Here is a collection of serial numbers of Mosrite’s The Ventures model (Mark I), similar to my Mosrite Ventures II/Mark V data base.
Content:
– The Ventures model – first run 1963-69
– The Ventures model – VI – the early 70s 1970-74
– The Ventures model – VII – the early 70s 1970-74
– The Ventures model – 12 string
– The Ventures model – bass – first run 1963-69
– The Ventures model – bass I – the early 70s 1970-74
– The Ventures model – bass II – the early 70s 1970-74
The Ventures logo has not been used by Mosrite anymore after the distribution deal with the Ventures has ended. Some sources say that’s happened in 1967, some say late 1968.
The last Ventures record promoting Mosrite guitars is Super Psychedelics, released June 3, 1967. The next record, $1,000,000 Weekend, released December 23, 1967, is not promoting Mosrite anymore but Award Amplifiers. So the deal may have ended in middle to late 1967.
Del Halterman tells on page 162 of „Walk-Don’t Run – The Story of the Ventures“: „While Flights of Fantasy climbed to 169 in Billboard, The Ventures‘ five-year contract with Mosrite expired.“ Flights of Fantasy was released on May 25, 1968. Mathematical, a 1963 5-year contract should last until 1968. On „The Horse“ (released: August 24, 1968) the band poses with Mosrite guitars on the cover.
I guess the deal has ended in late 1968, so that may be the date when the Ventures logo disappeared from the headstocks.
Unfortunately, he neck heel and pocket stamps have only been used from July 1965 to July, perhaps October 1966.
The „—“ in the table 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.
News:
Jan 04, 2018: 7012 added
Jan 28, 2018: V0487 added
Jan 29, 2018: 2V003 added
Feb 03, 2018: 3200 added
Feb 05, 2018: 2827 added
Feb 14, 2018: 0402 added
Feb 18, 2018: V5330 added
Feb 28, 2018: 2293 added
Mar 14, 2018: 0368 and 1362 added
Mar 16, 2018: B0001 added
Mar 23, 2018: 0812, 2031, 3768 and 4462 added
Mar 30, 2018: V0546, 2V0042, 2V0101 and 2V0110 added
Apr 05, 2018: 4568, 5920 and 6893 added
Apr 22, 2018: 2054 added
The Ventures model — guitar
The first run
1963–1969
0001–4999, then V5000–V6079
approx made: 6200
After a few made for Standel it first appeared as „The Joe Maphis model“, soon to become „The Ventures model“.
Mosrite Ventures guitar – types
| type | body | jack | neck | logo | tailpiece | pickups | truss adj | years | s/n circa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | triple bound | side | set | large | Mistake plate or Guild or Mosrite Vibramute | smooth | body | 63-64 | 0000-0200 |
| 2 | unbound | top | screwed | large | Mosrite Vibramute | smooth | body | 64 | 0200-0700 |
| 3 | unbound | top | screwed | small | Mosrite Vibramute | logo | body | 64-65 | 0700-2400 |
| 4 | unbound | top | screwed | small | Mosrite Moseley | logo | body | 65-66 | 2400-3700 |
| 5 | unbound | top | screwed | small | Mosrite Moseley | logo | headstock | 66-68 | 3700-V5400 |
| 6 | unbound | top | screwed | no | Mosrite Moseley | logo | headstock | 68-69 | V5400-V6100 |
Mosrite Ventures guitar – type 1
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ? | black | — | — | allegedly made for Standel, threads by Deke Dickerson and Adam Tober at mosriteforum.com. Semie said in a 1980 interview he's built about 20 guitars for Bob Crooks/Standel (Tom Wheeler, American Guitars: An Illustrated History, 1992, pg. 280). Here's another picture with Semie holding that or one of the prototypes: Soest Guitar celebrating 40 years. |
| no s/n | Sunburst | — | — | Gene Mole's Mosrite, no Joe Maphis or Ventures logo, aluminium tremolo with mistake plate, mute bridge (without mute), triple bound body, no binding at neck heel, hand molded pickup covers, non-angled headstock and fretboard – picture here: Holy Moly! |
| ? | Sunburst | — | — | Joe Maphis model (pre-Ventures), aluminium tremolo with large bearings and mistake plate, mute bridge, triple bound body, no binding at neck heel |
| 1009 | Sunburst | — | — | Joe Maphis model (pre-Ventures), aluminium tremolo with large bearings and mistake plate, mute bridge missing, triple bound body, no binding at neck heel |
| 1011 (?) | Sunburst | — | — | Joe Maphis model (pre-Ventures), aluminium tremolo with large bearings and mistake plate, mute bridge, triple bound body, no binding at neck heel, dogear pickups, clear Guild knobs. For sale March 2017 here: 1959 Mosrite Joe Maphis for $48,500. My guess for the year would be different 😉 Serial number hard to read, so I'm not sure. |
| 1018 | Sunburst | — | — | Joe Maphis model (pre-Ventures), aluminium tremolo with large bearings and mistake plate, mute bridge, triple bound body, no binding at neck heel, dogear pickups, non original M-knobs. Thanks to Bob R. |
| ? | Sunburst | — | — | Joe Maphis model (pre-Ventures), Guild Vibramute, mute bridge, triple bound body, no binding at neck heel |
| no s/n | Sunburst | — | — | Joe Maphis model (pre-Ventures), Guild Vibramute, small mistake plate, mute bridge, triple bound body, no binding at neck heel, pickups with surround, 21 frets, pot dates 134 6317. Seems to have no serial number. For sale here in February 2016: Mosrite 1963y Joe Maphis Model "Mint Condtion". As of February 2018 it's for sale here: Mosrite 1963y Joe Maphis Model "Mint Condtion", price: ¥2,480,000 (€18,664/US$23,071 then). |
| 0000 | Sunburst | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge. Pictures and discussion here: facebook Mosrite Guitar Fans – probably no real 1963 Mosrite... Reverb December 2017: Mosrite The Ventures 1963 "Red" Possible prototype SN 0000, price US $7,500 (6599 EUR then). |
| 0004 | red | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge |
| 0005 | Sunburst | — | — | Guild Vibramute, mute bridge |
| 0006 | Sunburst | — | — | Guild Vibramute, mute bridge |
| 0007 | Sunburst | — | — | Guild Vibramute, mute bridge, fret string guide |
| 0009 | Sunburst | — | — | Guild Vibramute, mute bridge, some pictures here at mosriteforum: 1963 Sidejack Set. |
| 0014 | Sunburst | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge |
| 0023 | Sunburst | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge, three neck screws (set neck), no Ventures logo, black headstock |
| 0025 | Sunburst | — | — | pots 63-47, 1/4 round string guide, set neck but four neck screws through plate; some pictures here: One for the Freaks - The Mosrite Thread |
| 0026 | Sunburst | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge |
| 0028 | Sunburst | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge, once belonged to Don Wilson who gave it at the Japan tour; ad here: Mosrite 1963 The Ventures Model # 0028, sold for ¥ 2.970.000 (23,803 EUR/26,195 USD in March 2016). |
| 0031 | Sunburst | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge |
| 0047 | Sunburst | — | — | Nokie Edward's? Picture of a picture in a book here at moriteforum: Vintage Mosrite. |
| 0060 | Sunburst | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge |
| 0069 | Sunburst | — | — | Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge |
| 0075 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws, Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge |
| 0104 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 5 pg screws |
| 0121 (?) | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws, Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge. Sold May 2011 at heritageauction: Late 1963 or Early 1964 Mosrite Ventures Sunburst Electric Guitar, #N/A. Possibly replaced plate for side jack. Not sure about the serial number, but I think I can read 0121. |
| 0127 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws, Mosrite Vibramute, roller bridge |
| 0134 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws |
| 0141 | red | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws |
| 0142 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws |
| 0148 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws |
| 0163 | Sunburst | — | — | no body binding, neck heel with binding - sold 2007-11-27 for 3550 USD – ad still online here: Mosrite Ventures Mark1 1963/64. Seems to have been modified in electronic layout (2 tone pots, 2 volume pots, output jack on top). |
| 0171 | Sunburst | — | — | transition model, body binding but screwed neck – Ventures logo remade, triple body binding, neck heel with binding, top jack (converted? not visible on the pictures), 8 pg screws. For sale at reverb.com for €6,998.90EUR (+ €220.09 Shipping) (October 2015). |
| 0172 | red | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws |
