1965 Mark II Ventures Model

[Desert Surfer]

Hi, everyone: I just got a 1965 Mark II Ventures model (see photo), supposedly all original except the case. If any of you see anything differently, please let me know.






I love this guitar except the "Surf Girl" decal. I was told I can remove it by applying hot towel on it and peel it off carefully... Will this peels off the original paint? Or should I have my guitar tech guy does this for me? Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

[MWaldorf]

Nice guitar, congratulations! Be aware that even if you successfully remove the hula hottie, there may be a ghost image from the difference in light exposure in the red paint over time.

[Desert Surfer]

Thanks, Mel: I will take this guitar to my guitar tech guy this weekend and see if he can do something. If not, I guess I have to live with that girl for a while...

[dubtrub]

Vincent,

You can easily remove that decal by using a small brush and brush on a heavy coat of Naphtha. Naphtha is availabe at most hardware stores in the paint department or any store that sell cigarette lighter fluid for those old Zippo lighters. Lighter fluid is pure Naphtha (usually called Ronson lighter fluid) and it will penetrate the decal and dissolves the adhesive. It will not hurt the finish or the plastics on a guitar. Luthiers have been using it to clean guitars forever.

Also, Naphtha works great for removing those hard to remove labels stuck on the bottom of virtually everything you buy.

BTW, great looking guitar. I've never met a Mosrite I didn't like.

[Desert Surfer]

Thanks a lot, Danny. I wil show everyone photo if I get rid of her...

This guitar has a little brighter tone than your 66 Ventures model. Personally, I prefer the warmer tone. But it is good to have a different voice among my Mosrites.

[Bushers]

Thats an AMAZING guitar, though I may be slightly biased!

I do spot an incorrect fwd strap button and a steel switch tip, thought they were still plastic in '65?, minor detail though!! Whats the serial Vincent?

[Desert Surfer]

Thats an AMAZING guitar, though I may be slightly biased!

I do spot an incorrect fwd strap button and a steel switch tip, thought they were still plastic in '65?, minor detail though!! Whats the serial Vincent?

The S/N is B250, so it is a '65 model. I shall research on the switch tip strap button. Thanks, Jason.

I think a steel switch tips were used in 65 according to "Vintage Mosrite" book's photos. (even 63, 64, all steel but shape changed a little, I think) Anyone?

[Bushers]

I thought I heard from someone on here (Dennis?) that the steel switches and nickel Kluson tuners werent used on there 'budget' guitars, though that may well just be related to the Klusons. Someone should chime in..!

[dubtrub]

Actually they were lathe turned nickel plated brass switch tips and yes they were used on those early guitars. The tuners on the 'budget' guitars were Kluson but had the white (Ivory) plastic rather than the nickel plated heads. I believe you will also find an occasional one fitted with the nickel tips as well. Vincent's guitar looks 100% original to me.

[Dennisthe Menace]

Vincent,
That is one sweet Mark V!! It's DEFINITELY an early Model. I think Jason is right as far as the fwrd strap button goes. The strap button doesn't seem to be a lathe type, but more of a Fender type and whoever else used these......By 1964, ALL Mosrites were using the lathe type strap buttons to compliment along with the lathed toggle switch tip and the Vol and Tone knobs.
The ONLY EXCEPTION would be the MARK II. Although they had the Lathed strap buttons and the Jeweled Knobs (lathed), the toggle tip switch WAS a Black Plastic one. Why? Don't know, but the lathed tip would not be used on the Ventures II Model until the introduction of the MARK V, which also by now had the German Carve, and the "no-pole" Pick-ups, which were a lot more like its Big Brother, just w/o the screws. Check out one of Tim's Prized Possessions (Tymguitars.com) which is a MARK II and take note of the strap buttons, the correct Black Tip Switch, and Jewel Knobs (lathed)..........
http://www.tymguitars.com.au/images/My% ... %20076.jpg
http://www.tymguitars.com.au/images/My% ... %20077.jpg
Oh! BTW, I like the Hula Hottie, She gives it "Character."