Mosrites in Gospel Music

[LoveyX]

Here's a picture I downloaded of a Mosrite New Life Bass, appears to be designed for gospel players, very rare from a short production run.
I'm sure there's an interesting story that goes along with it.
Roughly 10 of them were made, 4-6 guitars & 4-6 basses; there were only 8-12 of them produced.
A family owned music store in Tenn. had them made to go along with their stock of guitars and gospel items in order to have a store brand,
something only they would have. There must have been sufficient demand from church musicians and gospel players.
A deal was formed with Semie and Andy (his brother) to deliver the guitars.
So here's what they did. They had some new old stock that were defectives (mostly sunburst; some with cosmetic blemishes).
A new finish of white was applied right over the original finish, the 'New Life' logo was attached, and they delivered them!
I was told they got about $200 each for them. But underneath they are '64 Mosrites, very collectable and worth a pretty penny.
IMHO it appears Semie and Andy were very clever & resourceful in that instance and certainly shows a lot of heart to be willing to fill a niche no one had before or (correct me if I am wrong) no one since has offered an instrument specifically geared to the Christian community.

Lastly, thanks to all of you for the fun pix & great stories, please keep them coming!

[dubtrub]

LoveyX,

Are those basses assembled on a standard guitar body? We've discussed these once before here and there was a lot of confusion if they were actually Mosrite guitars or Asian made. Thanks for the insight. The thing that throws us off was the bridge pickup being set forward and positioned as on a six string instead of back closer to the bridge. Maybe it's the angle of the photo but the body just seems smaller.

[moaimen]

Looks like a mid 1970's style neck on the bass

[dorkrockrecords]

Yep, those are leftover '63/64 bound bodies that were assembled in the '70s by Andy (I'm not sure Semie had anything to do with these). And they shot the finish straight over the binding! The guitars have the folded sheet metal trems like on the Mark II, also remaindered from the '60s. I believe that bass and a matching guitar are owned by Michael Marks.

[Veenture]

Fascinating story that goes with the Mosrite New Life Bass guys! Mosrite history sure is colourful.
Thanks for sharing.

[LoveyX]

LoveyX,

Are those basses assembled on a standard guitar body? We've discussed these once before here and there was a lot of confusion if they were actually Mosrite guitars or Asian made. Thanks for the insight. The thing that throws us off was the bridge pickup being set forward and positioned as on a six string instead of back closer to the bridge. Maybe it's the angle of the photo but the body just seems smaller.

Danny,
Yes I think you are right, the bass body appears to be longer with a greater space between the pickups, the New Life bass pictured may be built on a guitar body.
Of course to be sure I would have to defer to Dr. Michael or maybe Andy?
Kind regards,
Lovey a.k.a. Marty
PS Saw 4 Mosrites today at the House of Guitars in Rochester NY, a sunburst Combo 6-string, a 6 & 12 doubleneck (sunburst also), a Joe M bass & a Celeb bass (both natural).
All 4 appear to be in collector condition, still looking for a player!

[sleeperNY]

Ahh... The Great House of Guitars! That is a great place to go. I live about 2 hours away and make a trip up there about 2 times a year. I have bought 2 gretsch guitars there. They are great to deal with. The last time I was there all they had in Mosrites were a Bass and Celeb. I may have to go check that double neck out.

Jim

[LoveyX]

Jim,

Next time you go to the HOG maybe I can meet you there to check out the Mosrites, I bought my Strat there & I live about 15 minutes away?

But I digress, thanks to everyone who has posted on this subject. Does anyone else have any more Mosrite/Gospel stories or pix? As a church musician/ worship leader (yes who plays mostly chords) for singing Christian Worship, this is a particularly interesting subject. I know Semie really got into it from having heard some of his Gospel songs, he was great! If anyone has any more Mosrites in Gospel Music you can share please do, I'd love to see it!

Thanks again,

Marty

[ElTwang]

Off Topic -> but speaking of House of Guitars

Haha, cool.

[sleeperNY]

That is the place. You have to see it to believe it

Jim