| 0175 | Sunburst | no date | pencil written "1963" | transition model, body binding but screwed neck – thanks to J.O. for his contribution: "triple binding, sunburst head, back neck, top jack, screwed in neck, one color pick guard, transition model only 3-5 made" |
| 0184 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, set neck, 3 pg screws |
| 0185 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, pots date 63-49, side jack, 3 pg screws. Pictures and story here at fretboardjournal.com: Catch of the Day: 1963 Mosrite Ventures Mark 1 – sold at eBay for 7606 USD in March 2014. Video here at youtube: 1963 Mosrite "The Ventures" Guitar - Real Vintage Guitar 1 of only 200 made!. |
| 0203 | Sunburst | — | — | triple body binding, neck heel with binding, side jack, 3 pg screws |
Mosrite Ventures guitar – type 2
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0236 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 0245 | met. blue (ref.) | — | — | eBay February 2016, from Italy: VINTAGE MOSRITE GUITAR THE VENTURES MODEL 1964 ORIGINAL, sold for 3173 USD (2800 Euro then). |
| 0258 | Sunburst | — | — | December 2016 ad here: ★vintage Mosrite The Ventures Model 1964年極初期, price: ￥ 980,000 (7986 EUR/8460 USD then). |
| 0263 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | Thanks to B.K. for the info and pictures. |
| 0291 | brown (ref.) | — | — | body and neck only |
| 0315 | Sunburst | — | — | March 2016 ad here: Mosrite 1964 The Ventures Model, price: ￥ 972,000 (7785 EUR/8568 USD then). |
| 0321 | originally Sunburst, replacement body met. blue | — | — | 1964, 1967 body and neck, story here at mosriteforum.com: My one of a kind Mosrite.... |
| 033x | Sunburst | — | — | December 2015 ad here: ◆◇Ｍｏｓｒｉｔｅ モズライト ’６４年 オールド◇◆, price: 640,000 YEN (4780 EUR/5200 USD then) |
| 0336 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0355 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0357 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0368 | Sunburst | — | — | large Ventures logo, body refinished white, pickups changed to Univox, tuners to Schaller, Gibson Harmonica bridge, tailpiece, Knobs; eBay March 2018: 1964 ish Mosrite Ventures Model Electric Guitar. Low serial number 0368, starting at 800 USD. |
| 037x | Sunburst | — | — | large Ventures logo, yahoo.co.jp January 2016: Mosrite エレキギター THE VENTURESモデル 64年製, price: 548,000 YEN (4270 EUR/4630 USD then) |
| 0396 | Sunburst | — | — | large Ventures logo |
| 0402 | Redburst | — | — | pot dates 64-31; for sale at reverb February 2018: 1964 Mosrite Ventures Model Electric Guitar Red Sunburst w/ Vibramute & ohc, price: US$6,800/€5,691 |
| 0412 | Sunburst | — | — | info by Gary Wertz |
| 0427 | Sunburst | — | — | info by Phil Wheeler |
| 0446 | Pearl White | — | — | white silkscreen on natural headstock |
| 0450 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | white silkscreen on natural headstock, pots 64-31 |
| 0482 | Cherryburst | — | — | eBay December 2017: 1964 Mosrite Ventures Model Electric Guitar Red Sunburst w/ Vibramute & ohc, BIN 6799.99 USD. Large Ventures logo, Centralab pot 64-31. I think I can read s/n 0482. |
| 0491 | black | — | — | |
| 0495 | black | no date | no date, handwritten RL | body binding |
| 0503 | blue | — | — | white silkscreen on natural headstock |
| 0519 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0515 | Sunburst | — | — | pots 64-31, eBay January 2015: 1964 Mosrite Ventures Model Guitar Large Logo Smooth Pickups Rare, BIN 6999 USD |
| 0548 | black | — | — | 1964, refret, refin, 1968 pus |
| 0559 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0582 | cherryburst | — | — | eBay September 2016: Mosrite THE VENTURES Used w/ Hard case, price: 9520 USD from Japan. |
| 0604 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | white silkscreen on natural headstock, thanks for the info to Larry Haley. |
| 06xx | Candy Apple Red | — | — | white silkscreen on natural headstock, ad here: Mosrite 1964 The Ventures Model “Candy Apple Red” [中古品]. |
| 0610 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0654 | Sunburst | — | — |
Mosrite Ventures guitar – type 3
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0728 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0730 | Sunburst | — | — | owner D.E: "Smooth pickup covers with cast resin rings, smooth spun knobs, small Ventures logo, screw on neck plate hiding neck bolts, pots date to 49th week 1963 and 31st week 1964. This guitar is all original purchased by my brother in 1965, with the bridge pickup having been rewound by Ed Elliott, July 08'." Pictures here at the mosriteforum: Survey of Mosrite serial numbers ***Please read*** |
| 0747 | Sunburst | — | — | Smooth pickup covers, small Ventures logo, white headstock logoebay/hyperguitars February 2017: Mosrite THE VENTURES MODEL '64, BIN: US $7,021.62. Weight: 3.75Kg |
| 0766 | Sunburst | — | — | Smooth pickup covers, small Ventures logo, for sale in Japan November 2016: Mosrite 1965 The Ventures Model 【浜松の楽器店 SONIX】『送料無料』, price: ￥478,000 (4092 EUR/4421 USD then). eBay November 2016: Mosrite 1965 The Ventures Model Electric Free Shipping, price: USD 6,049. Weight: 4.07kg. |
| 0812 | Sunburst | — | — | pictures at facebook: This guitar will be the late 1964 model of S/N 0812 |
| 0813 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0821 | Sunburst | no date | no date | small Ventures logo, pots 64-31 |
| 0832 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0843 | black (ref.), headstock black | — | — | eBay February 2016: Early vintage mosrite ventures model vibramute electric guitar, starting at 1850 USD, 2500 BIN, sold for 1,931.55 USD. |
| 0888 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0892 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | pots 1346503, 3,59kg, hyperguitars November 2016: Mosrite '65 The Ventures Model, price: ¥888,000 (7403 EUR/7842 USD then) |
| 0906 | Sunburst | — | — | restored and signed by Semie Moseley in 1991, neckplate with small screws |
| 0915 | Sunburst | no date | no date | found in this 2009 Mosriteforum thread: Neck / body stamps?. Two digits added, so the s/n is 109151. |
| 0936 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 0944 | white | — | — | |
| 1026 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 1032 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 1066 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | tuner changed to Schaller, pots 65-17, re-fretted and the fingerboard was planed level; Reverb November 2015: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Vibramute Red. |
| 1067 | Sunburst | — | — | 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... |
| 1080 | Sunburst | — | — | 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... |
| 1116 | black, front refinished, neck stripped | — | — | sold June 2012 at heritageauction: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Refinished Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial #1116. Description: "Body completely re-finished. Pickguard is over-sprayed. Finish shows moderate, even, weather checking. Fingerboard has some finish applied, and the frets are heavily tarnished and worn. Back of neck shows heavy wear and probable intentional sanding. Edge of neck has tight fracture around 1st and 2nd fret area. Both pickups have output but the electronics will need repair as the volume pot has to be snugged to get output. Sold in project-grade "as-is" condition. Original hard case included. Condition: Fair. " |
| 1125 | Emerald Gold (ref.) | — | — | refinished and signed by Semie Moseley in 1991, neckplate with small screws, ad here at Hyper Guitars: Mosrite '65 The Ventures Model, price ￥ 395,000 (2970 EUR/3265 USD in December 2015), some more pictures at their blog: Mosrite '65 The Ventures Model. |
| 1165 | white | — | — | |
| 1167 | red | — | — | |
| 1170 | Ink Blue | — | — | June 2016 ad here: 1965年モズライトMODEL MARK 1 オリジナルVIBRAMUTE TREM, price: 640,000円. |
| 1182 | Pearl White (ref.) | no date | no date | 1964 according to owner and Bob Shade (Hallmark), well, some pictures here at mosriteforum.com. Thanks to Ron for showing me his Mosrite Ventures and being a real help in dating the serial numbers 😉 |
| 1184 | Candy Apple Red (?, ref.), perhaps Pearl White originally | — | — | facebook December 2017: Mosrite Guitar Fans: 1964 or 65 Mosrite Ventures s/n 1184 |
| 1240 | black | — | — | |
| 1258 | white | — | — | 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... |
