Wij zijn een gitaarwinkel met gitaarreparatie. GCS staat bekend om zijn no nonsense mentaliteit. Iedereen is welkom bij ons! gitaren Custom build Guitar Advies Snaren Gretsch Furch Alhambra Ernie Ball GHS Fender Gibson Setup https://www.guitarchopshop.com/ MijnWebwinkel RSS 2.0 Feed v1.0 https://www.guitarchopshop.com/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/ Wij zijn een gitaar speciaalzaak in Den Haag. Bij ons kunt u terecht voor gitaar reparatie en onderhoud, gitaar onderdelen en alles op gitaargebied! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1456721/meet-gcs/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1456721/meet-gcs/ Sander Bonten eigenaar van Guitar Chop Shop den haag. Een gitaarwinkel waar je terecht kunt voor gitaarreparaties, customizing, onderdelen en advies. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1456733/about-us/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1456733/about-us/ Gitaarspeciaalzaak in Den Haag waar je kwaliteit en service vind. Gitaar reparaties, gitaar onderdelen, elektrische gitaren, tweedehands gitaren. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-2722690/sneak-preview/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-2722690/sneak-preview/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1362116/gcs-repaircenter/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1362116/gcs-repaircenter/ Gitaar reparatie Den Haag. Vakkundig uitgevoerd in onze shop in de Zoutmanstraat door Sander Bonten. Intonatie Intoneren Fretdress Herfretten enz https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-958824/gcs-customs-guitars/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-958824/gcs-customs-guitars/ Trots presenteren wij u onze custom build gitaren, GCS Hot Rodded Traditional's! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4679918/customers-at-guitar-chop-shop/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4679918/customers-at-guitar-chop-shop/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1186423/gcs-hot-rodded-traditional/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1186423/gcs-hot-rodded-traditional/ GCS Hot Rodded Traditional. Custom gebouwde gitaren, door Sander Bonten in de Guitar Chop Shop, Den Haag. Speciale Beatles slagplaat telecaster https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5242852/guitars/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5242852/guitars/ We carry painfully cool Guitars in our Shop!!∙ Custom build : GCS brand: Electric - Strat, Tele and Bass Guitars ∙ New Guitars: Western Guitars , Classical Guitars ∙ Ukeleles: Soprano, Concert ∙ Vintage Guitars & very rare Guitars ∙ Used Guitars: Western Guitars, Classical Guitars, Electric Guitars, Bass Guitars ∙ Consignment Guitars : Western Guitars, Classical Guitars , Electric Guitars (strat, tele, hollow body's ) Travel Guitars, Bass Guitars ∙ Custom build Guitars with used parts : Greybeard brand: Electric Guitars https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5038441/electric-guitars/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5038441/electric-guitars/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4602861/acoustic-guitars/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4602861/acoustic-guitars/ Guild Gretsch Fender Furch Ibanez Rathbone Takamine Washburn Ortega Cascha https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5001449/classical-guitar/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5001449/classical-guitar/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4419528/bass-guitars/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4419528/bass-guitars/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5337833/gretsch-gitaar/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5337833/gretsch-gitaar/ Gitaar kopen Gretsch gitaar White Falcon Black Electromatic Streamliner Grets gretch kopen guitar Gretsch gitaar den haag https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4419675/ukelele/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4419675/ukelele/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4458038/vintage-and-rare-guitars/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4458038/vintage-and-rare-guitars/ Vintage and Rare Guitars https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-3386321/banjos/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-3386321/banjos/ 100% recycled guitar parts, crafted guitar, Grey Beard Guitars, Guitar Chop Shop, low prices, great guitars https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-7525488/banjos/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-7525488/banjos/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5739298/mandoline/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5739298/mandoline/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898283/effects/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898283/effects/ Gitaar effecten bij de Guitar Chop Shop. Neem een kijkje op onze website voor ons assortiment! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1362228/amps/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1362228/amps/ Gitaar versterkers op voorraad in onze shop. Check de website voor het assortiment. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4877006/dr-no/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4877006/dr-no/ https://shop.drno-effects.com/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1983580/s-o-s/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1983580/s-o-s/ S.O.S. "Snaar Opzet Service" Restringing a guitar with small maintenance. Polishing the frets, cleaning and oiling the fretboard, a thorough polish and oiling the machine heads if it's necessary. ... And of course new fresh strings, put on the correct way. All of that starting at €30- including strings! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898289/strings/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898289/strings/ Ernie Ball , Regular Slinky , Skinny Top Heavy Bottom, Super Slinky , Power Slinky , Eartwood, Bass Strings , Flatwound https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201963/elektrische-gitaar-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201963/elektrische-gitaar-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201964/akoestische-gitaar-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201964/akoestische-gitaar-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201965/klassieke-gitaar-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201965/klassieke-gitaar-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201966/basgitaarsnaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201966/basgitaarsnaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201967/ukelele-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201967/ukelele-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201968/banjo-en-mandoline-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201968/banjo-en-mandoline-snaren/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898291/straps/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898291/straps/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-929000/capo-s-slides/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-929000/capo-s-slides/ Fender Capo Shubb Capo Fender Slide Glas Capo klassieke gitaar Capo Staalsnaar Western Gitaar Gibson Ibanez https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898293/tuners/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898293/tuners/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898292/cables/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898292/cables/ Fender Cables , Tweed cables , Angled Cable https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4458257/gig-bag-cases/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4458257/gig-bag-cases/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4458101/guitar-picks/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4458101/guitar-picks/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4458137/guitar-maintenance/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4458137/guitar-maintenance/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898340/the-very-necessary/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898340/the-very-necessary/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898287/guitar-parts/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898287/guitar-parts/ Uitgebreid assortiment gitaar onderdelen! Gitaar reparatie en onderhoud. Check onze website of kom eens langs in onze shop in Den Haag! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898365/pickguards/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898365/pickguards/ PICKGUARDS https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1612214/greasy-groove/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1612214/greasy-groove/ Pimpin` your guitar has never been so easy!!!!!!! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1612442/leather-pickguards/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1612442/leather-pickguards/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898350/bridgepins/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898350/bridgepins/ Guitar Bridge Pins and their effect on tone Most guitars come equipped with standard plastic bridge pins. The job of the bridge pin is to hold the string in place at the bridge, and while plastic pins get the job done, there are several other materials that can greatly improve your guitar`s tone. Bone, Ebony, Rosewood and Buffalo Horn are just some of the better pins on the market today. Some of the improvements you can expect from a bridge pin upgrade are increased sustain, more clarity, and overall volume. Depending on which material you choose, you can also steer your guitar towards more bass or more treble. When using plastic as a reference, I would describe the different bridge pins like this: Tusq can add a moderate amount of treble, sustain, clarity & volume. Bone offers everything Tusq provides, but in bigger doses. Ebonycan add bass and warmth, along with a signifigant increase in sustain & volume. Buffalo Horn sounds almost identical to bone, and is a great choice if you want a dark looking pin with bone tone. Changing your bridge pins can be a fun experiment, its a relatively inexpensive one. The only modification that changes your sound more dramatically is a change in saddle material, which can also be a good idea. Tusq, Bone, Buffalo Horn are also excellent saddle materials, and the above tonal descriptions are also true for saddles when compared to plastic & micarta. Whether you`re looking for that extra bit of tone, or just plain curious - take the plunge and see what you come up with. Your guitar just might surprise you! