It didn't always look like this. . .
Bob Regan with his 1957 Mosrite Special in its original form.
Bob Regan billed himself as the "worlds fastest guitar player". He was
half of the duet "The Canadian Sweethearts" the other half was
Lucille Starr. They had a few minor hits and played the west coast
country scene. Semie Moseley made Bob two custom guitars. First was
this doublneck and the second was a triple neck. As with other Moseley
custom guitars Semie always wanted to "update" them whenever they
came back to the shop for repair or adjustment.
I noted that in one photo,
the pickups were replaced. The Carvin AP-6 pickups were replaced with
Mosrite pickups, porobably in the very early 60's. Then, sometime also
in the early 60's, a major re-do was performed. No photos have emerged
of this version but it was obvious that the guitar itself show the major
alterations
around the neck sockets that were re-carved, new heads were
created
and probably new pickguards and a new Vibramute tailpiece
installed. It also got a sunburst paint job. The original had a red burst.
A similar update was given to Larry Collins doubleneck.
So in my restoration I had to reverse the later updates and
bring it back to 1957.
When I got it. . . . . . .
It looked like this.
The white pickguard that came with it was from some other
Mosrite doubleneck. None of the screwholes lined up.
These are the areas that were re-carved in the early 60's make over and had to be corrected.
Filling pickup holes that were cut for Mosrite pickups.
This pickguard was close but a better photo was found so
a new one was made.
Pickguard, Sleeve guard and contour fillers were made.
Guitar was totaly rebound.
A Semie Moseley exclusive was the Violin tailpiece. Was decoration only.
This is the second and more accurate pickguard
made for this guitar after a better photo became
available. Thanks to Deke Dickerson.
Handmade tremolo with vintage Fafnir bearings.
The slot head screws are authentic and the bridges are
Rickenbacher type modified with ebony saddles with a
fret wire on top as were originals. All the pickups are the
'real deal' vintage Carvin AP-6 as was also on the original.
Contour fillers for pickup and bridge
Must change mid-sixty's heads back to the original '57 type.
Recreating original headcaps.
Both heads were squared off, blocking glued on and recut
to the 1957 configuration. Maple veneer laminated to the
backs of the heads to make them homogenous.
Crushed mother of pearl inlay matched original.
The heads are complete except for the lettering.
Most parts have been pre fit. Ready for the finish dept.
Grain simulation painted on body to hide pickup
holes that were filled and other areas that
required filler and would be visible under the
top coat.
Started the color process with the rim.
The color is on. Now the process of building up the
lacquer starts.
All the lacquer coats have been applied. About a month drying time and
then the color sanding and buff out.
ASSEMBLY
Almost complete. The only thing left to do is have the octave tailpiece
chrome plated. There are many more photo of the individual parts that
were hand constucted. I didn't keep track of all the time invested but it
took over a year to complete. I thank David McCarthy for putting his trust
in me to restore this historic instrument.
Please view the separate FINISHED PHOTOS page.