Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,000

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Mosrite Ventures bass is a distinguished choice for bassists seeking a blend of vintage allure and modern playability. Known for its distinctive offset body shape and reverse headstock, this electric bass guitar is a nod to the iconic designs of the 1960s, while incorporating contemporary features that enhance its performance. The Ventures bass is favored for its fast and narrow neck, allowing for nimble finger movement, and is crafted from high-quality tonewoods that contribute to its rich, resonant sound.

Equipped with single-coil pickups, this bass delivers a punchy and articulate tone that's perfect for genres ranging from surf rock to punk. The bass's sound is easily customizable, thanks to its straightforward control layout, which includes volume and tone knobs that allow you to tweak your sound with precision. Its smooth, contoured body ensures comfort during long playing sessions, making it a reliable instrument for both studio recordings and live performances.

The Mosrite Ventures bass is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history, revered by collectors and players alike. Its unique aesthetic and versatile sound make it a standout choice for musicians who appreciate the blend of classic style and modern functionality.

Key Features:

  • Offset body design with reverse headstock
  • Fast and narrow neck for excellent playability
  • Single-coil pickups for punchy, articulate tone
  • Easy-to-use volume and tone controls for sound customization
  • High-quality tonewood construction for rich sound
  • Suitable for a variety of musical styles, including surf rock and punk

Product specs

Brand Mosrite
Model Ventures Bass
Finish Sunburst
Year 1965
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Orange
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Mosrite Ventures bass use?

The Mosrite Ventures bass is equipped with passive pickups, known for their warm and vintage tone, making it suitable for classic rock and surf music genres.

How would you describe the neck profile of the Mosrite Ventures bass?

The Mosrite Ventures bass features a slim neck profile that allows for fast playability and ease of movement across the fretboard, ideal for players who favor speed and dexterity.

Is the Mosrite Ventures bass suitable for beginners?

While the Mosrite Ventures bass offers excellent playability, its vintage design and unique tone may be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players familiar with its classic sound.

What is the body shape of the Mosrite Ventures bass?

The Mosrite Ventures bass features a double cutaway offset body, providing comfortable access to higher frets and a distinctive, iconic look.

What is the primary genre associated with the Mosrite Ventures bass?

The Mosrite Ventures bass is famously associated with surf rock, thanks to its bright and punchy sound that complements the genre's energetic style.

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Mosrite Ventures Bass Guitar

Video thumbnail for Mosrite Ventures Bass Guitar by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Mosrite Ventures Bass Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1967 Mosrite Ventures Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1967 Mosrite Ventures Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960s Mosrite Ventures Bass by Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

1960s Mosrite Ventures Bass

Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Mosrite Ventures Bass Japan 1970s Bass Guitar Demo by Guitarcollectors

Mosrite Ventures Bass Japan 1970s Bass Guitar Demo

Guitarcollectors

Guitarcollectors

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Hallmark Mosrite copy offers closer tone to 60s originals with potted pickups and a 32" scale length versus Mosrite's 30.25" scale.

    Source
  • Hallmark Guitars offer modernized versions of the Ventures model with neck and fret designs accommodating contemporary playing preferences.

    Source
  • Japanese reissues from the 2000s are highly sought after and often considered superior to original 1960s models in terms of build consistency.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the Mosrite Ventures bass has ergonomic challenges typical of Mosrite designs, such as less comfortable body shapes.

    Source
  • The balance of the Mosrite Ventures bass is described as well-balanced, weighing around 7.5 pounds, but some prefer slightly more body weight for better neck positioning.

    Source
  • Owners report that early 60s Mosrites, especially sidejacks from 1962-1964, are revered for their craftsmanship despite mixed opinions on quality control.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Eastwood Univox copy provides a growly bridge pickup output, which some find similar to a Rickenbacker tone.

    Source
  • Mosrite Ventures bass pickups are unique designs, tonally situated between Fender and Gibson, and not P90s due to their shorter dimensions.