| 1276 (?) | Candy Apple Red | — | — | not sure about the serial number, for sale November 2016: Mosrite '65 The Ventures Model, price: ¥698,000 (5975 EUR/6451 USD then) |
| 1280 | 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... |
| 1294 | Candy Apple Red | no date | no date | pictures here at facebook: Mosrite The Ventures Model 1294 |
| 1304 | Ink Blue | — | — | |
| 1316 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 1322 | red | — | — | |
| 1337 | met. blue | — | — | screws through neckplate |
| 1344 | Candy Apple Red with CAR neck | no date | no date | owner: purchased in Dec '64/Jan'65, more info and pictures here at the mosriteforum: Survey of Mosrite serial numbers ***Please read*** |
| 1355 | black | — | — | info and pictures here at Lawman Guitars: 1965 Mosrite of California Ventures model guitar with original case, video here: Blues Guitar Licks - 1965 Mosrite of California Ventures Model. Pots 1964 and 1965. |
| 1362 | Blueburst (yellowed to Greenburst), natural neck (ref., originally Sunburst) | — | — | pots, switch, wires, strap buttons changed; eBay March 2018: original 1965 MOSRITE Mark I "The Ventures" model VIBRAMUTE Green Burst REFINISH, BIN 2190 USD |
| 1369 | Pearl White | — | — | |
| 1375 | Sunburst | — | — | on the 2009 Orlando Guitar Show, picture here: Mosrites @ The `09 Orlando Guitar Show, for sale then for 3000 USD. |
| 1387 | Sunburst | — | — | from the Takeshi Terauchi collection, ad here: Mosrite 1965 The Ventures Model #1387 【著名ライター様 蔵出し品, sold for ￥1,620,000 (12,984 EUR/14,290 USD in March 2016). |
| 1387 | Sunburst | — | — | from the Takeshi Terauchi collection, ad here: Mosrite 1965 The Ventures Model #1387 【著名ライター様 蔵出し品, sold for ￥1,620,000 (12,984 EUR/14,290 USD in March 2016). |
| 1395 | Ink Blue | — | — | sold April 2011 at heritageauction: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model Sunburst Electric Guitar, # 1395 |
| 1423 | Ink Blue | — | Nov 10 1965 0027 "BC" and "DOC" handwritten in pencil |
Reverb June 2017: Mosrite Ventures Mark I 1965 Pacific Blue, price 4295USD/3846EUR. Pot dates 1346533. Quite late body date for the serial number... |
| 1438 | Sunburst | — | — | bought new in December 1965 from Hospie’s Music in Omaha, NE; info by Gary Wertz |
| 1478 | Sunburst | — | — | neck pu changed to humbucker |
| 1483 | black/black | — | — | on eBay November 2015 together with a Fender Showman amp: 1963-64 Fender Showman Amp 1963-64 Ventures Mosrite Guitar, starting at 12000 USD 😉 |
| 1504 | Pearl White | — | — | |
| 1505 | red | — | — | |
| 1510 | Pearl White | — | — | |
| 1521 | Sunburst | — | — | on eBay November 2015: 1964 MOSRITE Ventures guitar w/original "Vibramute" tremolo unit !, starting at 5495 USD. In January 2016 new pix, ad, price here: 1964 Mosrite Ventures Model for 4995 USD. |
| 1545 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 1562 | Pearl White | — | — | |
| 1573 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 1577 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 1583 | black | — | — | |
| 1613 | Pearl White | — | — | |
| 1626 | Ink Blue | — | — | pictures here at facebook: Mosrite Ventures 1965 |
| 1655 | turquoise met. (ref ?) | — | — | |
| 17xx | Pearl White (ref.) | Jul 11 1965 0027 and 0031 | Jul 10 1965 0031 | Spun knobs, Vibramute, halfround stringguide; earliest neck and body stamps I've seen so far. eBay July 2015: Mosrite 1965 The Ventures Model -Pearl White / Refinish, located in Japan, BIN 4488 USD. Two more links here: Mosrite 1965 Mark-I The Ventures Model -Pearl White (Refinish)- 【Vintage】コンディション：3+ and here: White / Refinish-Model-Pearl, The Ventures 1965 Mosrite made 1965 |
| 1827 | Pearl White | Oct 65 (?) | Oct 65 (?) | dates according to owner. Non original headstock logos. |
| 1828 | Sunburst | Aug 65 | Aug 65 | signed by Nokie Edwards, thanks for the info to Larry Haley |
| 1835 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 1861 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 1912 | black | — | — | |
| 1919 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 1927 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 1965 | Sunburst | Sep 1 1965 050 (?) | 006 (?) | All dates according to owner. |
| 1993 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 2008 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 2031 | originally Ink Blue, refinished Candy Apple Red | Dec 15 1965 0012 (?) | Nov 11 1965 | pictures at facebook: This guitar is an early 1965 model of S/N 2031 |
| 2043 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 2054 | Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to P.V. from Belgium for the info! |
| 2067 | Sunburst, ref. black | — | — | eBay April 2015: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model Vibramute |
| 2068 | met. blue | Nov 03 1965 0004 | Sep 16 1965 002 | |
| 2075 | Sunburst | — | — | owned by Jerry Finn |
| 2103 (?) | Sunburst | Sep 25 1965 016 | xxx xx 1965 016 | serial number hard to read on the pictures. Ad at hyperguitars here: Mosrite '65 The Ventures Model, price: ￥ 450,000. Body date unreadable. |
| 2136 | Sunburst | — | — | sold April 2012 at heritageauction: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Sunburst Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 2136 |
| 2153 | Sunburst | — | — | auction April 2015: American Electric Guitar, Mosrite, California, Model The Ventures, 1965, sold for 1968 USD. |
| 2156 (?) | Candy Apple Red (ref.) | — | — | from Bob Shade's collection, for sale here: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Candy Red Metallic for sale, price: 3600 USD including shipping. Neck and logo refinished, too, logo in white. Not quite sure about the s/n's last digit. |
| 2192 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 2211 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | signed by the Ventures |
| 2221 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay April 2016: MOSRITE 1965 VENTURES MODEL, BIN 2500 USD. |
| 2292 | Sunburst | Oct 5 1965 018 | Sep 21 1965 016 | |
| 2293 | Sunburst | Oct 6 1965 014 | Sep 23 1965 017 | accourding to the owner wrong schaller tuners, pickguard, trem arm and switch tip – thanks a lot to J.S. for the detailled info! |
| 2313 | Ink Blue | Oct 14 1965 036 | Sep 22 1965 001 | |
| 2321 | black (ref.) | — | — | eBay October 2015, sold in parts: VINTAGE MOSRITE VENTURES 1965 EZ PROJECT |
| removed s/n | Sunburst | Oct 04 1965 040 | Oct 02 1965 003 | |
| 2337 | Pearl White | — | — | |
| 2430 | red | — | — | eBay October 2016: 1965 Mosrite The Ventures Vintage Guitar Strawberry Red, BIN 4250 USD. |
| 2536 | Ink Blue (ref.) | Oct 25 1965 003 | — | restauration thread here at OffsetGuitars: 1965 Mosrite Restoration. Finished. |
Mosrite Ventures guitar – type 4
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 242x | Ink Blue | — | — | eBay June 2016: Mosrite The Ventures 1966 Vintange original, BIN 3500 EUR from Madrid. Non original knobs, nor sure about the exact serial number, maybe 2422. Larger pix here: Mosrite / The Ventures / 1966 / Blue / Guitar For Sale (price here: 3750 EUR). |
| 2432 | Sunburst | — | — | sold May 2011 at heritageauction: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Sunburst Electric Guitar # 2432 |
| 2442 | Ink Blue | — | — | |
| 2498 | white | — | — | |
| 2554 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 2560 | Sunburst | — | — | sold February 2012 at heritageauction: 1966 Mosrite The Ventures Model Sunburst Electric Guitar, Serial # 2560 |
| 2578 | blue | — | — | |
| 2584 | Ink Blue | — | — | Moseley tailpiece, smooth knobs, thanks for the info to Larry Haley. |
| 2700 | Pearl White | — | — | Picture and description here at surfguitar101.com: 1965 Mosrite Ventures s/n 2700, 100% original in pearl white with tortoise guard |
| 2750 | white ref. | — | — | |
| 2760 | white | — | — | |
| 2767 | white | — | — | |
| 2769 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay January 2015: MOSRITE VENTURES Model Guitar VENTURES I/MARK I (Model 102) 1965. HONEST RELIC, BIN 3995 USD |
| 2786 | Pearl White | — | — | |
| 2795 | brown (stripped and stained?) | — | — | |
| 2801 | Ink Blue | — | — | eBay November 2015: 1966 MOSRITE VENTURES MODEL - RARE INK BLUE - VERY FEW MADE IN THIS COLOR, sold by M.M., BIN 4999.99 USD. |
| 2817 | Pearl White (ref. Pearl White | — | — | thanks to David W. for the info. |
| 2818 | Sunburst | Nov 08 1965 0015 | Oct 14 1965 021 | pots 65-34, info and pictures here: Survey of Mosrite serial numbers ***Please read***, here it is at eBay in January 2015: ~ 1965 MOSRITE Ventures Guitar, VG+ Original Vintage Sunburst, Trade, MAKE OFFER, BIN 2459 USD |