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898366/switchtips-knobs-pickup-parts/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898366/switchtips-knobs-pickup-parts/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898363/electronics/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898363/electronics/ About Potentiometers 250K audio potentiometer, standard length bushing .375", 3/8" diameter Value: Typically 250K pots are used for single coil pickups and 500K pots for humbucker pickups. The bigger the resistence value, the brighter the sound will be/ less highs will bleed off. 1MEG can be used to make humbuckers sound brighter. Taper: The taper of a pot refers to the way its resistance changes as the shaft is rotated. A linear taper pot will work in a linear way related to shaft rotation. As the human ear is not linear in response to increasing volume an audio or logarithmic pot will work best for volume applications. Shaft: A split, knurled shaft will hold most knobs. Sometimes the knob is mounted using a set screw. You should order a solid shaft pot, or align the set screw with the split for correct mounting. Bushing: The standard bushing diameter is 3/8" or 9,5mm, used in most made in USA guitars. Another industry standard is M8, as used by guitar builders outside of the USA. When space is limited mini pots are used with a shaft diameter of 7mm. The standard bushing length is .375" for inch type pots and 10mm for metric type pots. Using two nuts it is very easy to set the correct bushing length for knob placement. Specially for pickguard (ST, PB) or control plate mount (TE, JB) the .250" short bushing will fit perfectly using only one nut. For use with a thick or carved top (LP USA) you should order a bushing length of .750". CTS is (and has been since the 50`s) a factory standard for most USA brands like Fender and Gibson. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898364/hardware/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898364/hardware/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4521138/lifestyle/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4521138/lifestyle/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898290/merchandise/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-898290/merchandise/ Merchandise Gretsch, Fender, Ernie Ball. Check onze website voor ons assortiment! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1688707/buy-sell-trade/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1688707/buy-sell-trade/ Wil jij je oude gitaar inruilen of verkopen? Dan ben je bij ons aan het juiste adres! Voor mogelijkheden, neem contact met ons op! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-874446/contact-us/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-874446/contact-us/ Heb je aan de hand van onze site nog vragen over onze winkel, werkwijze, producten. Neem contact met ons op! 070 3920088 https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201751/guitar-dating/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5201751/guitar-dating/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1362221/guitar-dating/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1362221/guitar-dating/ Dating Fender, Gibson, Taylor, Martin & Co , Lowden Guitar , Vintage, How old is my guitar, https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503269/fender/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503269/fender/ DATING YOUR U.S. MADE FENDER For most of Fender`s U.S. instrument production history, production dates have been applied to various components.Most notably, production dates have been penciled or stamped on the butt end of the heel of the neck of most guitars and basses, although there were periods when this was not consistently done (1973 to 1981, for example) or simply omitted. Neck-dating can be useful in determining the approximate age of a guitar, but it is certainly not definitive because the neck date simply refers to the date that the individual component was produced, rather than the complete instrument.Given the modular nature of Fender production techniques, an individual neck may have been produced in a given year, then stored for a period of time before being paired with a body to create a complete guitar, perhaps, for example, in the following year. Therefore, while helpful in determining a range of production dates, a neck date is obviously not a precisely definitive reference.Most specifications for a given Fender instrument model change little (if at all) throughout the lifetime of the model. While there have been periods of dramatic change—such as the transition periods between the Leo Fender years and the CBS years or the transition between the CBS years and the current ownership—most models are generally feature-specific and do not change from year to year.Serial numbers are also helpful in determining an instrument`s production year. For years, serial numbers have been used in various locations on Fender instruments, such as the top of the neck plate, the front or back of the headstock and the back of the neck near the junction with the body. Serial numbers were stamped on the back vibrato cover plate on early `50s Stratocaster® guitars, and on the bridge plate between the pickup and the saddles on some Telecaster® guitars.But once again, due to Fender`s modular production methods and often non-sequential serial numbering (usually overlapping two to four years from the early days of Fender to the mid-1980s), dating by serial number is not always precisely definitive.DATING YOUR INSTRUMENTThe chart below details Fender serial number schemes used from 1950 to 1964. Notice that there is quite a bit of overlap in numbers and years. The only way to try to narrow the date range of your specific instrument is to remove the neck and check the butt end of the neck heel for a production date, which may be stamped or written there (if you`re uncomfortable doing this yourself, please refer to an experienced professional guitar tech in your area). SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES Up to 6,000 1950 to 1954 Up to 10,000 1954 to 1956 10,000s 1955 to 1956 10,000s to 20,000s 1957 20,000s to 30,000s 1958 30,000s to 40,000s 1959 40,000s to 50,000s 1960 50,000s to 70,000s 1961 60,000s to 90,000s 1962 80,000s to 90,000s 1963 90,000s up to L10,000s 1963 L10,000s up to L20,000s 1963 L20,000s up to L50,000s 1964 Fender was sold to CBS in January 1965. Serial numbering didn`t change immediately because instruments continued to be made using existing, tooling, parts and serial number schemes. The chart below details Fender serial number schemes used from 1965 to 1976. Notice that there is quite a bit of overlap in numbers and years. SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES L50,000s up to L90,000s 1965 100,000s 1965 100,000s to 200,000s 1966 to 1967 200,000s 1968 200,000s to 300,000s 1969 to 1970 300,000s 1971 to 1972 300,000s to 500,000s 1973 400,000s to 500,000s 1974 to 1975 500,000s to 700,000s 1976 The charts below detail the most common Fender serial number schemes from 1976 to the present. Once again, there is quite a bit of overlap in numbers and years. The only way to try to narrow the date range of your specific instrument is to remove the neck and check the butt end of the neck heel for a production date, which may be stamped or written there (if you`re uncomfortable doing this yourself, please refer to an experienced professional guitar tech in your area). Serial numbers with an "S" prefix denote the 1970s (signifying a CBS attempt to use serial numbers to identify production years); an "E" prefix was introduced in 1979 to denote the 1980s. As seen in the overlap of numbers and years, even these references to actual production dates are rather loose. SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES 76 + 5 digits S6 + 5 digits 1976 S7 + 5 digitsS8 + 5 digits 1977 S7 + 5 digitsS8 + 5 digitsS9 + 5 digits 1978 S9 + 5 digitsE0 + 5 digits 1979 S9 + 5 digitsE0 + 5 digitsE1 + 5 digits 1980 S9 + 5 digitsE0 + 5 digitsE1 + 5 digits 1981 1982 saw the introduction of the U.S. Vintage Series instruments and "V"-prefix serial numbers. The only way to definitively date U.S. instruments with "V"-prefix serial numbers is to remove the neck and check the butt end of the neck heel for a production date, which may be stamped or written there. SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES EI + 5 digits E2 + 5 digits E3 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1982(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) E2 + 5 digits E3 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1983(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) E3 + 5 digits E4 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1984(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) CBS sold Fender in March 1985. Serial numbering didn`t change because instruments continued to be made using existing tooling, parts and serial number schemes. SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES E3 + 5 5 digits E4 + 5 5 digitsV + 4, 5 or 6 5 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1985(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) V + 4, 5 or 6 5 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1986(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) E4 + 5 5 digitsV + 4, 5 or 6 5 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1987(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) E4 + 5 5 digitsE8 + 5 5 digitsV + 4, 5 or 6 5 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1988(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) E8 + 5 5 digitsE9 + 5 5 digitsV + 5 or 6 5 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1989(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) "N"-prefix serial numbers denoting the 1990s were introduced in 1990. The numbers and decals were produced far in advance, and some N9 decals (denoting 1999), were inadvertantly affixed to some instruments in 1990. Consequently, some 1990 guitars bear 1999 "N9" serial numbers. SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES E9 + 5 digitsN9 + 5 digitsN0 + 5 digitsV + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1990(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) N0 + 5 digitsN1 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 v (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1991 N1 + 5 or 6 digitsN2 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1992 N2 + 5 or 6 digitsN3 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1993 N3 + 5 or 6 digitsN4 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1994 N4 + 5 or 6 digitsN5 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1995 N5 + 5 or 6 digitsN6 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1996 N6 + 6 or 6 digitsN7 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 v (U.S. Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 1997 N7 + 5 or 6 digitsN8 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series) 1998 N8 + 5 or 6 DIGITS N9 + 5 or 6 digitsV + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 19991999 "Z"-prefix serial numbers denoting the new millennium appeared on U.S.-made instruments in 2000. Z0 denotes 2000; Z1 denotes 2001, etc. American Deluxe Series instruments use the same dating convention, but with the addition of a "D" in front of the "Z", i.e., DZ1, DZ2, etc. As always, there is typically some number prefix overlap and carryover from year to year. SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES N9 + 5 or 6 digitsZ0 + 5 or 6 digitsDZ0 + 5 or 6 digits (Am. Deluxe)V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 2000 Z0 + 5 or 6 digitsZ1 + 5 or 6 digitsDZ1 + 5 or 6 digits (Am. Deluxe)V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 2001 Z1 + 5 or 6 digitsZ2 + 5 or 6 digits DZ2 + 5 or 6 digits (Am. Deluxe)V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 2002 Z2 + 5 or 6 digitsZ3 + 5 or 6 digits DZ3 + 5 or 6 digits (Am. Deluxe)V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster) 2003 Z3 + 5 or 6 digitsZ4 + 5 or 6 digitsDZ4 + 5 or 6 digits (Am. Deluxe)V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster)XN4 + 4 digits 2004 Z4 + 5 or 6 digitsZ5 + 5 or 6 digitsDZ5 + 5 or 6 digits (Am. Deluxe)V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series except `52 Telecaster)XN5 + 4 digits 2005 The "odd" serial numbers on the chart below exist somewhat outside the more well-known Fender serial number schemes. If you have what you consider an odd serial number, it might appear here. NUMBER DESCRIPTION AMXN + 6 digits California Series electric guitars and basses; 1997 and 1998 DN + 6 digits American Deluxe series instruments; 1998 and 1999 NC(XXXXXX) Squier® Strat Bullets (dating unclear) FN(XXXXXX) U.S.-made guitars and basses destined for export market. Some may have stayed in the U.S. or found their way back (made to Standard Stratocaster specs; dating unclear) I(XXXXXXX) A limited number of these "I" series guitars were made in 1989 and 1990. They were made for the export market and have "Made in USA" stamped on the neck heel. LE(XXXXXX) Blonde Jazzmaster® and Jaguar® guitars with gold hardware made in 1994.Sold as a promotional three-piece set with a Blonde Deluxe Reverb® Amp CN(XXXXXX)VN(XXXXXX) Korean-made Fender/Squier guitars (dating unclear) CA(XXXXX) Gold Stratocaster; 1981, 1982 and 1983 CB(XXXXX) Precision® Bass Special from 1981, CB(XXXXX) Gold Jazz® Bass from 1982 CC(XXXXX) Walnut Stratocaster; 1981, 1982 and 1983 CE(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from 1981;Black and Gold Telecaster from 1981-1982 CD(XXXXX)CO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982 GO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982,Gold Stratocaster from 1982-1983 D(XXXXXX) Jazz Bass from 1982 SE(XXXXXX)SN(XXXXXX)SZ(XXXXXX) Signature Series InstrumentsSE8(XXXXX)-1988, SE9(XXXXX)-1989SN0(XXXXX)-`90, SN1(XXXXX)-`90,SN2(XXXXX)-`92, etc.SZ0(XXXXX)-2000, SZ1(XXXXX)-2001,SZ2(XXXXX)-2002, etc. 3 digits of 500 35TH Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990 G(XXXXXX) "Start" from about 1980,(Gold hardware, two-position rotary tone switch) 4 digits stamped on bridge plate U.S. `52 Vintage Telecaster 1982-1988(Check neck date for specific year) 5 digits stamped on bridge plate U.S. `52 Vintage Telecaster 1988-present(Check neck date for specific year) T(XXXXXX) Tribute series instruments C(XXXXXX) Collectors Series XN(XXXXX) FSRs and `52 Teles _______________________________________________ DATING JAPANESE-MADE FENDER INSTRUMENTS SERIAL NUMBERS CIRCA JV+ 5 digits 1982-1984 SQ + 5 digits 1983-1984 E + 6 digits 1984-1987 A + 6 digits 1985-1986 B + 6 digits 1985-1986 C + 6 digits 1985-1986 F + 6 digits 1986-1987 G + 6 digits 1987-1988 H + 6 digits 1988-1989 I + 6 digits 1989-1990 J + 6 digits 1989-1990 K + 6 digits 1990-1991 L + 6 digits 1991-1992 M + 6 digits 1992-1993 N + 6 digits 1993-1994 O + 6 digits 1993-1994 P + 6 digits 1993-1994 Q + 6 digits 1993-1994 S + 6 digits 1994-1995 T + 6 digits 1994-1995 U + 6 digits 1995-1996 N + 5 digits 1995-1996 V + 6 digits 1996-1997 Crafted in Japan A + 6 digits 1997-1998 Crafted in Japan O + 5 digits 1997-2000 Crafted in Japan P + 5 digits 1999-2002 Crafted in Japan Q + 5 digits 2002-2004 Crafted in Japan R + 5 digits 2004-2005 _______________________________________________ DATING MEXICAN-MADE FENDER INSTRUMENTS SERIAL NUMBERS CIRCA MN0+ 5 digits 1990-1991 MN1+ 5 digits 1991-1992 MN2+ 5 digits 1992-1993 MN3+ 5 digits 1993-1994 MN4+ 5 digits 1994-1995 MN5+ 5 digits 1995-1996 MN6+ 5 digits 1996-1997 MN7+ 5 digits 1997-1998 MN8+ 5 digits 1998-1999 MN9+ 5 digits 1999-2000 MZ0+ 5 digits 2000-2001 MZ1+ 5 digits 2001-2002 MZ2+ 5 digits 2002-2003 MZ3+ 5 digits 2003-2004 MZ4+ 5 digits 2004-2005 MZ5+ 5 digits 2005-2006 _______________________________________________ ODD SERIAL NUMBERS NUMBER DESCRIPTION AMXN + 6 digits California Series electric guitars and basses, 1997 and 1998 DN + 6 digits American Deluxe series instruments, 1998 and 1999 NC(XXXXXX) Squier® Strat® Bullets (dating unclear) FN(XXXXXX) U.S.-made guitars and basses destined for the export market. Some may have stayed in the U.S. or found their way back (made to standard Stratocaster® specs, dating unclear) I(XXXXXXX) A limited number of these "I" series guitars were made in 1989 and 1990.They were made for the export market and have "Made in USA" stamped on the neck heel. LE(XXXXXX) Blonde Jazzmaster® and Jaguar® guitars with gold hardware made in 1994.Sold as a promotional three-piece set with a blonde Deluxe Reverb® Amp CN(XXXXXX) VN(XXXXXX) Korean-made Fender/Squier guitars (dating unclear) CA(XXXXX) Gold Stratocaster 1981, 1982 and 1983 CB(XXXXX) Precision® Bass Special from 1981, CB(XXXXX) Gold Jazz® Bass from 1982 CC(XXXXX) Walnut Stratocaster 1981, 1982 and 1983 CE(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from 1981,Black and Gold Telecaster® from 1981-1982 CD(XXXXX) CO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982 GO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special Walnut) from 1982,Gold Strat 1982-1983 D(XXXXXX) Jazz Bass from 1982 SE(XXXXXX) SN(XXXXXX) SZ(XXXXXX) Signature Series InstrumentsSE8(XXXXX)-1988,SE9(XXXXX)-1989SN0(XXXXX)-`90,SN1(XXXXX)-`90,SN2(XXXXX)-`92, etc.SZ0(XXXXX)-2000,SZ1(XXXXX-2001,SZ2(XXXXX)-2002, etc 3 digits of 500 35TH Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990 G(XXXXXX) "Start" from about 1980 (gold hardware, two-position rotary tone switch) 4 digits stamped on bridge plate U.S. `52 Vintage Telecaster 1982-1988 (check neck date for specific year) 5 digits stamped on bridge plate U.S. `52 Vintage Telecaster 1988-present (check neck date for specific year) T(XXXXXX) Tribute series instruments C(XXXXXX) Collectors Series XN(XXXXX) FSRs and `52 Telecasters https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503271/gibson/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503271/gibson/ DATING YOUR GIBSON Serial Number Configuration and Placement:∙ 1902 to 1908: Rectangular label, no serial number or model name on label, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin on label, date sometimes penciled under top. ∙ 1904 to 1909: Oval label with serial number, no model name, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin: 1904 to 1909. ∙ 1902 to April 1947: Number and model name on white paper label, number range 1000 to 99999: ∙ 1908 to 1932: Hand ink or penciled (some overlap with previous style): ∙ 1932 to 1947: Ink stamped, not penciled. ∙ 1927 and later: Low end models with no serial number. ∙ "Artist" serial numbers used on mid to upper line guitars. No serial number used on lower line instruments (date by Factory Order Number). Instruments with an "Artist" serial number should also have a Factory Order Number by which a date can be cross-referenced. ∙ Number preceded by an "A-" on white oval label: 4/28/47 to 1/12/55. The first number, A-100, was assigned to an L-7 on 4/28/47. The last white label number was A-18750, used 1/12/55. Note white label numbers A-18751 to A-20000 werenot used. ∙ Number preceded by an "A" on orange oval label: 1/13/55 to 2/21/61. The first orange label number, A20001, was used on a F-5 mandolin 01/13/55. The last orange label "A" number was A36147, used 2/21/61. Note the "-" after the "A" was dropped for the orange labels. ∙ No number: 1952 to early 1953 ∙ ink stamped numbers in back top of peghead. First number denotes last digit of year, followed by a space and 4 digits, or no space and 5 digits. No space and 5 digits following the year only occured in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960. In 1955 Gibson forgot to reset their serial number back to #5 0001. Instead they continued the 1954 series, just changing the first digit to a "5" for 1955. For this reason the serial numbers exceeded "5 9999", hence 5 digits and no space following the year had to be used. Apparently production was high enough in 1956 to exceed "6 9999". 