Custom Ebony 1969, is it Norlin or not?

[Mr. Telecaster]

Guitar has "1968" appointments, is described as "early 1969", and has pots dating 1969. I am curious is this Norlin era or not? I have been told by one person that Norlin is 69, by another that it was 70 or a year after. Color me confused. Thoughts?

[kidblast]

It's hard to pin a date down, but according to this  1970..  https://menga.net/gibsons-stupid-norlin-era-electric-guitars

That yours was pre 70s is probably a stroke of luck, it seems that the early 70s are the most well known for the down turn.

An even at that, they weren't all dogs.. so even some of the early 70s were nothing to sneeze at.

I had a 73 deluxe gold top that I wish I still had.

[Mr. Telecaster]

Just now, kidblast said:

It's hard to pin a date down, but according to this  1970..  https://menga.net/gibsons-stupid-norlin-era-electric-guitars

That yours was pre 70s is probably a stroke of luck, it seems that the early 70s are the most well known for the down turn.

An even at that, they weren't all dogs.. so even some of the early 70s were nothing to sneeze at.

I had a 73 deluxe gold top that I wish I still had.

I collect Norlin era stuff, Customs primarily and then Artisan/Artist/Deluxe. Not standards (yet). I think it's overstated in some cases? My issue isn't to avoid it, but not overpay for "pre-Norlin" BB that is not actually pre-Norlin. As they're asking for a premium and I want to know it really is. Thanks btw.