trying to verify manufacture date for vintage LPs

[marketing_guy]

Does Gibson still verify production dates? I've called the service line and followed the "send by email, under 2MB total pictures, etc." directions by email several times (over 3 months) and haven't received a reply. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

I created a shutterfly site for a few pictures: http://someguitars3.shutterfly.com/pictures

 

the first guitar "LP1" has the serial number 952718 and “Made in USA” both stamped into the headstock.

The guitar has not been modified except for the custom brass bridge which could easily be swapped back.

 

the second guitar "LP2" has a serial number of 205983 and “made in USA” stamped into the headstock.

I was told that the guitar is all original with no modifications.

 

I'm figuring they are both early 70's but some help with verifying that would be immensely appreciated!

[pippy]

the first guitar "LP1" has the serial number 952718 and "Made in USA" both stamped into the headstock.

 

the second guitar "LP2" has a serial number of 205983 and "made in USA" stamped into the headstock.

If the innards of the guitars are original then by far the most reliable way of establishing a good estimate of vintage is by reading the potentiometer codes.

These will be a six- or seven-digit number stamped into the base of each vol/tone pot.

You may have to refer to two or more pots depending on where, exactly, the solder is located but it should be straightforward enough.

 

Type the number into the relevant space here;

http://www.guitardaterproject.org/potcodereader.aspx

 

The actual guitar serial numbering systems and records kept by Gibson from the '70s are famously unreliable.

 

FWIW the first number you state fits in with a 1973 production date and that of the second into 1975 according to one source book I have.

The book was printed in 1977 so it SHOULD be fairly accurate but it has been shown to be inaccurate a couple of times in the past...

 

Both instruments would fit in with these dates perfectly.

 

P.

[marketing_guy]

Thanks for the link. The innards all look original - as in old and not easy to read, but I will try to use this method if it's better than the serial numbers.

 

thanks!