• From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Topic: SERIAL NUMBERS:HOW OLD IS YOUR GUITAR

Very detailed information can be found in the BLUE BOOK FOR ELECTRIC GUITARS.
I have a GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM, and the seller who needed instant cash, one of the reasons why I started collecting.
The serial number is 880047, if I look at the SERIAL numbers of a GIBSON, this should be already produced in 1967.
Did they start to REPRODUCE in 1967, I always was told that the first year of reproduction of a GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM was 1968.
Can someone help me?

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
- MY GUITAR PLAYS EVERY STYLE = BLUES, ROCK, METAL, so I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT.
[color=blue]Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.[/color]

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  • G S E
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  • From: Detroit Lakes , Mn , USA
  • Registered: 2008-01-30
  • Posts: 330

Re: SERIAL NUMBERS:HOW OLD IS YOUR GUITAR

Hi Doc ,
   In my experience Gibson
was notorious for using somewhat random serial number systems . At least on the older ones . The best bet is to take the serial number along with the physical characteristics and date it that way . I have what I have nailed down to be a 1947 L-50 .( By using four different reference manuals ),
in my small collection .
   The earliest guitar I have is a very nice Kay violin guitar
( with scroll headstock ) that
is stamped # 4 inside ..........

" Just reading the lyrics , it's hard to hear the song , but if the words tug at the heartstrings......it's enough for now........... "
  • From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Re: SERIAL NUMBERS:HOW OLD IS YOUR GUITAR

Thanks
Because of this "mystery"I wrote an email to the gibson company, and a few hours later an answer
Dear Dr. Philips,
Thank you for your interest in Gibson guitars.
The serial number refers to a guitar from 1967.  However, we always start making "new" models already in the year before, just before its official (re-) introduction, which is 1968 in this case.
That the guitar is from 1967 is thus very well possible.
A link added: The specifications of the guitar should be as mentioned on the following webpage:
http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/gibLP68p3.php

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
- MY GUITAR PLAYS EVERY STYLE = BLUES, ROCK, METAL, so I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT.
[color=blue]Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.[/color]

gitaardocphil's Website