For enthusiasts and collectors of vintage guitars, understanding the nuances of specific models and their production timelines is crucial. The Mosrite Celebrity guitar, a distinctive semi-hollow electric guitar, holds a special place in guitar history. This guide, compiled from studying numerous celebrity photos, Mosrite catalogs, and online forum discussions, aims to shed light on the production years of Mosrite Celebrity guitars, helping you date your instrument more accurately. We invite fellow Mosrite aficionados to contribute and refine this understanding.
Unraveling the Production Timeline of the Mosrite Celebrity
Our investigation delves into the production years of the Mosrite Celebrity, breaking down key features and changes year by year. This analysis is based on observable characteristics and community insights, offering a comprehensive timeline for dating these iconic guitars.
1964: The Phantom Year?
Despite occasional listings claiming 1964 Mosrite Celebrity models, evidence suggests that production likely did not commence until 1965. It’s important to approach claims of 1964 models with skepticism unless verifiable documentation surfaces.
1965: The Inaugural Year of the Celebrity
1965 is believed to be the true starting point for Mosrite Celebrity guitars. Early models from this year are thought to have begun with serial numbers lacking letter prefixes, transitioning to “A” series serial numbers later in the year. While rumors of set-neck versions exist, photographic or physical evidence remains elusive.
Key features of the 1965 Mosrite Celebrity include:
- Larger F-holes: Distinctively bigger than subsequent years.
- Treble Side Switch: Pickup selector switch positioned on the treble side horn.
- No Control Plate: Volume and tone knobs mounted directly to the guitar body, without a control plate.
- Knob Transition: While some believe smooth spun knobs were initially used, evidence points towards early adoption of short “Hat” knobs with “M” and “V” or “T” markings. Smooth spun knobs on a Celebrity remain unconfirmed.
- Low Production: 1965 production numbers were likely very limited.
- “R” on Pickups: The circle “R” trademark is believed to have appeared on pickup covers in late 1965.
- No Celebrity-III: The Celebrity-III model was likely not produced in 1965.
The “A” series serial numbers continued into 1966, blurring the exact transition point.
1966: The Patent Tremolo and Production Ramp-Up
1966 marks a pivotal year, largely due to Semie Moseley receiving the patent for the Moseley tremolo on March 1, 1966. This patent date becomes a crucial marker for dating 1966 and later models.
- Moseley Tremolo Patent: Any Mosrite Celebrity with a tremolo system observed to date features the patent number. This strongly suggests that tremolo-equipped Celebrities were produced after March 1, 1966.
- Production Increase: 1966 likely saw a significant increase in Celebrity production.
- Celebrity-III Debut: This is considered the first year for the introduction of the Celebrity-III model.
1967: Knob Evolution
1967 is associated with changes in knob design. The “V” and “T” markings on the hat knobs were reportedly removed. Subsequently, taller hat knobs, still without the “V” and “T,” were supposedly introduced. Further investigation is needed to pinpoint the exact timing and variations in 1967 knobs.
1968: Financial Troubles Loom
The 1968 Summer NAMM flyer still showcased all three Celebrity models, indicating continued production and marketing efforts. However, by late 1968, Mosrite faced severe financial difficulties, culminating in Semie Moseley filing for bankruptcy in early 1969.
1969-1971: Production Halt
Based on current information, it’s unlikely that any Mosrite Celebrity guitars were produced during the years 1969, 1970, and 1971 amidst the company’s restructuring and financial turmoil.
1972: Revival and Redesign
The Mosrite Celebrity resurfaced in 1972, signaling a revival, albeit with noticeable changes.
- Redesigned Control Plate: A distinct “banana” or “apostrophe” shaped control plate was introduced.
- Celebrity-II Discontinued (Temporarily): The Celebrity-II model was absent from the 1972 flyer.
- Last Year for Celebrity-III: 1972 is considered the final year of production for the Celebrity-III.
1973-1974: Further Redesign and Final Years
1973 saw extensive redesigns to the controls and layout.
- Celebrity-I By-Pass Switches: The Celebrity-I model incorporated By-Pass switches.
- Celebrity-II Standard: A Celebrity-II Standard model was introduced, featuring no tremolo and no By-Pass switches.
- Celebrity-II Deluxe: The Celebrity-II Deluxe offered four control knobs instead of two.
- No Celebrity-III: The Celebrity-III remained discontinued.
- 1974 Continuity: Offerings likely remained consistent with 1973.
Evidence suggests that Mosrite Celebrity production ceased after 1974.
Decoding Mosrite Celebrity Serial Numbers
Mosrite utilized a serial number system that can provide clues to the model and potentially the production era of your Celebrity guitar. Here’s a breakdown of observed serial number prefixes and associated models:
- Numbers with no letter prefix: Likely the earliest batches of Celebrities.
- 1c series: Celebrity-I or Archtop models.
- 2c series: Celebrity-II models.
- 2DL: Celebrity-II models.
- 3cseries: Celebrity-III models.
- A series: Primarily Celebrity-I or Celebrity-II, with a rare Celebrity-III example (A0371). Some are labeled as “Archtop.”
- D series: Dobro models (not Celebrity).
- G series: Gospel models (not Celebrity).
- K series: All observed are Celebrity-III models.
- L series: Bass guitars (not Celebrity).
- M series: Mostly Celebrity-II, with one Mobro exception (M0034).
- N series: Bass guitars (not Celebrity).
- P series: 12-string guitars (with only one observed example in this series).
- SPK, SPM, STK: Associated with Celebrity-III and Celebrity-II, but the meaning of these prefixes is currently unclear.
- W series: 12-string guitars.
- Z series: Bass guitars.
Estimated Production Numbers
By tallying the highest observed numbers within each serial number series and assuming sequential numbering, a rough estimate of approximately 5,277 Mosrite Celebrity guitars produced between 1965 and 1974 can be derived. This is a preliminary estimate that may be refined with further data collection.
Your Input is Valued
This guide represents a work in progress, and we encourage the Mosrite community to contribute any information that may contradict, clarify, or expand upon these findings. Sharing your knowledge and observations will help us collectively build a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the fascinating history of the Mosrite Celebrity guitar.
