1964 Mosrite Ventures Model Vintage Guitar Red Sunburst w/ Vibramute, Case

Up for sale, a 1964 Mosrite The Ventures Model in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This is a notably early and original example of the Mosrite Ventures Model, dating to the first run of bolt-on neck models produced, with features including first generation German carve on the body, smooth knobs and pickup covers, large “The Ventures” headstock logo, sandcast Vibratmute tailpiece, and a rare two-tone Red Sunburst nitro finish finish.

The most popular and enduring instrument produced by the Bakersfield, CA based Mosrite company, the Ventures model was a joint venture between Mosrite founder Semie Moseley and pioneering surf legends The Ventures. The original pickups offer a particularly hot, detailed sound with very present trebles and plenty of midrange warmth and punch. This Mosrite Ventures Model weighs 8lbs 2oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Maple
• Shape: Slender C, measuring .815” 1st fret, .840” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, small dot inlay
• Frets: Slender, leveled and crowned, moderate wear on 1-7
• Scale Length: 24 3/4”
• Nut: 1 9/16”, aluminum, zero fret
• Headstock: “Mosrite of California” text, large “The Ventures Model” logo
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe single-line
• Serialization: Four-digit serial stamped on last fret (dating to Spring, 1964)

Body Specs:

• Wood: Basswood
• Pickups: Single coil x2, neck 10.5k ohms, bridge 10.7k (rewound)
• Harness: Centralab pot dates to 31st week of 1964, CTS pot dates to 48th week of ‘60
• Hardware: Sandcast “Vibramute” vibrato, bridge with roller saddles, smooth knobs
• Plastics: Three-ply mint pickguard, smooth pickup covers

The gloss Red Sunburst nitro lacquer finish is 100% original with no touch-up or overspray, and this finish is significantly rarer than the standard three-tone Sunburst seen on the majority of Ventures Models. This guitar shows plenty of honest playwear, including buckle rash on the back and a number of small dings and chips on the body as a whole, most prominent at the lower bout. There are several shallow marks in the smooth gloss on the neck profile that are not distracting to the palm while fretting.

The original faux alligator hardshell case is included, along with a vintage coily cable. The case handle has been replaced, and the original trio of latches are functional.