In 1978, I bought a gorgeous deep cherry brand new '77 Ibanez Howard Roberts jazzbox (nicer than the Gibson model of the day) from Rudy at Chicago Guitar Gallery. I will always regret selling it (along with my '70 Les Paul Personal and my '69 Jazzmaster) in 1997 when I decided that seven guitars was "too many"! Grrr... I'm riddled with guilt to admit that somewhere around 70 guitars are hanging in my man-cave these days...
I forgot to mention that I do own a pearl white Hallmark Sweptwing, so I'm edging into Mosrite territory...it's a fabulous-sounding guitar!
The Light Show project is based on an offset body profile. I am finally getting first samples from a new factory is Asia, sometime in the next week or so. It's been a long time coming, but fingers crossed that it will be available (in six-string or bass versions) in Late Spring 2011. Hoping to have a 12-string version soon after that.
Photos, for those who haven't seen them yet:
Story has it that Semie took Rossmeisl's "German carve" detail and used it on the Mosrite bodies. It's an eye-catcher and, aside from the wacky upside-down profile and cocked neck pickup, one of the first things I noticed about the first Mosrite guitar I saw.
The original Mosrite body design is one of a very few classic electric guitars with perfect proportion, detail and execution. For such a complex marriage of visual cues, it's amazing and shows no bad angles or weak details. Genius throughout! I'd say there are less than a dozen original guitar designs, and it's right up there with the Tele, Strat, SG, Rick Capri and Cresting Wave solid bodies in the top echelon of creativity. I also think that original Mosrites look best in sunburst trim. White guard, black pickup housings, perfect! The vibrato unit and roller bridge are also lovingly designed and flawlessly executed. Built like a tank.
Thanks for the warm welcome!
What a joy to have read your intro and other comments too.......that blue acoustic is gorgeous! ......Howard Roberts? He is my favorite jazz guitarist...probably along with Johnny Smith........
