Hi All, I am new to this forum please excuse my ignorance. My father was in a band and has a Gibson SG standard with the serial number 147508. He can't remember what year he bought it. I've been on the Gibson website but cant find any information pre 1975. My father thinks it was bought in 1967,1968 or 1969.Does anyone know a way of finding more information on the guitar from the serial number.
welcome! photos? serial numbers prior to 1977 will not be useful for indicating the date. check the pot codes in the control cavity. if original they can indicate earliest date the guitar was built. pot code format 137YYWW 137 = CTS YY = Year WW = Week
Sometimes serial numbers can be useful. According to published lists, the range 147001 to 149891 would include 147508 , made in 1963 or 1964
Hi, thanks for the help, sorry it took me a while but here are some photos. Is the control cavity behind the black cover on the back, would I take that off by unscrewing the small screws? Are the POT codes on something in there? here are some
1963-1965 SG Standard because: 1. Small guard 2. Maestro Vibrola Cannot be earlier than 1963: 1961-1962 had Sideways Vibrola. Cannot be later than 1966: 1966 was transition year to large guard. The control cavity is on the backside. Remove the screws from the cover plate making note of original location of each screw so that they get replaced back in the original holes. If you plan to sell the guitar, some collectors are particular about this sort of thing. If the solder on the pots are original, the pot codes can indicate the earliest year the guitar was built. Pictured below is the control cavity of a 1970 SG Standard. The pot is indicated by the red arrow. Pot Code 1377010 137 = CTS 70 = Year 10 = Week Pictured below is a 1963 SG Special. The pot codes are on the side of the pots instead of the backside. Pot Code 1346326 134 = Centralab 63 = Year 26 = Week
That's great, thanks for all the information. I'll carefully open the control cavity and post the pot codes.
CTS pot codes are on the top and consequently can often be covered by the soldering, but if the soldering all looks the same there should be at least one pot showing the code. However, if they are Centerlab pots their codes are on the sides and I think that's what you'll have. I've two 1962 Standards: one with sideways vibrola and the other the ebony block with pearl inlays plus a TV white 1963 Special. All have Centerlab pots. Centerlabs when seen in the pot cavity look flat and often weathered. To check these you need to carefully prise off the pot knobs (I use a couple of ivory paper-knives either side of the knob), undo the nuts and the selector-switch's too then very gently ease the pots back into the pot cavity. You should then be able see the 134 codes; you'll need a magnifying glass and a second pair of hands to hold the guitar to the light. Best of luck, it certainly looks the period with the stepped neck join. Roger, Lake District, UK.
