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

hang10 Mosrite Ventures II serial numbers Slab

Mosrite Ventures II variations

modelapprox. madefromtolowest known s/nhighest known s/n
Ventures II model—slab body150May 1965Aug 1965B002B149
Ventures II model—”transition”—made from parts???no s/nno s/n
Ventures II model—transition120Aug 1965Dec 1965B154B258
Ventures II model—production430Dec 1965Feb 1966B263B687
Ventures Mark V—truss nut body side210Feb 1966Apr 1966B480B1177
Ventures Mark V—truss nut head side600Apr 1966late 1968B924B1506 (?)
no Ventures logo150late 1968early 1969B1544B1687
Gospel15early 19691969 (?)B1689B1705
Mark V bass?????
Mel-O-Bar300 allegedly19661967008166

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

fromtovariationdate
B001B149every slab bodyMay–Aug 1965
B150B153slab body or transition modelAug 1965
B254B262transition or normal production modelAug–Dec 1965
B481/B688B693II model or Mark V; B480 is a Mark V (outlier?), B687 is a II modelFeb–Mar 1966
B892B942trussrod screw body end or headstock; B1177 has it at the body end (outlier?)Mar–Apr 1966
B1490B1543Mark V or no logomid/late 1968
B1679B1694no logo or Gospelearly 1969
B1698?every Gospelearly 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
B002red (ref. red)no dateno dategeneration 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!
B006no dategeneration 1 with thick neck heel, neck only, sold on eBay March 2005
B007whitegeneration 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.
B010blueno 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…
B011whitegeneration 1, story here: Ventures II, price was 3200 USD in October 2012.
B012redno 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…
B017white over red (factory)no dateno dategeneration 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.
B018blueno dateno dategeneration 1, bridge pu changed, owned by S.J., pix here: The Rorkus JinX.
B019bluegeneration 1, mentioned here: Mosrite II pickup question, rewound bridge pickup
B021whiteno dateno dategeneration 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.
B022bluegeneration 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.
B033blue (ref. blue)no dateno dategeneration 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 ;)
B037redgeneration 1, water-damaged, sold Feb 2009 (ebay), once owned by M.M., pix here: Michael Marks’ Mosrite Web Site.
B040redno dateno dategeneration 1, potentiometers: Centralab 1346520 (3rd week of May ’65)
B041bluegeneration 1, owned by T.B.
B043redgeneration 1; I’ve found some pictures of it in the www in January 2003, now it re-appeared and is owned by Z.N.
B047redgeneration 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.
B048redno dateno dategeneration 1, once owned by D.C., story at guitarnerd.com — meanwhile sold. Thanks to B.D. for the info.
B051bluegeneration 1, owned by R.C., for sale on eBay Jan 2013: VERY Rare 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model II Guitar Johnny Ramone Vintage, starting at 6000 USD, BIN 9000. Sold to mosriteforum member Eddie Ramone, pics can be found here: Eddie Ramone’s slab Ventures II B051.
B072whitegeneration 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 1965generation 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 (?)redgeneration 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 ;)
Bxxxred (refinished white)Jul 31 1965 04xgeneration 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.
B080redJul 31 1965 019Jul 30 1965 005generation 2, Adam Tober found another one in Japan, info and pictures on his website Expat Guitars – お店について. More photos here: 1965 Mosrite The Ventures II B080 Slideshow by expatguitars | Photobucket. Sold on eBay August 2013 for USD 6500.
B081redgeneration 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 (?)redJul 1965Jul 1965generation 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.
B000xxwhiteJul x1 1965 002xx xxx 1965 001generation 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.
B09xwhitegeneration 2 with flat tremolo-top, owned by T.O., found here: ベンチャーズ倶楽部(会員自慢の楽器/オールド・モズライト編. This guitar may be B097.
B097Pearl WhiteAug 2 1965 042Jul 30 1965 015generation 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 :)
B102redgeneration 2, for sale on eBay Dec 2012, Jan 2013: Ultra Rare 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model II Guitar Johnny Ramone Vintage, starting at USD 7800, then 7200, then 4500. Crack at body’s neck heel. Finally sold for 4500 USD. Seems to be for sale again, November 2016: Mosrite ジョニー・ラモーン初期モデル マークⅡ アームユニット式 100%オリジナル
B106SunburstAug 2 1965 049Jul 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.
