tadaoo

According to this WIKI, I figured that the MIJ Epis meant for export didn't have the 'open book' headstock, so that might explain also the 3 hole TRC, but the serial number does not really work: - it should be YMMPPP format and mine is YYMMPPPP - it seems that until 97, Terada was only manufacturing semi-acoustic Epis. Serial numbers for solid bodies seems to start from 98 onwards: In 1983, Epiphone export production moved from Japan to Korea [7] and In 1987, Yamano Gakki obtained the Epiphone Japan dealership and produced a limited range of Epiphone Japan semi acoustic models in cooperation with Gibson. The Terada guitar factory in Japan was used to make the Yamano Gakki Epiphone Japan guitars. After Gibson and Yamano Gakki ended Orville production in 1998, Gibson and Yamano Gakki produced an expanded Epiphone Japan model range including solid body as well as semi acoustic models. Still confused. Would it be correct to say thet it is either an unrecorded LP Special from Terada 97, or a Korean LPS with unidentified J-serial number?

my bad! I got confused with the Indonesia made Epis! Is is possible that the neck plate is a fake?

Hi Pete, Thanks for your input. So in it is not from Japan, what could the J be referring to? Was there Jakarta made LP in 97? I enclose further pictures for possible additional informations.

hi everyone, newbie on the gibson forum, i just purchased a MIJ Epiphone Les Paul Special, with the following serial number(on neck plate): J97062022 According to the seller, it should be a MIJ Terada from June 97; I am not familiar with the guitar dating and ID methods so I just like to double check with the specialists here if: - Terada Gakki was indeed manufacturing Epi LP Special in 97 - the neck plate serial number and headstock are 'period correct' - photos match the description many thanks to the team here