    Source
  • Original Mosrite Ventures basses from the 1960s had narrow necks, starting at 1.560" at the zero fret, which widened in the 1970s.

    Source

Build quality

  • 1960s models featured low "speed frets," facilitating neck slides but complicating string bending.

    Source
  • Japanese reissues are noted for improved neck pockets and pickguard cuts compared to original 1960s models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 2000s Filmore reissue was considered a great buy at around 900 AUD (~$600 USD).

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mosrite Basses | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Mosrite Ventures bass, tied to the iconic Ventures band, stands out with its distinct Mosrite profile and craftsmanship from the 60s. While its nostalgic appeal and unique design make it a cherished piece for collectors, its limited production run and the brand's eventual decline in popularity highlight some drawbacks. Perfect for enthusiasts of vintage surf music gear, but may not meet the needs of modern bassists seeking versatility.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Geddy Lee uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video on Dee Dee Ramone, a photo of Lee is shown at 5:00, and just over Lee's shoulder is a Red Mosrite Ventures Bass.

See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist, Bassist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

Troy be seen playing this instrument in the music video for Little Sister.

See how John Entwistle uses Mosrite Ventures bass

John Entwistle

Singer, Bassist

The Who

...
Verified via YouTube

According to TheWho.net on John Entwistle's Gear (1960-1966), John used a Mosrite Ventures Bass Guitar from 1965-1966 while looking for a bass with a sound he liked. He was also recorded using it in the video The Kids Are Alright (linked above).

See how Alain Johannes uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Alain Johannes

Singer, Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Photo

Alain Johannes is shown with his mid-60s Mosrite Ventures bass on Instagram, noting it still has the original flat wounds and delivers an impressive sound.

See how Randy Meisner uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Randy Meisner

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Randy Meisner: A Retrospective
Year: 1960s

Randy Meisner, in a 2003 interview, recalled trading his Mosrite Ventures bass for a Hofner 500/1 while playing with a band called The Poor. This information is documented in "Randy Meisner: A Retrospective," authored by Jessica Buxton under the section "Randy's Basses."

See how Dave Alexander uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Dave Alexander

Bassist

The Stooges

...
Verified via Photo

Although there are pictures of Dave with a Fender Jazz bass in the studio, he is mainly photographed playing a single pickup Ventures bass made by Mosrite circa 1966.

See how Jody Porter uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Jody Porter

Guitarist

Fountains of Wayne

...
Verified via Twitter

At the left side of the photo, Mosrite Ventures bass can be seen lying on the case.

See how Adam Schlesinger uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Adam Schlesinger

Guitarist, Bassist

Fountains of Wayne

...
Verified

In the Google Image result from Pitchfork, Adam Schlesinger can be seen with the Mosrite Gospel Mk IV among his guitars.

See how Lee Dorman uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Lee Dorman

Bassist

Iron Butterfly

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1968 live performance video of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly, Lee Dorman is seen playing a Mosrite Ventures bass.

See how Sam Coomes uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Sam Coomes

Singer, Guitarist

Heatmiser

...
Verified via YouTube

Sam can be seen playing a Red Mosrite Ventures Bass in this performance with Heatmiser in 1994.

See how Kentaro Nakao uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Kentaro Nakao

Bassist

Number Girl

...
Verified via ベース・マガジン |

Mosrite Ventures bass is listed as his gear in this website. He often played it during "Number Girl" era.

See how Arthur Kane uses Mosrite Ventures bass

Arthur Kane

Bassist

New York Dolls

...
Verified via Heritage Auctions

This bass is shown in Arthur’s hands in the movie New York Doll at the 25:51 mark. He plays a few notes unplugged and says, “um, it doesn’t sound like much at the moment.” https://youtu.be/TPqbFcNB3Mo

The bass was auctioned it looks like in 2016, and I provided a link to that auction listing.

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 bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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