1959 & 1960 production was also very high, exceeding "9 9999" and going to "932000" or higher. ∙ 4 or 5 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1961 to 1964. ∙ 6 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1963 to 1969. ∙ 6 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1970 to 1975. ∙ Letter followed by 3 digits, custom shop or limited edition models only: 1971 to present. ∙ Number on decal: 1975 to 1977. ∙ 8 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1977 to present. ∙ Gibson Hollowbody instruments 1947 to 1961:∙ "Artist" serial numbers used on mid to upper line guitars. No serial number used on lower line instruments (date by Factory Order Number). Instruments with an "Artist" serial number should also have a Factory Order Number by which a date can be cross-referenced. ∙ Number preceded by an "A-" on white oval label: 4/28/47 to 1/12/55. The first number, A-100, was assigned to an L-7 on 4/28/47. The last white label number was A-18750, used 1/12/55. Note white label numbers A-18751 to A-20000 werenot used. ∙ Number preceded by an "A" on orange oval label: 1/13/55 to 2/21/61. The first orange label number, A20001, was used on a F-5 mandolin 01/13/55. The last orange label "A" number was A36147, used 2/21/61. Note the "-" after the "A" was dropped for the orange labels. ∙ No number: 1952 to early 1953 ∙ ink stamped numbers in back top of peghead. First number denotes last digit of year, followed by a space and 4 digits, or no space and 5 digits. No space and 5 digits following the year only occured in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960. In 1955 Gibson forgot to reset their serial number back to #5 0001. Instead they continued the 1954 series, just changing the first digit to a "5" for 1955. For this reason the serial numbers exceeded "5 9999", hence 5 digits and no space following the year had to be used. Apparently production was high enough in 1956 to exceed "6 9999". 1959 & 1960 production was also very high, exceeding "9 9999" and going to "932000" or higher. ∙ 6 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1963 to 1969. Gibson Solidbody instruments 1952 to 1960:All models, NO "made in U.S.A." stamped on peghead, 1961 to 1969: . 4 or 5 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1961 to 1964. All models, "made in U.S.A." stamped-on the peghead, 1970 to present. Stamped on the back of the peghead. The "U.S.A." is below the "Made in", which is below the stamped-on serial number. All stamps in the same size type. Used from 1970 to present: Serial Number Configuration and Placement: ∙ 6 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1970 to 1975. ∙ Letter followed by 3 digits, custom shop or limited edition models only: 1971 to present. ∙ Number on decal: 1975 to 1977. ∙ 8 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1977 to present. White label as used from 1908 to 1932.This label is from a 1929 L-4 model. Gibson Non-Hyphen Serial Numbers, 1902 to 1947.∙ Series starts with 1000. Note the format of these serial numbers has NO HYPHEN and NO LETTERS. For a number list with a hyphen and/or a letter, see the previous section under Factory Order Numbers.Year Last Number---- ----------- 1903 1500 1904 2500 1905 3500 1906 5500 1907 8300 1908 9700 1909 10100 1910 10600 1911 10850 1912 13350 1913 16100 1914 20150 1915 25150 1916 32000 1917 39500 1918 47900 1919 53800 1920 63650 1921 69300 1922 71400 1923 74900 1924 81200 1925 82700 1926 83600 1927 85400 1928 87300 1929 89750 1930 90200 1931 90450 1932 90700 1933 91400 1934 92300 1935 92800 1936 94100 1937 95200 1938 95750 1939 96050 1940 96600 1941 97400 1942 97700 1943 97850 1944 98250 1945 98650 1946 99300 1947 99999 (April 28, 1947) "A" style serial numbers as used from 1947 to 1961.Left: Oval white label as used from spring 1947 to January 1955.Right: Orange label as used from January 1955 to 1964. The 1964 to 1969 orange labels are identical, except for the added text "union made". Gibson Serial Numbers for Hollow bodies, 1947 to 1961.∙ "A" series, number on interior label, 1947 to 1961 hollow body models. This "Artist" series serial numbers were only used on mid to upper end instruments.Year Number---- ------ 1947 A-100 (Apr 28) A-411 (Jul 2) A-1146 (Dec 1) A-1304 1948 A-1305 (Jan 8) A-1849 (Jul 2) A-2613 (Dec 8) A-2665 1949 A-2666 (Jan 5) A-3353 (Jul 1) A-4209 (Dec 1) A-4413 1950 A-4414 (Jan 3) A-5456 (Jul 3) A-6312 (Dec 4) A-6597 1951 A-6598 (Jan 4) A-8030 (Jul 2) A-9194 (Dec 3) A-9419 1952 A-9420 (Jan 2) A-11057 (Jul 1) A-12202 (Dec 1) A-12462 1953 A-12463 (Jan 8) A-14332 (Jul 1) A-15883 (Dec 2) A-16101 1954 A-16102 (Jan 5) A-17435 (Jul 1) A-18496 (Dec 1) A-18667 1955 A-18668 (Jan 6) A-18750 (Jan 12, last white label. Note A-18751 to A-19999 not used) A 20001 (Jan 13, First orange label) A 20991 (Jul 1) A 21745 (Dec 1) A 21909 1956 A 21910 (Jan 6) A 23387 (Jul 3) A 24567 (Dec 1) A 24755 1957 A 24756 (Jan 3) A 25899 (Jul 3) A 26695 (Dec 3) A 26819 1958 A 26820 (Jan 6) A 27816 (Jul 1) A 28576 (Dec 1) A 28880 1959 A 28881 (Jan 9) A 30569 (Jul 13) A 31844 (Dec 2) A 32284 1960 A 32285 (Jan 4) A 34068 (Jul 1) A 35252 (Dec 1) A 35645 1961 A 35646 (Jan 3) A 35943 (Feb 1) A 36147 (Feb 21, Last "A" number) Left: The "inked on" serial number on a 1955 Les Paul standard solidbody guitar. This style serial number was used on all 1953 to 1960 solidbody Gibson guitars.Right: The "inked on" serial number on this 1959 Les Paul Junior has no space between the "9" digit (year) and the rest of the numbers. This happened only in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960 when production required a number above "9999", thus occupying the space. Gibson Serial Numbers, 1952 to 1961, solid body models. ∙ Ink stamped number on back top of peghead. The first year of Gibson solidbodies was 1952, and Gibson didn`t use any serial number in 1952. Starting in 1953, the first number is the last number of the year. If the ink stamped number consists of 5 digits, there will be a space between the first and second numbers (separating the last digit of the year from the actual serial number). If there is a 6 digit ink stamped number, there is no embedded space as the serial number has exceeded 9999 and now occupies the place where the space existed in numbers 9999 and lower. No space and 5 digits following the year only occured in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960, and the second digit will ONLY be a "1" in 1955 and 1956. In 1955 Gibson forgot to reset their serial number back to #5 0001. Instead they continued the 1954 series, just changing the first digit to a "5" for 1955. For this reason the serial numbers exceeded "5 9999", hence 5 digits and no space following the year had to be used. Apparently production was high enough in 1956 to exceed "6 9999". Production in 1959 and 1960 was also very high, exceeding "9 9999" and going to "932000" or higher (so a "1" or "2" or "3" could be the second digit in 1959). The Ink Stamped serial number stopped at the end of 1960, though a few 1961 instruments were made with a "1" ink stamped prefix. This is very rare, but seen on a few lap steels (pressed in serial numbers started in 1961 for all Gibson instruments) and a few Les Paul models. One other exception to the above rules is in late 1958 where some Les Paul juniors and specials had a FOUR digit serial (no leading year digit).Year First Number---- ------------ 1952 none 1953 3 1954 4 1955 5 1956 6 1957 7 1958 8 * 1959 9 1960 0 1961 1 (very rare) * In late 1958 some LP Juniors/Specials had a four digit serial number with no leading year digit.Note this style of "Made in the U.S.A." is NOT what is described below.This style stamp was used on instruments exported to Canada during the 1930s-1950s (this is a 1954 LP Junior).Stamped in serial numbers, used from 1961 to 1969. The 1964 number on the left is still a "pressed in" number, though gibson has inked the impression to make it more readable (they started doing this about 1963 or 1964, when serial numbers went to six digits). The number in the middle is from 1964 (on an ES-335), and the number in the right is from 1961 (on an Les Paul TV Special). Note the lack of "Made in USA", thus denoting these are pre-1970 guitars. ∙ Gibson Serial Numbers, Feb 1961 to 1970. ∙ All models, stamped in back top of peghead. No "MADE IN USA" stamp below serial number! Note many serial numbers are duplicated from 1963-1969. In these cases, to figure out which is the exact year for a guitar, see the General Specs section for more details. ALSO note: It is easy to confuse 5 digit and 6 digit serial numbers from this era, and hence get the wrong year for a guitar. That is, 55555 is not the same number as 555555 (but when reading the number off the back of a Gibson peghead, these two numbers do look very similar!)Range Year----- ---- 0100 to 42440 1961 42441 to 61180 1962 61450 to 64222 1963 64240 to 71040 1964 71041 to 96600 1962, a few from 1963/1964 96601 to 99999 1963 000001 to 099999 1967 (all 6 digit numbers starting with "0" are 1967) 100000 to 106099 1963 or 1967 106100 to 106899 1963 109000 to 109999 1963 or 1967 110000 to 111549 1963 111550 to 115799 1963 or 1967 115800 to 118299 1963 118300 to 120999 1963 or 1967 121000 to 139999 1963 140000 to 140100 1963 or 1967 140101 to 144304 1963 144305 to 144380 1964 144381 to 149864 1963 149865 to 149891 1964 149892 to 152989 1963 152990 to 174222 1964 174223 to 176643 1964 or 1965 176644 to 250335 1964 250336 to 305983 1965 306000 to 310999 1965 or 1967 311000 to 320149 1965 320150 to 320699 1967 320700 to 329179 1965 329180 to 330199 1965 or 1967 330200 to 332240 1965, 1967 or 1968 332241 to 348092 1965 348093 to 349100 1966 349121 to 368638 1965 368640 to 369890 1966 370000 to 370999 1967 380000 to 385309 1966 390000 to 390998 1967 400001 to 406666 1966 406667 to 409670 1966 to 1968 409671 to 410900 1966 410901 to 419999 unknown 420000 to 429193 1966 500000 to 500999 1965, 1966, 1968, or 1969 501009 to 501600 1965 501601 to 501702 1968 501703 to 502706 1965 or 1968 503010 to 503109 1968 503405 to 520955 1965 or 1968 520956 to 530056 1968 530061 to 530850 1966, 1968, or 1969 530851 to 530993 1968 or 1969 530994 to 539999 1969 540000 to 540795 1966 or 1969 540796 to 545009 1969 555000 to 557999 1966 558000 to 567400 1969 570087 to 570643 1966 570645 to 570755 1966 or 1967 570857 to 570964 1966 580000 to 580080 1969 580086 to 580999 1966, 1967 or 1969 600000 to 600998 low end models, 1966, 1967, or 1968 600000 to 606090 high end models, 1969 700000 to 700799 1966, 1967 or 1969 750000 to 750999 1968 or 1969 800000 to 800999 1966, 1967, 1968 or 1969 801000 to 812838 1966 or 1969 812900 to 819999 1969 820000 to 820087 1966 or 1969 820088 to 823830 1966 824000 to 824999 1969 828002 to 847488 1966 or 1969 847499 to 858999 1966 or 1969 859001 to 895038 1967 895039 to 896999 1968 897000 to 898999 1967 or 1969 899000 to 899999 1968 900000 to 901999 1970 910000 to 999999 1968 1970`s style stamped serial number with "MADE IN U.S.A." stamp (see blue circle).Notice the volute.