Live Auction 2276Country Music Sale
Christie’s roundel
Lot 98

HANK THOMPSON

M0SRITE, A SOLID-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR, JOE MAPHIS MARK I, BAKERSFIELD, CA, CIRCA 1968

Closed3 December 2009

Price Realised

USD 5,000

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HANK THOMPSON
M0SRITE, A SOLID-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR, JOE MAPHIS MARK I, BAKERSFIELD, CA, CIRCA 1968
The headstock bearing the logo M mosrite of California and Joe Maphis model I, the fingerboard bearing the serial number DD23 53 14, the pickguard bears the name Hank Thompson, the neck plate inscribed C2/L-19 Thompson, length of body: 18 in. (45.7 cm) with later case (2)

Specialist note

Hank Thompson, like many country performers, held the guitar wizardry of Joe Maphis in high regard. Both Thompson and Maphis played guitars that had been re-necked by Paul A. Bigsby. With Maphis based in Bakersfield and Thompson in Texas their paths would have crossed in their touring circuits.
Semie Mosrite began his career making double neck guitars for Maphis as well as his protege Larry Collins. He followed this with making instruments for the California band The Ventures which increased his exposure as a guitar manufacturer in the 1960's.