN; again on eBay May 2013, sold for US $1,631.66. |
B1194 | red | — | — | — |
B1204 | blue | — | — | — |
B1205 | blue | — | — | Thanks to Paul from Canada. |
B1214 | blue | — | — | Reverb February 2020: Mosrite Ventures Model Mark V Solid Body Electric Guitar (1965), ser. #B1214, black gig bag case. price: 2,950USD/2,830.77EUR. |
B1226 | white | — | — | eBay October 2022: Used Electric Guitar Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Model Mark V White (S/N:B1226) – BIN 2,652.00 USD from Japan. and Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Model Mark V White – BIN 2,542.00 USD including shipping ;) Pot Date: 1346647 (Vol) , 13466XX (Tone), Weight: 3.4kg according to seller |
B1230 | white | — | — | — |
B1250 | red | — | — | eBay Jan 2012, 4000 BIN |
B1263 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | Reverb September 2017: Mosrite Ventures price: 2500 USD. Grover tuners, non original HSC. |
B1265 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | Reverb September 2022: Mosrite The Ventures Mark V 1966/1967 Sunburst (Kurt Cobain Gospel Style) price: 1,800 USD. Missing vibrato arm, non original HSC. |
B1271 | red | — | — | eBay Nov 2012, 2300 BIN |
B1280 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | — |
B1290 | Sunburst (ref.) | — | — | Pots dated 47th week of 1966, found here at elderly.com. |
B1305 | red | — | — | Pots date: 1346647, Reverb January 2023: Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Mark V Red [01/22], price 2.370,19 US$ from Japan, soft case, 3.17kg – all dates according to seller. |
B1306 | red | — | — | Pots date: 1346647, Reverb February 20243: Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1966 – Red, price 2.500 US$, refretted, Gibson 490t and 490r pickups installed (originals included), non original case |
B1313 | Ink Blue | — | — | Pictures here in this October 2016 Chicagomusicexchange ad: Mosrite Ventures Model Mk. II Ink Blue 1960s, price 1695 USD. |
B1323 | white | — | — | — |
B1329 | white | — | — | eBay February 2016: original 1967 MOSRITE The Ventures MARK V White!!! – BIN 1940 USD. |
B1330 | white | — | — | Found on this Japanese website: MOSRITE USA Mark V 弦高調整他|ギター屋ジョニーのブログ – s/n a little hard to read, but I think it’s B1330. |
B1334 | Sunburst | — | — | forum member SanchoPansen |
B1340 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | — |
B1348 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | serial number embossed in neck pocket | Serial number according to owner |
B1355 | red | — | — | — |
B1356 | red | — | — | — |
B1370 | Sunburst | — | — | Mentioned in this thread “Tried a Mosrite Ventures Mark V today”, pictures here. |
B1378 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay July 2016: Mosrite VENTURES MK-V Sunburst 1960s, BIN US $4,234.00 from Japan. s/n a little hard to read, last digit may be a 6. |
B1392 | Sunburst | — | — | Reverb January 2019: Mosrite Ventures Mark V – 1966 – Sunburst, price US $ 1985/EUR 1810. Pots: 1346647 (November 1966), weight: 7.47 lbs. |
B1398 | blue | — | — | eBay Jan 2012, 4000 BIN |
B1400 (?) | Sunburst | — | — | found here: Mosrite Ventures V Guitar (1967) – thanks to Austin for the link! S/n hard to read, so it’s maybe 1408. |
B1409 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
B1431 | blue | — | — | Signed by The Ventures in 1997, sold on eBay in July 2012 for 2000 USD |
B1445 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | — |
B1465 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | no date | no date but serial number embossed in neck pocket | sold Dec 2011 1673 USD (Heritage Auctions), auction archive, for sale again on eBay Mar 2012, BIN 1940 USD |
B1468 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | pots 47th week of 1966 |
B1475 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to Tany from Italy for the contribution. |
B1483 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | no date | no date but serial number embossed in neck pocket | December 2014: According to owner the serial number in the neck pocket is B1348 but that might be transposed digits in his notes. Thanks to J.P. for showing me his Mosrite. For sale in parts at eBay December 2015: Mosrite 1966 Sunburst Ventures Mark V Body & Neck, 920 USD for body and neck, 120 USD for each pickup: Mosrite 1966 Black Ventures Mark V Bridge Pickup (7,06kOhms) and Mosrite 1966 Black Ventures Mark V Neck Pickup (7,1kOhmx), and 80USD for the harness: Mosrite 1966 Ventures Electronic Control Pots Harness. |
