5-String Mosrite Bass by Semie Moseley for Ben Orr of The Cars

Entertainment & Music — Auction Preview by Aaron Piscopo

The Cars’ “Just What I Needed” was the first song I learned to play.  So, to have this bass in our April 3rd auction is a special treat for me. Consigned directly by Cars drummer David Robinson, we have a custom 5-string Mosrite bass that Semie Moseley built for Ben Orr, the band’s bassist/vocalist.

(image coming soon)

In 1987, with design input from Cars lead guitarist Elliot Easton, three matching red guitars were custom built by Moseley.  One for Elliot himself, one for rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, and this stunning five-string bass for Ben Orr.

When Ben died of pancreatic cancer in 2020, David Robinson acquired the bass from Ben’s estate.  The bass is inscribed on the back of the headstock and reads:

“Made for Benjamin Orr By Semie Moseley 1987/ Thanks Benn”. 

This is also the only known Mosrite 5-string bass!  Very cool!

Aaron Piscopo

Director, Vintage Guitars & Musical Instruments