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Average Price: $1,195

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Dive into the retro surf-rock vibe with the Mosrite Ventures, a guitar that captures the essence of the 1960s in both style and sound. Originally born from a collaboration between Mosrite and the iconic surf band The Ventures, this electric guitar is a nod to a golden era of music. With its distinctive high-gain pickups, the Mosrite Ventures delivers a punchy and dynamic sound, perfect for those seeking that classic rock 'n' roll tone.

The guitar's super slim neck offers an effortlessly smooth playing experience, allowing for quick transitions and nimble fingerwork. Its unique tremolo system adds an extra layer of versatility, enabling expressive bends and dives that can elevate your performance. Whether you're a collector eyeing a piece of music history or a musician in search of that signature sound, the Mosrite Ventures is a standout choice that brings vintage charm and modern playability together in harmony.

Key Features:

  • High-gain pickups for a dynamic and powerful sound
  • Super slim neck for fast and comfortable playability
  • Unique tremolo system for versatile sound expression
  • Classic design inspired by the iconic 1960s era
  • Collaboration model with surf-rock legends, The Ventures

Product specs

Brand Mosrite
Model Ventures
Finish Deep Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Red, Sunburst
Year 1964 - 1968
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Mosrite Ventures guitar?

The Mosrite Ventures guitar features a slim neck profile, which is known for its fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck for quick fretboard navigation.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Mosrite Ventures pickups?

The Mosrite Ventures is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, punchy tone with clear articulation, making it suitable for surf rock, rockabilly, and other genres requiring a crisp sound.

Is the Mosrite Ventures suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Mosrite Ventures is more suited for advanced players due to its unique design and specific tonal characteristics, which may require some experience to fully appreciate and utilize effectively.

Does the Mosrite Ventures guitar have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Mosrite Ventures features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects commonly used in surf rock and other genres.

What is the body shape of the Mosrite Ventures guitar?

The Mosrite Ventures features a distinctive double cutaway body shape with an offset design, providing easy access to higher frets and a unique aesthetic appeal.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

1965 Mosrite The Ventures 00792

Video thumbnail for 1965 Mosrite The Ventures 00792 by frettedamericana

1965 Mosrite The Ventures 00792

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1963 Mosrite Ventures Model and '64 Custom Deluxe Reverb by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1963 Mosrite Ventures Model and '64 Custom Deluxe Reverb

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Mosrite Ventures Model Signed by The Ventures | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Mosrite Ventures Model Signed by The Ventures | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Why so many Rockstars picked up Mosrite guitars /// 1964 Mosrite Ventures & 1976 Ampeg V-4 by Walt Grace Vintage

Why so many Rockstars picked up Mosrite guitars /// 1964 Mosrite Ventures & 1976 Ampeg V-4

Walt Grace Vintage

Walt Grace Vintage

Video thumbnail for Mosrite Ventures Model (1966) | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Mosrite Ventures Model (1966) | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for 1966 Mosrite Ventures played by RJ Ronquillo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1966 Mosrite Ventures played by RJ Ronquillo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Blues Guitar Licks - 1965 Mosrite of California Ventures Model (515) 864-6136 by Lawman Guitars

Blues Guitar Licks - 1965 Mosrite of California Ventures Model (515) 864-6136

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1967 Mosrite The Ventures Model by Imperial Vintage Guitars

1967 Mosrite The Ventures Model

Imperial Vintage Guitars

Imperial Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mosrite Ventures.

Build quality

  • 1960s Mosrite Ventures models feature very narrow necks at 1.550" width at the zero fret, with low "speed frets" measuring 0.070" wide and 0.022" tall on the low E side.

    Source
  • The Ventures model incorporates a flipped Stratocaster body outline, Rickenbacker-inspired German Carve, and a Bigsby-based tailpiece, showcasing its eclectic design influences.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Original Mosrite Ventures pickups have adjustable screw pole pieces with magnets underneath, providing a tone between a Telecaster bridge pickup and a P90.

    Source
  • Mosrite pickups are uniquely designed, with dimensions 0.400" shorter than P90s, offering a tone between Fender and Gibson styles.

