New to forum but not to Mosrite/ Photos added
Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 10:00 am
Hello. My name is Wayne. I am new to this forum but not new to Mosrite. I live in central California. I was (keyword "was") the proud owner of a 1963 sidejack, Vibramute, Ventures model. I have attached a pic of me playing the guitar (which should establish its provenance) at a music camp in 1969. (Surf look... time has taken its toll on me...) I 'talked' my parents into buying this guitar around 1965. It was purchased in used condition at Pryor's music store in Visalia (they were an authorized Mosrite dealer at the time) and it came with an 'orange-brown' rectangular case with a bright red orange interior. Unfortunately I do not remember ther serial #. I was smitten by the Ventures style of music and fell in love with both the sounds of these guitars as well as the aesthetics and 'look' of these iconic guitars. I kept this treasure for many years, through a couple of marriages, but in a moment of weakness around 1986-7, I sold the guitar. (if I could only take back time...!) At the time I had no regrets... but... now..? Geez..!
I have often wondered what became of the instrument. I do remember the older gentleman was from Tulare, CA and was a rather tall slender guy. I'm wondering if any of that limited info rings any bells with the Mosrite community? I would like to know what became of it... possibly found its way to Japan?
In 2005 I felt the urge to get back into the Mosrite world. I did an internet search for Mosrite and ran across a link to an older publication from the Bakersfield Californian that referenced former Mosrite employee Bill Gruggett. Capturing my attention I called directory assistance and got his Mom's phone #... is quite a story! Anyway I arranged a meeting with him a few days later. What a really nice gentleman. I shared my 'loss' with him and expressed my interest in getting another Mosrite (no, not a 1963...) and he put me in touch with Bob Shade. I was able to get a later edition Mosrite thru him.
Bill did some work on this guitar for me and I still own it. I must say that I have had the honor an privilege of meeting Bill. He was a legend. I was saddened to hear of his passing several years ago.
There's more... I have since acquired 2 more Mosrites... Around 2007-8 I found a listing on ebay for a 12 string sunburst in Fresno of all places. This was non-Ventures model with the smaller Mosley tremelo and separate roller bridge. Serial # T667
And if that weren't enough I acquired a Ventures sunburst Serial # 4794. Plays like a dream...!
Anyway, just some info about my life experience with Mosrite.
If any of you can help with locating my 1963, I would appreciate it. Thanks!
sorry... don't know the way ta attach pics.. can someone tell me how???
I have often wondered what became of the instrument. I do remember the older gentleman was from Tulare, CA and was a rather tall slender guy. I'm wondering if any of that limited info rings any bells with the Mosrite community? I would like to know what became of it... possibly found its way to Japan?
In 2005 I felt the urge to get back into the Mosrite world. I did an internet search for Mosrite and ran across a link to an older publication from the Bakersfield Californian that referenced former Mosrite employee Bill Gruggett. Capturing my attention I called directory assistance and got his Mom's phone #... is quite a story! Anyway I arranged a meeting with him a few days later. What a really nice gentleman. I shared my 'loss' with him and expressed my interest in getting another Mosrite (no, not a 1963...) and he put me in touch with Bob Shade. I was able to get a later edition Mosrite thru him.
Bill did some work on this guitar for me and I still own it. I must say that I have had the honor an privilege of meeting Bill. He was a legend. I was saddened to hear of his passing several years ago.
There's more... I have since acquired 2 more Mosrites... Around 2007-8 I found a listing on ebay for a 12 string sunburst in Fresno of all places. This was non-Ventures model with the smaller Mosley tremelo and separate roller bridge. Serial # T667
And if that weren't enough I acquired a Ventures sunburst Serial # 4794. Plays like a dream...!
Anyway, just some info about my life experience with Mosrite.
If any of you can help with locating my 1963, I would appreciate it. Thanks!
sorry... don't know the way ta attach pics.. can someone tell me how???