∙ Gibson Serial Numbers, early to mid 1970`s. ∙ All models, stamped in back top of headstock. "MADE IN U.S.A." stamped below the serial number in back top of peghead, in the same size type, and on two lines with "U.S.A." below the "MADE IN":Number Year------ ---- 6 digits + A 1970 000000`s 1973 100000`s 1970-1975 200000`s 1973-1975 300000`s 1974-1975 400000`s 1974-1975 500000`s 1974-1975 600000`s 1970-1972, 1974-1975 700000`s 1970-1972 800000`s 1973-1975 900000`s 1970-1972 A + 6 digits 1973-1975 B + 6 digits 1974-1975 C + 6 digits 1974-1975 D + 6 digits 1974-1975 E + 6 digits 1974-1975 F + 6 digits 1974-1975 Left: 1977 Gibson decal serial number for an ES-335,that was never applied.Right: 1977 Gibson decal serial number applied on aLes Paul Artisan. ∙ Gibson Serial Numbers, 1975-1977. ∙ All models, decal, 2 digit prefix followed by 6 digits. The decal can also states the model name/number.Prefix Year------ ---- 99 1975 00 1976 06 1977 1976 Gibson serial number with "00" prefix. ∙ Gibson Serial Numbers, 1977 to present. ∙ All models, 8 digit number impressed in back top of peghead in the following format: ∙ YY (1st and 5th digit) = year DDD (digits 2-4) = day of the year, 001=Jan 1st, 365=Dec 31st. NNN (digits 6-8) = rank of instrument for that day. Example: 80012005 = 5th instrument made in Kalamazoo on the first day of 1982. ∙ Note all Kalamazoo made instruments (1977-1984) and Bozeman (1989-present) are numbered beginning with 001 each day. Instruments made at Nashville are numbered beginning with 500 each day. Exceptions to the 1977 and later 8 digit serial numbers.Vintage reissue and custom shop models use a different serial number format.1970s Les Paul Spotlight SpecialNumbered YY nnnn (with YY being the year, nnnn is the ranking). ∙ 1994 Electric Gibsons.In 1994 only, the Nashville Gibson factory numbered all instruments with a 94xxxxxx style number. The final 6 digits ranked the instruments over the whole year`s production. 1994 Centennial Electric Models.Inked on serial number in a YYYY-MM format. This funky formatting keys the YYYY number to a ranking of the model according to the years of centenial (1894 corresponds to #1, 1994 corresponds to #101, etc). The MM was the month of the model within the series, ranging from 1 to 14 (but only 12 models were actually produced, plus 2 prototypes). Les Paul Classic, 1990-present.The LP Classic have a 1950s style inked serial number with the first digit decoding to the last digit of the year. Vintage Reissues and Custom Shop Models, 1982 to present.These models have their own serial number system, and are not covered in this document. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503272/gretsch/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503272/gretsch/ DATING YOUR GRETSCH Through much of the company`s history, Gretsch guitars were numbered sequentially and/or chronologically, so serial numbers (in addition to the features on the guitar) can give a very accurate idea of when the guitar was made. That said, there are several tricks to successfully dating your Gretsch guitar. First, note that specs may or may not match up to a particular year, as there was considerable overlap. Second, remember that the specs on that particular guitar may have changed. Bridges, in particular, are often swapped. It`s also worth noting that Gretsch used several different serial number systems through the years, and you need to make sure you`re looking at the right one. This is particularly tricky in the mid `60s, when some serial numbers may belong to more than one numbering system. One last thing to remember is that Gretsch years are similar to model years for cars. They made some guitars early to unveil at the big trade shows and tried to be ready to fill orders immediately, so those guitars would have an earlier-than-expected build date. On the other hand, some less popular models may have sat on the shelf for years before being sold as new. Technically, they are new, since they`ve never been sold, but the build date could predate the sales date by a substantial amount. In other words, try not to obsess over this stuff too much. Early (sequential) serial numbers Gretsch began numbering it`s guitars sequentially in 1939, beginning with the better models. They started, sensibly enough, at 001, just writing the number inside the back. After the war that method continued, but some guitars had the serial number embossed on the headstock. With the advent of labels in the late `40s, the serial number is usually found on the label, which is usually visible through the soundhole on hollowbody models. On solidbodies, it`s usually inside the control cavity. ∙ Less than 1,000 is pre-1946 ∙ 1,000 to 2,000s = 1946-1949 ∙ 2,000s to 3,000s = 1949-1950 ∙ 3,000s to 4,000s = 1950-1951 ∙ 4,000s to 5,000s = 1951 ∙ 5,000s to 6,000s = 1952 ∙ 6,000s to 8,000s = 1953 ∙ 9,000s to 12,000s = 1954 ∙ 12,000s to 16,000s = 1955 ∙ 17,000s to 21,000s = 1956 ∙ 22,000s to 26,000s = 1957 ∙ 27,000s to 30,000s = 1958 ∙ 30,000s to 34,000s = 1959 ∙ 34,000s to 39,000s = 1960 ∙ 39,000s to 45,000s = 1961 ∙ 46,000s to 52,000s = 1962 ∙ 53,000s to 63,000s = 1963 ∙ 63,000s to 77,000s = 1964 ∙ 77,000s to 84,000s = 1965 Guitars were usually made in batches of 100, and specification changes can be tied to serial numbers with considerable accuracy (see Charting the Changes: http://gretschpages.com/serial-numbers/chart/?page=1) Be aware that these numbers — while considered by most authorities to be accurate — may be substantially off. The coded serial number style began in February or March 1965. (Numbers are consecutive, but all number/year matches are approximate) 1965 to 1972 serial numbers (Most numbers are on the back or top of the headstock, and "Made in USA" is stamped next to the number starting in June 1967). The first digit or first 2 digits = month (1-12). The next digit = last digit of the year (1965 to 1972: 5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2). The remaining digits = number of individual instrument, probably.For example, 27136 should be February (2), 1967 (7) and the 136th instrument made that year. 1972 to 1981 serial numbers A hyphenated number was embossed into the back of headstock. The digits before hyphen = month (1-12). The first digit after hyphen = last digit of year. (i.e., 1974 would be 4) Last 3 digits = number of the instrument.For example, 3-8094 would be March (3), 1978 (8) and the 94th guitar made that month. Modern (Pre-Fender) serial numbers Serial numbers have six numbers, with a three digit suffix. The first two digits are the year of manufacture. The next digit is the month. The next three digits are the model number, without the 6 at the beginning. The final numbers are the sequential order of the model made during the lifespan of the model (not that year).For example, 946119-976 would be a June 1994 Tennessee Rose, the 976th made. ∙ 94 is the year 19"94" ∙ 6 is the month "6" = June ∙ 119 is the model 6"119" Lower numbers will always appear on earlier guitars, higher numbers on later guitars. Remember that 2000 and 2001 guitars will, of course, not begin with a 9. Also, on guitars built in October, November or December, the third AND fourth digits denote the month. Modern (Post-Fender) serial numbers When Fender took over production in January 2003 the serial number scheme changed again. Serial number JT03074463, for example, breaks down as: ∙ J: Japan ∙ T: Terada factory ∙ 03: 2003 ∙ 07: July Production ∙ 4463: 4,463rd guitar built in 2003 (all models combined) Specific models are no longer designated within the serial number. (Thanks to Mike Lewis of Fender for detailing the current numbering system.) Finding your serial numberBeginning in the late 1940`s, Gretsches have labels with a printed serial number and a handwritten model number. On hollowbodies, the label is usually visible through the f-hole. On other models such as solidbodies, it should be inside a control cavity. From about 1949 to 1957 watch for a white rectangular label that reads: Fred Gretsch Mfg. Co. 60 Broadway, Brooklyn 11, N.Y. Model ________ Serial No.__________ Musical Instrument Makers Since 1883 The serial number will probably be printed in red, and the model number written in blue or black. The label has a fairly ornate border around it, but the "Gretsch" is usually printed in a plain font. However, some have "Gretsch" printed as the familiar logo. Beginning in about 1957 a new label was introduced, which lasted until about 1965. On this one, "The Fred Gretsch Mfg. Co." was printed in black on an orange shape that vaguely resembles a musical note. This was superimposed on a gray over white label. On the white part, the serial number is printed, and the model number should be handwritten. This label should be on all guitars after number 25000. This would be a good time to note that some models, particularly 1962 -`65 models, had the serial number embossed on the headstock in lieu of a label. Beginning in 1965, the model number was printed either on top or on the back of the headstock or engraved in the metal model plate on the headstock, and no label was fitted. In the late `60s the labels returned on most models. For a brief period rarely found labels were used that look like the second-generation labels, except "That Great Gretsch Sound" is printed across the bottom. Finally, sometime around 1972 a plain black and white label was introduced. With "Gretsch Guitars" in a logo-type font across the top. These labels list model and serial numbers and along the bottom reads "Made in U.S.A." On modern Gretsches, the serial number is usually readily visible on the back of the headstock. