[I wrote this article a few months after I visited Danny in Bakersfield, CA in 2007 and purchased the vintage Mosrite he restored. Danny was kind enough to send me photos of this guitar before and after restoration. I might have posted this article in old Mosrite forum but not on this forum. 
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Mosrite Restoration
The magic work of Danny EllisonDanny Ellison is a retired sheriff from Bakersfield, CA, and like myself, a lover of Mosrite guitars. Ellison grew up in Bakersfield during the late 1950s when Semie Moseley first set up a small guitar workshop there. Located just across the street from Ellison's elementary school, Mosrite's workshop was well-frequented by the young Ellison. After school, Ellison would spend his afternoon watching the guitar maker at work. The two soon became friends. In 1965, when Ellison returned from military service, Ellison worked for Semie, learning the craft of painting and finishing guitars.
In 2007, Ellison discovered a 1966 model Mosrite. The guitar was weathered with age and almost beyond recognition. Ellison subsequently decided to purchase the relic, and restore it to its original condition.
The following images are the results of what I call "the magic work of Danny Ellison."
Having worked on a few guitar projects before, as well as having firsthand experience in Mosrite workshop, Ellison had become quite handy in the craft of guitar making.
His previous guitar projects included a Fender Jazzmaster and Jazz Bass made from scratch. Ellison, however, still wished to return to his childhood favorite, the Mosrite.
Subsequently, when he found the vintage Mosrite, Ellison was determined to restore the guitar to its original condition. Like a detective, the former Bakersfield sheriff began the task of researching the history of the guitar. Careful study yielded the exact serial number, component parts, and other specifications: the S/N (4xx9), the dating on the neck and pots, all conformed.
Ellison concluded that the guitar was in fact, the 1966 Mosrite guitar as used by the surf group, the Ventures.
The residue under the neck joint indicated that the original finish was a sunburst color. The neck, body, and basic construction were in fairly good condition. The fret work was above average. The turners were all original and in good working condition.
The pickups were also original, and in working condition. The bridge was functional. The vibrator base unit was fine, the tremolo bar, however, was missing. Ellison therefore decided to replace the trem arm, creating the arm from scratch.
After testing the pickups, Ellison found that the sound quality was still exceptional. The final step that remained was the refinishing of the guitar.
Knowing that the guitar was indeed a 1966 Ventures Mosrite model, Ellison placed the final touches on the guitar: a pair of "Mosrite" and "Ventures" decals, confirming the authenticity of his masterpiece. Even the most experienced collector will have a difficult time discerning the difference.
Danny also restored the original case. He had to remade the missing handle.
Danny Ellison with the restored Mosrite
