Dating a gibson

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Discussion

Gibsony

Original Poster:

6 posts

114 months

Tuesday 2nd September 2014
quotequote all
Hi, This is long shot but I was told someone on this site might be able to help me put a date on my Gibson Les Paul ( once gold top, now wood finish) I tried to find out on Gibson site and a few others, but got down the list as far as 1968 which had numbers 970000-972864 there was then a gap to the 1970s when there was a totally different numbering system.The number on the back of my head stock is 978047, so assuming it is 1969 but wondering why there is no mention of that number or year. Much obliged for any help. Steve

conkerman

3,298 posts

134 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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Only if its Debbie.

Justin Cyder

12,624 posts

148 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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This might be of help. It's as comprehensive a site as I know of.

http://home.provide.net/~cfh/gibson.html#serial

kiseca

9,339 posts

218 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
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conkerman said:
Only if its Debbie.
hehe I've got to admit I didn't know what I expected to find when I opened this thread but I was pretty sure it was going to be creepy. Its normalness was a bit of a shock.

Gibsony

Original Poster:

6 posts

114 months

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
quotequote all
Ha Ha, I thought it might get you going. Thanks all, I've found what I needed. I havent been playing a very convincing fake for 40 years. Just a shame I've stripped it, changed pickups and generally mullered it. This all still sounds full of innuendo.

6th Gear

3,561 posts

193 months

Thursday 4th September 2014
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You stripped a vintage Goldtop!?!?

eek

V8FGO

1,644 posts

204 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
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From what I can find, it would be a 68. 69 models have lower numbers often duplicated with earlier years.


There should be no "Made in USA" stamp on the headstock

910000 to 999999 1968

If you have kept the original pots then the last 2 numbers will be the year.


http://www.gibson.com/Files/downloads/bluebook/Gib...

Gibsony

Original Poster:

6 posts

114 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
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Hi, again. It wasnt vintage when I stripped it in 1972. It's only now that I realise what a complete numpty I was. Thanks for all your help anyway. I found a guy who runs www.latesixtieslespauls.com who was a great help, dated it early 68.

EskimoArapaho

5,135 posts

134 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
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Gibsony said:
Hi, again. It wasnt vintage when I stripped it in 1972. It's only now that I realise what a complete numpty I was.
:-o

If you've still got any left from the '70s, a Hamlet cigar should taste great right now.

Gibsony

Original Poster:

6 posts

114 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
I love that. What a great Ad it would make. Me with three tons of curly hair, and paint remover, looking all pleased with myself. Cut to forty years later, bald, and looking at the price tag on a vintage 68 first series gold top. Cut to a few puffs on a Hamlet