B1489 | Sunburst | no date | neck only | neck only Reverb, March 2023: Mosrite Ventures Model Mark V Neck 1966 – 1968 – Original Sunburst, price: 2,499.99 USD |
B1493 | refinished pale blue | — | — | Thanks to MS for showing. |
B1494 | green refinished, natural neck w/ black headstock (originally Sunburst?) | no date | no date or painted over | Pickguard signed by The Ventures; rare color if not refinished – it may have originally been Sunburst with a Sunburst neck. Reverb December 2017: Mosrite The Ventures, Mark V 1966 Green, price US $3,500 (3080 EUR then). |
B1499 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | eBay April 2014: 1967 MOSRITE THE VENTURES MODEL MARK V Mk V – Great Cond! Rare; Serial # B1499, sold for 1,895 USD Reverb February 2021: 1967 MOSRITE THE VENTURES MODEL MARK V Mk V – Great Cond! Rare; Serial # B1499, price 2.495 USD |
B1502 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | no date | no date | Reverb, March 2016: 1968 Mosrite Ventures V, price 1,995 USD. Pot dates 66-47 and 67-04. |
B1505 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | Yahoo auction February 2022: Mosrite/モズライト/THE VENTURES/ベンチャーズ/Mark V/エレキギター/ハードケース付/ジャンク品/ |
B1515 | Ink Blue | — | — | Reverb October 2024: 1966 Mosrite The Ventures Model Mark V Vintage Electric Guitar Rare Ink Blue Version 100% All Original ’66 MK V German Carve Ventures II Bakersfield CA Rare, price 3.499 $/3.373,52 €. Pickup measurements: 7.27 kOhm (bridge), 7.27 kOhm (neck), weight: 7.8lbs, all data according to seller. |
? | Sunburst | — | — | B52’s Ricky Wilson’s, unfortunately no more info. Thanks to Austin for telling me. |
Mosrite Mark V no logo
After the Ventures’ split: no logo anymore
B1544–B1678
approx made: 150
1968 (?) to early 1969 (Mosrite bankruptcy Feb 14, 1969)
The neck plate disappears: nearly all have 3 or 4 bolts without a neck plate and with japanese tuners. Seems the last ones have been equipped with slightly reshaped over run D-100 Dobro necks (thanks to Ed Elliott for that info!).
Mosrite Mark II/V style without Ventures logo
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
B1466 (?) | Sunburst | — | — | Serial number according to seller. For sale at reverb.com: Mosrite Mark V ventures 1966 Sunburst, price: 1900 USD |
B1523 | Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to R.K. for the info |
? | Sunburst | — | Feb 25 1966 0004 | 4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners, for sale as of January 2019 at jauce.com:即決 ヴィンテージ USA Mosrite Mark-V ボディ+ネック. Body and neck only. Neck: ヴィンテージ USA Mosrite Mark-V ネック モズライト, body: ヴィンテージ USA Mosrite Mark-V ボディ モズライト |
B1544 | Candy Apple Red or Maroon | — | Mar xx 1966 0012 | 4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners, eBay May 2013, sold for 1726 USD (EUR 1331 then). Body seems to have a (serial?) number stamped in neck pocket (140?), blue undercoat |
B1546 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | 4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners |
B1547 | Pearl White | — | — | 4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners. eBay April 2024: Mosrite Mark V Guitar 1969(?) B1547, price: 5000 USD |
B1548 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | 4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners. eBay November 2016: Late 1960’s Mosrite No Logo Ventures Vintage USA, price: 2795 USD |
B1557 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | 4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners |
B1561 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | 4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners; Reverb December 2019: Mosrite Mark V 1967 Candy Apple Red, price: 2450USD/2307EUR |
B1571 | Ink Blue | — | — | Thanks to WT for showing me! |
B1578 | white (ref.) | — | — | 3 bolt no plate |
B1582 | Sunburst | — | — | 3 bolt no plate, Kluson tuners; Reverb February 2021: Mosrite Mark V 1968 Sunburst, price: 2.588USD / 2.142EUR |
B1589 | stripped | no date | no date | stripped, neck and body only; 3 bolt no plate, Kluson tuners, pictures here and forum thread here: New project – what am I starting with? |
