[I am not an expert nor pretend to be one.  I just used information I gathered from internet or books when I collect these guitars]

Guitar models used by The Ventures

First of all, here is a brief history everyone is familiar with....

The Ventures was founded by Don Wilson and Bog Bogle in the late 1950's.  In their early years, The Ventures used Fender Stratocasters, Fender Jazzmasters and Fender Precision bass then switched to Mosrite guitars / bass in early 60's. They switched back to Fenders in 1966 after stopped endorsement of Mosrite. The lead guitarist; Nokie has used many types of guitars from Jazzmaster, Mosrite, Telecaster, Tony Hunt, Gibson etc. and finally his own brand HitchHiker.

(Stratocaster, Jazzmaster, Precision Bass)


(Jazzmaster)


During the 1960s, a California guitar manufacturer, Mosrite developed and marketed an uniquely styled futuristic-looking electric guitar.  The Ventures band utilized  "The Ventures Model Mosrite".  on Ventures in Space (1963), one of their most influential albums because of the unique guitar sounds.





Although The Ventures had stopped endorsing Mosrite guitars just a few years after, The Mosrite guitars have been extremely popular in Japan.



In the mid 1990s (1996), Fender issued a limited edition Ventures signature series of guitars consisting of a Jazzmaster, a Stratocaster, and a Jazz Bass, all with specifications determined by the band. Fender also released a Nokie Edwards Signature Telecaster in the same year.  All these guitars / bass were made and marketed in Japan.

Trio of 1996 Fender Ventures Tribute


1996 Fender Nokie Edwards Telecaster


Aria Guitars in Japan and Wilson Brothers Guitars have subsequently issued Ventures signature model instruments.

(Aria / Wilson Brothers Ventures Models)


Wilson Brothers Guitars have been marketing a few Mosrite inspired Ventures model (most of them are made in Korea & China):


Nokie Edwards also designed and have been marketing his own "HitchHiker" guitars


I will share with everyone how the above history have influenced my guitar collecting.

To be continued...