B113redgeneration 2, vibrato top missing, potentiometers: Centralab 1346529 (Centrallab, 4th week of July ’65)
B120brown (ref.?), ref. goldJohnny 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 (?)redgeneration 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.
B124SunburstAug 2 1965 024 Aug 1 1965Jul 29 1965 002generation 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).
B125SunburstJul 31 1965 051sprayed overgeneration 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.
B126SunburstJul 31 1965 05xno 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)
B132redgeneration 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 $22,500
s/n according to the owner, thanks a lot MM for that info!
B135blueAug 2 1965 028 Aug 1 1965Aug 2 1965 015, handwritten “B”generation 2, thanks to DD for the info!
It’s on Reverb in January 2020: Vintage Mosrite Ventures ii Slab Body 1965 Blue EXTREMELY RARE Johnny Ramone HSC !!!, price 4999 USD! I was allowed to do repro pickguard and pickups for it as it got a humbucker conversation years ago…
Here’s the original 2019 ad on Reverb: Mosrite Ventures II 1964 Blue, price 1100 USD!!!
B137bluegeneration 2
B138blueJul 31 1965 058Aug 2 1965 016 Aug 1 1965generation 2 – thanks to Z.N. for the dates.
Reverb March 2024: Mosrite Ventures II Slab Body 1965 – Blue, price: 17,000€/19,200US$
B149blue, ref. TabaccoburstAug 1965Aug 1965generation 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
blueJohnny 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).
SunburstJohnny 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 refretwhiteJohnny 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, but probably Johnny has owned them parallelly for some time (I’ve never seen pictures that show both, perhaps Johnny’s kept the white in storage in case of need) (more info in the auction’s link). I guess & fear the serial number got lost in the refret, prior to late 1977 before Johnny got it…
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 Mosriteblack, neck blackno real Mosriteno real MosriteJohnny 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/nSunburst, neck Sunburstgeneration 1; thread here: Artie’s new acquisition.
redgeneration 1; refretted, Moseley vibrato, pix can be found in this video: R. W. Armstrong – Train Bound For Nowhere.
whitegeneration 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
whitegeneration 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?)whiteno dateno dategeneration 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 offblack, 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 offblueAug 1965Aug 1965generation 2, vibrato missing, owned by I.H., pictures here: Captain Crunch Tour Photos.
whitegeneration 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.
bluegeneration 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
V11 0016redsold by Andy Moseley on eBay in February 2008; s/n according to Andy’s auction, I guess it has no number
no s/nwhitevibrato var. 2, Japanese tuners, Bigsby arm, signed by Johnny Ramone (head back)
no s/nSunburstvibrato var. 2, roller-bridge
no s/nwhitevibrato var. 2, metal Kluson tuners, owned by M.M., ebay Jan 2012, BIN 7000 usd
no s/nwhitevibrato var. 2, Japanese tuners, eBay Feb 2012, start 5000 usd, BIN 6000 usd
no s/nno bodyAug 20 1965 001no bodyneck only (left over), sold by Andy Moseley on eBay in June 2004, NOS with slight water damage
no s/nno bodyAug 20 1965 010no bodyneck 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/nno bodyAug 20 1965 011no bodyneck only (left over), sold by Andy Moseley on eBay in June 2004, NOS with slight water damage
no s/nno bodyAug 20 1965 013no bodyneck only (left over), very good condition
no s/nblackOct 1 1965 039vibrato var. 2, metal Kluson tuners, owned by B.S.; signed by Andy Moseley at headstock’s back. Sold in parts in October 2012. June 2013 update: mosriteforum member motiersbad bought some parts (neck, body, pickguard, vibrato) from previous owner and made a slab out of it (custom made body and pickguard – I had the honor to do the job, thanks, Phil!): My Mosrite/Partsrite ventures II model – slab body
no s/nredNovember 1965November 1965vibrato 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
B154Candy Apple RedOct 1 1965 006no number or painted overwrong vibrato arm, refretted, metal kluson tuners, potentiometers: Centralab 1346533 (33rd week (August) 1965)
BxxxblueNov 2 1965Nov 3 1965 0043Jauce 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.
