1965 mosrite

[tycobb73]

I have a freind who lost a brother in an accident. The brother played a 65 mosrite bass. I don't know anything about these bases. It has a neck pickup that is placed slanted and a bridge pickup. Both the pickups look like wide single coils to me but I could be wrong. It has 2 knobs by the output Jack and a switch below the neck pickup. Looks to have a cover over the bridge. The man who died repainted it amateurish psychedelic style. I like the way it looks but I'm guessing kills the value. This would actually be a good thing for my freind as after years of missing it has been found and being offered to him for $1000. If anyone can tell me about this bass, including but not only it's value, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Mastermold]

Sounds like the "Ventures" style bass. Got any photos?

 

[Bass V]

couldn't resist googling and found this 'cherry' example for reference Mosrite Ventures Bass 1965 Custom Color Strawberry Red

 

[tycobb73]

I appreciate it. The problem is people can ask what they want. Unfortunately it doesn't show recent sales.

 

[Bass V]

I appreciate it. The problem is people can ask what they want. Unfortunately it doesn't show recent sales.

I doubt there are very many sales at 1K+

 

[Axstar]

Mosrite gear is popular in Japan, where The Ventures were very popular. There might be collectors out there. OP’s bass might have the factory finish under the psychedelics.

 

[Mastermold]

I doubt there are very many sales at 1K+

For refinished I could see it priced that low but original finished sell over $2k.

 

[bobyoung53]

These guys were God to me when i was a kid, all Mosrite guitars and bass:

 

[tpaul]

You should be able to search on eBay for completed auctions under the advanced search option. That would give you an idea about the value. The refin should devalue it considerably.

 

[Bass V]

For refinished I could see it priced that low but original finished sell over $2k.

how often does that happen? the necks make toothpicks seem chunky!

 

[RickBlair]

If the headstock says "Ventures Model" on it it will be more valuable to collectors. If it just says "Mosrite of California" it would have been built after the Ventures endorsement ended. The paint job hurts the value but the amateur refinish might be able to be removed if the original paint is still intact.

There is obviously a lot of sentimental attachment to this bass. If you could get it for $700, stressing the non-original paint it would be a pretty good deal. Despite what some posters have commented here Mosrite basses are still popular and sought after.

The 2-pickup Mosrite bass is a very versatile instrument. It really doesn't sound anything like you would expect given the pickup placement.

Rick B.

 

[godofthunder59]

I had one of these years ago . Good build quality for the time, super thin neck. The pickups are unremarkable sounding, rather tame if I remember correctly. If the psychedelic paint job is well done I would leave it as a period piece.

 

[Mastermold]

I love mine, it’s a post Ventures ‘72.

 

[Mastermold]

how often does that happen? the necks make toothpicks seem chunky!

Flat and thin neck yes but super stable. I get along well with it.

 

[Mastermold]

I had one of these years ago . Good build quality for the time, super thin neck. The pickups are unremarkable sounding, rather tame if I remember correctly. If the psychedelic paint job is well done I would leave it as a period piece.

The pickups are pretty hot on mine, great E string on a short scale too.

 

[pbass74]

Guitar Center in Hollywood has one for sale. Go to their website and search under used gear for Mosrite. Why would I know this? I saw it recently when I was looking for information on these basses. I have a nice copy made by Aria from about 1973 which I inherited from my Father in law. Picture for fun only--not a real Mosrite. By the way--it's a short scale bass in case you weren't aware of that.

 

[Gizmot]

I’ve seen some Mosrites for sale at guitar shows for $4,000 or more. Ventures models are being offered at around $5,000. I don’t know if many are being sold but there are probably a few collectors of them who might spend a couple of thousand.

I owned an original Ventures model around 1970. The music store I worked at bought the last 400 guitars and basses Mosrite had in inventory for $75.00 apiece with hard shell cases and I thought it looked and played well for that price. I sold it in less than a year and made a handsome profit

 

[Jazz Ad]

They are rare and sought after so at any price they will eventually sell.
It's hard to give appraisal without at least a pic but if the bass works it's at least Worth 1000.

 

[johnson79]

If the only issue is the repaint then $1000 doesn't seem too far off. I'm not a Mosrite expert, but from what I've seen over the years that would seem to be a decent price. If it's an earlier model then that's a great price, if it's a 70's then maybe a little high due to the refinish. If you're able to get some photos or a year that would be helpful.

 

[ezstep]

I had one, and I agree completely with godofthunder. Thin neck, very "playable," but.... Do. Not. Want.

Good luck with your sale. Let us know the results.