Need help buying my first!

[sloop_john_b]

Okay, so I would eventually like to get myself a new USA Mosrite (or perhaps even a vintage one, when I learn more about them), but for now, I've all but decided to go with a Fillmore-made Japanese one. Before I start dropping a lot of cash into these guitars, I need to be sure they suit my style, my band, etc. The Japanese ones seem like an excellent place to start.

Now for the important question - Where do I buy them??

[sloop_john_b]

Oh, and in my introduction thread, a member suggested Hallmark guitars. Living in the Rickenbacker world, any knockoffs are not taken kindly to, so I'm a bit hesitant to buy something without the Mosrite name on the headstock. Any opinions on Hallmark vs. Japanese Mosrite?

[Strat-o-rama]

This is going to be interesting. If it were any other forum, questions like these would start a flame war, but luckily, you have a great bunch of people who will explain the unusual circumstance of what is a Mosrite.
A purist would say the only real Mosrite is one made under the guiding hand of Semi Moseley, and anything else is a clone. Just because it says "Mosrite" on the head stock,does not exclude it from being a clone, and with Uncle Semi having departed for that great gospel show in the sky, there are no more real Mosrites. Luckily again, there are some Excellent clones (yes, pun intended) made by at least a couple of companies in Japan, and the Hallmark clone, while not an attempt to duplicate an original completely, does have Uncles Semi's fingerprints on it in a way...
This USA Mosrite from Fillmorwe being sold through Front Porch sounds intriguing. Any clue as to the price?

[sloop_john_b]

This USA Mosrite from Fillmorwe being sold through Front Porch sounds intriguing. Any clue as to the price?

Yes, in fact. $2,995 list, and I was told to take 45% off that.

[gplayer]

Too bad, you missed an opportunity to try out the Hallmark's when you were at the Geek Fest. You would have your answer. Although I am very pleased with my hallmark, I would never try to compare it to the real thing. I knew when I chose the Hallmark that I wouldn't put that kind of coin(for a Japanese Mosrite) into a guitar Semie had no hand in making. So, I took a chance on the Hallmark, for less money. I'm not disappointed.
But, if you have your mind set on a "Mosrite", especially having played one, you might want to go with what you know. JMO

[sloop_john_b]

So where could I buy a Japanese one?

[gplayer]

The only place I know of, for new,(legally) is Ed Roman's. Somebody else may know of a backdoor.

[Strat-o-rama]

I have pretty much the same sentiments as gplayer. Never having played a real Mosrite, I took my chances on a Hallmark 60 Custom for under a grand. It's a great guitar, a true player, and as Danny said, a lot of bang for the buck.

[GattonFan]

Hallmark is as good as any clone being built today ... I recommend it as a highly playable guitar. But "real" Mosrite is usually only attainable on an eBay auction. Some of us have put together guitars made from NOS Mosrite parts obtained from a Canadian supplieer. Might be another option for you.

Dennis

[surfing-matze]

well - I guess - you won't be disappointed with any of the options (Hallmark Custom, Fillmore, Kurokumo, Vintage Mos). having big hands and long fingers my choice was clearly the hallmark because of the wider fretboard at the nut.

I really enjoy my custom 60. The PUPs sound not as bright as the classic mosrite sound - it does not have as much "squack" as somebody in the forum called it. If necessary this can be changed by Ed Elliott's PUPs. But it also sounds great stock.

so these are 2 differences - and a matter of taste, which one might be the one for you.

good luck
surfing-matze