Since the six-digit numbers from the 60's & 70's are such a mess, you'll need to provide more data to get any accurate information. This guitar has the serial number 00143450, and this dates it to 1976. An automatic tuning unit is fitted on the rear of the headstock. However, while the intent was to maintain a more organized catalog, this system in practice achieved the exact opposite. Well, the 6 digit serial number indicates a guitar produced between 1970-75 so your memory is still holding strong. Privacy Policy | it does sound kinda cool though. As seen in the video is a 1978 Gibson L6-S in Natural with Block Inlays with the original case. You can post now and register later. But in reality, left us with more of a headache. Gibson L6-S - famous users >> Vintage Guitar and Bass Gibson has historically used two different alpha-numerical formats to catalog its instruments: serial numbers and FONs (Factory Order Numbers). Its simple enough with our Gibson Serial Number lookup decoder. It is located 29 KM towards west from District head quarters Hingoli. You can add any model of Gibson guitar, whether thats a Les Paul, a Flying V, or a Hummingbird. A real nice example, nice and light and resonant. Squire Bullet Vs Affinity Go Head To Head. Here are all your guitar essentials. According to bluebookinc.com it has to be a 1968 model, though Wikipedia says that the L6S Deluxe was build between 1974 and 1979. The pickups are pretty hot. The neck is straight with no issues and plays great. The following letters would be found on Archtop models: Z,Y,X,W,V,U,T,S,R,Q followed by 5 or 6 digits. To gain the best results use our decoder above. The decoder says 1961, Kalamazoo, Mi. Lee. somebody put a really cheap aftermarket binding on the neck and also painted it matt black. The consistency around this stopped during WWII and resumed in the early 1950s. Gibson flexes its muscles by producing the worlds first digital guitar. To this end, the L6-S also had a two octave, 24 fret neck - the first Gibson to have this. The L6-S Custom was designed by Bill Lawrence with 'Q-system' electronics (short for EQ), somewhat similar to those in the Gibson Ripper. Or I've used it as a spare for shows, and had people ask, "What IS that?". Maybe I should send my photos of the L6-S to Gruhn? If it;s a bolt on neck its a 1974 midnight special and if its a neck through its a deluxe. Some models (LG-2, J-45, SJ, select L-50s) included an actual banner reading "Only a Gibson Is Good Enough" in the middle of the headstock. The (59 & 63 reissue) bodies are then sent to Nashville for completion. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. Now, instead, according to the Gibson literature, the series in-phase, series out of phase, and parallel out of phase positions have been deleted in favor of 3 new split-coil positions utilizing "four-conductor split-coil wiring" resulting in these selections: bridge humbucker, bridge single coil, both single, both humbucking, neck single and neck humbucking. Its difficult to know without pics. I have a 78 L6-S Deluxe are there any other places other than the headstock for a serial number this one has been sanded Off, I have an L6-S Deluxe serial numbers have been sanded off is there anywhere else to find the serial number. Part lists and schematics for the Gibson L6-S Custom and L6-S Deluxe. The number of digits was changed to 9 in total. Some flattop guitars of this era started to omit the word "The" from the inlay. A variation of letters was used to decipher the early production of Kalamazoo, MI Gibson guitars. It immediately becomes a huge hit with Jazz orchestras and bands around the United States. I just bought a used (duh) L6-S, and according to the seller it is a 1973 or 1975 but I am having a problem with the serial number. The Gibson L6S and the Gibson L5S. 828002-847488. Looking around for info on my '75 I found a site that has several pages of pics and specs and trivia on the L6-S models. GIBSON L6-S SPECIAL Solid Body ELECTRIC GUITAR w / Orig GIBSON CASE. Gibson Lawsuit Guitar (Fujigen) Information??? The block logo debuted after WWII and remains the face of the company. This first model the finish was Cream with Sparkles (on this model only; legend has it only 160 were made in this color). The L6-S (or the L6-S Custom, as it would ultimately be known) was launched in 1973 at the summer NAMM show in Chicago, very much as a more affordable version of the Gibson L-5S. Ha. I need help: Identifying a mid 1960's Gibson/Kalamazoo. All that remained of my original design was the thin, lightweight body with its large cutaway for easy access to all 24 frets. Before mid-1950, most Gibson headstocks were thinner at the top when looked at from a side profile. Since the six-digit numbers from the 60's & 70's are such a mess, you'll need to provide more data to get any accurate information. One of them unusual Gibson from the 70s! It belongs to Aurangabad Division . 