Can my L-48 be dated somehow?

[parisology]

This is my first post here.

I have what I believe is an L-48 model f-hole instrument.

Do the L-48's have a serial number anywhere? I can't find one. I've looked inside with an inspection mirror, and nothing on the outside.

The object of course is to date the guitar. It has a plywood top, that's the main attribute other than a serial number that would help. Thanks.

[StijnV]

Hi Parisology,

 

Welcome to the forum !

 

If it's an older one (40s-50s), then there should be a factory order number ink-stamped on the inside back.

 

For narrowing down the year of manufacture, please send the following pictures of the guitar :

* Photos of the instrument in JPG format as an attachment (please limit to 2MB total size) – full front, full back, as well as close ups of the front and back of the headstock, to service@gibson.com or service.europe@gibson.com

 

Kind regards,

 

Stijn

[eds111]

Yes, look for an ink stamp, mine was below one of the F holes. It was very faint, interesting subject. I had an L-48 and I gave it to my nephew. I always wondered when it was made. I guessed early 50's.

[parisology]

Yes, it's there hiding in plain sight - I don't know how I missed it before. On the back, faint, visible through the f-hole.

 

X9036 25

 

http://home.provide.net/~cfh/gibson.html#serial -- page indicates 1954.

[Murph]

Yes' date=' it's there hiding in plain sight - I don't know how I missed it before. On the back, faint, visible through the f-hole.

 

X9036 25

 

http://home.provide.net/~cfh/gibson.html#serial -- page indicates 1954.

 

[/quote']

 

You should post pictures here still so we can argue about it.

 

I mean discuss it.

 

[ksdaddy]

My guess is 1954.

 

Z-1952

Y-1953

X-1954

W-1955

V-1956

U-1957

T-1958

S-1959

R-1960

 

I think those are the only years this applies to and some models may have used a different method. I know many of the electrics used a number as a prefix.... 5 XXXX would be 1955, 6 XXXX would be '56. Don't take my word as gospel though.

 

If you held a gun to my head I would say 1954, Factory Order Number 9036 (number doesn't mean much other than a batch number) and 25 means it was the 25th one in that batch (usually a total of 40).

 

It probably has 19 frets, right?

[parisology]

-- ksdaddy: yes it has 19 frets.

 

The darn plywood top can't be heard above a martin OO in the campground. Will probably try to replace it at some point :+>

[ksdaddy]

Funny thing about archtops, the audience can hear you but you can't hear Jack Squat. The sound is very directional.

 

Don't worry, someone would be happy to give that L-48 a good home.

 

I'll send you my shipping address if you like.

[StijnV]

The X stands indeed for 1954. The last two digits (25 in this case) would itemize the guitars in the rack.

[eds111]

My L-48 wasn't too loud either; sounded cool though.

[GalinMD]

My grandfather left me a guitar that I think is a Gibson L-48 (there was a stamp on the inside I could see through the f hole that said "L-48"). I also see "8737 29" stamped in black ink through the other f hole. Is there any way to get any information about this guitar?

[j45nick]

My grandfather left me a guitar that I think is a Gibson L-48 (there was a stamp on the inside I could see through the f hole that said "L-48"). I also see "8737 29" stamped in black ink through the other f hole. Is there any way to get any information about this guitar?

 

That FON suggests 1951, but detailed photos would help us date it more precisely.

[GalinMD]

Here's a full pic of the guitar: (Here is a gallery of high-res pics: http://www.dropbox.c...Guitar?h=694d43)

 

 

 

Thanks again....any info is greatly appreciated.

[bobouz]

FWIW - The specs on the L48 changed many times. I used to own a 1948 L48 that had a solid mahogany top, with a flat and braced mahogany back! In fact, the back and sides looked like they were borrowed directly from a flat top acoustic.

[Generoso]

On the back visible through the f-hole I see "1984 29" on my Gibson L48. Anyone can help to undestood the building year ?

[j45nick]

On the back visible through the f-hole I see "1984 29" on my Gibson L48. Anyone can help to undestood the building year ?

 

 

Most likely 1948, by that FON. It's just coincidence that the FON is an anagram of the year of construction in this case.

[Mojorule]

Most likely 1948, by that FON. It's just coincidence that the FON is an anagram of the year of construction in this case.

 

So not George Orwell's guitar, then.

[j45nick]

So not George Orwell's guitar, then.

 

 

Well, it could be. This guitar was built in 1948, and Orwell's novel "1984" was first published in 1949.

 

(Cue the theme from "The Twilight Zone".......)

[Generoso]

Most likely 1948, by that FON. It's just coincidence that the FON is an anagram of the year of construction in this case.

Thanks for the information.

This information is taken from some website or is personal knowledge ?

Thanks

[onewilyfool]

You can always cut it in half.....and count the rings......

[j45nick]

My link

Thanks for the information.

This information is taken from some website or is personal knowledge ?

Thanks

 

I was a mere babe in arms when your guitar was built, so my memory of it going out the door is a bit fuzzy......

 

However, the website below is a good but not infallible reference for dating Gibsons using the serial number or FON.

 

My link

[johnjcpa]

I just received my Grandpa's L-48 but cannot find a serial # anywhere. I looked all over the back through the f holes with a flashlight and don't see any type of stamp, etc.

 

Would the number be in any other location?

 

thanks!

[usernameinvalid]

Here's a shoot of my 1947 L 48. The FON # is right under the upper F hole.

4 digit number stamped in black ink and a 2 digit number in read pencil right after it.

Sent off an email to Gibson Customer service I think the same email posted here in the

second post and received all the help need to figure out the year.

 

[johnjcpa]

Here's a shoot of my 1947 L 48. The FON # is right under the upper F hole.

4 digit number stamped in black ink and a 2 digit number in read pencil right after it.

Sent off an email to Gibson Customer service I think the same email posted here in the

second post and received all the help need to figure out the year.

 

 

thanks!...looks just like mine. I'll look again

[johnjcpa]

I shined a flashlight into each f hole and looked everywhere inside for a serial #. There is nothing in there at all...no stamp on the back, no stamp on the sides, etc.

 

Is it possible that they serial # might have been on a piece of paper that had been glued to the inside and maybe came off over the years? I didn't see any indication of glue residue, etc.