Mosrite Guitar Serial Number Decoder: A Guide for Vintage Collectors
Mosrite guitars are among the most sought-after instruments by vintage collectors, thanks to their unique design, sound, and history. Mosrite guitars were first manufactured in the early 1960s, and were played by influential rock and roll performers such as The Ventures, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Ramone, and Kurt Cobain. However, dating a Mosrite guitar can be challenging, as the company used different serial numbering systems over the years. In this article, we will show you how to decode your Mosrite guitar serial number and find out the year and model of your instrument.
Mosrite Guitar Serial Number Decoder
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Identify the Model
The first step to date a Mosrite guitar is to identify the model. Mosrite guitars were produced in a variety of models, each with its own unique features. The most popular Mosrite models include:
The Ventures: This was the flagship model of Mosrite, named after the famous surf rock band that endorsed it. The Ventures model had a double cutaway body shape, a bolt-on neck, a floating bridge, two single coil pickups, and a zero fret. The Ventures model was available in different variations, such as Mark I, Mark II, Mark V, Mark X, and Mark XII.
The Celebrity: This was a semi-hollow body model that resembled a Gibson ES-335. The Celebrity model had a double cutaway body shape, a set neck, a fixed bridge, two humbucker pickups, and a bound fingerboard. The Celebrity model was available in different variations, such as Celebrity I, Celebrity II, Celebrity III, and Celebrity IV.
The Mark V: This was a solid body model that resembled a Fender Stratocaster. The Mark V model had a double cutaway body shape, a bolt-on neck, a fixed bridge, three single coil pickups, and a vibrato tailpiece. The Mark V model was also known as the Sidewinder or the Combo.
Once you have identified the model of your Mosrite guitar, you can proceed to check the serial number.
Check the Serial Number
The serial number of your Mosrite guitar can provide valuable information about the date of manufacture. However, you need to be aware that Mosrite used different serial numbering systems over the years, and some serial numbers may be missing or illegible. Here are some general guidelines to help you decode your Mosrite guitar serial number:
From 1960 to 1963: The early Bakersfield solid body period. Semie Moseley's serial numbering system was 100 series for the double necks, 1000 series for the single neck models and 000 series for the basses. Serials are stamped in the back of the headstock like Gibson.
From late 1963 to late 1968: The peak production period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped in the fretboard between the 21st and 22nd fret. Most Mosrites from this period also have an assembly date and batch number stamped on the neck and in the neck pocket (bolt ons only). Some also have hand signed signatures of the inspector/builder.
From late 1968 to early 1970: The post-Ventures period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with A followed by four digits.
From early 1970 to late 1972: The Colorado period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with B followed by four digits.
From late 1972 to early 1990s: The revival period. Mosrite guitars from this period have their serial number stamped on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. The serial numbers start with C followed by four digits.
With the serial number in hand, you can consult a Mosrite dating chart to find out the exact year and month of manufacture for your guitar. These charts are available online on various websites[^1^] [^2^] [^3^], and will provide an accurate date c481cea774