5 Types of Strings We Love, Best Capo 2022: Everything You Need To Know, Most Comfortable Guitar Strap. When the original serial system reached 999,999 in 1947, Gibson started over with an A prefix. The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. I was in my 20s and played in a punk rock band when I bought this for $250. My two were great guitars, I do recall the Deluxe later now that I've looked at some pictures. Gibson regularly produced lists of constituent components for each of their guitars; this first list (left) was produced in the 1977 Gibson replacement parts catalogue, at a time that the 'Custom' was used in other Gibson literature (the January 1977 price list for example) - although note that it is not used here. Disagree with something written above? [citation needed] The pick-ups are not the original's ceramic sealed Bill Lawrence-designed "super humbuckers", but two humbucking pickups with four-conductor split-coil wiringa 490R in the neck and a hotter 498T in the bridge. Fortunately, there were two notable changes to the entire lineup that occurred during the transition that make differentiating 60s and 70s Gibsons straightforward. Gibson Serial Number Lookup - Authority Guitar The following codes relate to a range of Gibson SG, Firebird, and Les Paul custom or reissue guitars. Is this a real Fender Bass or a good copy? At this time we have scattered information regarding (CS) Custom Shop serial coding. Control wiring image - taken from a 1976 Gibson L6-S Custom. Or 121984. Undercut Fret binding for quicker fingers. The idea was to offer new sounds and as much versatility as possible: from country "chicken pickin'" to the most abstract jazz riffs. 5 Of The Very Best Reviewed, 7 Best Strings For Telecaster: Find The Perfect Set For your Guitar, Best Strings For Les Paul. Everything on the guitar is original with the exception of the tuners, pickguard, pickups and knobs. There are no cracks, repairs, or issues. GIBSON L6S or L6-S Electric Guitar (Natural) with no serial number Demand was high in 1902, making it impractical to carry on as a one-man Luthier. Mike or MK333 your L6 is like mine and has a 8 diget serial number so you use the 1st and 5th numbers and yours is a 1978 like mine,try the wikipedia page for info.This ppage may give you some info try it out. Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks. Later, the guitar was modified by English luthier Tony Zemaitis and the black pickguard was changed with a handmade metal pickguard. Just enter the number below, hit the 'Decode' button and our lookup tool will tell you the year your guitar is from (sometimes even down the exact day), the country it was made in, and the manufacturing plant. I have an old Gibson L6-S that was given to my mother as a gift. When only one variant of the L6-S existed, it was simply called the L6-S. Type your serial numbers into the decoder below and youll get all the information Gibson has on the instrument. No L6-Sii of any kind in 1969, not no way, not no how. The L6-S was the first cooperation between Bill Lawrence and Gibson. Just enter the number below, hit the Decode button and our lookup tool will tell you the year your guitar is from (sometimes even down the exact day), the country it was made in, and the manufacturing plant. The first number of the sequence indicates the decade of production, followed by the three digit day of the year, and finally the year. It was like this when I bought it. I've got 3 L6-S Customs from the 70s and 1 of the new ones. The thickness of the headstock, however, is not as vulnerable to modification or replacement. Click on the images for larger copies. They have very hot ceramic pickups and Carlos Santana endorsed them for awhile in the 70s. Controls include a six position pickup selector, master volume, mid-range and treble roll-off controls. Read the rest of this article at the Bill Lawrence website. Clear editor. There are some scratches, dings and wear on the back. Canada, Louis, That serial number can only reveal that it is a Gibson made in Nashville, TN on February 7th of 1996. Last edited on 25 December 2022, at 17:46, Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gibson_L6-S&oldid=1129490388, Natural, ebony, tobacco brown sunburst, wine red. Ask if the last owner has the Gibson Owner Manual and Gibson Warranty Inspection card. Starting in 1961, Gibson implemented a new serialization system designed to cover its entire lineup. 