The Sheik custom electric, luthiers Mike Kelley, John Losch

[markoos]

Backplate:
The Sheik
Mike Kelley, John Losch



Guitar appeared in the July 1979 Guitar Player magazine, in a full-page add for its twin Mighty Mite 1300 Distortion Humbucker pickups



Guitar lived on the west coast back in the mid/late-70's day, and i believe luthiers were from close to there. Never played.

I'm just trying to trace history. Not for sale. I'd appreciate any help i could find.

[Bassassin]

What a stunning instrument!

Have you tried contacting Mighty Mite? It's possible they might have some record of their association with the luthiers that might be helpful.

Jon.

[markoos]

[markoos]

put up a post on Mighty Mite.com's forum, as well as contacting MM. Nothing yet....

[auriemma]

I doubt there is a connection between Mike kelly and Michael Kelly guitars since the MK guitar company were named after the owner's two kids... Michael & Kelly.

[markoos]

Yup...I have conacted michael kelly guitar co (located ver near me as a matter of fact), and found out that exact info. Plus, they have since been sold from owner that named company.....dead end there. Still looking

[Juangrande]

[markoos]

[Juangrande]

Rico just told me John Kay of Steppenwolf fame has one, too, which I did not know.
Somewhere in the 40 year clutter of my music room are pics of the Sheik bass before it went to it's new home in Yurp. If I can find them, I'll post them.
Ya got a rare gem, young man.

[VintAxe]

Hey Juangrande,

I appreciate your contribution. I'm happy to host any images you find of this guitar or it's relatives. Just send them to steve@vintaxe.com and I'll add them to your post.

First hand knowledge is the best

[Juangrande]

Thanks, Steve--the bass was completed in Lake Tahoe, and I have since moved to North Carolina. (six years ago....) Finding the pics may take a few trips to the attic or the garage, but I know I have them on a disc somewhere.
With a little luck, I'll be back soon with the goods.

[ipnews]

John Losch is my husband. He does not recall Nell doing any inlay on the Sheik. John did not do all the inlay because his work is much more detailed and precise than on this guitar. I may post a pic of a work in progress when I'm not so busy.

John's father, the late Fred S. Losch, was a major investor in the operation, but John did not stick with the group for long.

Elizabeth Laden-Losch
Idaho

[markoos]

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[markoos]

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guitar now for sale, btw

[markoos]

bump....any more info out there on this guitar in vintaxe world? I would love to track down the Sheik bass in Scandanavia