Mosrite Nokie Edwards

This is a 1988 model built by Semie when he was in Jonas Ridge N.C.. My particular guitar is serial number 00002 and was hand made by Semie before production. It is signed by him on the back of the headstock. I don't know if the model ever went into full production. It's is mostly a typical Ventures model guitar with two of the famous Mosrite P-90 pick ups, 3 way toggle switch, volume and tone pots that actually work, roller bridge, zero fret, vibramute tailpiece, kluson tuners. It's a heavy basswood body and the finish is a black sparkle. It came with the Mosrite case that Semie was having built for him in Canada at the time. Since it was a limited run and I had the pick of every one that had been built so far (excpet serial 00001) there were no real features to choose from other than color.

The sound is exactly the same as every Mosrite I've ever played. In my opinion they sound best through tube amps. I play mine through a 1970's vintage Fender Pro Reverb. The sound is great for surf of course but since the pick ups are very distinct and the tone pot is linear, a good range of tone is available. There is no noise to speak of even though the pick ups are single coil. The sound is clean but guitar is also great with pedals. I only wish the guitar were not quite as heavy.

This guitar was personally made by Semie Moseley one of Americas greatest luthiers. The fit, finish, and action were perfect the day I bought the guitar and nothing has changed in the 13 years I've owned it. I did ask Nokie Edwards play the guitar to "check it out" and he also thought it was perfect.

The Mosrite is probably (along with the Fender Telecaster) one of the toughest guitar you could bring onto a stage. It's a tank. The finish is hard as nails, all hardware solid as a rock, buttons, pots, everything as it should be. Built to last a lifetime.

When Semie handed me the guitar with the bill of sale he told me that it was guaranteed for his lifetime. Semie passed away years ago so the guarantee is up. It doesn't matter. Nothing on this guitar will probably ever break or need repair. If it does, there are some companies now making clones that might have parts to fit it.

I have been playing guitar for 38 years. I own 14 guitars, basses, banjos, amps, pedals, yaddity yaddity, yadda. The Mosrite guitar isn't for everyone. The "speed" frets make bending notes almost impossible and when you combine that with the ultra low action and thin neck, the feel isn't right for most people. I certainly recommend you don't buy one (unless it's for a museum) without trying it first. If this guitar were lost I almost certainly could not replace it. My only regret about this guitar is that because it's ultra rare and signed by Semi Mosely and Nokie Edwards, I'm most often afraid to take it out of the house.