B160blueNov 5 1965 0001Dec 6 1965 0002eBay 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.
B163blueOct 2 1965 003Nov 23 1965 0029Reverb November 2022: Mosrite Venture2 1965 Blue Original, 3,500 USD.
B167SunbursteBay November 2016: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model II Electric Guitar w/ HSC – BIN 4499 USD or best offer.
B174ref. whiteAug 26 1965Aug 26 1965date 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.
B176red
B186SunburstThanks to M.K. for showing me his Mosrite!
B188SunburstAug 1965Sep 1965Dates according to owner. Pictures at facebook: B188.
B194blueThanks to D.C. for showing me his Mosrite!
B20xwhitePictures here at ronsvintage.com
B202Sunburstcustom PG, bridge PU only (originals still existing)
B222metallic brownvery rare color – owner bought it in 1982 at a flea market. Vibrato missing, now stripped to bare wood.
B232whiteeBay December 2016: Original Mosrite Ventures Electric Guitar 1966 B232 – BIN 2800 USD or best offer.
B233white
B237blueeBay March 2011
B246whiteOct 21 1965 014Nov 24 1965 0029Ad 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
B247redNo pictures, only a post in this thread.
B250red
B253red
B258redfound in my old notes – sold or for sale in 1999 für USD 1650.
B2xxredOct 1 1965 037Nov 23 1965 0034Yahoo 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).
B532bluetotal 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 brownrare 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
B263rednormal pickguard, uncut neck, wide headstock; pictures here: Mosrite Ventures II #B263, and here: Mosrite | GuitarCollectionVirtual.
B276whitenormal 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.
B278whitenormal 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.
B282whitenormal pickguard, uncut neck, wide headstock; thanks a lot to KC for showing!
B292white, refinished light blueDec 19 1965extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock
B296whiteextended 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.
B297Maroon or Candy Apple Red (ref?)Dec 17 1965 0023Dec 7 1965extended 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.
B304redOct 1965 (according to my notes)
B307strippedextended 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.
B317blueeBay January 2019: 1965 Mosrite Ventures II Mark V Pacific Blue Electric Guitar, BIN 1950 USD
B321Ink Blue19651965extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock, refinished in original colors, pictures here at Southbound Custom; thanks to G.B.
B323bluethanks to Marshall Aver
B324redDec 22 1965 0014Dec 8 1965 0008extended pickguard, cut neck, but wide headstock – eBay July 2014: MOSRITE VENTURES II GUITAR. ALL ORIGINAL. 1965. BEAUTIFUL RED., starting at 3495 USD.
B325blueextended 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/nblueDec 20 1965 0001Dec 9 1965 0006No 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).
B328blueextended 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.
B330red, ref. Surf GreenDec 21 1965 0006Dec 8 1965 0047eBay August 2014: MOSRITE GUITAR, starting at 2000 USD.
eBay September 2018: RARE MOSRITE VENTURES 2 1960’s GUITAR nirvana ramones, price 1700 USD.
B334ref. body and neckDec ? 1965 0031Dec ? 1965 0055
B338red, ref. blackDec 22 1965 0026Dec 8 1965 0041replacement body, Sunburst, dated Mar 2 1966. Modified to replicate Johnny Ramone’s “Time Has Come Today” guitar meanwhile… ;)
B349redDec 23 1965eBay July 2011
B358blueDec 22 1965 0008Dec 9 1965 0004eBay August 2020: Mosrite of California MARK II 1965 The Venture II Model Vintage Electric Guitar, price US $3,892.00 from Japan.
B375blueextended pickguard, short–medium neck heel
B376blueextended 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 $3,999.00.
B388SunburstJan 11 1966 0014Dec 31 1965 001xOriginally bought in 1966 at “Medley Music” in Ardmore, PA – for sale from original owner on eBay May 2013, 3995 USD BIN – has not been sold.
B397Sunburst
B399red
lost in refretredJan 11 1966 001xDec 31 1965 00174-piece neck, 3-ply pickguard, eBay January 2019: 1965 – 1966 Mosrite Moseley Ventures II Vintage USA Red, bin USD 2195.
