M is for… Mosrite
Mosrite guitars are as much a part of surf culture as Volkswagen campers and hot girls in bikinis. They were played by some of the cream of surf guitar - The Ventures and Yūzō Kayama for example - and gave Fender a run for their money in the heyday of surf music.
Founded in Bakersfield, California in the ‘50s by the late great Semie Moseley, Mosrite guitars had distinctive offset bodies, high output pickups and slim neck profiles. The guitars later became associated with famous users like Johnny Ramone (erm, The Ramones) and Kurt Cobain. The company is still in business - visit mosriteguitars.com for more.
M is also for… Mach IV
The Mach IV is a surf-style six-string made by DiPinto Guitars. The guitar is available in hardtail or vibrato-equipped formats in a range of colours. Surfing DiPinto players include Los Straitjackets (silver sparkle Galaxie 4 models), Dick Dale (lefty Belvedere) and The Dead Rocks, Brazil’s self-described "best surf music combo". Big words, Brazilian fellas…