Gretsch Serial Numbers Lookup

DATING YOUR GRETSCH. 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.

1. Gretsch Serial Numbers Lookup And Movement

Also see and for help determining when your guitar was made (particularly helpful if there is no serial number).Note: Any guitar with a serial number with the prefix 'SI' is Indonesian-made.Note #2: Guitars with no serial number were produced at many different times. Samick branded models did not start using serials until around 1987.

Also, the Indonesian factory did not use serials from it's opening in 1992 until around 2000. However, there were also some Korean Artist Series Strats made around 1995-1996 with no serial numbers, and many Korean-made Japanese Market models had no serial numbers as well. Contents ElectricsEarliest known serial number, June 1984 (production number faded away).Samick first started using serial numbers on Hondos and other contract brands in 1984 (their home brand models did not use serials until 1987), using the following format: YMMPPPP Y = Year M = Month P = Production Number Example: 8030768 = 768th guitar made in March of 1988In 1988, occasionally the format was YYMMPPPPP because of high production volume. Example: 880510504 = 10,504th guitar made in May of 1988Many guitars made around 1985 have a serial number with the format: 120PPPP or 110PPPP Example: 1201387The significance of this format is unknown.

It is commonly found on models, among others.These serial numbers are easily recognized as a white sticker with a black border, usually found on the back of the headstock or the heel of the neck. Being a sticker, many are ripped off or wear off over the years. If this is the case, the only other way to date your guitar is by looking for a date ink-stamped on the side of the original box switch.

August 31, 1987However, as 1990 approached, the use of one digit for the year presented the issue of repeat serial numbers. Around this time, the serial numbers became a bit unpredictable, as they were figuring out a new system. The 'S' prefix also first appeared at this time. YYMMPPPP SYYMMPPPP Example: 90080084 = 84th guitar made in August of 1990Another format found around this time (possibly only for international models): Sl YYPPPPP1991 SAT-650 serialSemi-Hollow models (at this time) use a different format, and the serial is found on the label inside the top f-hole. YYPPPP(P) Example: 902703 = 2,703rd semi-hollow guitar made in 1990Bolt-neck models started having the serial number engraved into the neckplate in 1987.

Gretsch Serial Numbers Lookup And Movement

They kept the same format, so the decade is determined by the style of neck plate.(Note: The new design did not appear until May 1990)1980's.

I get emails all of the time with a basic drum descriptionand a serial number from visitors in hopes I can unlock the historyof their drum. I think in general serial numbers do play an importantrole in the commercial market especially electronics and otherhigh end items. In the 60's Insurance companies made it mandatorythat serial numbers be put on items so they can be documented.Unfortunately drum companies never really prescribed to any codeof documenting a drum based on that serial number. In fact I onceheard that they started using serial numbers not for their ownuse per say but so schools and institutions could keep track ofinstruments in inventory.I also get people asking what factory a drum might have shippedfrom or the exact month a drum was made or even the productionnumbers etc. The ever important serial number which some companieskeep detailed records of unfortunately does not exist in the historyof drums. We also have to state that much of the record keepingwas archaic at best and in some cases history was destroyed inplant fires or just tossed in the garbage!With that said many drum companies never even used serial numbersearly on.

In most cases the best way to estimate the date of adrum is its physical characteristics. Fortunatelydrum companies since the 40's were good at printing catalogs.Earlier catalog examples do exist, but are rare and expensiveto acquire. In most cases they also included a host of other bandinstruments and items related to the music business. These catalogsalthough re-printed in some cases from year to year with limitedchanges do provide a timeline of when finishes were added andwhen hardware was used and or changed on drums.Unfortunately still there is no exact science or way to pinpointan exact date of a drums manufacture. As collectors and historianswe have to settle for a date range or a specific year at best.That being said some drums did get date stamped on the insideshell and that is the most accurate indication when a drum wasmade. The problem was that the stamp was created with an ink thateasily wiped off during routine cleanings!Even if a serial number badge does exist on a drum anomaliesdo occur and that is because the badges did not have an inventorycontrol system.

A more historical perspective and history of thispractice was documented by Vintage Drum Center and can be read.It is also common knowledge that finishes that were discontinuedwere kept in inventory and people would order them, so productionwould use the finish. That throws the date of the drum off! Thishappened with hardware and badges and these companies were competingin an ever aggressive market and had to do what needed to be doneto remain profitable.