Maestro Vibratoer Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I am the proud owner of a Gibson L5 signature. I was told it was made in 2001, but then read they were only produced from 2002-2004. Who is right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 What's the serial number? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestro Vibratoer Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 Larry, it is 21761005. I tried a few sites to decode this, but none produced results. The label is Orange, but not signed by Hutchins. Thank you for your response. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joevacc Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Larry, it is 21761005. I tried a few sites to decode this, but none produced results. The label is Orange, but not signed by Hutchins. Thank you for your response. Usually the fifth digit in a Gibson serial number is the year of manufacture. I would say 2001 is the year it was made... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestro Vibratoer Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 Thanks Joe, I guess they might have started making these in 2001. I know they didn't make a whole lot of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 The serial number does not fit the standard and current format (1st and 5th digits = last two digits of the year), so it's understandable that you couldn't decode it, neither can I. Maybe someone else will come along with some inside info on the serial number. If can get the code number off one of the pots (dental mirror, flashlight, and a lot of luck required), this will tell you the mfg date of the pot. In the case of screwy Gibson serial number systems, such as the six-digit numbers of the 60's/early 70's, this has become the accepted way of putting a date on the instruments. As for your label not being signed, The orange labels were not signed, only the "Tone Tested" label of the "Master Model" versions. What distinguishes between a "Master Model" and a "not-a-master-model", I have no clue (Gibson probably doesn't either). The "Master Model" has two elongated oval beige labels, one under each f-hole. One states "The Gibson Master Model", "style", and "number": http://www.oldgibson.com/110809LoarL5_012c.jpg The other states "tested and approved", with the date and signature: http://www.oldgibson.com/110809LoarL5_039c.jpg The current "Master Model" labels are very similar to the ones in the linked photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestro Vibratoer Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 The serial number does not fit the standard and current format (1st and 5th digits = last two digits of the year), so it's understandable that you couldn't decode it, neither can I. Maybe someone else will come along with some inside info on the serial number. If can get the code number off one of the pots (dental mirror, flashlight, and a lot of luck required), this will tell you the mfg date of the pot. In the case of screwy Gibson serial number systems, such as the six-digit numbers of the 60's/early 70's, this has become the accepted way of putting a date on the instruments. As for your label not being signed, The orange labels were not signed, only the "Tone Tested" label of the "Master Model" versions. What distinguishes between a "Master Model" and a "not-a-master-model", I have no clue (Gibson probably doesn't either). The "Master Model" has two elongated oval beige labels, one under each f-hole. One states "The Gibson Master Model", "style", and "number": http://www.oldgibson.com/110809LoarL5_012c.jpg The other states "tested and approved", with the date and signature: http://www.oldgibson.com/110809LoarL5_039c.jpg The current "Master Model" labels are very similar to the ones in the linked photos. Thanks Larry. Not sure I have the right implements to check the pots. I guess based on the limited info. I have, it would be a 2001. In any case, a very cool guitar which I never tire of playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny W. Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 The first L-5 Signature I bought has a serial number of 2xxx1xxx and I bought it new in July, 2003. Not at all sure what the significance of this is. Danny W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanC Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I am the proud owner of a Gibson L5 signature. I was told it was made in 2001, but then read they were only produced from 2002-2004. Who is right? Any chance that you could post a pic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestro Vibratoer Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 I have been having problems posting an image to this site. For some reason it's always been a problem. I will give it a few more shots. It is an iced tea sunburst with a flamed back. Has standard 2 pickup configuration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestro Vibratoer Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 here goes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestro Vibratoer Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 sorry but after numerous tries, I give up. Thanks for the reply though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanC Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 sorry but after numerous tries, I give up. Thanks for the reply though Dont know if this helps but I transfer my photos from iPhoto to an app called Photobucket and then copy from there. That works for me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestro Vibratoer Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 I'll try with dropbox Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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