B411redJan 11 1966 00244-piece neck, 3-ply pickguard, eBay Jan 2013
?Sunburst, refinshed dark redJan 11 1966 0029Dec 31 1965 00234-piece neck, 1-ply pickguard, eBay May 2015: 1965-MOSRITE-VENTURES-II-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-Serial-0028.
B419whiteJan 14 1966 0005Dec 7 1965 00243-piece neck, pencilled “Dee” in neck pocket, Reverb June 2018: Video Demo 1966 Original Mosrite Ventures II White Pro Setup Original Hard Shell Case Strap, price: 6000 USD.
B427redJan 1966Jan 19663-piece neck, NOS near mint condition with the original strings, it also still has the packing paper, original case and contents including supple leather strap, cord, and everything. Pots date 1965. EBay April 2012, BIN 2695 USD.
B431blue4-piece neck
B434red4-piece neck
B440medium blueJan 17 1966 0010Jan 10 1966 00264-piece neck – again, great pictures in the owner’s facebook album: 1966 MOSRITE VENTURES II
B454whiteTortoise shell pick guard, thanks a lot to JG for his contribution and the picture.
B458(neck only)Jan 19 1966 0015(neck only)neck only, eBay September 2022: 1966 Mosrite Ventures II guitar. vintage neck only with tuners., price: 1,500 US$
Seems to have some severe trussrod trouble ;)
B468whiteJan 17 1966 0008Jan 10 1966 0038Story and pictures here at the mosriteforum: Just got my hands on a ’66 Ventures II.
?natural (ex-white?)Jan 19 1966 0005Jan 3 1966 0028
?blueJan 17 1966 0018Jan 10 1966 0007
B471Sunburst4-piece neck, 3-ply pickguard, eBay January 2021: Vintage 1966 Mosrite Ventures II Electric Guitar, bin USD 1495.
B477Sunburst
B486SunburstThanks to Kim and Marcus for their contribution.
B489redJan 19 1966Jan 3 1966eBay 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.–


B500whiteJan 19 1966 0004no datenear mint, 4-piece neck, 3-ply pickguard, eBay Jun 2013, BIN 3.295 USD (EUR 2.529 then)—later sold in parts
B502redauction 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.
B510stripped, 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.
B518Sunburst4-piece neck
B529redJan 21 1966Jan 5 1966
B538red4-piece neck
B539red4-piece neck – thanks to Satu for the new pictures!
B542blueJan 21 1966 0038Jan 10 1966 0028eBay 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
B544SunburstHyperguitars 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.
B546blueJohnny Ramone owned this guitar: Mosrite Ventures II German Carve, 1966, blue.
Story and some pictures and a video here: Johnny’s (other) blue Mosrite.
B547blueThanks to George for showing me!
B558redYahoo 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.
B559whiteeBay Germany December 2014: -Rarität- Original Mosrite Ventures II von 1966 -Rarität-
B590SunburstFeb 1 1966 0036Feb 9 1966 0012eBay 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 (?)SunburstFeb 3 1966 0023Feb 10 1966 0005eBay, 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.
B610SunburstJan 31 1966 0026Feb 11 1966 0004thread here: My latest find and here: Mark II
B619SunburstJan 31 1966 0033Feb 11 1966 0002Thanks to Seth for his contribution.
B630Sunburst4-piece neck, Reverb 2018: Used 1965 Mosrite Ventures II German Carve Body 3-Tone Burst, price 1.999,99 US$.
B638SunburstJan 31 1966 0022Feb 25 1966
B640SunburstMar 1 1966 0022Feb 1 19664-piece neck
B641SunburstThanks to D.B. for his contribution.
B648SunburstNot sure with serial number as it’s hard to read on the pictures, found here in France: Mosrite – Ventures 2
B649Sunburst4-piece neck, eBay September 2013, BIN 1990AU$ (1883USD then): 1966 Mosrite Ventures Mark II – Real Vintage USA Mosrite, Rare and Amazing!
B655refinished redFeb 1 1966 0005Stringguide and zero-fret changed to standard nut.
B670 over B641refinishedJan 31 1966 0036Mar 3 1966 0003Stripped, neck, body, Moseley with wrong arm, bridge, 4 tuners only (seen March 2011) mosriteforum member 101Volts: A functional guitar now, though not all stock: PUs and pickguard were crafted by Ed Elliott. As of this date (September 2013) it hasn’t been refinished either. Video here at youtube.
