Mosrite Mark XII Model 12 String Solid Body Electric Guitar (1967), made in Bakersfield, California, sunburst lacquer finish, alder body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
Nothing says "California Cool '66-7" more than a Mosrite 12-string! This somewhat rare and very hip 1960s electric 12-string Mosrite Mark XII would have been right at home on the Sunset Strip, or indeed in any garage in America in that just pre-heavy era. While the more common six-string Mosrites of this type typically carry the "Ventures Model" logo on the headstock up through mid-1968, the 12-strings seem to only have been so marked for a comparatively brief period. After mid-1966 it disappears; maybe Semie Moseley realized that 12s weren't covered in the endorsement deal and he could avoid paying royalties on them!
The Mark XII shares a stylish liquid-art solid-body with its 6-string sisters, decked out in a vibrant sunburst finish with the trademark "German curve" carved around the edge. The main difference is the much longer headstock. Ventures-era appointments include a cool mint green nitro pickguard, Mosrite logo pickups and knobs, proprietary switch tip, elaborate adjustable roller bridge, and double line Kluson tuners on the black-faced headstock. The neck finish matches the body, a cool touch discontinued around this time. The body and neck do not have visible date stamps, but "Helen" is penciled into the neck pocket and the serial number die-stamped as well. The pots are dated to the 47th week of 1966, suggesting the guitar was assembled sometime in early 1967.
The Ventures model 12-string was is one of the better solid-body models to emerge from the Beatles/Byrds-influenced 1964-5 12-string fad. Still, it is fairly rare, built in much smaller numbers than the 6-strings, estimates being around 700 total. The typically Mosrite very fast, slim neck and super low action make this one of the most playable of all electric 12s. The model was also available with the Moseley vibrato (as a more expensive catalog option) that can tempt the player into microtonal psychedelic effects; this one has the stock solid metal/wood block tailpiece and enjoys far more stable tuning as a result! This Mark XII remains a very stylish piece of '60s California cool...paisley shirt and tinted granny glasses optional!
Overall length is 41 1/8 in. (104.5 cm.), 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1/16 in. (2.7 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 in very clean condition, all original except for replaced strap buttons. The finish shows some dings, dents, and chips overall, but has a great patina with totally unfaded vibrant color to the 3-tone sunburst. The original frets are very low and flat (Mosrites originally came that way) but show very little wear, and this is an excellent player with a versatile and fairly hot sound for a 12-string. It is still housed in the original rectangular HSC. Excellent Condition.