| 2827 | refinished blue with painting | — | — | thanks to Dan! |
| 2833 | black | Oct 28 1965 034 | — | |
| 2873 | white | Nov 30 1965 0001 | Nov 16 1965 0048 | |
| 2879 | white (ref.) | — | — | sold May 2011 at heritageauction: 1965 Mosrite Ventures White Electric Guitar #2879, replaced pickguard, stripped neck |
| 2958 | red | — | — | |
| 2967 | white | — | — | |
| 2983 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 3081 | Ink Blue | — | — | pot dates 65-33, Reverb July 2016: Vintage 1965 Mosrite "The Ventures Model" guitar in rare&stunning Ink Blue Metallic finish!, price 4800 USD. eBay April 2018: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model 60's 65 Vintage Original Electric Guitar Blue from South Korea, BIN 3,500 USD. |
| 3100 | Pearl White | — | — | Thanks to R.P. for his correction and contribution! |
| 3108 | Pearl White | — | — | Picture here at facebook |
| 31xx (?) | black | Dec 30 1965 | — | My notes say 3100, but now a white 3100 has appeared 😉 |
| 3155 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | Thankt to R.K. for the info |
| 317x | Sunburst | Jan 12 1966 0015 | Dec 2 1965 0010 | serial 3xxx (hard to read), eBay January 2016: VINTAGE 1966 MOSRITE THE VENTURES MODEL ELECTRIC GUITAR SUNBURST FINISH, BIN 3499 USD. Additional info: bridge pu: 11.91kOhm; neck pu: 12.79kOhm, weight: 8lbs 7.2oz, nutwidth: 1 9/16" |
| 3198 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | Heritage auctions October 2016: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Metallic Red Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 3198, Weight 8.4 lbs. |
| 3200 | sparkle red | Jan 4 1966, pencil: 0011 | Nov 4 1965 0014 | pots 65-34, eBay February 2018: RARE original 1966 MOSRITE The Ventures model Mark I RED SPARKLE/METAL FLAKE!!!, BIN 6190 USD. |
| 3254 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 3274 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 3275 (?) | Sunburst | Dec 1965 | Dec 1965 | serial 327x (hard to read), eBay January 2016: Mosrite 1965 THE VENTURES MODEL Vintage w/ Hard Case Worldwide Shipping!!!, starting at 5121 USD. Additional info: nutwidth: 39.7mm, weight: 3.65kg |
| 3395 | black, neck black | — | — | eBay March 2015: Chet's old Mosrite The Ventures MK1 all black - Original - No Mods, 1965 - 0001 Rubber Stamped, 3395 stamped on Fretboard, Case |
| 3311 | Candy Apple Red | Dec 65 | Dec 65 | short M knobs, Moseley tailpiece, thanks for the info to Larry Haley. |
| 3320 | white | — | — | sold April 2011 at heritageauction: 1965 Mosrite Ventures White Solid Body Electric Guitar, #3320 |
| 3429 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 3464 | Sunburst | Jan 6 1966 0012 | March 8 1966 0011 | eBay February 2017: Early 1966 Vintage MOSRITE Ventures Electric Guitar, Original Case, Great Player |
| 3470 | Sunburst | — | — | sold April 2011 at heritageauction: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Model #3470 |
| 3472 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 3496 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 3503 | met. red (ref) | — | — | |
| 3516 | Dark Teal (ref.) | — | — | sold April 2011 at heritageauction: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Dark Teal Electric Guitar, #3516. Description: "Newer tuners with no extra holes. Body has been re-finished dark teal over gold over red. Scratches and wear on the body. Great neck. Gig bag case. Condition: Good". |
| 3517 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 3556 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 3568 | Sunburst | — | — | sold April 2011 at heritageauction: Circa 1965 Mosrite The Ventures Model Sunburst Electric Guitar # 3568 |
| 3662 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 3668 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 3672 | Candy Apple Red | Feb 9 1966 0028 | — | replacement pots, ad here: Mosrite Ventures Candy Apple Red 1966, price: 4950 USD |
| 3716 | Ink Blue | — | — | Reverb March 2015: Mosrite Ventures 1965 Blue Metallic, price: 2500 EUR from Rome. |
| 3738 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay December 2015: 1966 Mosrite Ventures guitar, BIN 4000 USD. |
| 3740 | black | — | — | |
| 3850 | Sunburst | Jun 1966 (?) | Oct 1965 (?) | thanks to Tom for his contribution. All dates told by owner, I've never seen a picture. |
| 4003 | black | — | — | outlier with trussrod adjustment at neck's heel. For sale October 2015 here: 1966 Mosrite The Ventures modèle MK I. |
| 4074 | Sunburst | Feb 22 1966 | — | outlier with trussrod adjustment at neck's heel. Reverb June 2016: Mosrite Ventures- February 1966 Sunburst-Bill Gruggett, 4495 USD. |
| 4143 | white | — | — | outlier with trussrod adjustment at neck's heel. |
| no s/n | Ink Blue | Feb xx 1966 | — | sold October 2015 at heritageauction: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Blue Metallic Solid Body Electric Guitar. |
Mosrite Ventures guitar – type 5
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3768 | blue | — | — | pictures and story at facebook: My main battle axe for over the past fifty years |
| 3778 | red | May 27 1966 0029 | Dec 15 1965 0040 "Dee" | ad here at musicstorelive.com: 1966 Mosrite The Ventures Model MKI, Red, price: $3,699.00. |
| 3911 | black | — | — | tortoise red pickguard; eBay November 2015: 1965 USA MOSRITE "The Ventures" ELECTRIC GUITAR W/ OHSC, S/N 3911, starting at 2495 USD. |
| 3916 | Ink Blue | — | — | not sure about s/n, hard to read, for sale November 2016: Mosrite 1966 The Ventures Model MARK I / Ink Blue, price: ￥307,800 (2635 EUR/2845 USD then). |
| 3935 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4024 | Sunburst | — | — | for sale March 2016, ad here: Mosrite 【中古】 V.1966 VENTURESMODEL 【横浜店】, price: ￥298,000. |
| 4051 | blue | — | — | pus changed to humbuckers |
| 4088 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4134 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4164 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4185 | stripped and dyed | — | — | heavily modified/re-shaped, pictures here at facebook. |
| 4209 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | sold December 2011 at heritageauction: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Candy Apple Red Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 4209 |
| 4260 | Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to H.N. for his contribution. |
| 4292 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 4308 | red | no date but "Joe Maphis" and "4308" written in pencil | Apr 19 1966 0009 (or 0003) | 1966, eBay December 2017, ad here: Vintage 1966 Mosrite Ventures Model guitar, BIN US $1,700.00. Extra inlays added to the neck, missing tremolo bar. |
| 4361 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | 1966, eBay August 2016, ad here: VENTURES Guitar MOSRITE 1968 model California in EXCELLENT CONDITION, starting at US $3,500.00. Large trussrod cover. Date in ad is wrong 😉 |
| 4380 | Pearl White | — | — | for sale June 2016, ad here: ★vintage Mosrite The Ventures Model 1966年 Pearl White, price: ￥398,000. |
| 4462 | Pearl White | — | — | pictures at facebook: This guitar is the 1966 model of S/N 4462 |
| 4519 | blue | — | — | sold May 2011 at heritageauction: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Blue Electric Guitar, #4519. I think I read 4512... |
| 4527 | Sparkle Candy Apple Red (original!) | no date | unreadable | ebay November 2016: VINTAGE MOSRITE MARK VI 1966 ELECTRICAL BANNANA EZ PROJECT MADE IN CALIFORNIA US, body, neck, Schaller tuners only, sold for 616 USD. Parts are sold, too, pots 1346629. De-finished back to its original color by Phil. |
| 4539 | purple met (ref) | — | — | |
| 4572 | Sunburst | — | — | sold December 2011 at heritageauction: 1960's Mosrite Ventures Sunburst Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial #4572. Description: "Project-grade with two broken tuners, a missing nut, missing trussrod cover and binding separation. Neck heel area shows some damage and stress to the body. Shows no output and has frozen pots. Sold in "as-is" condition. Hard case included. Condition: Fair." |
| 4577 | Ink Blue | — | — | Signed by Leon Taylor, Bob Spalding, Don Wilson, and Nokie Edwards, eBay September 2016: 1966 Mosrite - Signed by The Ventures, starting at 4250 USD. |
| 4568 | Sunburst | — | — | yahoo April 2018: 中古 希少 激レア Mosrite Ventures Model 66年製 ヴィンテージ エレキ ギター ケース付 Y2515575 |
