New Mosrite of California USA S.M. Model 1977-78

New Mosrite of California
1977 - 1978 S.M. (Semie Moseley) Model — (Unofficial Name)

So. Much. Mojo. If you're looking at this you likely know what it is. Or more exactly, you know all the mysteries, stories, and questions about it. Here's what the Mosrite online forum says about the "S.M." model:

"Six-String Guitar similar in Les Paul-style shape, with the same outlines of the Blues Bender and Brass Rail models. These do not have a German Carve, and they have single coil pickups. 84 or fewer are estimated to have been built. Info on this model is sparse, but it appears to have been one that was easy and simple to build when Semie Moseley was low on funds from 1977 to 1978. Only 80 of these are supposed to have been made under the Mosrite name, plus 3 or 4 prototypes under the "Moseley" name. However, the highest number for the Mosrite version may be only 16. The story goes that former Mosrite employee Ed Elliott also got a box of Mosrite parts in 1978 and assembled some S. M. models from them."

This Particular Guitar:

This is a slab body (most likely basswood) with a signature set of Mosrite pickups, Ventures style neck with the "the New" moniker style headstock, zero fret, Mosrite pickups and original tailpiece.

The history of this particular guitar is anyone's guess. I had heard it lived in someone's closet for many decades before coming on the market, but I question that because it has obviously had some work done over the years. Specifically, the bridge is not original and has been modified to fit the original bridge posts, and the pickups have stickers which indicate they were re-wound/re-built by a shop (Tone Master) in NY. Others have questioned if the finish, scratch plates, and knobs were original. I honestly don't know! What I can tell you is that I replaced the clear, plastic knobs which came with the guitar with vintage Vox aluminum knobs which were often used on Mosrites from that era (the plastic knobs will be included too), and I also will include an authentic, NOS Mosrite bridge that SHOULD fit the current, original specs of the guitar posts. It is lightweight at about 7 lbs 3 oz, is setup with a fresh set of .010s and has clean electronics.

Now to more important things, this guitar both plays and sounds fantastic, all while being an actual, authentic relic. Actions is low and the neck feel is wide but thinnish and a comfortable joy to play. Fretting is effortless. It's truly unique. Only the zero fret has wear that I can see. The guitar body and neck have assorted chips and dings from use, but all is solid, functional, and eminently playable. Like many guitars of this era, there is a noticeable drop off in output when playing clean and switching from neck to the bridge pickup, but all three positions are usable and sound great to me. With overdrive? Wow. Really. It's got a full attitude growl with equal output across all positions. It's a classic and punk rock machine in that respect.

That's about it. Your chance to own an affordable, rare piece of history that has aged into a fantastic instrument. Comes with modern TKL hardshell case.