Vintage Mosrites vs. new 'Mosrites'

[ElTwang]

Seems like a lot of you guys on this board own both vintage Mosrites and new(er) clones. To me it sounds like most of you don't think there's a world of difference in sound and performance between vintage and new ones which puzzles me a little bit as I find vintage Fenders and Gibsons way better than reissues - generally speaking, that is. I'm thinking about how a guitar setttles through the years and 'mellows out'.

Is an original 60s Mosrite only uber-cool due to its history and Semie Moseley vibe?

[dubtrub]

You bring up some interesting thoughts. My '64,'66 and my custom clone with the Elliot Mosrite pup's all sound virtually the same to my ears. Yet, I have three Stratocaster's, '62, MIM, and a Parts-o-caster. I have tried at least a dozen different Strat pickups and a multitude of other people's Strat's trying to find one that sounds as good as my '62. They all have that familiar Strat sound, but some are harsh, some dull, some bright and some weaker.

Another thought, it is extremely popular to have a Strat whether old or new to have that beat to heck look. This is not the case with Mosrite's. The cleaner with that unplayed look, the more desirable and the higher the value. People don't look at a Mosrite as having that 'mojo' or 'vibe' as the fanatics have created over Fender guitars. Also, there was a time in the late 60's, 70's and early 80's when a beat-up Fender wasn't worth anything. I think Mosrite's are to be played but are viewed as a piece of art and should be protected and preserved as a piece of Semie Moseley history.

[zak]

To me it sounds like most of you don't think there's a world of difference in sound and performance between vintage and new ones which puzzles me a little bit as I find vintage Fenders and Gibsons way better than reissues - generally speaking, that is.

There's a very simple answer to that question:
Fender is a huge company that prioritizes making a big buck, even if that means cutting corners. People are willing to buy something that LOOKS like a 62 Strat, why make the extra effort to make it feel and sound right?
Mosrites on the other hand, are serious business in Japan, and the extra effort is made to replicate them as accurately as possible.

[ElTwang]

So if that's the 'truth then from a players perspective it'd make totally sense to buy new as everything should work without any issues.

Still I believe that most vintage guitars mellow with the years and gives something different tonally than brand new guitars. For instance some guitar necks feels way better after years and years of gig'ing.

[dubtrub]

Mosrites on the other hand, are serious business in Japan, and the extra effort is made to replicate them as accurately as possible.

So if that's the 'truth then from a players perspective it'd make totally sense to buy new as everything should work without any issues.

'Right on' on both statements unless you just prefer the personal satisfaction of using/playing an original.

Semie had once made a comment, I don't recall where I read it, but basically he said he didn't examine a Mosrite to determine where or when it was made, he appreciated them all.

[MWaldorf]

I think the biggest difference between the new and old Mosrites are the frets. My first Mosrite was an Japanese "Excellent", which, as billed, is an excellent guitar. Later I was lucky enough to get my hands on a '66 Ventures model. The Excellent is an accurate reproduction, with the sound, neck shape and vibrato feel very close to the vintage guitars. However, the old Mosrite frets are a thing unto themselves - barely there. Some people don't like this, but I do, and to me it makes a difference. On the bright side, the Excellents have small frets which could easily be filed down to speed fret size.

[Dennisthe Menace]

Mosrites on the other hand, are serious business in Japan, and the extra effort is made to replicate them as accurately as possible.

So if that's the 'truth then from a players perspective it'd make totally sense to buy new as everything should work without any issues.

'Right on' on both statements unless you just prefer the personal satisfaction of using/playing an original.

Oh, all right ....I know it's an ugly thing that has to be done, So I'll go ahead and volunteer to "remove" all of the old ones,
and the rest of you take ALL of the New Ones......

[dubtrub]

That's awful kind of you Dennis.

If I had to play my vintage Mosrite's full time, I'd probably take up another instrument. I love to collect, have and hold the real deal or better yet vintage, but I can't tolerate those speed frets and the narrow 1 1/2" nut width necks. That's why I started building my on custom clones. Now I have the best of both worlds. I haven't touched any of my Strats or Jazzmaster's since finishing the last two customs.

[Dennisthe Menace]

Danny had posted:

If I had to play my vintage Mosrite's full time, I'd probably take up another instrument. I love to collect, have and hold the real deal or better yet vintage, but I can't tolerate those speed frets and the narrow 1 1/2" nut width necks. That's why I started building my on custom clones. Now I have the best of both worlds. I haven't touched any of my Strats or Jazzmaster's since finishing the last two customs.

......you would love my '88.....

[ElTwang]

......you would love my '88..... [/quote]

Is an '88 just like Danny's customs?