Mosrite Ventures, black, made in Japan circa 1972. Mosrite was the brainchild of genius luthier Semie Moseley, kicking off in California in the mid 50s. An early 60s endorsement from surf rock superstars The Ventures kicked things up several gears; Mosrite became the most desirable boutique guitars going around. The company has a long and complex history, so ascertaining exactly what model you have in front of you can be a little tricky. Going on the logos on the headstock, pickups and bridge, as well as the aesthetic markers like the knobs, binding, small dot inlays and embossed tuners, this one seems to be a fairly early example made by the Firstman company in Japan in the early 70s. On arrival, the frets were worn well past being playable, so we arranged a full re-fret with our favourite local pro luthier. That means it's now playing very nicely: the neck is straight and comfy, the intonation and sustain is all in order and it's not as much of a wrestle as other examples we've had through. The neck is an interesting shape and typical of the model: slim and round near the nut, without much taper as you move up the neck. It takes a but of getting used to, but it's a lot of fun. The sound on offer is great: the bridge pickup is angular and immediate with a brash attack and heaps of bite, while the neck pickup is dark and gooey with a soulful voice and a pleasing roundness. It will do it's best work slathered with distortion, but the clean tones on offer have a spooky appeal too. These aren't that easy to find around here, so nab yourself a really cool addition to the collection while it's going.

Model: Mosrite Firstman Ventures MkI
Made: Japan, 1970-73 approx (serial missing, 'F' visible on end of the fretboard)
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: alder (not verified)
Weight: 3.765kg
Neck: maple, two-piece centre join, rosewood board, 25" scale length, 16" radius, slim D shape
Mods: re-fretted
Pickups: Mosrite soapbar single coil x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and dimples on the end and some dimples around the edges on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has widespread light dimples and scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The sides have minor dents, dimples and scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The front has scuffs around the tailpiece and elbow area, dimples near the jack and some normal play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have just been replaced by our local pro luthier, 10/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 strings. The trem spring is a little worn and could use replacing if you like the arm to sit high, but it's all functional.