Hey everyone! I thought it might be cool to have a thread which features links and info on how to track and date guitar serial numbers for different brands. I think it can be fun to know a little bit more about our instruments and try to dig up some history if possible. As I have never did this myself before, please help me compose a useful resource for everyone to use as a reference when they need to get more details on their guitars based on the serial number. Disclaimer: listed resources represent what I've found online. The accuracy of data found there is not guaranteed, except for Fender which I've had chance testing with one of my basses.
Jump to Comparison chart - ESP LTD MH-1000, Set-thru Mahogany Maple Rosewood, TonePros Locking Bridge with string-thru body or Floyd Rose. ESP maintained limited records for its earlier models such as the 400 Series and its Signature guitar production line. In order to effectively date an ESP model built from 1976 to 1988, ESP's technical support staff will need the serial number of the guitar but, more important, pictures of the front and back of the headstock, neck and body.
Let's add info for other brands, please do so by posting in this thread: [Brand] - [Link to information about serial numbers] Also, it would be cool to hear what you've found about your guitars by tracking the serial number and which of the listed methods for tracking serials are valid. These are good for dating amp potentiometers and speakers. 'Pot codes' help identify and date Gibson guitars and some Fender amps where the serial numbers can fail you. *Gibson records were destroyed and/or lost during one period, hence there are some doubled ser #'s. Fender used parts bought as early as 1964 in huge bulk and used them through the mid and late 60s. Wurth wow 4153 rus torent. And if anyone is interested in an encyclopedia of guitar features by date and model, George Gruhn's book is an absolute necessity.
It's not available on line unless you pay for it. This post has been edited by klasaine: Oct 27 2014, 06:04 PM.
Serial Number Identification While there are several places on Vintage Kramer to learn about serial numbers, here is a rundown of serial numbers, with year models and distiguishing characteristics for I.D. Of old Vintage Kramers. These serial numbers do not pertain to the new line of Kramers from. Axxxx - 1980-early '81 Range - A0001-9999 Notes: 1981-82 Strat copy headstocks (A8000s-B2000) - Necks Made by ESP - Bodies by Sports Flat chrome plates Logo, Made in USA and serial number stamped Some have been spotted on overseas guitars.
Usually, they sport a first letter, then have another letter prefixing the number. Ex: A A1234 - Bxxxx - early '81-early' 83 Range - B0001-9999 Notes: 1982-84 'Classic', 'Chicken Beak' headstocks (B2000s-C5000s) - Necks Made by ESP - Bodies by Sports Some have been spotted on overseas guitars. Usually, they sport a first letter, then have another letter prefixing the number. Ex: A A1234 There are versions of a B plate that are cast metal, that showed up in the later years for Kramer.
These were thought to have been used on Focus 'Classic' models and various overseas type models. These plates showing up on American Series guitars is somewhat of of a mystery, as we don't know if those were used for American Series guitars assembled in Japan, or if it was for another purpose.
Many Kline Graphic Barettas have been seen with the B plates. We are still researching the mystery of the B cast plates. We had previously stated that these were not American Series, but new events have uncovered that this may not to be completely true. The B Cast Plate guitars appear in what would normally be the 'F' timeframe for Kramer. Cxxxx - early '83-mid '84 Range - C0001-9999 Notes: 1983-84 Non-angled, Baretta, 'Banana' or 'Hockeystick' headstocks (C3000-C5000) - Necks Made by ESP - Bodies by Sports Chrome and black plates both of which are flat stamped.
Some black plates are stamped without Made in USA and some have the entire 'Kramer' word stamped rather than outline cut stamped as earlier models do. (EXCEPT Ripleys) Range - D0001-9999 Notes: 1984-late 85 'Banana' or 'Hockeystick' headstocks (C5000s-E2000s) - Necks Made by LaSiDo, Sports - Bodies by Sports Chrome and black plates both of which are flat stamped. Some black plates are stamped without Made in USA and some have the entire 'Kramer' word stamped rather than outline cut stamped as earlier models do. Exxx - 1985 - Including Ripley Models Range - E0001-13XXX Notes: Late 85 'Banana' or 'Hockeystick' headstocks (to the E2000s) - Necks Made by LaSiDo, Sports - Bodies by Sports Die cast plates in chrome sporting 'Neptune, NJ' on them with the banana Kramer logo.