wulfpak74 Posted March 7, 2021 Share Posted March 7, 2021 I own a B45-12; but can’t determine from the serial number (#105731) and decoding information whether it’s a 1963 or 1967? ‘Anyone out there able to help solve the mystery? Thanks! Phil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted March 7, 2021 Share Posted March 7, 2021 As you know, that serial number could apparently be either year. The characteristics changed fairly constantly during the mid/late 1960s, as well, and aren't necessarily definitive Based on the rectangular adj bridge and trap tail, my guess would be 67 rather than 63, but I have nothing definitive to base that on. Several folks here have B 45-12s of various years, and may be better informed. I had an ES 335-12 from 1968, which ironically shared some of the basic structural issues as their 12-string acoustic cousins. Yours looks to be in lovely condition. A lot of people tune these down a half step or a full step, then capo up to standard pitch if they want to play with others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted March 7, 2021 Share Posted March 7, 2021 (edited) I owned a '63 B45-12N and it had the trapeze tailpiece. Right off the bat the pointed edges on split diamond says 1967. The headstock doodad on a 1963 will have rounded edges. Another way to tell whether it is a '63 or a '67 is to look at the X brace. If there are sister braces running alongside the legs of the lower part of the X it is a '67. Somewhere I have a bracing diagram of a post-1964 B45-12 which I will try and dig up. Edited March 7, 2021 by zombywoof Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted March 7, 2021 Share Posted March 7, 2021 (edited) Here ya go. You can see the added braces running along the outside of the lower X. If a 1963 they will not be there and you will have the single X. Edited March 7, 2021 by zombywoof Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wulfpak74 Posted March 7, 2021 Author Share Posted March 7, 2021 Thank you both for the reply! I bought this one a few years ago when a neighbor offered it at $250! 😀 Very good condition for its age. She may not be pristine; but she such can sing! Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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