SEMIE MOSELEY’S JOE MAPHIS II 1960’S MOSRITE ELECTRIC GUITAR!
A very rare offering. This was actually Semie Moseley’s own Joe Maphis II guitar.
During Semie Mosley’s last production years at Jonas Ridge, NC guitar production went on very slowly. Semi often worked alone and often completed only a few guitars a week. Semie had his ups and downs in the business; bankruptcy, moving to several locations and a car accident that nearly lost him his leg. During his years at Jonas Ridge, NC he had struggled to continue his guitar manufacturing and through a local college program, contracted a business backer that became a close and personal friend of Semie and his wife Loretta.
When Semie passed away this friend purchased 5 of Semie’s guitars from Loretta to remember him by. Even though he did not play guitar he kept the 5 guitars for over 20 years in memory of his friend Semie. Then in his senior years he decided it was time to pass them along to musicians who will enjoy them and play them again.
As a musician and guitar collector, I was fortunate to buy the 5 guitars as a collection.
This one is a very nice example of the Joe Maphis II model, dating to the 1960’s. It is in excellent overall condition. The neck is thin and the action is fast. The frets are low, ribbon-like with no dents or divots, just as Semie left it, see photos. It comes with its original Mosrite, faux alligator, case in good overall condition (some stains and scuffs and a Delta Airlines sticker when Semi traveled with it.)
I have done nothing to the guitar other than wipe it off, oil the tuners, lightly oil the fretboard with natural vegetable oil (I do not believe in using commercial products that often contain petroleum distillates and artificial ingredients) and replace the strings (the original strings will be included). It plays and sounds excellent. The chambered body gives the guitar a bit of a woody tone. The case was missing the handle when I bought it, so I replaced it with an exact fit, high grade leather handle, keeping the original metal brackets intact.
Semie was not only an important figure in the history of American guitar manufacture, but an accomplished musician who loved gospel music. This guitar is of historical importance and should be in a museum.
It is truly a spiritual experience to play this guitar. You will really feel the vibes. She plays and sounds awesome.
I am including, as provenance, copies of the following documents I received when I purchased the guitar:
1. A one page letter written by Semie's partner address to me explaining his relation with Semi and listing the 5 guitars with descriptions and serial numbers of each.
2. A 2 page business contract (September 1989) between Semie and his partners and signed by all parties.
3. 4 Various letters (1990's) from the Mosrite Company, pertaining to expenses an guitar production, to Semie's partner, signed by Loretta.
4. A period Mosrite Guitars business card.

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Price is firm.
PP&I is not included in price.

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