Photo at left shows the various
components being test fitted.

One of the very unique features that first appeared on a few of Semie's remodeled Gibson's of the early 50's and on the original double-necks is the contour filler under the pick guard and sleeve guard.

Another unique item is the simulated "violin" tail piece. Introduced on one of the early iterations of Joe Maphis'

The pickups are a major part of the "Maphis" sound. Carvin (Keisel) pickups are what were used on the original double-necks. These are getting extremely hard to come by. Buddy Dughi has re-molded the covers from an original and has commissioned exacting duplicates of the spools and winding to be made by Bob Shade for his double-neck now under construction.

Shown, original Carvin pickup with reproduction cover.

A word of thanks to two special people that got me started again making these guitars.

Deke Dickerson that resurrected my second doubleneck, originally made for Ernie Odum in 1959. He restored it and toured world wide, exposing this fascinating, over-the-top guitar to thousands of people that may have never seen one before, or, reminding the fans of Joe Maphis and Larry Collins of a time past.

Because of Deke, I started making a new doubleneck in my spare time (SN003). I think it was about 1999. I worked on it for years. . . never quite finishing it (until lately). Enter Buddy Dughi.

Buddy Dughi, leader of the Hot Rod Trio, lead guitar of Suzy Q and her Be-Bop Boys (which features his beautiful wife Suzy). Buddy is an intense collector and historian of Joe Maphis and all things doubleneck. I'm not sure how many doublenecks Buddy has at present (He recently divested a mint condition Mosrite JM65) but supplies most of the instruments for the doubleneck extravaganza that Deke Dickerson puts on at his Guitar Geek Festivals the last few years.

Buddy, being a friend of Deke Dickerson had seen the recent restoration of the TNM Custom doubleneck. I guess it was something that he would like to have because he started calling me to get one built for him. He was very persuasive, after a few calls I said I would make him one. I thank him now for his persistence. Making these replicas of Semie Moseley's masterpiece is an honor and has given me a retirement that couldn't be more fun. . I am proud to carry on the tradition.

I build these guitars as a tribute to my mentor Semie Moseley and to my guitar picker idol, Joe Maphis. May they both rest in peace.





 
   

THE MAPHIS -
Demonstration instrument, built to represent the very first version of the Mosrite
guitars of Joe Maphis and Larry Collins in the mid fifty's. Semie later modified Joe's
 to the classic "M" head, 3 on a side design that is now ever associated with MOSRITE.

 



The very first Mosrite heads seen on Joe Maphis' and Larry Collins'.

Final head cap design for the Buddy Dughi Doubleneck, now finished and delivered, replicates the
"M" heads that appeared on the 2nd version of the Joe Maphis double-neck. The second version is
what I believe to be the most recognizable and desirable version although the 6 on-a-side is
available as well. Later versions and modifications just didn't work for me.

Meticulous attention to detail . . .topped off with the magnificent Grover Imperials

 

Single neck version? When I get caught up on current
consignments I will make a single neck with all the cool
stuff.

    
 Update - This Photoshop mock-up is very close to the
new Town Hall guitar.