B1598 | Sunburst | — | — | 3 bolt no plate, thread here: My Mark V in Pictures |
B1600 | translucent brown (refinished?) | — | — | 3 bolt no plate, japanese tuners |
B1605 | Sunburst | — | — | 3 bolt no plate, Kluson tuners. Reverb June 2018: Mosrite MK II / V circa 1967, price: 2500 USD As of late 2023 it’s back for sale at gbase: 1967 Mosrite MK II / V Excellent, Hard, Call For Price! |
B1615 | Ink Blue | — | — | 3 bolt no plate, Kluson tuners, eBay October 2014: MOSRITE MARK I GUITAR. 1968. The No Logo Ventures Guitar. Natural Relic. RARE. For sale again, eBay October 2015: Mosrite Mark II/Mark V “NO (Ventures) LOGO” guitar 1968, EXTREMELY RARE, starting at 2,499.00 USD, BIN 3,500.00 USD. |
B1646 | Sunburst | — | — | 4-bolt no plate, japanese tuners |
B1674 (?) | 2-col-Sunburst | — | — | 4-bolt no plate, japanese tuners, color: red-black-burst, s/n according to add in Dec 2004 is 1167A – maybe someone mis-read it and it’s the more propable B1674. |
B1675 | white | — | — | 4-bolt no plate, japanese tuners, pictures here at hendrixguitars.com |
B1678 | white | — | — | japanese tuners |
B1680 | white | — | — | japanese tuners, Thanks to Todd N. for his contribution. |
B1687 | sunburst | — | — | 4-bolt no plate, added cutout at the body, neck with binding (originally made for Mosrite’s Dobro D-100 models, wide symmetrical headstock with factory cut M carve) and Kluson tuners, pictures and discussion here at mosriteforum: Custom/Modified Mark V?; Ed Elliott: “Well there at the end Mosrite still had some orders but not any capital work with. Thay had on hand a big over run of D-100 Dobro necks, the D-100 is pretty much a Celebrity II with a Resonater, They took these D-100 necks shaved the heels and cut a “M” in the top, the tuners are straight across and the head is a bit stubbie, but what the heck, they really were very good necks. These necks were used on some of the last Mark Vs and the Celebrity III guitars and basses.” |
Gospel
headstock labeled “Gospel” instead of “Mosrite”
B1689–B1697
approx made: 15
1969 after the bankruptcy
No Mosrite, no Ventures, 4 bolts, no plate, japanese tuners…
Gospel Mark II/V style
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
B1689 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | sold 15-3-2006 for 2550 usd (auction), link here. Stamped after the last fret. eBay January 2024: Mosrite Gospel Guitar – Just Like Curt Cobain’s – Just 8 SN’s Away From His, BIN 25,000 USD |
B1695 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | sold 2010: Vintage Mosrite Gospel Guitar by Semie Moseley RARE! Back on the road June 2024: Mosrite Gospel Sunburst Electric Guitar, price 37,800.– US$/36.444,44 €, weight 7.8lbs |
B1697 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | Kurt Cobain‘s guitar, bought in San Francisco (Real Guitars) in 1990 (probably August 13) and used live on August 17, 1990 (Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA, USA) at the latest. Nevermind was recorded May 2-28, 1991 (Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA and Devonshire Studios, Burbank, CA, USA). Some more dates with the Gospel: Motor Sports International Garage, Seattle September 22, 1990, North Shore Surf Club, Olympia, Washington October 11, 1990 and a Nevermind rehearsal (On A Plain, 1991). According to Courtney Love, the Mosrite/Gospel was stolen from the van the week of May 17, 1991, perhaps a little later (May 29) as assumed here: History of Kurt Cobain’s Mosrite Gospel. On auction Apr. 17, 2004 auction archive, then again Apr. 15, 2006, auction archive. Stamped after the last fret. Video about Kurt’s Mosrite being the main guitar used to record Nevermind: the mosrite guitar kurt cobain used to record nevermind (demonstrated on a 1966 Mosrite Ventures Mark V). |
B1698 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | Instagram April 2020: Vintage Mosrite Gospel serial # B1698. |
B1700 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | no date | no date | — |
B1705 | Sunburst, neck Sunburst | — | — | Mentioned in the comments section to this video: History of Kurt Cobain’s Mosrite Gospel – thanks to Austin for showing me :) Hope we will see some pictures. |
Mosrite Mark V Bass
German Carve Ventures II / Mark V body with (guitar scale) bass neck
I’ve no idea if they’re partsrites or custom made, all seem to be quite different.
