Whereas Martin guitars have been using a single, consistent numbering system since the 19th century, Gibson has used several different serial number formats since its inception in 1902, meaning that some formats and numbers overlap across decades. Between 1975 and 1977, Gibson used a decal that had eight digit serial numbers and the model name, with the first two digits denoting the year - but not directly. One of them unusual Gibson from the 70s! It lists all components, with associated part codes for a 1980 Gibson L6-S Custom guitar. Because the L6-S lets you color your sound any way you want with tone and mid-range control and a six-position sound switch. Well, the 6 digit serial number indicates a guitar produced between 1970-75 so your memory is still holding strong. Unlike the majority of L6-Ss this instrument has a two-piece scratchplate, old-style headstock script, and block inlays. Now called the L6S rather than L6-S, this is basically a re-issue of the classic L6-S Custom model, not the Deluxe version. I have a couple of good references on Gibson serial numbers. Note: Custom shop guitars are not supported. Gibson Headstock Logos Through The Decades. I had someone pick apart my 1968 SG Special on eBay so I stopped my auction and went to Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, who are the Gibson experts, and they verified that my guitar is what I said it was, so I'm out $50 because some eBay troll was telling me my description was wrong. This system is fairly reliable for guitars made from 1953 to 1961. The current owners of Gibson produced a limited reissue in 2011. At least both of mine, a 72 and a 74 did. All models were dropped from price lists in 1979. I found a Memphis Gibson ES Les Paul hollow body with the serial number 11036737 . Gibson introduced a new pattern when they began producing solid body guitars. Authority Guitar has collated a mountain of data to give you the history by using your Gibson Serial Number. Your guitars journey from the factory into your hands may be a mystery, but its always a good way to dig into the earlier life of your instrument. Gibson no longer puts the factory second marker on their guitars. It shipped throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, with a little over 18000 instruments produced in total; certainly one of the most successful of Gibson's seventies guitars. Other notable variations from this time period are a 5 character serial number starting with a number, then a space, and 4 digits. The year is indicated by the first letter in any series of letters for these years. You cannot paste images directly. Some important information will be printed or embossed as usual on the rear of the headstock or inside the body on a label. The first number is the year. The series lasted throughout the 70s, with the deletion of the model announced in dealer newsletter Gibson News in June 1980. ex 312345 is from the year 1953 and so on. But not a final verdict. Still to this day, all Gibson instruments are installed with the Ted McHugh design. Finishes; Natural Maple, Ebony, Wine Red & Purple Sparkle. Too many for me to mention here but check out the manufacturers site. L6-S on the head and not L6S the name of the model that was re-released in 2011, but on the back of the head I see no serial number. The companys first solid-body guitar was released under the name Gibson Les Paul. 2=Model, 8=8year, 123 place in manufacturing sequence. Gibson regularly produced lists of constituent components for each of their guitars; this first list (left) was produced in the 1977 Gibson replacement parts catalogue, at a time that the 'Custom' was used in other Gibson literature (the January 1977 price list for example) - although note that it is not used here. 12 Reliable Options, The Best Clip On Guitar Tuner & Top Pedal Tuner Reviews, Focusrite Scarlett VS Clarett Interface. That Hummingbird sounds beautiful! According to what I've read online it should be either 6 digits (for pre-75) or something along the lines of 00, 99, 06, etc. Please, Gibson L6 "Midnight Special" in Champagne / TV Sparkle, Here for sale 1976 Gibson L6-S Deluxe in Tobacco Sunburst. Are you trying to locate one of your guitars ? The early pups were 5-sided humbuckers (1973-75) and the later pups were . What kind of guitar do you think this could be? Each guitar is made out of a one-piece maple body and a three-piece set neck, with a choice of rosewood, maple or ebony fingerboard. Gibson L6-S shipping statistics are available from 1973-1979, with the final inclusion in a Gibson US price . - From 1975-1977 the number is typically found on a decal on the back of the headstock. A FON usually consisted of a 3-, 4-, or 5-digit batch number followed by one or two other numbers in most cases. Based on the serial number the guitar appears to have been manufactured November 21, 1978 in Nashville, TN. What kind of guitar do you think this could be? By wmartin27 May 1, 2014 in Gibson USA. As seen in the video is a 1978 Gibson L6-S in Natural with Block Inlays with the original case. The Gibson L6-S is a solid body electric guitar. But he's got a point. 