| 4636 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4615 | Sunburst | — | — | reverb June 2016: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Model MK 1 Sunburst vintage with original case, 2999 USD. |
| 4617 | Sunburst | — | — | signed by the Ventures |
| 4628 | body missing | — | no body | in parts, headstock has M carvin cut, no logos anymore (as of August 2002) |
| 4630 | Sunburst | — | — | has serial number stamped in body (covered by pickguard) |
| 4634 | Sunburst | — | — | Auction October 2012: American Electric Guitar, Mosrite of California, "Ventures Model," 1965, sold for 2280 USD. |
| 4636 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4638 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4759 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4801 | Sunburst | — | — | body binding added |
| 4825 | Sunburst | — | — | sold April 2011 at heritageauction: 1960s Mosrite Ventures Model Sunburst Electric Guitar, # 4825 |
| 4826 | Sunburst | no date | no date | Found in this 2009 Mosriteforum thread: Neck / body stamps?. |
| 4839 | Ink Blue | — | — | eBay December 2015: Mosrite Ventures - Ink Blue "All Original" 1966, BIN 4250 USD. Serial number may be 4839, a little hard to read. |
| 4865 | met. blue | — | — | |
| 4867 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 4914 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay November 2015: Vintage 1966 Mosrite Ventures Sunburst W/ Case , BIN 3795 USD. |
| 4922 | body missing | no date | no body | neck only, no logos anymore |
| 4978 | Sunburst | — | — | Thanks to P.G. for his contribution. |
| 498x (?) | Sunburst | — | — | |
| V5029 | Ink Blue | — | — | originally sold in Michigan March 21, 1967 |
| V5050 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | for sale June 2016, ad here: 【ビンテージ】 モズライト Mosrite Ventures Model 1966年製, price: ￥260,000. |
| V5054 | Ink Blue | — | — | Thanks to Brian for his contribution. |
| V5127 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| V5170 | red | — | — | |
| V5175 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| V5179 | red | — | — | Video on youtube here: SIGNED BY THE RAMONES!! Vintage Mosrite Ventures Guitar Review |
| V5199 | red | — | — | eBay October 2015: 1966 MOSRITE THE VENTURES, starting at 3,100.00 USD |
| V5211 | Ink Blue | — | — | eBay June 2016: original 1966 Mosrite THE VENTURES model rare INK BLUE!!! one dead pickup, sold for 1940 USD. Pot dates 66-47, short M-knobs. |
| V5262 | red | — | — | eBay: 1966 MOSRITE VENTURES MODEL GUITAR - VERY RARE ORIGINAL RED FINISH, for sale by M.M., BIN 4999.99 USD |
| V5315 | blue | — | — | |
| V5317 | pink | — | — | |
| V5341 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | sold May 2017 at Guitar Center: Vintage Mosrite 1967 Ventures Model Solid Body Electric Guitar |
| no s/n | Candy Apple Red | — | — | sold February 2011 at heritageauction: Mid 1960s Mosrite The Ventures Model Candy Apple Red Solid Body Electric Guitar, No Serial Number |
Mosrite Ventures guitar – type 6
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V5322 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay February 2015: VINTAGE 1967 MOSRITE VENTURES MK1 GUITAR MOSELEY ERA ALL ORIGINAL CLEAN w/CASE , starting at 1999.95 USD; no Ventures logo but sticker, non original string guide |
| V5330 | Sunburst | no date | no date | pot dates 6647 (November 1966), all original in near mint condition with OHSC – thanks to Massimo for the info! |
| V5354 | maroon | — | — | eBay August 2016: Mosrite made 1967 The Ventures Model, no Ventures logo, 3.92 kg, BIN 4275 USD, from Japan. |
| V5405 | maroon | Nov 1965 (?) | Oct 13 1966 (?) | pots date: 66-47, all dates according to Fretted Americana's ad: The Ventures Mark 1 Guitars , no Ventures logo |
| V5439 | purple | — | — | |
| V5456 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| V5499 | Sunburst | — | — | eBay February 2016: Vintage Mosrite 1967 Mark I Guitar Sunburst The Ventures with Case Original, BIN 2599 USD. Refretted in 2006. |
| V5509 | California Grape | — | — | has Ventures logo (I only have a very small picture – may be a decal) |
| V5510 | Sunburst | — | — | thanks to Steve H. for the info |
| V5515 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| V5583 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| V5642 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| V5658 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| V5738 | Candy Apple Red or Ink Blue (partially stripped) | — | — | 3 neck screws without neck plate |
| V5793 | Sunburst | — | — | Kluson tuners, 4 neck screws without neck plate, s/n hard to read on the pix, may be V5795. eBay June 2016: 1968-1969 Mosrite THE VENTURES MODEL Sunburst [VINTAGE]. |
| V5901 + H1240 | Sunburst | — | — | Japanese tuners (original), 4 neck screws without neck plate |
| V6079 | Sunburst | — | — | Kluson tuners, 3 neck screws without neck plate |
The Ventures model — guitar
The early 70s: V-I
1971–1974
V0003–V0926
approx made: 1000
I’m absolutely not sure about the years here and how to date those guitars exactly, as there are no visible changes in production and no dates. Best way might be the pots dates.
Mosrite V-I guitar 1971–74
| s/n | color | note |
|---|---|---|
| V0003 | Sunburst | Sunburst headstock, Japanese tuners, 4 screws through plate, pots: 71-06, pix and info here in this 2007 thread: 1971 Mosrite Mk I (post-Ventures deal) |
| V0031 | Sunburst | Sunburst headstock, Japanese tuners, 4 screws through plate. Sold in parts August 2016, eBay ad here: Mosrite 1971 Sunburst Mark I Body & Neck, body, neck, pickguard: 789.99 USD. |
| V0109 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Japanese tuners, Craigslist July 2016 ad here: 1971 Mosrite Ventures V serial # - $2250 (East Valley), non original switch tip, price 2250 USD. |
| V0122 | black | black headstock, Japanese tuners |
| V0183 | Redburst | natural headstock, Japanese tuners; since 1999: Gotho tuners, Gibson style tailpiece and bridge, no Mosrite pus in original pu covers. Pots date: 72-28 |
| V0187 | black | natural headstock, Japanese tuners, pots date 1972, sold here: Ultra Clean 1972 Mosrite Post Ventures Mark Custom Color! SOLD!. Thanks to forum member Haydden for showing! |
| V0236 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Japanese tuners |
| V0264 | Sunburst | black headstock, Japanese tuners |
| V0270 | Redburst | Redburst headstock, Japanese tuners, Christie's October 2008: Lot 76 MOSRITE, sold for USD 1,625. |
| V0395 | Sunburst | Sunburst headstock, tuners changed, eBay January 2015: Original 1970 Mosrite Mark I, BIN was 1990 EUR (2245 USD then), sold for less |
| V0398 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Japanese tuners |
| V0487 | Sunburst | Sunburst headstock, Kluson tuners, body+neck at eBay January 2018: Mosrite 1974 Sunburst Mark Ventures Body & Neck, BIN 900 USD/724 EUR |
| V0510 | black | natural headstock, Kluson tuners |
| V0522 | black | natural headstock, Kluson tuners, Reverb ad here: Early '70s Mosrite Moseley - Black, price £2,495. |
| V0546 | Redburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners |
| V0566 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners, eBay September 2015: MOSRITE Ventures of California 1973. Beautiful Sunburst., BIN USD 3995.- |
| V0568 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners |
| V0599 | no body | neck only, has had Kluson tuners |
| V0613 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners |
| V0632 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners |
| V0633 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners – eBay June 2016: Mosrite early 70's post Ventures, starting at 1650 USD, BIN 2200 USD. |
| V0648 | black | near mint condition, pots 1377037 (CTS, 37th week of 1970) |
| V0708 | no body | neck only, has had Kluson tuners, natural headstock, eBay February 2016: VINTAGE ORIGINAL MOSRITE SEMIE MOSELEY VENTURES MARK I ELECTRIC GUITAR NECK. |
| V0926 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners. eBay January 2015: 1980s Mosrite of California Electric Guitar + Hard CASE Rare Sunburst, BIN GBP 1,299.00 |
The Ventures model—Guitar
The early 70s: V-II
1971–1974
2V0014–2V0111
approx made: 120 or more
Sorry, nearly nothing in my collection about these guitars. Again, I’m absolutely not sure about the years here and how to date those guitars exactly, as there are no visible changes in production and no dates. Best way might be the pots dates. The V-IIs have humbuckers with individual tone and volume pots and two buttons.
