How Many Made vs How Many Released

[liv4hcky]

When is the serial # issued ?

Based on lacquer and paint, I would think it is during first portion of production

.... and not just before it goes in the case to be sold.

 

Do serial #'s ever get created without a guitar leaving the plant?

 

If there is to be a limited run, where it is more than just paint and hardware difference

Do they start all at same time (sequentially) ?

 

When they make the bodies and necks, do they make extra's, just in case needed ?

 

Does Gibson ever release less than the amount planned due to quality control ?

[GuitarJunkie]

I've heard that the serial number is assigned and stamped once the neck is joined to the body. I guess that's when the moment of "conception" occurs.

[Raptor]

When the serial number gets stamped depends a bit on which shop Gibson USA or the Custom Shop. I think the serial numbers at USA are stamped as the neck is made, then they are paired with the guitar so it is done prior to finishing. The CS ink stamps the necks but I am not sure if it is before the clearcoat or after the final coat. It is done after the pore filler and any finish colour is applied, and I think it is under the clear coat, but not certain.

If a guitar fails an inspection, it is band sawed and thrown out, so yes serial numbers might not leave the plant. I doubt that Gibson bother to keep track of the numbers and 'fills in the blanks' with other guitars.

With limited runs, there is no hard and fast rule. A lot of runs get mixed in with other batches, although they do try to keep some in sequence. If it is a signature guitar, then the serial number is in sequence and it is easy to do with these because they usually have some letters in them like the Zakk Wyldes start with ZW. If it is a run for a dealer who wants a separate serial number, ie a run of 250 with numbers from 1-250 stamped on, then they will have a normal serial number too that may not be in sequence. What I mean is guitar 1/250 might have a CS serial number of CS 80230 and 2/250 might have CS 80309. One offs are numbered wherever they show up in that years production. The 50th Anniversary flame top R8s will run from 8 0301 to 8 0500, but other runs may not be sequential. Hope that has you confused.

Gibson does not release any of it's production numbers any more unless the guitar is part of a definite limited run like the JP Customs, or a special run of 100 guitars etc. But they will not tell you how many R9s they made in 07 or how many Classics.

[liv4hcky]

Thanks Raptor, very good info. Would think somebody from Memphis might have jumped in, but I will accept your downeast hospitality. In my case, I am searching for any info on the Signed LP GTop Supreme that came out for LP's 90th Bday...and you may have answered the question of why the serial #'s are from 2005 (year of his birthday) but the guitars didin't really hit the street until end of 2007, (ie #'s issued early in production process)

From what I hear, these were made available on Musicians Friend and Guitar Centre, but they were gone very quickly

 

I got 1 of 3 that made it to great white north, out of the total 90 that were to have been made....just wondering if all 90 got to the street.

..later...