1978 The First Re-Issues were produced featuring the F-SL, the Heritage Les Paul (1980), and the Heritage Korinas (1982). It will give you the production date. Gibsons earliest serialization system was more or less sequential, where each new instrument was assigned the next highest available number. I think I got it all right more of a process of ilimination figuring this one out. Les Paul sales hit the ground running so Gibson decided to expand on their Les Paul arsenal. For guitars made prior to 1977 use the extended search function. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Company address: Dramatik Ltd, 5 Champion Way, Tiverton, EX16 4FH, UK | Phone: +44 1884 906198 2023 - Zing Instruments. Sold Out. A difference of only one year - sometimes even several months - can mean a four-figure difference in value. This is similar to what is on offer in some current Les Pauls. Working with a potentially very valuable old Gibson can be intimidating, particularly for someone who doesnt have experience with vintage instruments. The original frets are in 1973 Vintage Gibson Bill Lawrence L6-S Pickup 1970's, Gibson Vintage 1970s L6-S Bill Lawrence Pickup Untested, ** Vintage 1970's Gibson Harmonica Bridge Adjustment Studs 1970's *. 516 KM from State capital Mumbai. Number of Strings: 6-String. As seen in the video is a 1978 Gibson L6-S in Natural with Block Inlays with the original case. It was like this when I bought it. 1976 L6-S Deluxe. The serial number is 6 digits and starts . Lee is the founder of Authority Guitar, a site where he wants readers to enjoy every aspect of learning the guitar. If it;s a bolt on neck its a 1974 midnight special and if its a neck through its a deluxe. Guild Guitars Serial Numbers. You can add any model of Gibson guitar, whether thats a Les Paul, a Flying V, or a Hummingbird. Yeah. 6 Go Head to Head, Best 12 String Guitar. The new ones looked very light and almost unfinished. Click on the images for larger copies. Prince used a natural maple model in 1978-79. ), All Original, Made in USA in 1978, Gibson Vintage 1970s L6-S Bill Lawrence Pickup Untested, Vintage original 1977 Gibson L6-S in original Natural finish. It retained the L-5S body shape, still had maple body / neck (although the L-5S was curly maple, rather than close grain) and an (optional) ebony fingerboard. Additionally, 490T/498R Alnico split-coil humbuckers are now used, a six- position switch, a standard Tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece. L-6S Deluxe Finish and Comparison to SG Standard. The first instruments crafted by Orville Gibson were a family of acoustics and mandolins. Vintage original 1977 Gibson L6-S in original Natural finish. Copyright 2021 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. i got the nuumbers tho. 1921 saw the introduction of one of the most important developments in guitar history. Early L6-S examples were built at Gibson's famous Kalamazoo plant, though by the mid 1970s, the L6S was being produced at Gibson's second plant, the newly opened facility at Nashville. At the time of its introduction, the L6-S Custom was simply called the L6-S, not gaining the "Custom" badge until later, when the simpler L6-S Deluxe was introduced. But mine doesn't. Giving you a general idea of when your guitar was manufactured. Two "Tar Back" pickups (rating 6.4k Bridge and 5.8k in the neck) with non-standard 3 adjustment screws (one on each side and 1 in front or back) and completely unique pentagon (5 sided) Mounting Rings. Based on your location, we've changed your settings: Shipping Region: Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks. Finding the location of the serial number is easy enough on a Gibson. Before mid-1950, most Gibson headstocks were thinner at the top when looked at from a side profile. The bridge is a German-made Schaller wide-travel tune-o-matic, as used on most solid body Gibson guitars of the mid seventies. Oops, looks like you forgot something. I think that the yellow,aged finish looks better now than they did when new. As Gibson serial numbers are renowned for being a bit of a nightmare, we contacted them and theyve advised checking the code on the pots when in doubt. GIBSON GARAGE FIND A DEALER GIBSON APP. A-28123 = Gibson ES-295 1998 123rd in the sequence. Photos are always good, as specific features change on Gibson models during their run. details required for an exact match are listed