Mosrite V-II guitar 1971–74
| s/n | color | note |
|---|---|---|
| 2V003 | Sunburst | Kluson tuners, thanks to F.V. for info and pictures! |
| 2V0014 | Sunburst | Kluson tuners |
| 2V0029 | Sunburst | Kluson tuners, eBay November 2015: MOSRITE VENTURES “NO LOGO” V-Series 1973 Double bypass switches. Beautiful Semie, BIN 4495 USD. |
| 2V0042 | Redburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners |
| 2V0053 | Sunburst | Kluson tuners, bridge pu changed to Gibson (style) humbucker |
| 2V0101 | Redburst | Redburst headstock, Kluson tuners |
| 2V0110 | Sunburst | natural headstock, Kluson tuners |
| 2V0111 | Sunburst | Kluson tuners, eBay November 2015: Rare 1972-3 Mosrite Mark VII Electric Guitar, BIN 3250 USD. |
The Ventures model — 12-string
1964–1969
normally T001–T738, but there are exceptions
approx made: 750 or more
Sorry, I’ve not really collected those serial numbers so I’m really not sure about the number of produced 12 string guitars and the years. The 700 are a really rough guess. Perhaps the first 12 string guitars have been built in the row of 6 string guitars, so the serial numbers may lie in the regular range, for example 0033.
Mosrite Ventures 12-String
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0033 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | 1964 (according to Semie's autograph), signed by Semie Moseley in 1988 – Moseley tremolo, so it may be from 1965? |
| 90006 | Pearl White | — | — | Vibramute, no Ventures logo |
| T051 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | Moseley, no Ventures logo, eBay July 2016: Vintage Mosrite Of CA.12 String Electric Guitar--Red Solid Body W/Vibrato + Case, starting at 5500 USD |
| T073 | Sunburst | Dec 20 1965 0014 | Dec 14 1965 0001 | Moseley, no Ventures logo, eBay January 2015: MOSRITE MARK XII (12 String). 1965 (Made in December 1965) SN: T073. SUNBURST., BIN 2995 USD |
| T094 | red | — | — | no Ventures logo |
| T131 | Lake Placid Blue | — | — | Ventures logo |
| T135 | met. blue | — | — | Ventures logo |
| T276 | Sunburst | Apr 8 1966 0011 | no body | Ventures logo, trussrod nut at headstock |
| T310 | Sunburst | — | — | Ventures logo |
| T318 | Sunburst | Apr 26 1966 0016 | May 2 1966 001 | Ventures logo, pots 66-2x, handwritten in neck pocket: "Carrillo" |
| T383 | Sunburst | — | — | Ventures logo |
| T414 | white | — | — | Ventures logo |
| T479 | ? | Jul 20 1966 0004 | neck only | 1966; no Ventures logo, neck only |
| T541 | met. blue | — | — | no Ventures logo, Moseley tailpiece, pots 34th week of 1966, eBay June 2015: 1966 Mosrite Ventures XII 12 String Vintage Blue All Original, BIN 3995 USD, many great pictures. |
| T548 | met. blue | — | — | no Ventures logo, Moseley tailpiece, 3.8kg, ad July 2017 here: ☆1967y・Vintage Full Ori Mosrite12String Custom Colour☆, 260,000円 |
| T620 | Sunburst | — | — | no Ventures logo, stoptail |
| T683 | Sunburst | — | — | no Ventures logo, stoptail |
| T696 | Sunburst | — | — | no Ventures logo, Moseley tremolo, ad here: Mosrite <モズライト> 1960s Mark XII. |
| ? | Candy Apple Red | — | Jul 21 1966 00x | no Ventures logo, stoptail, handwritten in neck pocket: "Shu-- 9/27/67" (?) |
| T738 | Pearl White (ref.) | — | Sep 24 1966 (stamp?) | left handed, no Ventures logo, stoptail, three neck screws without neckplate, "dated September 24, 1966 which is displayed in the neck pocket, along with the name, address, and phone number of a prior owner." Add at Reverb: 1966 Mosrite LEFTY Ventures Mark XII or here at leftyvintageguitars: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Mark XII, Super Rare!. |
The Ventures model — bass
first run
1963–1969
5002–8×36 (?)
approx made: 3100
Mosrite Ventures bass – types
| type | body | jack | neck | logo | tuners | pickups | truss adj | years | s/n circa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | triple bound | side | set | large | Kluson | (1) smooth | body | 63-64 | 5000-5045 |
| 2 | unbound | top | screwed | large | Kluson | (1) smooth | body | 64 | 5045-5180 |
| 3 | unbound | top | screwed | small | Kluson | (1) smooth or logo | body | 64-66 | 5180-6200 |
| 4 | unbound | top | screwed | small | Mosrite "duckfeet" | (2) logo | body | 66 | 6080-6400 |
| 5 | unbound | top | screwed | small | Mosrite "duckfeet" | (2) logo | headstock | 66-68 | 6400-7000 |
| 6 | unbound | top | screwed | no | Mosrite "duckfeet" | (2) logo | headstock | 68-69 | 7000-8100 |
Mosrite Ventures bass – type 1
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | Sunburst | — | — | side jack, plastic poti knobs, 4 pg screws, triple body binding, binding at neck heel, large Ventures logo |
| 5004 | Sunburst | — | — | side jack, metal poti knobs, 3 pg screws, triple body binding, binding at neck heel, large Ventures logo; pictures at hyperguitars: Mosrite '63〜’64 Style The Ventures Bass |
| 5012 | California Blue | — | — | side jack, metal poti knobs, 3 pg screws, triple body binding, binding at neck heel, large Ventures logo |
| 5023 | Sunburst | — | — | side jack, metal poti knobs, 3 pg screws, triple body binding, binding at neck heel, large Ventures logo, pot-date 47th week of 1963, pictures here at hyperguitars: Mosrite '63 The Ventures Bass, some more here at their blog: Mosrite '63 The Ventures Bass |
| 5025 | Sunburst | — | — | side jack, metal poti knobs, 3 pg screws, triple body binding, binding at neck heel, large Ventures logo |
| 5041 | Sunburst | — | — | side jack, metal poti knobs, 3 pg screws, triple body binding, binding at neck heel, large Ventures logo, early 1963 pot dates (acc. to seller); factory refurbished (according to seller) to double pickup (logo covers) and duckfoot tuners. For sale April 2017 here: 1963 Mosrite Ventures Model Bass Early Double Pickup Bound Side Jack Fixed Neck Ventures Model, price: 3799 USD. |
Mosrite Ventures bass – type 2
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5052 | Sunburst | — | — | top jack, metal poti knobs, 8 pg screws, no body binding, no binding at neck heel, large Ventures logo |
| 5068 | white | no date | no date | metal poti knobs, 8 pg screws, no or removed Ventures logo |
| 5069 | Sunburst | — | — | 1964, metal poti knobs, 8 pg screws, three potis, 1963 according to Fillmore's 1993 calendar, large Ventures logo |
| 5077 | black | — | — | metal poti knobs, 8 pg screws, small Ventures logo |
| 5173 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | 2PU, Candy Apple Red headstock and neck with 70s Mosrite font – my guess: made from parts and refinished, 64 or 65 neck, 66 body |
| ? | Sunburst, later refinished white | — | — | John Entwistles bass, used with The Who in 1965/66. It seems as it was equipped with a large pickguard, housing two pickups (looking like gretsh toasters), in late 1965/early 1966. Later in 1966 the body was refinished white with a large black sharkfin pickguard, again with two pickups. Pictures here: John Entwistle’s Gear: 1960–1966, the bass in white here in this video: The Who - The Kids Are Alright. |
