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serial number tag


Royii

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That is truly disturbing. Some of the tags I've seen, have been literally scribbled on. What kind of professionalism is that. If you can't take the time to stamp the nameplate, why should I expect you would have taken the time to put any real quality craftsmanship into the product? Might as well get one made in Indonesia and save a thousand bucks.

When I purchased my "78" Les Paul Custom in1978, I did so knowing I was getting the finest quality instrument money could buy. I ordered it from the factory and had to wait several months for it to arrive at our local music store. I personally unwrapped the shipping material from the guitar and it was in tune with perfect factory setup.

Someone tried to sell me an ES-335 yesterday. The "F" holes were rough and un-sanded and the serial tag looked as if my three year old granddaughter had filled it out. He swore up and down it was legit. I wasn't convinced. Everything else looked real but....

I have a cheap Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3, I picked up at a pawn shop for $200.  The "F" hole were sanded smooth and painted to resemble binding. It plays and sounds phenomenal. Does that mean the Koreans put more care into their products than a US iconic manufacturer?

Just saying. 

I want a quality "GIBSON" semi-hollow body ES. How far back in history do I have to go to find one? 70's, 80's?

Mind you, it's not the money or cost of the instrument. If the creator didn't love it... 

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I don't see where that is an issue one way or the other.  It could also be said that hand written is better as a sign these are hand made and finished.  All depends how you want to look at it.  It certainly can't be compared to a quality issue. 

You're missing the boat being caught up in petty details.  It has been said numerous times by very knowledgeable owners that the recent years ES models, especially upper level ones like the reissues are some of the best Gibson has ever made.  You don't have to go way back.

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On 7/24/2019 at 2:53 PM, Royii said:

That is truly disturbing. Some of the tags I've seen, have been literally scribbled on. What kind of professionalism is that. If you can't take the time to stamp the nameplate, why should I expect you would have taken the time to put any real quality craftsmanship into the product? Might as well get one made in Indonesia and save a thousand bucks.

 

If you truly believe this, then you have wasted your money. 

All PRS core guitars have the serial numbers hand written on them. Its seen as a personal touch. The Gibson example you are citing can be regarded  the same way. Anybody can print a label too. Jimmy Page has been criticised for using a stamp instead of signing autographs. Which would you rather have?

Why not value your guitar for its build quality and sound instead?

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You don't have to go back in time to get a good ES guitar from Gibson.  I have one built in 2012 and another built in 2017 and the quality on both is excellent.  One has a hand written tag inside the F hole, the other doesn't even have a tag inside.  You are paying to much attention to something that isn't important. 

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  • 2 months later...

I have a 2009 ES-335. I bought it used at guitar center in 2013.   I played it for 30 minutes and fell in love with it.   It was definitely a closet queen.  No sign of play wear and the plastic was still on the pick guard.  Came with the original case which was also like new.  Did not come with a COA.  Months later I was cleaning it and noticed  that the orange tag inside the body was filled out very poorly. The serial number written on the tag matches the headstock. Unfortunately the last number on the serial number on the tag was scribbled over like an error was made then corrected.  Overall the information on the tag looked like it was written by a 3 year old.  When traveling a number of years back I dropped it off at Gibson a and had it authenticated. It’s the real deal.  I asked about the tag and was told it happens from time to time.  Not big deal for me as I truly love the guitar. Just found it a bit odd.

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