(Note: The new design did not appear until May 1990) They kept the same format, so the decade is determined by the style of neck plate. Semi-Hollow models (at this time) use a different format, and the serial is found on the label inside the top f-hole.Įxample: 902703 = 2,703rd semi-hollow guitar made in 1990īolt-neck models started having the serial number engraved into the neckplate in 1987. The "S" prefix also first appeared at this time.Įxample: 90080084 = 84th guitar made in August of 1990Īnother format found around this time (possibly only for international models):
Around this time, the serial numbers became a bit unpredictable, as they were figuring out a new system. However, as 1990 approached, the use of one digit for the year presented the issue of repeat serial numbers.
If this is the case, the only other way to date your guitar is by looking for a date ink-stamped on the side of the original box switch. Being a sticker, many are ripped off or wear off over the years. These serial numbers are easily recognized as a white sticker with a black border, usually found on the back of the headstock or the heel of the neck. It is commonly found on Mastercaster Series models, among others. The significance of this format is unknown. Many guitars made around 1985 have a serial number with the format: In 1988, occasionally the format was YYMMPPPPP because of high production volume.Įxample: 880510504 = 10,504th guitar made in May of 1988 Samick first started using serial numbers on Hondos and other contract brands in 1984 (their home brand models did not use serials until ~1987), using the following format:Įxample: 8030768 = 768th guitar made in March of 1988 However, there were also some Korean Artist Series Strats made around 1995-1996 with no serial numbers, and many Korean-made Japanese Market models had no serial numbers as well.Īlso see Headstock Styles and Logo Styles for help determining when your guitar was made (particularly helpful if there is no serial number).Įarliest known serial number, June 1984 (production number faded away). Also, the Indonesian factory did not use serials from it's opening in 1992 until around 2000. Samick branded models did not start using serials until around 1987. Note #2: Guitars with no serial number were produced at many different times.
Note: Any guitar with a serial number with the prefix "SI" is Indonesian-made.
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