Mosrite Brass Rail Bicentennial Model 1976 Black

1976 Mosrite Brass Rail. Bicentennial placard, S/N 24.  Considered a "standard" model otherwise. My understanding is that these guitars were hand-made from whatever was laying around the Semie's shop, and I've never seen two that were the same, making this a unique instrument.  I have owned since 1993, bought after a music shop owner in SC refused to sell it through most of the 80s.  When he died, this guitar was moved to an affiliated shop in FL, where I snagged it.  She's been a case/closet queen, played in public twice, mostly kept it for sentimental reasons. 

Unique features include a  7-piece fingerboard, with a solid brass rail running the entire length (super light action will never pull up, sustains for days!), zero fret w/brass nut, thick brass control cover, solid steel tailpiece, bridge pickup appears to have a twin-rail design (in 1976!?). Grover tuners.  Standard LP-style tone/volume layout, with Mosrite amp knobs.  Brass selector knob and a phase switch.  All original wiring and controls. Weighs in at 9.6lbs - no surprise with all on the metal on it.  

Her condition is almost identical to how I purchased.  Never dropped.  Numerous chips and nicks, I repaired a few.  Finish came to me with what looks like glitter in the black lacquer on the top, but it looks original so I never tried to smooth it out. Several mars in the lacquer on the heel and headstock from being played/handled/hung on a wall for years.  The green film over the brass rail in the neck is pretty delicate, and was mostly gone when I acquired her.  Two small polepiece covers fell into the pickup, exposing what looks like rail poles underneath.  Can send detailed photos of any damage upon request.

For your comparison, this guitar is included in a catalogue of existing Brass Rail guitars in the Mosrite Forum (mosriteforum.com).

This guitar is a one-of-a-kind, hand-built instrument that still plays and sounds as it did 45 years ago. Be the next to own a piece of unique American guitar history!