Mosrite Doubleneck Solid Body Electric Guitar (1967), ser. #2J467, black tolex hard shell case.

Mosrite Doubleneck Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1967), made in Bakersfield, California, serial # 2J467, sunburst lacquer finish, basswood body, maple necks with rosewood fingerboards, black tolex hard shell case. Nothing says "California Cool '66-7" more than a Mosrite 6/12-string doubleneck! This is a fairly well-used example of a somewhat rare and very hip 1960s Semie Mosley creation would have been right at home on the Sunset Strip, or indeed in the hands any overly ambitious garage band in America in that just pre-heavy era. Mosrite was one of the very few companies offering a 6/12 doubleneck as a standard catalog instrument, and apart from the special ordered Gibson was the finest pro-grade instrument of its type at the time. The more common six-string Mosrites of this type typically carry the "Ventures Model" logo on the headstock into 1968, while the doubleneck is usually marked as the "Joe Maphis Model" in honor of Mostite's early twin neck endorser. This instrument carries neither logo, Just "Mosrite of California" on the twin headstocks. The serial number and features suggests 1966-7 assembly. This guitar is actually fairly handy, for a twin-neck! It combines the features of the Ventures-style Mk I and Mark XII guitars on a single stylish if slightly truncated liquid-art solid body, decked out in a deep sunburst finish with the trademark "German curve" carved around the edge. Ventures-era appointments include Mosrite logo pickups and knobs, unique switch tips, elaborate adjustable roller bridges and 18 double line Kluson tuners on the black-faced headstocks. The neck finishes match the body, a cool touch discontinued not long after this time. The 6-string has the proprietary slinky Moseley vibrato unit,, while the 12-string has (thankfully!) a solid block wood and metal tailpiece. Three switches offer one or both necks on, and a pickup selector for each. The necks themselves are slim and fast, with the low flat frets characteristic of Mosrite and the truss rods adjusted from the headstocks. This is a true '60s relic but also a quite functional instrument, one of the more practical double-neck guitars ever offered.Overall length is 42 1/4 in. (107.3 cm.), 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.). Width of nut is 1 9/16 in. (40 mm.)., 11.65 lbs. This guitar is fairly well used for one of these, and appears to have actually been somebody's gigging instrument, from the looks of it. it shows a decent amount of wear overall but has a great "reliced" patina with still strong color to the 3-tone sunburst. It is still largely original (except for some of the wiring rig) and remains a good playing instrument, if a bit worn in. The body finish has noticeable checking top and back with numerous dings, dents and scrapes overall, one large spot on the back in particular. The neck finishes are cleaner in general, with some less intrusive dings and dents. The 12-string neck has the back center seam re-sealed, a solid repair but one which can be felt while playing; the neck was not oversprayed or refinished when it was done. The 6-string neck is comparatively clean; the binding on each has some shrinkage cracks but is not deteriorating. The electronics appear to have been re-worked quite a bit over the last 50+ years but have been cleaned up and function as intended. The plastic-covered Mosrite pickups are original, the tone pot is from 1968 and the volume pot is more recent. The three Switchcraft switches appear original (with the correct Mosrite-specific metal tips) while the fairly complex wiring rig has some splices and re-soldering so is something of a mix-and-match. There is some extra chiseling in the cavity under the switches; we have seen weirder things inside old Mosrites but cannot say for sure if this was done originally or later on. All external hardware remains original including the tailpieces, bridges, tuners and even proprietary Mosrite strap buttons. The metal parts show some wear but nothing tragic. This guitar remains in very playable condition on both necks; the original frets are very low and flat (Mosrites originally came that way) but show only light wear. As vintage doublenecks go this is an excellent player with a versatile and fairly hot sound, particularly compared to many a 12-strings. It is housed in a more recent rectangular HSC that fits well. Overall Very Good + Condition.