Mosrite Mark V Bass
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 2B 71 (?) | metallic candy green | — | — | 1966, natural neck with binding, , Mosrite bass tuners, Ventures (Mark I) logo (found 2010 at the fillmore blog) |
s/n unknown | Redburst | — | — | natural neck with binding (found 2013 at facebook) |
BB003 + Z0381 | Sunburst | — | — | neck without binding, natural neck and headstock, Mosrite bass tuners (found 2011) – serial number speaks for the partsrite theorie, as the Z-number is from a Mosrite Celebrity III bass. Perhaps a factory build as the font of the BB003 is the right one. Here’s a thread about it at the mosriteforum: NBD – 196? Mk V Bass and some good pictures. |
s/n unknown | Sunburst | — | — | neck without binding, black neck and headstock, Mosrite bass tuners (found 2013 at facebook) |
s/n unknown | Sunburst | — | — | natural neck with binding, in restauration (found 2013 at facebook) |
s/n unknown | Sunburst | — | — | natural neck without binding, Mosrite bass tuners, 4 screw body without plate (found 2014 at g-base, ad here: Mosrite Baby Bass) |
s/n unknown | Sunburst | — | — | natural neck without binding, Mosrite bass tuners, 4 screw body without plate (November 2016 at g-base, ad here: 1969 Mosrite Ventures Bass) |
Mel-O-Bar
Slab Ventures II body with steel guitar neck
You may ask what those some kind of weird Mel-O-Bar guitars have to do with the Mosrite Ventures II guitar…
Well, while the production of the necks began around March 1966, there are two runs of the body, whereof one does not have a date stamp while the other is stamped October 1965.
The unstamped bodies (1) have a shape very close to that of the Ventures II Slab bodies, with very small pickup routings (slab pickups fit perfect, regular pickups won’t), something like a missing link between the Mark I body and the Slab.
The October 1965 bodies (2) look like the common German Carve Ventures II bodies, only without the German Carve, and are dated before the earliest German Carve bodies.
I guess these bodies used for the Mel-O-Bar have originally been some kind of prototypes, the unstamped for the Slab, the October 1965 for the German Carve Ventures II. The neck pocket and pickups and electronics routings are completely useless for the Mel-O-Bar.
Mel-O-Bar
s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | body-style | note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
? | white | – | Oct 25 1965 008 | 2 | |
008 | Sunburst over blue | Mar 1966 | Oct 1965 | 2 | |
011 | Sunburst | – | – | 2 | Sold at creamcitymusic.com: Vintage 1960s Mosrite-Made Smith Guitar Mel-O-Bar Electric Slide Guitar Serial# 011, neck: 9.39K Ohms, bridge: 9.48K Ohms. |
012 | Sunburst | – | – | 2 | eBay September 2022: MOSRITE Mel-o-bar 9 String Slide Guitar 1967 Original Case Record Book, sold for best offer below 1,650 USD. |
013 | Sunburst | – | – | 2 | For sale January 2023: Mosrite 10-String Mel-O-Bar c1967, price: 1,500 USD. Not sure about the s/n, but 013 is what I read. |
015 | Sunburst | – | – | 2 | For sale at Reverb in December 2018: Mosrite Mosrite/Melobar circa 1965 3-Color Sunburst, price 2,250 USD /2,044 EUR |
027 | Sunburst | – | – | 1 | For sale at Reverb in December 2018: Mosrite Melobar 10 String 1967-1969 3-Color Sunburst, price 3,244 USD /2,750 EUR in the Netherlands. |
055 | Sunburst | – | – | 2 | |
056 or 058 | sunburst over white | Mar 10 1966 0066 | no date | 1 | Videos at youtube: Melobar mosrite barn find Mosrite melobar reborn March 1966 – 2016 2016 Melobar barn find |
? | sunburst over white | – | no date | 1 | Videos at youtube: Melobar mosrite barn find Mosrite melobar reborn March 1966 – 2016 2016 Melobar barn find I’ll complete this body to a slab Ventures II prototype guitar. |
080 | Sunburst | – | – | 2 | |
104 | Sunburst | – | – | 2 | Reverb: Mel-O-Bar Mosrite Body c. 1968 3 Tone Sunburst, price 1250 USD (in 2016). |
113 | Sunburst | – | – | 2 | Played by The Lovin Spoonful, for sale here: 9-String Slide Guitar, price 1200 USD. |
128 | red | – | – | 1 | Reverb October 2021: Vintage USA 1967 Mosrite Smith Guitar Mel-O-Bar Electric Slide Guitar Serial #128 – Rare Red Finish, price 2995 USD. |
152 | Sunburst | – | – | 1 | |
166 | white | – | – | 2 | Reverb April 2022: 1967 Mosrite Melobar Walt Smith Electric Lap Steel Guitar 9 String White, 100% Original w/ Case, price 3.999,99 $ (4.196,24 € then). Not totall sure about the serial number. |
last modification: November 09, 2024