    Source
  • The 24.50" scale length resulted from Mosrite's use of a fret slot cutting machine acquired from Standel, retaining its unique scale.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Ventures Live in Japan 65 album is an example of the Mosrite tone, offering a tonal range not as "wet" as a Strat pickup but beefier than a Fender.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Hallmark 65 Custom guitars, priced around $1,000, closely replicate Mosrite Ventures models but use a 24.75" scale and potted pickups, differing slightly from originals.

    Source
  • Hallmark Guitars' versions of the Ventures model offer more modern neck and fret specifications, making them more accessible to contemporary players.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that 1960s Mosrite Ventures models have a unique tonal signature, described as a balance between a Telecaster bridge pickup and a P90, suitable for surf and punk styles.

    Source
  • Owners suggest trying a 1960s model before purchasing due to its notably narrow neck, which may not suit all players' preferences.

    Source
  • Owners find the unpotted single coils deliver a unique sound, though the thin neck can be a drawback for some players preferring a thicker neck profile.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Vintage Mosrite Ventures models often need increased action to compensate for worn "speed frets," as fret dressing isn't feasible due to their low original height.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • 1960s models' "speed frets" are ideal for sliding but challenging for bending, a design adjusted post-1973 to improve playability.

    Source
  • Re-fretting requires extra care to preserve the serial number stamped on the fretboard, a detail crucial for maintaining historical authenticity.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using fretwire between 0.075" to 0.078" wide, filed down to Mosrite's original 0.070" size, for optimal re-fretting results.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Classic Gear: The Mosrite Ventures Model | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Mosrite Ventures model stands out with its unique design and a warm, bold tone that truly embodies the spirit of surf rock. Its slim neck and zero-fret nut cater to fast playing, making it a joy for guitarists seeking speed. However, while it boasts an appealing aesthetic, its limited market presence and the overshadowing popularity of brands like Fender and Gibson raise concerns about its long-term desirability. Overall, the Ventures is a nostalgic piece of musical history but may not satisfy every player's needs in today's diverse guitar landscape.

positive

FLASHBACK: Vintage ’66 Mosrite “Ventures” Guitar | Performer Mag

performermag.com

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jerry Cantrell uses Mosrite Ventures

Jerry Cantrell

Singer, Guitarist

Alice in Chains

...
Verified via YouTube

Appears only in the " What the Hell Have I " Music video

See how Johnny Ramone uses Mosrite Ventures

Johnny Ramone

Guitarist

Ramones

...
Verified via Photo

When recording the first Ramones album in 1976, John used a studio guitar: a 1965 - early 1966 Mosrite Ventures model in Blue.

John also had another Ventures model in Red which he occasionally used in the 1980s. It was modified to his specs.

See how Mike Campbell uses Mosrite Ventures

Mike Campbell

Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:13:26 in this interview with Gibson's The Collection series, Mike Campbell discusses his Mosrite Ventures model guitar with a white finish.

See how Molly Miller uses Mosrite Ventures

Molly Miller

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Miller's Mosrite Ventures can be seen. The guitar was acquired around 2016 at Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles, CA.

See how Kjartan Kristiansen uses Mosrite Ventures

Kjartan Kristiansen

Guitarist, Composer

DumDum Boys

...
Verified via Photo

Kjartan's main live guitar since the early 2000s. It's a red Mosrite Ventures copy built by a Norwegian luthier.

See how Daniel Jamet uses Mosrite Ventures

Daniel Jamet

Guitarist

Mano Negra

...
Verified via Photo

In a photograph taken during a concert of the French band "Mano Negra", Daniel Jamet can be seen playing a red Mosrite Venture guitar. He notably used this guitar during the song "Sidi H'Bibi" as shown in this video filmed during a concert in Pigalle (Paris) in 1989 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdOx5Zbl41A&list=RDGdOx5Zbl41A&start_radio=1).

See how Merle Allin uses Mosrite Ventures

Merle Allin

Guitarist, Bassist

Murder Junkies

...
Verified via Photo

A photo of him holding a Mosrite Ventures

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mosrite Ventures, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson J-200
Gibson J-200 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1

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