Got another one...

[sgtbeefheart]

But higher up it says, "910000 to 999999 1968"

I suspect that it was in '70 that they started to re-use the numbers.

 

[Kris Ford]

But higher up it says, "910000 to 999999 1968"

I suspect that it was in '70 that they started to re-use the numbers.

Bingo! So way to go Gibson on that blunder...
I'd say most, if not all of the confusion in dating may come from this error in logistics..but the SN# is just a small piece of the puzzle..

 

[Tony M]

Actual conversation I had:
(I'm the second guy to speak.)

"Hey man, what year is that guitar? It sounds incredible."
"I have no idea."
What do you mean you have no idea?"
"I have no idea."
"How could you have no idea? It sounds AMMMAAAAAZZIIINNG dude!"
"I never asked it when it was born. I didn't want to interrupt it while it was busy sounding so amazing."
"That's cool. Want a drink?"
"No thanks. I have to drive home later."
"So?"
"It's against band rules."
"That's screwed up."
Etc.

 

[sgtbeefheart]

I posted this back in November,

"I have a feeling that most of the posts on this forum asking
"when was my guitar made", end up with "it's '70 '71, '72".

Perhaps we should have a Sticky,
"When was your guitar made?", and inside it, "it's '70 '71, '72"." :)

 

[Tony M]

They should eliminate the serial numbers and just put the date and
time it comes off the line on it instead of using a "secret code".
Either that or not bother at all. If the guitar feels and sounds good
it doesn't matter to me when it was made. I'm not a collector.

 

[Kris Ford]

Actual conversation I had:
(I'm the second guy to speak.)

"Hey man, what year is that guitar? It sounds incredible."
"I have no idea."
What do you mean you have no idea?"
"I have no idea."
"How could you have no idea? It sounds AMMMAAAAAZZIIINNG dude!"
"I never asked it when it was born. I didn't want to interrupt it while it was busy sounding so amazing."
"That's cool. Want a drink?"
"No thanks. I have to drive home later."
"So?"
"It's against band rules."
"That's screwed up."
Etc.

Yeah..some people could give a sh*t less..but will always seem to pick the "most vintage" date, obviously for higher profit when selling them...

 

[Tony M]

I know. The word "vintage" really wrecked the chances of
getting a good deal on a decent used guitar or amplifier .

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

They should eliminate the serial numbers and just put the date and
time it comes off the line on it instead of using a "secret code".
Either that or not bother at all. If the guitar feels and sounds good
it doesn't matter to me when it was made. I'm not a collector.

Pearl drum company, of which I have been and am a proud owner of some of the finest drums made; uses serial numbers only for insurance reasons for the owner.

As for dating, only a few of their limited edition kits come with dates.
I had 2 such kits made in March 1997 and July 1997.

What Tony said about writing the date it came off the line on the guitar makes a boatload of sense doesn't it?

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

I know. The word "vintage" really wrecked the chances of
getting a good deal on a decent used guitar or amplifier .

I agree somewhat, As Likea45 or Biddlin or even me sometimes can attest, some good deals can still be had at times. However, the times we live in are also making shrewder sellers who price their stuff high instead of being clueless what they have, all because of this thing we know called the internet.

 

[Kris Ford]

I agree somewhat, As Likea45 or Biddlin or even me sometimes can attest, some good deals can still be had at times. However, the times we live in are also making shrewder sellers who price their stuff high instead of being clueless what they have, all because of this thing we know called the internet.

You'd be surprised how little I actually paid for my vintage and early Norlin SGs...by being shrewder than the seller..by doing some homework..by scouring eBay and Craigslist daily..but most importantly, by not being afraid to call BULLSH*T when I see it...representing something it's not for a substantial gain in profit is FRAUD...

 

[Rowdymoon]

The positioning of "gibson " on the headstock

 

[LeadFinger]

"However, the times we live in are also making shrewder sellers who price their stuff high instead of being clueless what they have, all because of this thing we know called the internet."

So fking true. Though sometimes people just want rid of something. I can't tell you how many great deals I've gotten on barely-used girlfriends just by shopping locally, and asking around.

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

You'd be surprised how little I actually paid for my vintage and early Norlin SGs...by being shrewder than the seller..by doing some homework..by scouring eBay and Craigslist daily..but most importantly, by not being afraid to call BULLSH*T when I see it...representing something it's not for a substantial gain in profit is FRAUD...

True, Kris. It is obviously possible to buy or sell and get a good deal or good profit/break even on gear, cars, jewels, tickets etc.

My point is that partly because of the web, plus reality shows on TV, Antique's Roadshow, Barrett Jackson auctions, etc more people than ever are looking to cash in on OLD is vintage etc. "Therefore let me sell for major bank to fund my retirement and kid's college funds" instead of like in the old days circa 1990 like when I sold my beloved Norlin Les Paul STD for $400 including the case for example.

Like I said Kris, your point is also valid as is what you said, Lead.

 

[Kris Ford]

ooops, got it backwards..

1968 RARE Pelham Blue Gibson SG Jr Electric Guitar in New York City | eBay
This is actually a '66..nothing even remotely '68 about it..
Still too high priced..regardless of what color it is..

 

[Kris Ford]

Nope

Gibson SG Melody Maker Double 1968 Vintage Guitar | eBay
Not with that headstock..a real '68 melody maker still had the skinny one..

 

[Kris Ford]

Gibson SG Melody Maker Double 1968 Vintage Guitar | eBay
Not with that headstock..a real '68 melody maker still had the skinny one..

Vintage Gibson SG Melody Maker D Case 1967 68 | eBay
THIS is a real '67..early '68 was identical..note the differences..and the price..

 

[Kris Ford]

Put down the crack pipe..

1972 SG Gibson Guitar Melody Maker with Flight Case | eBay
WTF?? Not a Melody Maker, it's a fugly ass SG 200..and SO not worth that amount..

 

[sgtbeefheart]

He calls it an SG IIs in the description.

 

[Redstone]

I honestly don't get why people bother to try pass off their SG as a 67. Are 67s significantly more valuable than the models from other years? I don't care if it is a 67, 68,69,71 or whatever, as long as it feels/plays good, sounds good and looks good.

 

[sgtbeefheart]

It may be because in '67 "change" was firmly established.