Mosrite Ventures bass – type 3
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0001 | gold | — | — | early 1965, pots 65-02 (according to owner), custom made; some info and pictures here at the mosriteforum: Gold Mosrite Prototype Bass, 1965, here again (bottom of page 6): MOSRITE BASS - SOME SUPERFICIAL OBSERVATIONS |
| 5166 | Candy Apple Red/Candy Apple Red | no date | no date | Candy Apple Red headstock and neck, small logo, thanks to MK for the info. |
| 5185 | Candy Apple Red/Candy Apple Red | — | — | Candy Apple Red headstock and neck, pots 65-03; pictures at hyperguitars: Mosrite '65 The Ventures Bass |
| 5206 | Ink Blue/Ink Blue | no date | no date | 1965, Dave's World of Fun Stuff video here: Mosrite Ventures Bass Guitar. |
| 5278 | cherryburst | — | — | 1965 |
| 5294 | black | — | — | 1965, no headstock logos |
| 53xx | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 5317 | black | — | — | |
| 5320 | black (ref.) | — | — | 1965. Reverb December 2016 ~1964 Mosrite Ventures Bass Mark I. Black neck and headstock. Price: 1400 USD. I guess it was Sunburst originally, Ventures logo painted over. Not sure about the serial number, I guess I can read 5350. |
| 5321 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 5370 | met. blue (ref.) | — | — | added bridge pu |
| 5371 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 54x1 | red | — | — | for sale December 2014, again on eBay June 2016: Mosrite Mark-I Bass '65 Strawberry Red. I guess the s/n is 5421. |
| 5412 | white | — | — | |
| 5433 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 5461 | black | — | — | added bridge pu |
| 5472 | red | — | — | 1965; thread with link to dropbox pictures here: 1964 ventures mosrite of California bass guitar. For sale eBay November 2016: MOSRITE VENTURES BASS GUITAR VINTAGE 1964 (VERY RARE) IN CLASSIC RED COLOR, BIN 2800 USD. Date in ad is wrong. |
| 5494A | Sunburst | Sep 15 1965 007 | Oct 25 1965 018 | added bridge pu, hole closed |
| 5507 | Candy Apple Red (ref.) | no date | no date | Refinished, replaced pickguard and bridge cover, 4.15kg, eBay June 2016: Mosrite Ventures Bass Red refinish Vintage Bass Guitar Hard Case Free shipping, from Japan, BIN US $4,272.15. |
| 55x7 | dark met. blue | — | — | |
| 5524 | black/black | Aug 30 1965 007 | Jul 27 1965 009 | eBay November 2016 Mosrite Bass von 1965. Black with rare black neck and headstock, sometimes called Tuxedo. Now mine, pictures here: Mosrite Ventures Bass 1965 black. |
| 5532 | maroon met. | — | — | found at the Mosrite Ventures Model Owners List |
| 5586 | black | — | — | found at the Mosrite Ventures Model Owners List |
| 56x3 | white (ref.) | — | — | new tuners (drilled holes) |
| 5658 | blue | — | — | M-knobs, pot dates 65-34; eBay April 2015: VINTAGE 1965 MOSRITE VENTURES BASS IN CUSTOM COLOR BLUE, BIN 3000 USD |
| 5659 | Sunburst | — | — | spun knobs, pot dates 65-33; Reverb October 2017: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model Bass Vintage Mark I Sunburst w/ohsc, replaced parts, price 1,524.99. |
| 5692 (?) | blue metallic (ref.) | Nov 5 1965 0001 | Oct 12 1965 003 | spun knobs, pot dates 65-33; eBay July 2016: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Bass Guitar Flamed Maple Neck, BIN 1590 USD. Serial number hard to read on the pictures. |
| 57x1 (?) | Sunburst | Oct 16 1965 016 | Oct 21 1965 023 | x7x1 (hard to read), M-knobs, pot dates 65-33; pictures at hyperguitars: MOSRITE '65 THE VENTURES BASS |
| 5709 | red | — | — | November 1965 |
| 5751 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 5757 | blue | Nov 24 1965 0003 | Oct 20 1965 012 | sold at Reverb October 2016 Mosrite Ventures Bass 1965 Blue, 1,453.66 EUR. |
| 5761 | black/black (refinished) | — | — | sold February 2012 at heritageauctions Late 1960s Mosrite The Ventures Black Electric Bass Guitar, #5761, changed pickup, 1978 pots. |
| 5847 | white | — | — | |
| 5848 | Ink Blue (stripped) | Jan 10 1966 0017 | Oct 30 1965 001 (?) | body heavily reshaped, eBay December 2015: VINTAGE 1960's MOSRITE Bass Electric Guitar The VENTURES Model #5848 Surf Music, starting at 1750 USD. Body stamp hard to read, only sure about the "30". |
| 5858 | Sunburst | — | — | pots date 65-34 |
| 5920 | red | — | — | yahoo April 2018 ◇オールド モズライト ベースギター '65 （Mosrite Bass 1965年、U.S.A、赤）, 410,000円 |
| 5928 | red met. | — | — | 1965 or 66, found at the Mosrite Ventures Model Owners List |
| 594x | white | — | — | 1965 or 66, replacement knobs |
| 5945 | Sunburst | Jan 6 1966 0008 | Aug 19 1965 013 | M-knobs, pots 1346609, handwritten "Dee" in neck pocket, for sale November 2016 at Nicks Guitars: Mosrite Ventures Bass 1966, price €2,319.97 |
| 5955 (?) | Ink Blue | Jan 19 1966 0018 | Dec 16 1965 0014 | 59x5 (hard to read), M-knobs, pot dates 66-05; pictures at hyperguitars: MOSRITE '66 THE VENTURES BASS |
| 6017 (?) | Ink Blue | Feb 10 1966 0011 | Nov 22 1965 045 (?) | 60x7 (hard to read), M-knobs; pictures at hyperguitars: MOSRITE '66 THE VENTURES BASS |
| 6029 | blue | — | — | |
| 6031 | Ink Blue | — | — | 1966, 65 according to Fillmore's 1993 calendar |
| 6044 | Candy Apple Red | Feb 18 1966 0022 | Oct 19 1965 039 | |
| 6052 | White or Pearl White | — | — | Yahoo ad here: Mosrite モズライト '66オールド BASS. |
| 6061 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 6104 | Pearl White | — | — | 1966 or 1965, 1pu, Kluson tuners 1965 according to Fillmore's 1993 calendar |
| 6113 | Sunburst | — | — | Kluson tuners |
| 6114 | Pearl White | — | — | Kluson tuners |
| 6123 | met. red (ref.?) | — | — | Kluson tuners, neck Sunburst |
| 6x3x | Sunburst | — | — | Kluson tuners |
| 6137 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | Kluson tuners, 3,98Kg; ad here at hyperguitars: Mosrite '66 The Ventures Bass, price: ￥ 298,000. |
| 6141 | Sunburst (ref.) | — | Mar 22 1966 0013 | Kluson tuners, 3,51kg; pictures at hyperguitars: Mosrite '66 The Ventures Bass, price: ￥ 300,000. |
| 6175 (?) | Ink Blue | — | — | trussrod nut at body end, 617x (hard to read), M-knobs; pictures at hyperguitars: MOSRITE '66 THE VENTURES BASS |
| 6181 | Ink Blue | — | — | trussrod nut at body end, 1pu, Kluson tuners, spun knobs, logo pickup, ad here July 2017: オールドモズライトベース（１９６５年製）, 380,000円 |
| 6186 | blue | — | — | thanks to J.G. for photo and info! trussrod nut at body end, 1pu, Kluson tuners, M-knobs, logo pickup |
| 6195 | Candy Apple Red | Mar 29 1966 0009 | Mar 22 1966 0016 | trussrod nut at headstock, 1pu, Kluson tuners, belonged to Tom Petersson from Cheap Trick. eBay May 2016: Mosrite ventures Bass mid 60s, BIN 2500 USD. |
| 6196 | Sunburst | — | — | trussrod nut at body end, 1pu, Kluson tuners. eBay March 2015: Mosrite Bass Guitar |
Mosrite Ventures bass – type 4