B673 over B644strippedSerial number seems to be hard to read, could be B676, too. Thanks to Austin for showing me :)
B674 over B645SunburstMar 1 1966 0001Mar 2 1966 0009Pix 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 B649SunburstAnother 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!.
B681redfound here: Vintage 1966 Mosrite Ventures Ii Very Rare Ex Condition 1/400? Produced L@@k!
B686redfound here: MOSRITE VENTURES II #B686. Found again on eBay: vintage MOSRITE VENTURES ll MODEL 60’S
B687Sunburst
B690SunburstJohnny 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 B636SunburstAgain 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
X384silverburststrange 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.
B480Sunburst
B605red (refin.?)eBay June 2012, serial number according to seller; neck plate missing
?SunburstFeb 1966Feb 1966
B694SunburstAs of March 2023 it’s for sale in Sweden: Mosrite Ventures Mark 5, price: kr34,995.00 (3.142E then).
?blueMar 1 1966?
B703translucent MaroonMar 3 1966Elderly October 2024: Mosrite Mark V Electric Guitar (1966), price: 3,300 US$, refretted. Not sure about s/n, could be B707, too
B708blueMar 3 1966 0020Feb 19 1966 0018Great story here at Tym Guitar’s blog: 1966 Mosrite Mk V. My first real Mosrite.
B717 (?)whiteeBay 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.
B726blue
B733blue
B734natural (stripped)Apr 6 1966unreadable
B735sunburst (ref.)Reverb ad February 2016 here: Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1966 Sunburst, price: 1800USD/1644 EUR.
B739sunburstfacebook April 2024: Can someone help me identify the year of my Mosrite?, refretted with Jumbos.
B751ex-red – refinishedhas been red – sold in eBay for restauration
B758translucent marooncustom pg
B765SunbursteBay June 2011
B774white
B777whiteJun 7 1966Mar 29 1966Found 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.
B780blueFacebook March 2024: Picked up this 1966 Mosrite Mark V yesterday.
B791ref.?
B795Sunburst
B797Sunburstfound here: MOSRITE MARK V VENTURES MODEL sunburst / original case – thanks to Austin for the link!
B799SunburstThanks to CH for showing me.
B800redeBay December 2016: Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1965 German Carve guitar, Merry Christmas!, 2950 USD BIN or best offer.
B802redJul 14 1966 0013eBay October 2012, 2899 USD starting
B807whiteFound 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
B808refinishedJune 26 1966Appeared in facebook in January 2015. Not completely sure about serial number.
B817SunburstSigned by Nokie Edwards
B822white, ref. met. purplepainted overJul 19 1966 0016serial 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.
B830redvibrato changed to Bigsby-type
B843Sunburstsigned by Nokie Edwards
B844whiteJul 22 1966no datead 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 $3,243.57 from Japan.
B856red
B860redthread here at mosriteforum, January 2018: Recently Acquired A 1965 Mark 5
B875blueeBay October 2016: Vintage1965 Mosrite The Ventures Mark V 6 String Electric Guitar RARE MODEL!!!, BIN 1650 USD, changed tuners, missing tone knob and strap buttons.
B884bluefound here: Mosrite Mark V Guitar 1965 (one owner) – thanks to Austin for the link! S/n hard to read, may be something like B8x4.
B889red
B891blueeBay April 2011, perhaps B801, potentiometers: Centralab 1346628
B892redJul 19 1966 0016no date but stamped s/neBay April 2018: 1966 Mosrite Mark V Mark 5 The Venture Model.
S/n hard to read, might be B882 as well (thanks to Austin for the info and picture). Body is stamped B1140 in the neck cavity, so it might be a replacement.
B895bluethanks to J.G. for photo and info!
B904BrownburstReverb May 2024: Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1966 Ramones, price 2,900US$ (2.793,06 € then); signed by Marky Ramone, Daniel Rey and Monte Melnick, string guide and tuners replaced, no original case.
?blueRicky Wilson’s (B-52’s) guitar, replaced tuners and tone-knob; picture here.
B1027white (ref.)no datepainted overoutlier 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!