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503273/lowden/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503273/lowden/ DATING YOUR LOWDENIn order to find out the date your guitar was made and the workshop of origin, it is necessary to first identify the ‘era’ in which it was made. You can do this by looking at the interior label. Since we were true to our times and rather ‘laid back’ about everything other than the guitars themselves, we do not have extensive detailed serial number archives for the early years. However, since production numbers were so very small in those days, the math is not all that difficult! To read the full story, go to ERA: 1974 -1980SHAPE OF LABEL: rectangularCOLOUR OF LABEL: light blue [occasionally white]SERIAL NUMBERS: 0-143ORIGIN: High Street, Bangor,Co Down, N.Ireland These guitars were built 1974 to 1980 in the very first workshop in Bangor, Northern Ireland by a hand picked and personally trained team of 4, under the direct supervision of George Lowden. Approximately 143 guitars were made during this period. The first guitars with A-frame bracing and the dolphin voicing profiles were made in 1976 and in many ways have established the Lowden guitar’s distinctive and unique sound. The Lowden guitar was born.“What is now called the O25 [L25]had arrived, along with another three models all of the same shape, bracing and simple cosmetics. I was happy with the voicing of the bracing, craftsmanship, general design and most of all, tone, of these guitars.” ERA: 1980-1985SHAPE OF LABEL: rectangularCOLOUR OF LABEL: light beigeSERIAL NUMBERS: up to #5000ORIGIN: Guitars are built under License from George Lowden by the S Yairi, Nagoya workshops, Japan Guitars with this label were built between 1980-1985 in a small Japanese workshop under license to George Lowden. Approximately 1000 guitars were made per year. In 1980, our Swiss dealer asked George if he could source a small and expert company to make his guitars under license, so they would be more widely available. “Thus began a five-year period when my guitars were made in Japan by a small, dedicated band of luthiers near Nagoya. I visited the S. Yairi workshop regularly to give the designs and check quality. I learned about Japanese craftsmanship and their serious approach to work. I found the folk I worked with to be honourable and courteous, and I had the greatest of respect for their hard work and excellent guitars. I learned a lot about production and tools, they in turn were delighted to be able to make original design guitars to this quality level.” ERA: 1985-1989SHAPE OF LABEL: ovalCOLOUR OF LABEL: cream with green edge. New Lowden logo. SERIAL NUMBERS: (re-started ) 0001- 1306ORIGIN: Balloo Ind. Est. workshops, Bangor, Co Down, N.Ireland 1985 As a result of the rampant fashion of this era for all things electronic in music, sales of acoustic instruments slumped worldwide. The owners of the Japanese factory decided to consolidate by closing their workshops and moving production of Lowden guitars to a larger factory where other brands were made. George was concerned about this proposal and decided to try setting up a new factory in Ireland. He managed to rent an empty shell of a building in Balloo Industrial Estate, Bangor, Co. Down and began to employ and train new craftsmen from scratch. Lowden Guitars of this period between late 1985 and November 1988, were labelled with a slightly smaller version of the oval label. ERA: 1989-2003 guitars are built under License from George owden by the newly formed Lowden Guitar CompanySHAPE OF LABEL: ovalCOLOUR OF LABEL: cream with green edge. New Lowden logo.SERIAL NUMBERS: 1307-1846ORIGIN: Balloo Ind. Est. workshops, Bangor, Co Down N.Ireland SERIAL NUMBERS: 1847 -15000ORIGIN: Glenvale Ind Est workshops Newtownads, Co Down N.Ireland NEW MODEL NAMES: At around the end of 1991, model designations changed. Previously the letter had indicated the botanical name of the wood used for the back & sides [eg. S = Swetenia = mahogany; L = dalbergia Latifolia = indian rosewood] . The new model names reflected the increasing range of body size/shape options. So O was introduced = Original body shape/size; F = the new mid size Flat-picker’s body shape/size; and in 1992 the S was introduced as the brand new Small body. The S when followed by a J was the Jazz nylon string model. The License granted to the Lowden Guitar Company ensured that George Lowden retained personal ownership of the Lowden designs and trademark,and enabled him to provide quality control and new designs while remaining independent from the company. he continued to build his own guitars under “George Lowden ‘luthier’” A ROUGH GUIDE TO DATING A LOWDEN FROM THIS ERA; serial number approximate date of manufacture1500 - 1899 19891900 - 2399 19902400 - 2999 19913000 - 3899 19923900 - 4799 19934800 - 5999 19946000 - 6999 19957000 - 8199 19968200 - 9399 19979400 - 10499 199810500 -11200 199911200 -12150 2000 12150 -12999 200110,001 -10,101 25th Anniversary Limited Edition 200113000 -15000 2002 - December 2003 ERA: 2004 - presentSHAPE OF LABEL: larger rectangleCOLOUR OF LABEL: white SERIAL NUMBERS; from 15001ORIGIN: new studio workshops in Downpatrick, Co Down, N.Ireland All Lowden guitars are now built by our family - owned company, George Lowden Guitars Ltd. They are built under George’s direct supervision in new ‘studio’ (atelier) style workshops located close to our home in Downpatrick, Co Down. Ireland. The integrity and passion – recently described as “Olympic guitar making” - which goes into each and every Lowden guitar, has never been stronger, and we are very proud of our team. George has said, “I consider it fundamental to the integrity and future of the Lowden guitar that I continue to build guitars personally. By keeping my hands on the wood and designing new guitars for individual musicians, inspiration and the creative edge are constantly challenged” So in November 2002 George created a new small-bodied guitar which is about classical size, but not shape. “The new S shape is more ‘curvy’ than before, more feminine. That was my main aim, just to make it very attractive as a shape, but as always in design, other things come along as well.” His client asked about building a shorter scale and of course in terms of the overall scale of the guitar itself, a shorter string scale made sense. Many years ago he had used a 630mm scale and so he re-designed the S to be voiced for this shorter scale. The new S is more comfortable to play, especially for those with smaller hands, but the tone is not compromised in any way at all, due to the voicing choices within the construction details.” George has also further developed his original F series design (this is the mid sized Lowden) as he always felt he had not “finished with it”. The new versions of the ‘F’ and the new ‘S’ are part of our current range, along with the re-designed Jazz (nylon string) model. Devotees of the ‘O’ (=original Lowden body shape) will be happy to know it remains unchanged. George has no plans to alter that one! We have added the Baritone model, Signature models and a Custom Shop to the Range. (Truly) Limited Editions also appear from time to time whenever some really special wood comes our way. All models since 2004 are built with the original ‘dolphin’ hand carved bracing.The current era of production is signified by the new rectangular interior label, each of which is personally signed by George. Every guitar is also accompanied by an individual provenance document which gives full details of the guitar specifications and year of building, in addition to the warranty booklet. We are often asked for information on models which are not part of the current range. The table below gives a guide: MODEL NAMES NO LONGER IN USE AND THE NEAREST CURRENT MODEL(please note that the nearest current model may not be from the same Series**, and that after 1992 , S denotes the small body guitar2009) S5 mahogany/cedar O22 S7 mahogany/sitka O50 custom shop**G7 ovankol/spruce ?? S/F/O10 mahogany/cedar O22 or S/F 50 custom shop**S/F/O12 mahogany/sitka S/F/O 50** S_ _FN ?L27 F rosewood/ F25?32?S27F mahogany/cedar F25 or F50** LSE 1& 2 shallower body F32C Lowden brand strings Country Gold Superwound How to obtain warranty service for your instrument:Your Lowden guitar comes with a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. Should you have any concerns, which you feel are warranty related, please contact us immediately with a detailed description of the problem, your full contact details as well as the full details of your instrument (serial number, model, proof of purchase). Your Lowden guitar is warranted through our workshop or an authorised Lowden repairer. No warranty repairs must be undertaken without written authority. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503274/martin/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503274/martin/ DATING YOUR MARTIN All Martin guitars since 1898 (except solidbody electrics from the 1970s, basses, and tiples) are numbered in consecutive order. Ukuleles do not have serial numbers. Mandolins use a different serial number system than guitars. Martin guitar serial numbers start at 8000 in 1898 because Martin estimated they made 8000 instruments before 1898.Model Numbers stamped above the Serial Number starting in 1930.Starting in October 1930, Martin also stamped the model number just above the serial number. Martin model numbers are straight forward too. The first set of characters are the body size. Next there is a "-". The last set of numbers are the ornamention style.For example, "OO-28" stamped above the serial number tells use the body is "OO" size (14 5/16" wide for a 14 fret model, 14 1/8" wide for a 12 fret model), and the ornamention style is "28" (rosewood body, ice cream cone style neck). Left: The model and serial numbers, as seen through the sound hole on the neck block of this 1950 D-28. Prior to October 1930, the model is NOT stamped on the neck block (you have to figure it out yourself!). Right: The model and serial numbers, as seen through the sound hole of this 1944 D-18, serial number 90067. Notice the "1" in the "18" does somewhat look like a "2". This confuses a lot of people who think their style 18 guitar is a style 28. Also the "D" is sometimes confused for an "0". On round hole martin guitars, the serial and model numbers are stamped on the neck block inside the instrument. The number can be seen by looking inside the sound hole. Look at an angle