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"Made in the USA"...Stamp on 1977 Sg


1959bluesdude

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'77 is a transition year of serial number schemes. Most of '77 the serial number, model name AND "Made In USA" would have been on a waterslide decal at the top of the headstock. Sometime late in '77 Gibson changed back to the die stamped numbers (and "Made In USA") "impressed" in the wood. At the same time they initiated the current serial number system.

 

So as usual with Gibson's late 60's/early 70's guitars, there are many pieces of the puzzle to consider.

 

As for the tuners, Gibson used tuning machines from many different manufactures (Kluson, Schaller, Grover to name a few), some "Gibson" branded, others without. So Grovers themselves (without Gibson logo) do not necessarily send up a red flag as to "replacement". If you remove one, there will be an impression in the wood, and/or finish, of the profile of the original tuners (if replaced). Even if it has been refinished, there may be extra screw holes, which even if filled and painted over will still be SLIGHTLY visible if you know how to look for them.

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Also look at machine, should have Grover clockwise around the edge across the top, USA around the edge along the bottom. That would make them original if both words or an immeditate replacement by some joker like me. Without the USA on it, they were added later, I don't remember when the USA came off the machines.

 

rct

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'77 is a transition year of serial number schemes. Most of '77 the serial number, model name AND "Made In USA" would have been on a waterslide decal at the top of the headstock. Sometime late in '77 Gibson changed back to the die stamped numbers (and "Made In USA") "impressed" in the wood. At the same time they initiated the current serial number system.

 

So as usual with Gibson's late 60's/early 70's guitars, there are many pieces of the puzzle to consider.

 

As for the tuners, Gibson used tuning machines from many different manufactures (Kluson, Schaller, Grover to name a few), some "Gibson" branded, others without. So Grovers themselves (without Gibson logo) do not necessarily send up a red flag as to "replacement". If you remove one, there will be an impression in the wood, and/or finish, of the profile of the original tuners (if replaced). Even if it has been refinished, there may be extra screw holes, which even if filled and painted over will still be SLIGHTLY visible if you know how to look for them.

I see you are in agreement there should be a "Made in the USA"...impressed into the wood between the tuners.

So a Grover tuner could cover up an original Schaller tuners ?

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