2001 SG Standard Stamps

[6th Stringer]

I just traded my white re-fin Flying V for a 2001 SG Standard. It all looks totally legit - the tattered brown case with pink interior and cover; the headstock inlays;  the tuners;  the nibs on the fret ends. The only thing I find curious is the stamps on the back of the headstock. The serial number and "Made in U.S.A." have a line around them that looks like a decal. They feel recessed - as a stamp should, but have a visible line around them. I am thinking that it is the die marking creating an optical illusion.

 

Does anyone have any input on this from other guitars of the period?  I am pretty confident that it is real, but It looks different from other Gibsons I own.  I have noticed the die markings on my other guitars. but not on the Made in USA part as much as the serial numbers.

[kidblast]

My USA Gibson's are not of the same years as yours.  

I think the serial numbering methods change often so it's really hard to pinpoint based on that alone.

I'd pop open the truss rod cover, if you see a 5/16 hex bolt, you can be just about assured, it's legit.  The counterfeits don't have a hex bolt. 

 

[6th Stringer]

So I just opened the electronics cavity and all the insides appear stock. The pots have a Gibson logo. The Guitar Dater Project places my serial number at January 11th 2001. One of the tone pots is marked 1-15-01, so I am pretty confident everything is cool. That marking on the headstock that looks like a decal is just SO odd.

[kidblast]

8 hours ago, 6th Stringer said:

So I just opened the electronics cavity and all the insides appear stock. The pots have a Gibson logo. The Guitar Dater Project places my serial number at January 11th 2001. One of the tone pots is marked 1-15-01, so I am pretty confident everything is cool. That marking on the headstock that looks like a decal is just SO odd.

the truss rod check, looking for and finding a 5/16 hex bolt would seal the case as closed.  🙂