1921 saw the introduction of one of the most important developments in guitar history. Batch numbers start from 0, once the number 699 guitar is stamped that day, the batch number changes from 0 to 1. Discovering your guitars history can be a very rewarding thing to do. L6-S Fan Club - Gibson USA - Gibson Brands Forums I love this thing! Gibson L6-S Electric Guitar >> Vintage Guitar and Bass The condition is very good for the age with some usual playing wear. Our decoder will give you all of the information in both cases. (Ver. 6 Digits in total. Serial numbers are weird and were also re-used through the decades. The serial numbers from this period are generally as follows: Starting in 1977, Gibson adopted the current date-based serial system which codes for the year and day of production. The capacitor serves to limit the low end response of the neck pickup, and also phase delays the signal from that pickup, resulting in a fuller tone, not too unlike the #2 and #4 switch positions on a Fender Stratocaster guitar. [1] The idea was to make a "multi-sound system" under a very tight budget. The Gibson Serial Number Decoder currently supports 6 formats from 4 Factories. Bill Lawrence explains: In 1972, I was asked to design a multi-sound system for the SG Standard. Please post any comments, particularly bugs in the user . 5 Packs That Are Perfect For Your Guitar, 7 Best Guitar Strings for Metal: Reviews and Comparison. He's also got an unhealthy obsession with vintage VW Campervans. I have a Gibson L6S serial number 73258549. Above the serial I don't know' date=' but here is a thread devoted to the L6S you might find interesting. ex 312345 is from the year 1953 and so on. As seen in the video is a 1978 Gibson L6-S in Natural with Block Inlays with the original case. 2=Model, 8=8year, 123 place in manufacturing sequence. The year is indicated by the first letter in any series of letters for these years. GIBSON L6S or L6-S Electric Guitar (Natural) with no serial number. It's the best damn guitar you ever played.". If you know the backstory around when the instrument was purchased, this can provide some rough clues about its era. Zing Instruments is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program. Oops, looks like you forgot something. The original logo featured the words "The Gibson" inlaid in pearl at a slant, with an almost hand-written cursive font. The new one has some differences, the pickups are different, but the character of the guitar comes mainly from the use of maple, so it's pretty close, and the necks on the 3 old ones are all a little different from each other anyway. Ive spoken to them a while back, theyre really helpful. Vintage original 1977 Gibson L6-S in original Natural finish. The condition is very good for the age with some usual playing wear. September 9, 2011 in Gibson USA. Some serials were only 3 digits long. I have inherited a custom Gibson Hummingbird with ivory and gold keys, ivory pegs and ivory and mother of pearl inlays on the neck. It has been said the CS ES models start off being built in Memphis. Essential Factors To Know Before Parting With Money. Some earlier specimens from 1903 to 1907 did not slant the logo, or went without a logo entirely. New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The L6-S (or the L6-S Custom, as it would ultimately be known) was launched in 1973 at the summer NAMM show in Chicago, very much as a more affordable version of the Gibson L-5S. Humbucker vs P90 guitar pickups. L-6S Deluxe Finish and Comparison to SG Standard. The extra digit slots in the 6th position and is responsible for the batch lot number of the guitar produced that day. ex A-28123. Serials beginning with CS05 are from Memphis 2010. ?s first ever! Some earlier lower-end models had no serial number at all, making the FON the sole numerical identifier in those cases. Gibson introduced a new pattern when they began producing solid body guitars. 