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 001 | sparkle blue | no date | April 4 1966 00x | 1966 Baritone Prototype, 1 pu, 5 piece neck without Ventures logo, trussrod nut at headstock, duckfeet tuners, pictures at Reverb.com: Mosrite Baritone Prototype 1966 Sparkle Blue |
| 6088 | Pearl White | — | — | 2 pu, duckfeet tuners – outlier, early s/n for duckfeet tuners |
| 6200 | metallic blue (ref.) | — | — | 2 pu, non original Kluson tuners, trussrod nut at body end; for sale at eBay December 2017: MOSRITE VENTURES BASS. 1966. NEW FINISH. BEAUTIFUL., BIN US $2,895.00, non original bridge cover. |
| 6254 | Sunburst | Apr 1 1966 0008 | Apr 11 1966 0002 | 2 pu, normal routing, Kluson tuners, trussrod nut at body end; for sale in parts at eBay March 2015: body, neck, bridge and pickup; body weight: 4.35 pounds (1.97kg) |
| 6259 | Sunburst | — | — | found at the Mosrite Ventures Model Owners List |
| 6319 | Sunburst | — | — | found at 12fret.com 1967 Mosrite Ventures Bass (SOLD), price: CDN $1750. Date in ad is wrong. |
Mosrite Ventures bass – type 5
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6xxx | stripped, has been Candy Apple Red or met. blue, sold in parts | no date | unreadable | 2pu, trussrod nut at headstock, duckfeet tuners, routing for 1pu-body with additional routing for switch |
| 6411 | Sunburst | — | — | neck only |
| no number (lost in refret?) | black | Jun 13 1966 0004 | — | 2 pu, routing for 1pu-body with additional routing for switch, neck pu changed, pg modification |
| 6432 | red, refinished red, refinished white | Jun 13 1966 0005 | Apr 19 1966 0002 | 2 pu, normal routing |
| 6445 | red | — | — | sold July 2011 at heritageauction: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Model Red Electric Bass Guitar, #6445 |
| 6451 | red | Jun 16 1966 | — | found at the Mosrite Ventures Model Owners List – picture here at facebook: My 1966 Ventures bass #6451 |
| 651x | blue met. | — | — | |
| 6542 | natural | — | — | replacement tuners, no neckplate |
| 6597 | Ink Blue | no date | no date but s/n handwritten, "Carrillo" | pot dates 66-23; pictures at hyperguitars: Mosrite '66 The Ventures Bass |
| 6666 | stripped, stained | — | — | — |
| 6673 | Candy Apple Red – stripped, stained | — | — | sold 2011: 1966 Mosrite The Ventures Model Bass guitar w/hard case |
| 6723 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
| 6728 | black | — | — | neck black, no logos at headstock |
| 6781 | Ink Blue | — | — | eBay November 2016: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Blue Carved Top w/OHSC RARE, BIN 1995 USD or best offer. Date in ad is wrong. |
| 6795 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | — |
| 6806 | Sunburst | — | — | sold April 2011 at heritageauction: Mid-1960s Mosrite Ventures Sunburst Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar, #6806 |
| 6812 | Candy Apple Red, ref. to blond | — | — | found at the Mosrite Ventures Model Owners List |
| 6830 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
| 6858 | blue met. | — | — | — |
| 6868 | CAR, ref. white, ref. CAR | — | — | eBay February 2017: '66 vintage Mosrite bass---beautiful!, refinished, remade headstock logos, remade pickguard, non original case – starting at 910 USD, BIN 1200 USD. |
| 6872 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
| 6874 | Sunburst | — | — | near mint, pictures here at mosriteforum: Mosrite Ventures Bass Mint: SOLD!!. |
| 6893 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | eBay April 2018: 1960s MARK-1 Bass Mosrite F/S from Japan, 4,1kg, BIN 2512 USD. |
| 6899 | Sunburst | — | — | — |
| 6911 | Seafoam Green (ref.) | — | — | found at talkbass.com FS: 1966 Mosrite Ventures Bass |
| 6928 | maroon met. | — | — | found at the Mosrite Ventures Model Owners List |
| 6929 | red | — | — | tuners changed |
| 6969 | blue met. | — | — | — |
| 7012 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | thanks to J.R. for the info! |
Mosrite Ventures bass – type 6
| s/n | color | neck-date | body-date | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6984 | Sunburst | — | — | sold in parts, eBay ad here: Mosrite 1966 Sunburst Mark Bass Body & Neck |
| 6996 | Sunburst | — | — | sold April 2012 at heritageauctions: 1967 Mosrite Sunburst Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar Bass Serial # 6996. Phase switch has been added along with additional wiring and duct tape. Pots date late 1966. One strap button is a non-original Fender style replacement. |
| 7023 | Sunburst | — | — | |
| 7069 | black (ref.) | — | — | re-shaped headstock, replacement tuner, Redburst neck |
| 7104 | stripped | — | — | |
| 7112 | Candy Apple Red | — | — | |
| 8x36 (?) | red ref. | — | — | painted red (except for headstock's face), frets removed, bridge pu changed to P-90 |
| R030 | medium blue | — | — |
The Ventures model — bass
The early 70s: B-I
1971–1974
B0014–B0556
approx made: 600
Mosrite V-1 Bass 1971–74
| s/n | color | note |
|---|---|---|
| B0001 | Redburst | pickup cutaway for bridge cover; thanks to B.B. for showing me |
| B0014 | Sunburst | tuner changed |
| B0039 | Redburst | |
| B0041 | Sunburst | |
| B0063 | Sunburst | |
| B0107 | black | |
| B0122 | black | signed by C.J. Ramone, replacement tuners; for sale April 2017 here: Mosrite Ventures Bass 1971 Black, price: 1900 USD. |
| B0138 | Sunburst | |
| B0181 | Sunburst | sold April 2011 at heritageauction: New York Dolls - An Arthur "Killer" Kane Personally Owned and Used Mosrite Bass Electric Guitar (Circa 1960s). Description says "New York Dolls - An Arthur "Killer" Kane Personally Owned and Used Mosrite Bass Electric Guitar (Circa 1960s). A Mosrite of California by Semie Moseley, custom-made by Moseley specifically for Kane, sunburst body, white plastic scratch plate, rosewood neck, silver dot inlays, serial number B0181, cover removed from pick-ups; with a black hard case where one of Kane's business cards still resides; consigned directly by Kane's widow, Barbara Garrison Kane; included with a 'Letter of Provenance' from her. (Please note there are dents and dings on body due to use.)". Actually it's made in the early 70ies 😉 |
| B0242 | Sunburst | |
| B0250 | Candy Apple Red (ref.?) | neck Candy Apple Red, headstock's face Sunburst |
| B0331 | black | pictures here at photobucket |
| B0401 | Sunburst | pots 1377037 (CTS, 37th week of 1970), for sale in 2012 here: VINTAGE EARLY '70'S MOSRITE BASS |
| B0417 | black | |
| B0448 | Sunburst | Very clean, for sale October 2017 at Reverb: Mosrite Bass late 60s, perhaps early 70s...in lovely shape. for 1500 USD. Serial number hard to read on the pictures. |
| B0556 | Sunburst | Grover style tuner |
| X011 | Sunburst |
The Ventures model — bass
The early 70s: B-II
1971–1974
2B0058
approx made: ?
Mosrite V-2 Bass 1971–74
| s/n | color | note |
|---|---|---|
| 2B0058 | Sunburst | eBay May 2017: 1970's Mosrite Ventures Electric Bass Guitar - Semie Moseley made in USA, BIN 1150 USD. |
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last modification: April 22, 2018