#Gibson custom shop serial numbers j200 serial number
#Gibson custom shop serial numbers j200 code

In 1938, the FON was changed to a two- or three-letter prefix before the batch and instrument numbers. The number is ink-stamped inside the guitar on the back. From 1935 to 1937, the letter appeared between the batch and instrument numbers (i.e. Other FONs may appear that aren’t listed here that were produced during WWII. Serial numbers appear ink-stamped on a white paper label. In most cases, only the upper end instruments were assigned identification numbers. This system ran to 99999 for both acoustics and electrics. The serial numbers started with number 100 for acoustics and around 90000 for electrics.

These guitars picked up on the serialization, which was already established by the acoustic models. 1935-1947: The first production electric guitars appeared in 1935.

#Gibson custom shop serial numbers j200 serial number

The serial number would properly indicate the actual date of the guitar. When both numbers are present on a higher grade model, remember that the FON was assigned at the beginning of the production run, while the serial number was recorded later (before shipping). Higher grade models (such as the Super 400, L-5, J-200, etc.) feature both a serial number and a FON. The F O N is the only identification number on Gibson’s lower grade models (like the ES-125, ES-140, J-160E, etc.) which do not feature a paper label. From 1952-1961, the F O N scheme followed the pattern of a letter, the batch number, and an instrument ranking number (when the guitar was built in the run of forty).

#Gibson custom shop serial numbers j200 code

In 1949, a four digit F O N was used, but not in conjunction with any code letter indicating the year. Code Letter F O Ns were discontinued after 1941, and any instruments made during or right after World War II do not bear an F O N codes. The numbers are usually stamped or written on the instrument’s back and seen through the lower f-hole or round soundhole, or maybe impressed on the back of the headstock. There are three separate groupings of numbers that have been identified and which are used for their accuracy. This system is useful in helping to date and authenticate instruments. The F O N may indicate the year, batch number, and the ranking (order of production within the batch of forty). Thus, the older Gibson guitars may have a serial number and a F O N. Gibson’s Factory Order Numbers were an internal coding that followed the group of instruments through the factory. In the earlier years at Gibson, guitars were normally built in batches of forty instruments. In addition to the above serial number information, Gibson also used Factory Order Numbers (F O N) to track batches of instruments being produced at the time. logo design change, headstock volutes, etc). The best method of identifying them is to use a combination of the serial number, the factory order number and any features that are particular to a specific time. Identifying Gibson instruments by serial number is tricky at best, and downright impossible in some cases. GIBSON ELECTRIC SERIALIZATION GIBSON ELECTRIC SERIALIZATION, cont. and Canada orders only) Phone: 95 FAX: 95 Email: Web site: GIBSON ELECTRIC SERIALIZATION 1 8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 175 Minneapolis, MN 55425 U.S.A. Taken from the 11th Edition Blue Book of Electric Guitarsīlue Book Publications, Inc. According to this the reissue serials as we know them today did not start until '92. Why? Because you deserve it.Ĭlick Here to learn more about what makes a Wildwood instrument so special.I found this it may help. Each and every instrument we sell includes a full, point by point setup, an exhaustive evaluation, and expert shipping procedures, with first class, industry leading standards from start to finish. Multi-Ply Cream on Top, Back and Hand filed rolled Fingerboard BindingĪn instrument from Wildwood isn't just an ordinary guitar. True Historic 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue