Scenario 2 – the date is hidden inside a serial numberĪssuming you cannot find a date on the guitar, the next step if to find a serial number. Other manufacturers which write the date of manufacture on the neck heel include Wal Basses and Standel The neck heel such as on this Telecaster, Kubicki Factor & Performance The neck pocket like this Michael Kinal guitar body. Removing the neck should not be undertaken lightly and if the neck is not a bolt on – then please don’t try this at home. On a number of brands such as Fender and Standel a date is written either on the base of the neck or on the guitar body where the neck joins. Now we start getting into more serious surgery. Under the control cavity cover plate such as on this Wilkat guitar: The picks ups themselves may have dates on them like on this 1978 Gibson Les Paul Under the soundboard – you will need a mirror (dentist mirrors are ideal) Other locations to find a date mark include: In the most straightforward of cases the luthier will write his/her name, the date of manufacture and even who the guitar was made for on a label smack in the middle of the sound hole like this: Scenario 1 – The date is on/in the guitarSeems a bit obvious, and in many cases it is. The date has to be inferred from other sources.The date is hidden inside a serial number on the guitar itself or on a component such as a potentiometer.This article examines the following scenarios: Similarly for those seeking a pre CNC machine Paul Reed Smith you want to find one made before 1995.įinding the definitive date or year of manufacture is not always going to be possible but this guide will give you a few tips to help you narrow it down. If you are interested in owning a pre CBS Fender Stratocaster then knowing whether the guitar was built before or after 4 January 1965 is a very important issue. Most people like to know when their guitar was made.

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