Mosrite
Since 1952
Founded in 1952 in Bakersfield, California by former Rickenbacker apprentice Semie Moseley, Mosrite is the undisputed icon of American surf rock, garage, and first-wave punk guitar history. Immortalized by The Ventures and later punk pioneer Johnny Ramone, Mosrite instruments are instantly recognizable by their dramatic German carve contoured bodies, ultra-narrow 1.5-inch necks with zero frets and microscopic 'speed frets,' high-output hand-wound single-coil pickups (often measuring 10k–12k ohms), and the silky Moseley vibrato with roller-saddle bridge. From golden-era 1960s Bakersfield originals to sought-after Japanese Kurokumo and Fillmore reissues, Mosrite commands a passionate global following.
74
Years in Business
75K+
Guitars Sold
$6M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Mosrite Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Mosrite guitars.
Mosrite Price Overview
Mosrite covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$2,450
+5.2% vs last year
eBay Listings
140
Active listings
Sold This Month
28
+3.5% vs last month
Price Range
$850-$8,500
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Mosrite Timeline
Semie Moseley Founds Mosrite
Semie Moseley leaves Rickenbacker and partners with Ray Boatright in Bakersfield, California, handcrafting custom instruments in a garage.
The Ventures Endorsement Landmark
Mosrite signs legendary surf group The Ventures, debuting The Ventures Model Mark I with German carve contours and Vibramute vibrato.
Golden Era of Bakersfield Production
Transitions to the patented Moseley vibrato and roller bridge saddles, shipping hundreds of Mark I and Mark II guitars per month.
Johnny Ramone Adopts the Mark II
Johnny Ramone buys a 1965 Mark II slab-body for $50 in Manhattan, creating the high-speed rhythm guitar blueprint for global punk rock.
Japanese Kurokumo & Fillmore Licensing
Japanese builders Kurokumo and Fillmore produce meticulous licensed reissues to satisfy massive Japanese collector demand.
Timeless Offset Royalty
Original 1960s Bakersfield Mosrites and Japanese reissues remain iconic for their unrepeatable twang, zero fret action, and sculptural curves.
Complete Mosrite Product Lineup
A true 1960s Mosrite has a neck faster than any contemporary electric guitar—the 1.5-inch nut width and speed frets let your hand glide with zero drag.
Mark I & The Ventures Model
The quintessential Mosrite featuring the deep German carve top, reverse-offset horns, and high-output single coils.
Bakersfield original with 'The Ventures' headstock script, Vibramute or Moseley tailpiece, and roller bridge.
Kurokumo or Fillmore Japanese-crafted homage offering authentic carve depth and 11k ohm pickup snap.
Mark II & Johnny Ramone Slab Body
Stripped-down slab-body offset designed for high-velocity punk aggression and raw, cutting midrange attack.
Flat-top basswood/alder body without carve, single neck single-coil or mini-humbucker, stop tailpiece.
White finish with black pickguard, Seymour Duncan mini-humbucker bridge mod, and high-friction input jack.
Celebrity & Specialty Models
Hollowbody archtops, double-necks, and signature models designed for country and rock pioneers.
Thin acoustic hollowbody with twin f-holes and dual vintage Mosrite single coils.
Legendary 6-string/12-string or 6-string/mandolin custom build crafted for Bakersfield country picking.
"A true 1960s Mosrite has a neck faster than any contemporary electric guitar—the 1.5-inch nut width and speed frets let your hand glide with zero drag."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Golden-Era Surf & Garage Holy Grail ($3,800 – $6,500 Used)
Bakersfield Serial Stamping
Authentic 1960s Bakersfield instruments have the 4-digit serial stamped into the fingerboard wood beyond the 22nd fret.
Original Speed Frets vs. Refret
Semie Moseley's ultra-low speed frets can be challenging for modern blues benders; pro refrets with medium-jumbos improve playability but may reduce collector value by 15-20%.
Moseley Roller Bridge Function
Check that the individual roller saddles spin freely without grooved corrosion to ensure zero vibrato friction.
High-Quality Stage Workhorse ($1,350 – $1,950 Used)
Kurokumo vs. Fillmore Lineage
Both Japanese builders produced stunning German carves; Fillmore models carry licensed USA lineage, while Kurokumo features exceptional Gotoh hardware.
Zero Fret Tonal Consistency
Delivers uniform open-string ring and razor-thin first fret action without nut binding.
Outstanding Stage Reliability
Modern poly finish and stable neck pocket make Japanese Mosrites far more road-resilient than delicate 60-year-old vintage lacquers.