in yellow. The circuitry used an LCR networks with an inductor to filter midrange output, via the midrange control. Firstly i am ecstatic to find this forum on the l 6. Gibson. It retained the L-5S body shape, still had maple body / neck (although the L-5S was curly maple, rather than close grain) and an . The Gibson L6S and the Gibson L5S. On the rare occasion it isnt there, you can check the pots where youll find the date (unless the pots havent been swapped out at a later date, that is). This should be an 8 digit number that can be dated by the 1st and 2nd digits as follows: With the 2 knobs its not a custom so it has to be made after 73 and before 77 so that leaves it at 74 the way I figure. Neither were anything like as successful (commercially) as the L6-S Custom. An automatic tuning unit is fitted on the rear of the headstock. It has been said the CS ES models start off being built in Memphis. However it's probably worth unscrewing the truss rod cover and control cavity cover to take a look just in case someone has put it on a sticker in there. too busy playing. Everything on the guitar is original with the exception of the tuners, pickguard, pickups and knobs. Controls include a six position pickup selector, master volume, mid-range and treble roll-off controls. . 10 Essential Tips For Guitar Care: The Best Ways To Maintain Your Guitar: The Ultimate Acoustic Guitar Tonewoods Guide: How Does Wood Affect Your Tone? I have a couple of good references on Gibson serial numbers. Pasted as rich text. please do not give me **** about the stickers. This page will then be highlighted in all the results starting with the numbers/letters youve entered. A variation of letters was used to decipher the early production of Kalamazoo, MI Gibson guitars. Part lists and schematics for the Gibson L6-S Custom and L6-S Deluxe. Read the rest of this article at the Bill Lawrence website. 801000-812838. Shortly after that came the Spanish design ES-150. Everything on the guitar is original with the exception of the tuners, pickguard, pickups and knobs. Gibson 2=ES-295, 3=1963 ES-335 (block inlays), 4=ES-330, 5=ES-345 & 9=1959 ES-335 (dot inlays). Currency: ?s first ever! Components listed in blue can be clicked for further details. They probably made some before and after those dates as well which would have had impressed serial numbers. From 1952 to 1961, a consistent letter code resumed, with the letter appearing before the batch number. Tap this link. This website possesses NO DATABASE of guitars made by manufactures, Contact Gibson, and their Customer Service people can tell you what model of Les Paul you have by their serial number registry. A real nice example, nice and light and resonant. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000. An ink stamp on the back of the headstock which included either 5 or 6 digits. I don't know, but here is a thread devoted to the L6S you might find interesting. The thickness of the headstock, however, is not as vulnerable to modification or replacement. The following codes relate to a range of Gibson SG, Firebird, and Les Paul custom or reissue guitars. 1. Well, the 6 digit serial number indicates a guitar produced between 1970-75 so your memory is still holding strong. Other early L6-S users include Keith Richards of the Stones who . 2014 the world is introduced to Min-Etune. When the original serial system reached 999,999 in 1947, Gibson started over with an A prefix. It has been fantastically taken care of if this is true. Pat Martino, John McLaughlin, Keith Richards, Tom Johnston, Paul Stanley, Mike Oldfield, Dave Davies, Brad Delp, Rich Williams, Bob Mothersbaugh, Bob Casale, Martha Davis of The Motels, Allison Robertson, Angus Young and Prince also used the model during this period. light rain, clear sky, few clouds. Got an opinion on the contents of this page? Its important to point out Nashville and Memphis Custom Shop models are unique, even one off serial numbers. That's the L6-S Custom you're talking about, not the Deluxe. I don't recall mine being stamped, but then, it was never an issue in those days that anyone cared about, so I'd have no reason to remember that. The serial number is 55620. Our data tells us its either 1962,67 or 73. The Gibson ES-150 was endorsed by Charlie Christian. Learn the Different Finger Names, String Names, and Parts of the Guitar in This Guide! The condition is very good for the age with some usual playing wear. The answer to your question is no, unfortunately. Overall, I would rate the condition a solid 7 5 out of 10. What does that tell me? September 9, 2011 in Gibson USA. Around a third of L6-S (Custom) guitars were black with an ebony fretboard, still with a maple body and neck.
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