B1028blueoutlier 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.
B1177Sunburst, neck Sunburstnear 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
B903 (?)whiteSerial number very hard to read (so not sure), eBay March 2014: 1960’s MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V CALIFORNIA, sold for 1,375 USD.
B924blue
B926blueFacebook June 2024: Got this beauty Appraised, appraised 3,700 USD.
B928blueChanged string guide, for sale here from Madrid/Spain: Mosrite Mark V 1965 Blue, price 3000 Euro.
B930blue3 layer undercoat: white primer + red laquer + blue laquer; thanks to Dino for showing his guitar.
B933SunbursteBay February 2004
B936blueeBay January 2004: Mosrite Mark V guitar circa 1966 all original with case.—sold for the starting bid of USD 1699.
Bx36cream ref.Feb 28 1966 006eBay 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?
B943red
B948SunbursteBay 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.
B949redDec 9 1965 0024eBay October 2012, BIN 2950 USD
B950red
B963whiteserial number hart to read (B9x3), 3 piece neck, eBay March 2014: 1960’s MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V CALIFORNIA – sold for USD 1375.
B967white3 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.
B968SunburstPictures here at vintagesilvertones.com.
B970SunburstReverb February 2019 Mosrite Ventures Mark V 1966 Sunburst, price 2950USD/2695EUR
B975ref. whiteunreadableeBay April 2013; refinished, “The Ventures” logo missing
B983Sunburst
B985whiteRefretted; eBay May 2014: VINTAGE 1960’S MOSRITE VENTURES MARK V MK 5 ELECTRIC GUITAR RARE COLOR! – BIN 2,250 USD.
B988whiteno dateno dateThanks to Chris Reeky for showing me ;)
B989whiteeBay 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).
B992Sparkle Blue (ref., originally white)Reverb ad here:
Mosrite Mark V Ventures 1966 Blue Sparkle
, price: $1499
B993Sunburst
B994cream (white)auction April 2012, auction archive
B996yellowed white, ref.Feb 28 1966Sold in parts on eBay Jan 2013: VINTAGE 1966 Mosrite Mark V Ventures Model EZ PROJECT. Refinished, missing pickups, potentiometers: Centralab 1346552 and 1346601
B997white
B1002whiteFor sale on eBay July 2017 Mosrite Ventures Mark V Guitar – White (1966), BIN 1999USD; weight: 7.3 lbs.
B1009SunburstFor sale on gbase 1964 Mosrite Mark V The Ventures and on the french seller’s website: Mosrite Mark V The Ventures 1965.
B1025Sunburst
B1036bluethanks to B.C. for the info!
B1037blue
B1038bluethanks to P.S. for the info!
B1040redbody only on eBay, November 2013: VINTAGE MID 1960’s MOSRITE USA VENTURES MARK V RED GUITAR BODY PART I II – finally sold for US $249.95 in December 2013.
B1046 or B1048SunbursteBay Jan 2012
B1050Sunburst, neck Sunburstno dateOct 26 1966 (no further ink stamped number), serial number embossed in neck pocketthanks to G.G. for showing me! Polyester lacquer on body and neck. Parted out meanwhile…
B1062blueeBay July 2014: original 1966 MOSRITE “The Ventures” Mark V 5 BLUE!!!, starting at 2090 USD.
B1068SunburstExcellent condition, thanks for info and pictures to C.G.
B180 (?) probably B1080Sunburstno dateno date but “HELEN” with red pencilReverb October 2024: 1966 Mosrite The Ventures Model Mark V Vintage Sunburst Electric Guitar- Rare 100% All Original ’66 MK V German Carve Ventures II Bakersfield CA (B180), price: 2,999 US$/2,901.12 €.
Serial number must be a typo, one digit missed, guess it should be B1080 ;)
Thanks to Austin for showing me.
B1092whitemissing some parts (knobs, bridge, bridge pu) – thanks to zoli for his contribution ;)
B1140whiteno dateno dateInformation 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.
B1144white
B1153red
B1168Sunburst, neck Sunburstthanks to K.H. for the info
B1171Sunburst, neck Sunburst
B1172Sunburst, neck Sunburst
B1186No pictures, but mentioned here.