1974 was the only year with reasonable sales, despite the high profile endorsement of Carlos Santana, Al DiMeola and oth In the 1990's he made a few TV appearances in London and supported a few big bands at festivals. Early Gibson solidbody electrics received a serial stamp on the back of the headstock, with the first number indicating the year of production. There are 0 comments on this page so far. The serial number on this Les Paul Junior indicates that it was made in 1956. Fortunately, Gibson was making more changes to its instruments during the 60s and 70s than any other period, so dating these instruments by features alone is relatively clear-cut in most cases. Some documentation crosses over and some has been lost over the years causing gaps in our data. Anyway, I am not too bothered about that. This was the model Paul Stanley of Kiss used from December 1974 to June 1975. Punkrocker 'Claus Danger' from the Scandinavian garage-rock scene, has been using an all black 1978 version since 1996 for both concerts and recording sessions around the world. The Best Fingerstyle Guitar: 5 Affordable Acoustic Guitars For You. And there might be a number after the four it's hard to tell A Tektoid nut and Cryogenic treated fret wire for longer playing time. Oops, looks like you forgot something. A real contrast to the mahogany and rosewood guitars of the fifties and sixties, with their Sunburst, Cherry or Walnut finishes. Please check the fields highlighted in red. And obviously the pickup covers were taken off and the original plastic mounts around the pickups are gone. Gibson L6-S. Model Sub-Family: Gibson L-6 S Custom. Even though I've seen Paul Stanley, Robin Zander and Bob Mothersbaugh play these things, I say, "Gibson L6-S" and get nothing but blank looks. 2=ES-295, 3=1963 ES-335 (block inlays), 4=ES-330, 5=ES-345 & 9=1959 ES-335 (dot inlays). 1990+ saw interest in vintage models reignite. Authority Guitar has collated a mountain of data to give you the history by using your Gibson Serial Number. instead simple serial code patterns that are available on this site and in the wider guitar community are used. The original frets are in 1973 Vintage Gibson Bill Lawrence L6-S Pickup 1970's, Gibson Vintage 1970s L6-S Bill Lawrence Pickup Untested, ** Vintage 1970's Gibson Harmonica Bridge Adjustment Studs 1970's *. The book said around 1975 <>. You cannot paste images directly. Your guitars journey from the factory into your hands may be a mystery, but its always a good way to dig into the earlier life of your instrument. I think that the yellow,aged finish looks better now than they did when new. 1946-54 Gibson mastered the classic P-90 single-coil pickup and fits it to guitars such as the ES-5 and ES-175. The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2023 is out now, vintageguitarandbass.com 2004-2023 | terms and conditions | donate. According to Gibson data available online the guitar in question was built from the famous Kalamazoo, Michigan. ex 3 1234. Both new models were a cheaper instruments with simpler electronics, strung through the body, bolt-on neck for the Midnight Specials and a rosewood fingerboard for the Deluxe. Sengaon Taluka | Sengaon Taluka map Share Tweet Pin it. He retires but is employed as a consultant and collects his monthly pension. This usually indicates there is an imperfection or blemish to the finish. A nice and easy player that features 24 frets, a slimmer body, newer Gibson 490 pickups (I don't have originals), and the rotary switch was replaced with a 3-way toggle. they must've been kids or high or both because it's really amateurish. The L6-S Custom has a six way rotary selector switch, complete with "chicken head" pointer knob. L6S Serial Question - Gibson USA - Gibson Brands Forums Additionally, 490T/498R Alnico split-coil humbuckers are now used, a six- position switch, a standard Tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece. Gibson L6-S Rare Appointments | Reverb i'll put up some pics sometime this week. The Super 400 Premier, the Southern Jumbo, J-45, and the L5-Premier. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Prince used a natural maple model in 1978-79. The hugely successful ES-335 was born. The Gibson L6-S was designed in 1972 by then Gibson employee Bill Lawrence. Each guitar is made out of a one-piece maple body and a three-piece set neck, with a choice of rosewood, maple or ebony fingerboard. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to receive exclusive offers & promotions, news & reviews, and personalized tips for buying and selling on Reverb. 1958 saw a leap of faith with the first semi-hollow-bodied electric guitar. Well, the 6 digit serial number indicates a guitar produced between 1970-75 so your memory is still holding strong. It is necessarily a work in progress, which will need to be updated from time to time: 100,200-100,300s Johnny Smith. