Serial Number Issue

[SkateMusicLife64]

Hey, this is my first post. I got a Les Paul Standard a few months ago and I absolutely love it- haven't picked up my Strat since. I have one question though. The serial number on my guitar is barely visible. To see it, you need to hold the headstock up to the light at a certain angle, then you can just barely make it out. Is this normal?

[KingMetalHeart]

Hey' date=' this is my first post. I got a Les Paul Standard a few months ago and I absolutely love it- haven't picked up my Strat since. I have one question though. The serial number on my guitar is barely visible. To see it, you need to hold the headstock up to the light at a certain angle, then you can just barely make it out. Is this normal?[/quote']

Welcome to the forum.

You are a little vague with the description....is it a used Gibby or a new one?

Did you buy it at a a music store or e-bay?

Is the serial number stamped or a decal?

 

This link might be able to help you out http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx

 

I hate to jump to conclusions but if it's stamped and you can barely make out the number it's possible that is has been re-finished but it's only an assumption....Gibson is usually thorough with serialization but it's possible that the number just didn't get pressed into the wood hard enough and rather than try to rematch it they just allowed it to pass through.

[SkateMusicLife64]

It is new from Guitar Center. It is a regular Standard made in 2008, but not the new "2008 Standard". The serial number is barely stamped in and no ink was used.

[KingMetalHeart]

It is new from Guitar Center. It is a regular Standard made in 2008' date=' but not the new "2008 Standard". The serial number is barely stamped in and no ink was used.[/quote']

 

I would say since you bought it at GC it's a Gibby that just didn't get fully pressed,I'm sure it's normal,sometimes things like that can happen,you should have gotten a packing list with the intonnation and checklist with the serial# handwritten on the tag,along with the truss rod wrench in your case.

 

Post some pics of it dude and congratulations!

[Dynadude]

The inpressions get pretty well filled in when they apply the finish. Many times, especially with a painted headstock, the numbers get very hard to read.

 

I'd say it's unfortunate, but not out of the ordinary that the numbers are hard to read.

[GuitarJunkie]

It's not uncommon. The Slash signature Goldtop seems to have the same problem with a LOT of them.

[nikko18]

probably just didn't get pressed in enough. weird **** happens. my little brother got a lego for xmas and when he opened the box on christmas day all the little bags in it had model car parts and it didn't have any legos inside :)

[GuitarJunkie]

probably just didn't get pressed in enough. weird **** happens. my little brother got a lego for xmas and when he opened the box on christmas day all the little bags in it had model car parts and it didn't have any legos inside ;)

Sorry to tell you, but you got some counterfeit chinese Lego. If you look closely, you'll notice the box actually says "Rego".

[daveinspain]

Sorry to tell you' date=' but you got some counterfeit chinese Lego. If you look closely, you'll notice the box actually says "Rego".[/quote']

 

LMAO.... Classic!

[HankCole]

Odd you brought it up. In looking at mine I just realized my '72 is a '71. ;) The stamping is deep enough but the seriffs on the numeral "1" makes it look like a two.....At least to me.

 

But then I see Hendrix in the flames

 

[Col F]

I have seen the same thing myself on several new LP's.. GC (as difficult as they may be to tolerate) doesn't sell fraudulent gear. In fact, if you got the Gibson box that your LP shipped in, the label may still be on the box with the S/N etc... Your GC store can even look up the GC Purchase Order that was issued to Gibson for your guitar, and of course, your S/N provides the date that your LP was "born" (neck was attached to body, S/N stamped, and then sent on further in the manufacturing process in the Nashville factory).

 

Don't worry, and enjoy your LP...

 

Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

[Bluemoon]

probably just didn't get pressed in enough. weird **** happens. my little brother got a lego for xmas and when he opened the box on christmas day all the little bags in it had model car parts and it didn't have any legos inside

 

A friend of mine opened a bottle of milk once and found a mummified rat inside. Or was it a friend of a friend?

[RichCI]

It's fine. Guitar Center doesn't sell counterfeit Gibsons (or, at least, not ones that are supposed to be new; no idea what their QC is for used gear). Additionally, the S# on my 92 Custom is a little hard to read as it's stamped and is black on black.

[retrosurfer1959]

very common especially in some colors and models my black studio with BFG electronics is almost invisible have to be in bright light and at the right angle to even come close to reading it.

[modoc_333]

black is the worst to read. i'm still not 100% sure what all of the the digits are on my '71 custom.

[SkateMusicLife64]

Thanks everyone, and thanks KingMetalHeart. Now I know my guitar's birthday is April 12th.

[rocketman]

black is the worst to read. i'm still not 100% sure what all of the the digits are on my '71 custom.

 

My black Sonex is very hard to read. The Les Pauls are easy.

[Kolera]

It's not uncommon. The Slash signature Goldtop seems to have the same problem with a LOT of them.

 

That's right... http://forums.gibson.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=10244 Bottom half of the post...

[sangemon]

I think you should definitely send it to me so that it can be thoroughly checked out.

[Super24]

The S/N should also be on your GC receipt. My '08 classic S/N is readable, but not as clear as others I've seen.