Mosrite Super Custom '65

Late 90's Japanese Mosrite grey market reissue. It's made by the same folks that made the Excellent and is a fairly accurate repro. It's heavier than the 2002 Excellent I have but has a harder, much more scratch-resistant pickguard and more authentic tuning keys. Like the Excellent, It has the M hat knobs, ridged but without the notches on the brim. It reads "Mosely" on the base of the vibrato unit. The color is total fantasy, Coral Blue with painted headstock and white pick-up covers. I don't believe any orignal Ventures model came in this color scheme. It has the smaller Ventures logo on the headstock.
The dot markers are just as micro-small as on a '60's Mosrite.
The neck is too thin as any Mosrite.

The sound is dead on in comparison to my two original Mosrites. The electronics are sound with no crackles or hums. The tone and classic look is why I like the Mosrite even though it's not the most playable guitar.

I received this guitar second hand but I don't believe anything was altered. It has excellent action and is better quality all around than either of the original Mosrites I have. The only flaw is the weight. It's about the weight of a '70's strat. I prefer the significantly lighter weight of my 2002 Excellent.

It's durable and solid but lottsa vibrato action will put 'er out of tune. Tuning can be improved with a higher gage string. 9's are out of the question. 10's are reasonable. 11's will keep it in good tune but will pull the vibrato bar down low.

The Japanese grey market Ventures Model Mosrites from Excellent to Royal were extremely well made guitars. For those who don't want to pay above 3000.00 for an original Mosrite, they are a good way to go. And for those who want to protect their original Mosrites, these are good guitars to bring on the road. I've been playing guitar for 35 years and as stated above, have compared this Mosrite to originals and it compares very favorably.