B1191redeBay April 2012, 2450 usd BIN; again on eBay May 2013, sold for US $1,631.66.
B1194red
B1204blue
B1205blueThanks to Paul from Canada.
B1214blueReverb February 2020: Mosrite Ventures Model Mark V Solid Body Electric Guitar (1965), ser. #B1214, black gig bag case. price: 2,950USD/2,830.77EUR.
B1226whiteeBay October 2022: Used Electric Guitar Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Model Mark V White (S/N:B1226) – BIN 2,652.00 USD from Japan.
and Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Model Mark V White – BIN 2,542.00 USD including shipping ;)
Pot Date: 1346647 (Vol) , 13466XX (Tone), Weight: 3.4kg according to seller
B1230white
B1250redeBay Jan 2012, 4000 BIN
B1263Sunburst, neck SunburstReverb September 2017: Mosrite Ventures price: 2500 USD. Grover tuners, non original HSC.
B1265Sunburst, neck SunburstReverb September 2022: Mosrite The Ventures Mark V 1966/1967 Sunburst (Kurt Cobain Gospel Style) price: 1,800 USD. Missing vibrato arm, non original HSC.
B1271redeBay Nov 2012, 2300 BIN
B1280Sunburst, neck Sunburst
B1290Sunburst (ref.)Pots dated 47th week of 1966, found here at elderly.com.
B1305redPots date: 1346647, Reverb January 2023: Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Mark V Red [01/22], price 2.370,19 US$ from Japan, soft case, 3.17kg – all dates according to seller.
B1306redPots 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
B1313Ink BluePictures here in this October 2016 Chicagomusicexchange ad: Mosrite Ventures Model Mk. II Ink Blue 1960s, price 1695 USD.
B1323white
B1329whiteeBay February 2016: original 1967 MOSRITE The Ventures MARK V White!!! – BIN 1940 USD.
B1330whiteFound 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.
B1334Sunburstforum member SanchoPansen
B1340Sunburst, neck Sunburst
B1348Sunburst, neck Sunburstserial number embossed in neck pocketSerial number according to owner
B1355red
B1356red
B1370SunburstMentioned in this thread “Tried a Mosrite Ventures Mark V today”, pictures here.
B1378SunbursteBay 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.
B1392SunburstReverb January 2019: Mosrite Ventures Mark V – 1966 – Sunburst, price US $ 1985/EUR 1810. Pots: 1346647 (November 1966), weight: 7.47 lbs.
B1398blueeBay Jan 2012, 4000 BIN
B1400 (?)Sunburstfound here: Mosrite Ventures V Guitar (1967) – thanks to Austin for the link! S/n hard to read, so it’s maybe 1408.
B1409Sunburst
B1431blueSigned by The Ventures in 1997, sold on eBay in July 2012 for 2000 USD
B1445Sunburst, neck Sunburst
B1465Sunburst, neck Sunburstno dateno date but serial number embossed in neck pocketsold Dec 2011 1673 USD (Heritage Auctions), auction archive, for sale again on eBay Mar 2012, BIN 1940 USD
B1468Sunburst, neck Sunburstpots 47th week of 1966
B1475Sunburst, neck SunburstThanks to Tany from Italy for the contribution.
B1483Sunburst, neck Sunburstno dateno date but serial number embossed in neck pocketDecember 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.
B1489Sunburstno dateneck onlyneck only
Reverb, March 2023: Mosrite Ventures Model Mark V Neck 1966 – 1968 – Original Sunburst, price: 2,499.99 USD
B1493refinished pale blueThanks to MS for showing.
B1494green refinished, natural neck w/ black headstock (originally Sunburst?)no dateno date or painted overPickguard 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).
B1499Sunburst, neck SunbursteBay 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
B1502Sunburst, neck Sunburstno dateno dateReverb, March 2016: 1968 Mosrite Ventures V, price 1,995 USD. Pot dates 66-47 and 67-04.
B1505Sunburst, neck SunburstYahoo 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/
B1515Ink BlueReverb 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.
?SunburstB52’s Ricky Wilson’s, unfortunately no more info. Thanks to Austin for telling me.

