michael saulnier Posted December 13, 2001 Share Posted December 13, 2001 I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard. Nice guitar. (I'm keeping it btw)... Serial # 94037174 So I go to Gibson's website and check out their info on dating your guitar by serial #: http://www.gibson.com/search/serialnumber.html In 1977, Gibson introduced the serialization method that is in practice today. This updated system utilizes an impressed eight digit numbering scheme that covers both serializing and dating functions. The pattern is as follows: YDDDYPPP YY is the production year DDD is the day of the year PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank Electric Guitars built at the Gibson USA plant in Nashville are ranked from 500-999. Prior to 1984, the numbers 001-499 show Kalamazoo production, 500-999 show Nashville production. Examples: 70108276 means the instrument was produced on Jan. 10, 1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument stamped that day. 82765501 means the instrument was produced on Oct. 3, 1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument stamped that day. So, if I'm understanding this right, my guitar was made in 1997, on the 403 day?, in Kalamazoo as the 174th stamp of the day? Ummmm... there's only 365 days in the year right? Do they mean March 3rd? If so why in the first example did 010 mean January 10th? Or in the second example did "276" mean October 3? Was Gibson still making LP's in Kalamazoo in 1997? Neil, if you're out there, or anyone else who knows... What's the scoop on my LP? guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHAN Posted December 13, 2001 Share Posted December 13, 2001 The best way I've found to accurately determine the age of any guitar is to saw off the neck at the 12th fret, and count the rings... http://www.contrabandent.com/pez//contrib/icw/020.gifhttp://www.contrabandent.com/pez//contrib/icw/003.gifhttp://www.contrabandent.com/pez//contrib/sarge/Eye_anim.gifhttp://www.contrabandent.com/pez//contrib/sarge/Eye_anim.gif So Many Drummers. So Little Time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted December 13, 2001 Author Share Posted December 13, 2001 OK, done... There's 37 rings... now what? guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Wing Posted December 13, 2001 Share Posted December 13, 2001 Maybe 010 is the tenth day of Zeroary, and 276 is the 76th day of February. Gotta love those Einstein leap years! There are two theories about arguing with a woman. Neither one works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantasticsound Posted December 13, 2001 Share Posted December 13, 2001 The answer lies in the year of your instrument: 1994 1994 was Gibson's celebration of 100 years since Orville Gibson is known to have been building instruments. All 1994 serial numbers of 8 digits begin with 94, then a ranking number based on the entire year's production. I never looked at the serial number download, but either this information is missing or difficult to find, because this question was asked repeatedly, in my 3 month stint in customer service. It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman Soundclick fntstcsnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted December 13, 2001 Author Share Posted December 13, 2001 Thanks Neil, I was betting that you would have the answer to my question. So if I understand you, I have the 37,174th stamped instrument from 1994? And was it made in Nashville? One more question... how do I glue the neck back together? guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHAN Posted December 14, 2001 Share Posted December 14, 2001 Originally posted by guitplayer: OK, done... There's 37 rings... now what? guitplayer You have to go to a music store and get a new one. That way you know how old it is... So Many Drummers. So Little Time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted December 14, 2001 Author Share Posted December 14, 2001 Originally posted by KHAN: You have to go to a music store and get a new one. That way you know how old it is... No problem Khan, I just glued the two pieces back together, took some digital pictures, and sold it on e-bay for $2500 as a "like new, 100th anniversary issue Les Paul Standard"! guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHAN Posted December 14, 2001 Share Posted December 14, 2001 Originally posted by guitplayer: No problem Khan, I just glued the two pieces back together, took some digital pictures, and sold it on e-bay for $2500 as a "like new, 100th anniversary issue Les Paul Standard"! guitplayer **********PROBLEM ALERT!!!******** I just bought it. So Many Drummers. So Little Time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantasticsound Posted December 14, 2001 Share Posted December 14, 2001 Originally posted by guitplayer: Thanks Neil, I was betting that you would have the answer to my question. So if I understand you, I have the 37,174th stamped instrument from 1994? And was it made in Nashville? One more question... how do I glue the neck back together? guitplayer If memory serves (and you can check Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars), you are correct. Your instrument would rank 37,174th of 1994. The only possible way to approximate the actual date of production would be to call 1-800-444-2766 and ask for the shipping date. Unfortunately, this won't necessarily tell you much. I had a customer ask about a guitar whose serial indicated a September manufacture, and an August shipment. At first I believed one or the other to be a mistake, until I realized the ship date was almost a year later! This isn't usual, but apparently, it does happen. To repair your neck, plant the neck "stub" in moist topsoil (guitar body in the air), add some miracle grow every two weeks, and by spring you should be totally embarrassed that you ever took my advice. (I'll bet you thought I was going to suggest you grow a new neck! Ha, ha! Everyone knows that only works with vintage Tele's, Strat's, and Martins! ) [ 12-14-2001: Message edited by: fantasticsound ] It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman Soundclick fntstcsnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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