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice. These particular models do not have serial numbers on the back of the headstock. ?s first ever! Need the value of your guitar? Comes with a hard case, Guitar comes with non original theme matching case in very good condition. I encountered a problem while trieng to determine the age of my L6S Deluxe. Overall, I would rate the condition a solid 7 5 out of 10. i got the nuumbers tho. section. Hey! How To Verify Authentic Gibson Serial Numbers Shame we didnt have this system back in 1935 eh! ), 0=Location (0=Nashville, 5=Memphis), 4260= Production Rank. After 1950, headstocks had uniform thickness. As always, pop them into the decoder for a clearer idea of the legendary player in question. For many vintage instruments, determining the date of manufacture involves little more than running the serial number through a reference guide. Two versions of the L6-S guitar, the Custom (top) and the Deluxe (bottom). this site is simply meant as a tool to satisfy the curiosity of guitar enthusiasts. The Gibson Serial Number Decoder currently supports 6 formats from 4 Factories. Other early L6-S users include Keith Richards of the Stones who . Thanks, still looking, but alas no joy. As one of the oldest and most widely recognized brands in music, Gibson has crafted some of the most cherished and valuable instruments of all time. Without this list becoming too much of a mess, here are the serial numbers within this nine-year period. Scale Length: 24.75" Show More: Similar Products. Pasted as rich text. The last three (or four as of 2005) digits signify the location of production and batch number, respectively, but this information isnt necessary to accurately dating your instrument. There are no cracks, repairs, or issues. 1976 Gibson L-6S Deluxe >> Vintage Guitar and Bass 7 Of The Very Best, Best Epiphone Acoustic Guitar: You Can Own One For Less Than You Realize, Best Fender Acoustic Guitar. This makes it especially important to first identify the general era during which your instrument was made before pinning down the exact date of manufacture with a serial number. I have owned four L6S Gibsons over the years and all had the clear decal with gold serial number applied to the back of the headstock that was used from 1975 - 77. Four new species of pickups (including the Sidewinder). The first two digits are the year, and the next 7 digits are the serial number. GIBSON GARAGE FIND A DEALER GIBSON APP. It was designed in 1972 and first released in 1973. too busy playing. Tilt back body, anybody know ? L6-S production started at the Kalamazoo plant in Michigan, however it moved to Nashville, certainly by the end of 1977, perhaps earlier. I need help: Identifying a mid 1960's Gibson/Kalamazoo. Though bluebookinc.com says that guitars from the 70's have " Made in USA . The original frets are in Gibson L6-S Natural Wood Finish w / Bigsby Bridge - Clone. 7 Options For The Home Player, 6 Best Headphones For Guitar Amp: Theres More To It Than You Think, The 8 Best Guitar Accessories And Gift Ideas, Best Tablet For Musicians 2022. It belongs to Marathwada region . Sorry for having to tell this, but up to now I wasn't able to nail down my own 70's L6-S which was later called Custom. Potentiometer codes are always helpful. 1,449.00. $2199. At this point it is still unclear what the CS10 number is. Towards the end of World War II, Chicago Musical Instruments saw the chance to take the Gibson brand to millions. This new function will try to match the serial number against older formats, details required for an exact match are listed in yellow. Strung through the body, with a "String Plate" mounted on back instead of string furrel holes. For example, the serial number 90237XXX corresponds to a production date of 1/23/97. Other finishes did exist (including a very fetching Cherry Sunburst) but were produced in vastly lower numbers. 1961 was the year Gibson wanted to tidy the serial number process up. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to receive exclusive offers & promotions, news & reviews, and personalized tips for buying and selling on Reverb. In 1974 a second model was released (the Midnight Special), and in 1975 a third, the Deluxe (see a 1976 L6-S Deluxe) was launched at the '75 Summer NAMM show. [more], Gibson L6-S Custom - Santana Calls It his Rainbow (1976)Mid 70s advertisement for the Gibson L6-S series. Gibson water slide serial numbers.1975,1976,1977 Limited edition Gibson Guitars during this period are as follows: Finally during the late seventies right up to 2005 Gibson gave us by far the best method of working out our serial number. Script logo was used on the original prototype that Carlos Santana used for his consultation with Gibson, but we've never seen it on a production version (the first prototype had no serial number, but this one does - Weird / Please . The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2023 is out now, vintageguitarandbass.com 2004-2023 | terms and conditions | donate.