Mosrite Combo Mark I Model Model Thinline Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1968), made in Bakersfield, California, serial # H-1102, Metallic Red finish, maple body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, black hard shell case.
While historically the Mosrite name is most associated with the solidbody Ventures model, there were also several interesting hollowbody Semie Moseley designs produced in the later '60s. This "Combo" model is a slightly simplified variant of the earlier Joe Maphis signature, built with a top carved with a German curve rim over a thinline hollow body. This thin-body but fully hollow guitar was named for "combining" solid and hollow body principles. The fittings are standard period Mosrite including the "Moseley" vibrato tailpiece, adjustable roller-saddle bridge, black-plastic covered pickups and a slim neck with super fast action. This guitar has original Japanese made tuners, something also seen on Gibson and Guild guitars in this period.
The Combo models were not introduced until fairly late in the company's original run. The six-string version carried a whopping big $498 price tag on introduction in 1967, reduced to $398 on 1968 price list which was still a lot of money at the time. This particular guitar has a vibrant metallic red finish on the body similar to Fender's Candy Apple shade. The pots are dated to early 1968 so it was likely built less than a year before the Mosrite company's first collapse in early 1969. This is an often overlooked but high-quality, good-sounding 1960's guitar, with a more rounded mellow twang than the popular solidbody Ventures model Mosrite, and all the same features at a considerably lower price!
Overall length is 42 in. (106.7 cm.), 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This guitar remains largely original with some general wear, including a decent sized swath of finish worn off on the back from what must have been a very abrasive belt buckle! The rest of the original vibrant metallic red finish is better preserved, with dings, dents and chips and some heavier chipping wear to the overcoat over the upper edge binding. The neck finish is cleaner than the body, with only minor wear.
Structurally the guitar is excellent, with no damage or visible repair. The hardware is original except the knobs are later Tele-style replacements. The pickups, wiring and Moseley Vibrato/roller bridge units are all stock. It has been refretted with much larger wire than the tiny, flat Mosrite spec so is a more comfortable guitar than many of these to the average player, if not "correct" vintage feel. Everything works as intended and this is a good if somewhat underappreciated '60s guitar, fine sounding and surprisingly handy for its size. Very Good + Condition.
