RRIDER Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I think I have the year of my ES 335 figured out, but would like to see what you guys think it is. My Father in law bought it new, but no paper work has been found for it...My M-I-L gave it to me a few years ago. I know it is from the Norlin era, but is a sweet player! Serial # is 620974 and Made In USA. I know it was made in Kalamazoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfox14 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 That's one of those hard to decipher serial #s. Could be any number of different years in the 70s - 1970-74 or thereabouts. Gibson just made a mess out their numbering system back then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRIDER Posted February 6, 2012 Author Share Posted February 6, 2012 That's one of those hard to decipher serial #s. Could be any number of different years in the 70s - 1970-74 or thereabouts. Gibson just made a mess out their numbering system back then. Gibson said the same thing..But did say that since the i is dotted it isn't a 1970..I know it is older than a 74, and it seems to me the pick up covers were only engraved with Gibson in 71-72...Anyone know for sure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Dating the pots will give you an earliest possible date-as it can't have been built before the pots were. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 The "Gibson" embossed pickups start showing up in late 1970, and disappeared in early '73. I can't tell from the photo, but I am assuming the existence of a headstock volute. The embossed pickups give the "era", so for within that era I've made a little column chart below. Embossed pickups: 70, 71, 72, 73 Made In USA stamp: 70, 71, 72, 73 Serial number: 70, 71, 72 Peghead logo: 72, 73 Looks like 1972 is the winner. I would (and will) guess the pots codes to be late '71 or early '72. Post the pot codes and let's see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfox14 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I don't know if you feel like pulling the pots to get the codes, but it seems like that's the only way to be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JellyWheat Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I don't know if you feel like pulling the pots to get the codes, but it seems like that's the only way to be sure. Just use an inspection mirror and a flashlight... J/W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRIDER Posted February 6, 2012 Author Share Posted February 6, 2012 The "Gibson" embossed pickups start showing up in late 1970, and disappeared in early '73. I can't tell from the photo, but I am assuming the existence of a headstock volute. The embossed pickups give the "era", so for within that era I've made a little column chart below. Embossed pickups: 70, 71, 72, 73 Made In USA stamp: 70, 71, 72, 73 Serial number: 70, 71, 72 Peghead logo: 72, 73 Looks like 1972 is the winner. I would (and will) guess the pots codes to be late '71 or early '72. Post the pot codes and let's see. Thanks Larry! I've been thinking a late 71 or a 72. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRIDER Posted February 6, 2012 Author Share Posted February 6, 2012 I don't know if you feel like pulling the pots to get the codes, but it seems like that's the only way to be sure. Pfox, as long as the pots work fine...I don't think I want to pull them. Just use an inspection mirror and a flashlight... J/W J/W, I might try the mirror and flashlight, but the old eyes aren't what they used to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Sweet-looking 335.. It looks like it does not have a volute...? Yes?no?' I just love them cherry semi-hollows... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Sweet-looking 335.. It looks like it does not have a volute...? Yes?no?' I just love them cherry semi-hollows... You mean like this one, Rod? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 You mean like this one, Rod? YEp ! That'll do it.... ... BUT- I ain,t Trading for my SJ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 It looks to have a Small volute.. smaller I think means ealier..from what Ive seen.. 1974 to 82 era.. the Volutes got bigger as well.. Nice Guitar.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRIDER Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 It looks to have a Small volute.. smaller I think means ealier..from what Ive seen.. 1974 to 82 era.. the Volutes got bigger as well.. Nice Guitar.. Thanks and yes it is nice especially for a 40 yr old guitar. 1974 to 82 era is not possible. I know that first hand. My FIL passed away in 75 he didn't play it about the last 1 1/2 yrs of his life, he made payments on it for a year and it was paid off before he got sick. Besides the 6 digit serial number couldn't possibly be newer than 1974 if I recall correctly..That's why I'm pretty certain it is either a 71 or 72. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 I think that is 'ballpark correct'...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRIDER Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 Slimt, I think I misread your post, sorry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRIDER Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 j45nick, That is gorgeous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 YEp ! That'll do it.... ... BUT- I ain,t Trading for my SJ..... MMM... think about it. It's probably just about a fair trade: perfect Nashville '59 ES 335 Historic for an old SJ with scratches on it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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