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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
B1466 (?)SunburstSerial number according to seller. For sale at reverb.com: Mosrite Mark V ventures 1966 Sunburst, price: 1900 USD
B1523SunburstThanks to R.K. for the info
?SunburstFeb 25 1966 00044-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
B1544Candy Apple Red or MaroonMar xx 1966 00124-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
B1546Candy Apple Red4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners
B1547Pearl White4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners. eBay April 2024: Mosrite Mark V Guitar 1969(?) B1547, price: 5000 USD
B1548Candy Apple Red4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners. eBay November 2016: Late 1960’s Mosrite No Logo Ventures Vintage USA, price: 2795 USD
B1557Sunburst, neck Sunburst4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners
B1561Candy Apple Red4-bolt w/ plate, Kluson tuners; Reverb December 2019: Mosrite Mark V 1967 Candy Apple Red, price: 2450USD/2307EUR
B1571Ink BlueThanks to WT for showing me!
B1578white (ref.)3 bolt no plate
B1582Sunburst3 bolt no plate, Kluson tuners; Reverb February 2021: Mosrite Mark V 1968 Sunburst, price: 2.588USD / 2.142EUR
B1589strippedno dateno datestripped, neck and body only; 3 bolt no plate, Kluson tuners, pictures here and forum thread here: New project – what am I starting with?
B1598Sunburst3 bolt no plate, thread here: My Mark V in Pictures
B1600translucent brown (refinished?)3 bolt no plate, japanese tuners
B1605Sunburst3 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!
B1615Ink Blue3 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.
B1646Sunburst4-bolt no plate, japanese tuners
B1674 (?)2-col-Sunburst4-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.
B1675white4-bolt no plate, japanese tuners, pictures here at hendrixguitars.com
B1678whitejapanese tuners
B1680whitejapanese tuners, Thanks to Todd N. for his contribution.
B1687sunburst4-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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
B1689Sunburst, neck Sunburstsold 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
B1695Sunburst, neck Sunburstsold 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
B1697Sunburst, neck SunburstKurt 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).
B1698Sunburst, neck SunburstInstagram April 2020: Vintage Mosrite Gospel serial # B1698.
B1700Sunburst, neck Sunburstno dateno date
B1705Sunburst, neck SunburstMentioned 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datenote
2 2B 71 (?)metallic candy green1966, natural neck with binding, , Mosrite bass tuners, Ventures (Mark I) logo (found 2010 at the fillmore blog)
s/n unknownRedburstnatural neck with binding (found 2013 at facebook)
BB003 + Z0381Sunburstneck 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 unknownSunburstneck without binding, black neck and headstock, Mosrite bass tuners (found 2013 at facebook)
s/n unknownSunburstnatural neck with binding, in restauration (found 2013 at facebook)
s/n unknownSunburstnatural neck without binding, Mosrite bass tuners, 4 screw body without plate (found 2014 at g-base, ad here: Mosrite Baby Bass)
s/n unknownSunburstnatural 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/ncolorneck-datebody-datebody-stylenote
?whiteOct 25 1965
008
2
008Sunburst over blueMar 1966Oct 19652
011Sunburst2Sold 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.
012Sunburst2eBay September 2022: MOSRITE Mel-o-bar 9 String Slide Guitar 1967 Original Case Record Book, sold for best offer below 1,650 USD.
013Sunburst2For 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.
015Sunburst2For sale at Reverb in December 2018: Mosrite Mosrite/Melobar circa 1965 3-Color Sunburst, price 2,250 USD /2,044 EUR
027Sunburst1For 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.
055Sunburst2
056 or 058sunburst over whiteMar 10 1966
0066
no date1Videos at youtube:
Melobar mosrite barn find
Mosrite melobar reborn March 1966 – 2016
2016 Melobar barn find
?sunburst over whiteno date1Videos 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.
080Sunburst2
104Sunburst2Reverb: Mel-O-Bar Mosrite Body c. 1968 3 Tone Sunburst, price 1250 USD (in 2016).
113Sunburst2Played by The Lovin Spoonful, for sale here: 9-String Slide Guitar, price 1200 USD.
128red1Reverb October 2021: Vintage USA 1967 Mosrite Smith Guitar Mel-O-Bar Electric Slide Guitar Serial #128 – Rare Red Finish, price 2995 USD.
152Sunburst1
166white2Reverb 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