towards the neck. All f-hole Martin archtops have their serial and model numbers stamped on the inside center of the backstripe, roughly under the shadow of the bridge (and best seen from the bass side "f" hole).The numbers listed here show the LAST serial number produced for that year. Martin produced all guitar serial number sequentially. These serial number apply to all Martin guitars, flat top and arch top. It does not apply to ukes (except for the first year, they do not have a serial number). Does not apply to Martin mandolins either (they have their own serial number system). Year Serial# Range (produced) Year Serial# Range (produced)1898 8001-8349 (347) 1950 112962-117961 (4999)1899 8350-8716 (367) 1951 117962-122799 (4837)1900 8717-9128 (411) 1952 122800-128436 (5636)1901 9129-9310 (181) 1953 128437-134501 (6064)1902 9311-9528 (217) 1954 134502-141345 (6843)1903 9529-9810 (281) 1955 141346-147328 (5982)1904 9811-9988 (177) 1956 147329-152775 (5446)1905 9989-10120 (131) 1957 152776-159061 (6285)1906 10121-10329 (208) 1958 159062-165576 (6514)1907 10330-10727 (397) 1959 165577-171047 (5470)1908 10728-10883 (155) 1960 171048-175689 (4641)1909 10884-11018 (134) 1961 175690-181297 (5607)1910 11019-11203 (184) 1962 181298-187384 (6086)1911 11204-11413 (209) 1963 187385-193327 (5942)1912 11414-11565 (151) 1964 193328-199626 (6298)1913 11566-11821 (255) 1965 199627-207030 (7403)1914 11822-12047 (225) 1966 207031-217215 (10184)1915 12048-12209 (161) 1967 217216-230095 (12879)1916 12210-12390 (180) 1968 230096-241925 (11829)1917 12391-12988 (597) 1969 241926-256003 (14077)1918 12989-13450 (461) 1970 256004-271633 (15629)1919 13451-14512 (1061) 1971 271634-294270 (22636)1920 14513-15484 (1335) 1972 294271-313302 (19031)1921 15485-16758 (909) 1973 313303-333873 (20570)1922 16759-17839 (1080) 1974 333873-353387 (19513)1923 17840-19891 (2051) 1975 353388-371828 (18440)1924 19892-22008 (2116) 1976 371829-388800 (16971)1925 22009-24116 (2107) 1977 388801-399625 (10824)1926 24117-28689 (4572) 1978 399626-407800 (8174)1927 28690-34435 (5745) 1979 407801-419900 (12099)1928 34436-37568 (3132) 1980 419901-430300 (10399)1929 37569-40843 (3274) 1981 430301-436474 (6173)1930 40844-45317 (4473) 1982 436475-439627 (3152)1931 45318-49589 (4271) 1983 439628-446101 (6473)1932 49590-52590 (3000) 1984 446102-453300 (7198)1933 52591-55084 (2493) 1985 453301-460575 (7274)1934 55085-58679 (3594) 1986 460576-468175 (7599)1935 58680-61947 (3267) 1987 468176-476216 (8040)1936 61948-65176 (3228) 1988 476217-483952 (7735)1937 65177-68865 (3688) 1989 483953-493279 (9323)1938 68866-71866 (3000) 1990 493280-503309 (10032)1939 71867-74061 (2194) 1991 503310-512487 (9177)1940 74062-76734 (2672) 1992 512488-522655 (10167)1941 76735-80013 (3278) 1993 522656-535223 (12567)1942 80014-83107 (3093) 1994 535224-551696 (16472)1943 83108-86724 (3616) 1995 551697-570434 (18737)1944 86725-90149 (3424) 1996 570435-592930 (22495)1945 90150-93623 (3473) 1997 592931-624799 (31868)1946 93624-98158 (4534) 1998 624800-668796 (43996)1947 98159-103468 (5309) 1999 668797-724077 (55280)1948 103469-108269 (4800) 2000 724078-780500 (56422)1949 108270-112961 (4691) 2001 780501-845644 (65143)Year Serial# Range (produced) Year Serial# Range (produced)Important Serial Number Milestones.∙ 439xx to 44362: October 1930 first time both the body size & style number stamped on neckblock above the serial number (exact serial number change unknown). ∙ 57305 = T frets first used and T bar first used (1934) ∙ 59044-61181 = Martin stamp in back of peghead discontinued (1935) ∙ 72740 = Change in nut width on 14-fret models from 1 3/4" to 1 11/16" (late 1939) on all non-slotted peghead models. Style 17 models with 14-fret body may have changed earlier. ∙ 80585 = Ebony neck reinforcement started to be implemented during WW2 (1942) ∙ 83107 = Last pre-WW2 style 45 guitar (1942). ∙ 89926 = According to Martin, this is the approximate last scalloped braced guitar made (late 1944). Though some models have been seen after this number with scalloped braces, and before this number with tapered braces. (For example #90014 appears to be the last D28 with scalloped braces, and D-28 #88112 had tapered braces.) ∙ 90021 = Snowflakes on D28 discontinued (1944). This is an approximate serial#. ∙ 98223 = Last style 28 guitar made with Herringbone trim (early 1947). ∙ 99992-100240 = Last style 28 guitars made with a "zipper back" center seam (mid 1947). ∙ 197207 = Bridge pin holes moved back 1/16" (1964). ∙ 200601 = short saddle bridge (1965). ∙ 205251 = 102C Grover machines on all "D" guitars (1965). ∙ 211040 = Boltaron bindings on D-28 and D-35 (1966). ∙ 212100 = Boltaron bindings on D-18 (1966). ∙ 213775 = Boltaron rosettes (1966). ∙ 215253 = New tape strips on sides (1966). ∙ 216736 = Bridge pin holes moved to center (1966). ∙ 217215 = Tortoise guards discontinued (1966). ∙ 220467 = Last hand stamped serial/model numbers (1967). ∙ 224079 = Kluson K324 tuners on all style 18 models (1967). ∙ 226969 = Grover v100 tuners on all 0,00,000 models (1967). ∙ 228246 = Square truss rod bar on D models (1967). ∙ 235586 = Rosewood bridgeplates on all guitars (1968). ∙ 242454 = Larger rosewood bridgeplates on all guitars (1969). ∙ 254497 = Last style 28 guitar made with Brazilian rosewood (late 1969). ∙ 254498 = East Indian rosewood introduced (1969, a model D-21). ∙ 255717 = First D-41 model with Indian Roseood. ∙ 256366 = First D-45 model with Indian Rosewood. ∙ 350287 = Plastic saddles on D-18 models (1975). ∙ 355357 = Plastic saddles on D-28 models (1975). ∙ 360970-365831 = Rosewood vertical sidestrips (1975). ∙ 370976 = Micarta nuts and saddles (1975). ∙ 447004 = Self-adhesive pickguard trial (1984). ∙ 447501 = Last glued-down pickguard in regular production (1984). ∙ 453181 = Adjustable truss rods gradually implemented (1985). ∙ 478093 = Maple bridgeplates on all guitars (1988). ∙ 737277 = Last HD-28LSV with an Adirondack top (2000). Sitka spruce was used in regular production thereafter. Other Brands Made by Martin.Since 1900, Martin did make guitars, mandolins and ukes for other brands and guitar studios. No, this was not "common". Just because your guitar looks like a Martin, doesn`t mean it is. Even if your instrument is one of the brands listed below, that does NOT mean it was necessarily made by Martin either! Just keep that in mind.∙ Bacon: a few made for Bacon Banjos in 1924. ∙ Belltone: fifteen guitars, ten mandolins and twelve Style 3k ukes were made for Belltone. ∙ Bitting Special: Martin made some mandolins for this Bethlehem, PA teacher in 1916 to 1919. ∙ Ditson: in 1917 to 1919, and 1923 to 1930, Martin made some guitars for the Ditson company in Boston. Early models only have a "Ditson" stamp, later models have both the "Ditson" and "Martin" stamps. The 1923 to 1930 models have Martin serial numbers. Prior to this, 483 guitars of the original 1917 to 1919 series have been documented. ∙ Foden: In 1912 to 1917, Martin made guitars for concert guitarist William Foden. These are similar to the standard Martin models, but have simple soundhole rings and a 20 fret fingerboard (instead of 19). Made in sizes 0 and 00, the styles were similar to Martin`s Style 18, 21, 28, and a pearl trim model. Only 27 of these guitars have been documented to date. ∙ Jenkins: Martin made Style 1 and 2 ukes for this Kansas City mail order company. ∙ Olcott-Bickford: 32 guitars made for this guitarist. ∙ Paramount: Around 1930 Martin made about 36 guitars with strange construction. A style 2 size body mounted into a larger rim and back of rosewood, small round soundholes around a "lip" that joins the outer rims to the inner rims, no soundhole in the top, 14 frets clear, dot fingerboard inlays to the 15th fret, rounded peak peghead with standard Paramount banjo peghead inlay, banjo-style tuners, four or six strings. ∙ Schoenberg: In 1987 to 1994, Martin made some guitars similar to their OM-18, OM-28 OM-45, some 12 fret 000 models, and a few D models. The last Schoenberg/Martin was made in October 1994, serial number 541742. ∙ S.S. Stewart: Martin made ukes for this company in 1923 to 1925. ∙ Rolando: In 1916 to 1918 Martin made 261 guitar (numbered 1 to 261), and some later guitars with standard Martin serial numbers. ∙ Vega: Martin bought Vega Banjos in 1970 and moved production to their property in 1971. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega name. Some guitars were made under the Vega name during this period (but they mostly made banjos). ∙ Weymann: Around 1925 Martin made some Ukes for this company, but no guitars. ∙ Wurlitzer: In 1922 to 1925, Martin made 297 standard Martin models (but with a simplier soundhole rosette) for Wurlitzer. These have the Wurlitzer name and model number on the back of the peghead. As you can see, Martin did not make very many guitars for other companies. So the chance that your non-Martin guitar is really a "Martin" is very unlikely! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503275/rickenbacker/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503275/rickenbacker/ DATING YOUR RICKENBACKERSerial numbers and approximate date of manufacture.Dating Rickenbackers from 1961 to 1986Serial letters and numbers were stamped on the jackplate. Look for a two letter date code. The first letter gives the year (starting with A for 1961) and the second letter is the month of manufacture, A through L. For example "AC" = a 1961, March manufacture date. Dating Rickenbacker models from 1987 to 1991From 1987 to 1991 the dating is a little different. Now we are looking for a letter and a number above the jack. The code should look like "A8". You will need the first 2 characters. The first letter on jackplate is the month and the number is the year starting with 1987 represented by "0". For example a A0= a January, 1987 manufacture date and C2= March 1989 manufacture date. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503276/taylor/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-4503276/taylor/ DATING YOUR TAYLOR GUITAR"When was my guitar made?" is one of the most frequently asked questions we field. So we`ve made it easy for every Taylor owner to "date" his or her guitar, using the very simple method of interpreting the instrument`s serial number (printed on the manufacturer`s sticker, located inside the guitar). Simply find the range of serial numbers that includes yours, and match it with the corresponding year. Our numbering system was a little less sophisticated in the early days, and we didn`t adhere to an actual production "schedule" until 1987. If your serial number is near the tail-end of a particular year`s sequence (pre-1987), your guitar might have been made very late that year, or very early the following year. Gradually, we got around to our current, more accurate formula for pinpointing the exact day that work was begun on a particular guitar. SERIAL NUMBERS YEAR SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS [didn`t use serial numbers!] 1974 Employees Bob Taylor, Kurt Listug, and Steve Schemmer purchase the American Dream Musical Instrument Manufacturing shop in Lemon Grove, California, and change the name to Taylor Guitars; all rosewood used is Brazilian. 10109 to 10146 1975 Had to let most of our employees go after we used up our original capital; settled into being broke and trying to figure out how to make guitars. 20147 to 20315 1976 Guitar #20168 is the first Taylor made from East Indian rosewood; guitar #20179 is the latest Taylor "on record" to have the mortise neck joint (by the time we made #20229, we were not using mortise neck joints); Kurt hits the road to sell direct to dealers. 30316 to [--]450 1977 Taylor Guitars signs a distribution deal with the Rothschild company, an instrument distributor. 451 to 900 1978 Introduce 500 and 600 Series (600s were dark-stained mahogany with white binding). 901 to 1300 1979 Start using scalloped bracing on all 6- strings; terminate distribution deal with Rothschild. 1301 to 1400 1980 Still finishing up and selling off guitars started in 1979, before we let our employees go for the second time; sold some guitars to Musician`s Supply, and finally paid off a five-year-old bill for wood we`d purchased from Martin. 1401 to 1670 1981 Company takes out bank loan to purchase equipment to facilitate production. 1671 to 1951 1982 Kurt travels as far as Maine, selling Taylor guitars to dealers out of his car. 1952 to 2445 1983 Bob and Kurt buy out partner Steve Schemmer; purchase more equipment. 2446 to 3206 1984 Introduce Grand Concert body style (the earliest Grand Concert we know of is #2744); for the first time, Bob and Kurt represent their own guitars at the NAMM show. 3207 to 3888 1985 Introduce the "Artist Series". Latest model "on record" to have a label hand-signed by Bob Taylor is #3262. 3889 to 4778 1986 Introduce Dan Crary Signature Model. 4779 to 5981 1987 In July, move to 5,000-square-foot plant in Santee, California; guitar #5300 (a 510-C) is a "transitional" instrument (built in the original Lemon Grove shop, but strung-up in the new Santee facility). 5982 to 7831 1988 Gross $1 million for the first time in the company`s history. 7832 to 10070 1989 Begin making our own cases (August). Purchase our first Fadal, a CNC (computer-controlled) milling machine to increase the levels of productivity and precision in making guitar parts (December). 10071 to 12497 1990 Introduce Leo Kottke Signature Model. 12498 to 15249 1991 Introduce 410 model; first 400 Series numbers began with "4-" as in "4-0001" (ending number of 400s: 4-1132). 15250 to 17953 1992 In August, move into 25,000-square-foot plant in El Cajon, California; guitar #16250 (a 712) is a "transitional" instrument (built in Santee plant, strung-up in the new El Cajon facility); 400 series ending number: 3152. 930104001 to 931221124 1993 Introduce current numbering system (see below*). 940104001 to 941220130 1994 Introduce Grand Auditorium body style on 20th Anniversary, limited-edition models; in May, begin sanding all fingerboards on the new Fadal sander; publish premiere issue (Summer) of quarterly newsletter, Wood&Steel, which features a "Pushing the Envelope" story about the new fingerboard sander. 950103001 to 951219136 1995 Introduce Limited Edition Grand Auditoriums (GAs); create Pallet Guitar; introduce Taylor acoustic bass; in February, begin using ultraviolet (UV) finish on all Taylor guitars (see "The Finish Line: What UV Means to You" on the Details/Tech-Sheets page). 960102001 to 961219140 1996 Introduce Presentation Series; Baby Taylor; LKSM-6; Grand Auditoriums added to regular line; SKB cases for 400 Series; in January, begin making "curved" pegheads on all Dreadnoughts; introduce TaylorWare line of branded clothing and accessories. 970106001 to 971219144 1997 Re-open Custom Shop; in January, introduce new Dreadnought shape; SmartStart Guitar program; Cujo Guitar signed by author Stephen King; groundbreaking on new factory building. 980105101 to 981218144 1998 In January, Taylor Guitars` website goes online; guitar line expanded to 61 models, including three new series (300, Koa, and Walnut), revamped 400, 600, 700, 800 Series, introduction of Baby-M and AB-3 maple/spruce bass; release of Sounds of Wood&Steel: A Windham Hill Collection, a CD featuring numerous artists playing Taylor guitars and basses; in August, begin moving into new factory/office building; introduce re-designed label and begin affixing them to the back of the interior of each guitar, where they`re easily visible. 990104101 to 991220148 1999 In January, introduce Bob Taylor`s "new-tech" design, representing the first re-design of the acoustic steel-string guitar in 100 years; Windham Hill releases Sounds of Wood&Steel2, a sequel to the 1998 CD collection; introduce new gig bag for the Baby Taylor; open 8,000-square-foot storage facility next to Taylor factory; enter agreement to factory-install Elixir strings, featuring Polyweb coating, on all Taylors. 20000103101 to 20001221160 2000 In January, we introduce the Gallery Series of guitars, featuring original, thematic artwork inlays (for 2000 it was "sea life"); also create our first new Signature Models in a decade, making guitars with Clint Black, Jewel, Kenny Loggins, Richie Sambora, Doyle Dykes, John Cephas, and Chris Proctor, and create a Limited Edition version of the Pallet Guitar; in April, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office grants Bob Taylor his first-ever patent for his revolutionary new neck design; we add Taylor-branded guitar and bass gig bags; extend our Limited Warranty to Canadian Taylor owners and to owners of Baby Taylors, both retroactive, and establish our first official warranty repair center in Canada; on August 24, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug sign a five-year lease agreement on a 22,000-square-foot building in Tecate, Mexico, where Taylor will make its hardshell cases; in September, we open an in-house production training room equipped to introduce prospective employees to a full range of guitar-making processes; re-design the Grand Concert and Jumbo bodies to bring them into aesthetic alignment with the proprietary Grand Auditorium and the re-designed Dreadnought; transform our former mega-storage facility into a full-time Baby Taylor factory, and add maple-, koa-, and rosewood-veneer Babys and a 15/16-size Big Baby to the line; launch a program to provide Baby Taylors to elementary schools that have guitar programs, beginning with a donation of 28 Babys to Emerson-Bandini Elementary School in an economically disadvantaged area of San Diego; make significant advancements in technology, including the implementation of a robotic buffing machine; push past 350 employees for the first time. *From 1993 until the end of 1999, each Taylor guitar featured a nine-digit serial number that precisely pinpoints when work was begun on that guitar. (As of 2000, the serial number expanded to 11 digits to accommodate the four-digit year designation.) Reading left to right, the first two digits (or four starting in 2000) represent the year; the second pair of digits represents the month; and the third pair of digits represents the calendar day that work was begun. The seventh digit indicates whether the guitar is a 300 or 400 series ("0") or a higher series ("1"); and the last two digits denote the guitar`s position in that day`s production sequence. So, for example, if the serial number were 980103004, it would break down as follows: 981998 01January 033rd 0400 Series 044th guitar made that day 971997 10October 1818th 1500 Series or higher 1515th guitar made that day It should be emphasized that the serial number does not indicate when a guitar was finished, or when it was shipped. It takes days to make each Taylor guitar, and the serial number indicates only the day a particular guitar was started in assembly.Our Serial Numbering System EvolvesEffective November 2, 2009, Taylor officially revised its serial numbering system. The change occurred as part of a transition to a new software system that was implemented to improve the company’s inventory management. The new serial numbering convention takes into account Taylor’s two manufacturing locations: its main complex in El Cajon, California and a second factory complex located in nearby Tecate, Mexico.The new, 10-digit serial numbering format identifies the factory of production, year, date and the assigned number of the guitar on that day’s production schedule, although the numerical sequence is slightly different from the previous system. For example, the serial number for the first guitar built in the El Cajon factory on November 2, 2009 is 1011029001. Here’s how it breaks down: Factory Year (3rd Digit) Month Day Year (4th Digit) Prod. Sched. # 1 0 (2009) 11 02 9 (2009) 001 Factory designation: 1 = El Cajon 2 = Tecate Accordingly, the serial number for the first guitar built in the Tecate factory on November 2, 2009 is 2011029001.As with the previous serial numbering system, the serial number does not indicate when a guitar was finished, or when it was shipped, but the day the guitar’s body was assembled. https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-958768/store-impression/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-958768/store-impression/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1362214/friends-family/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-1362214/friends-family/ Shout out onze vrienden en familie van de Guitar Chop Shop! https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5674285/beginners-gitaar-kopen/ https://www.guitarchopshop.com/c-5674285/beginners-gitaar-kopen/ beginnersgitaarkopen.nl beginnersgitaarkopen