techrecruit Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 I'm a Gibson Acoustic guy (mostly vintage) but don't know much about electric models (more specifically the ES models). I inherited some guitars from my grandpa years ago and am trying to date an ES 345 TD. The serial number indicates to me that it's a 1964 model but as I keep reading and googling I'm finding some people saying the Walnut finish wasn't out until 1969. Any thoughts on the year model of this and also curious to if anyone has any idea to it's value? Not for sale as it's got sentimental value and I'm going to play it and pass it to my son some day. Any help or thoughts is appreciated Pictures are below Serial # - 171366 Front Body Rear Headstock
L5Larry Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 The headstock "volute" and "Made In USA" stamp date it 1970+. The trapeze tail piece also excludes the late 50's/early 60's years. Besides the 60's, some 1XX,XXX serial numbers were used in every year between 1970 and early 1975. The number alone will not help. Try sticking a small mirror in the treble side f-hole and look for a code number on the bottom of the potentiometers. You're looking for a seven-digit number starting with "137". This number is a manufacturers date code, and will tell you when the pots were made. Post the number here and we will be glad to 'cipher it for you, and explain how it relates to the manufacture date of the instrument.
techrecruit Posted November 29, 2011 Author Posted November 29, 2011 Thanks L5larry - Gotta run buy a small mirror to get up inside there. Hopefully an auto parts store nearby may have one. It's beyond me why Gibson couldn't figure out a simple system to identify year made. As soon as I can get in there to see the numbers I'll post them.
techrecruit Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Alright Larry I checked the bottoms of the potentiometers with a mirror and it's just gray and faded looking. no signs of any numbers in any way. My father-in-law has a 1968 ES 335 that is def 100% all original as he's the only owner and barely played it. I looked on the underside of his potentiometers and they don't have any numbers on them either. Any thoughts?
L5Larry Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 Try shining a flashlight into the mirror for a better view and to cause some shadow effect. Your looking for an engraved number that is hard to see, especially viewing through the f-hole. Many times the ground wire solder will cover up some of the numbers, but with four pots you should be able to get a full code. I have seen pots with the numbers etched on the side of the can, but not generally from this era.
techrecruit Posted December 4, 2011 Author Posted December 4, 2011 I'm having a really tough time finding the numbers. When you get time take a look at some of the pics I uploaded. I didn't see anything on the sides either. potentiometers
BobB Posted December 24, 2011 Posted December 24, 2011 One good way to tell a '60's model from a '70's model is the label. In the '60's they had an orange oval label. In the '70's Gibson started using a rectangular white/black/purple label
techrecruit Posted December 27, 2011 Author Posted December 27, 2011 Thanks Bob - label is the white/blk/prpl rectangular one so I'm guessing it's an early 70's model
j45nick Posted December 30, 2011 Posted December 30, 2011 Thanks Bob - label is the white/blk/prpl rectangular one so I'm guessing it's an early 70's model Yes. That label dates it as 1970 or later, which is consistent with the other characteristics of the guitar (color, tailpiece).
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