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gringopig

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guitars4you

1975/6/7 Gibson had a serial number system via an 8 digit number on a transfer

99 starting for 1975
00 starting for 76
06 starting for 77

guitars4you

Up to 1975 the serial number system was very poor with 2 different guitars having the same number, yet still a number of years part as Gibson duplicated up on the numbers - Hope that makes sense

1975/6/7 and they are easy to identify, yet a quirky system that bares no relation to the actual year

Yet by 1978 they created the 8 digit number with 1st and 5th giving you the year, which is logical and easy to follow

Looks like the above guitar is a 1976 model

gringopig

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guitars4you

another point and maybe just reflection and/or a poor pic on the above example  - But that serial number system included 'made in the USA' on it 

gringopig

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guitars4you

I think the bolt on neck models like an S1 and Marauder had a different system - Still an 'impressed' number and by the looks of things still a 6 digit number - as you say no model name, but still an 'impressed' made in the USA tag 

That pics shows a split between 2 tuners and looks like changed tuners at some time - Wish the pic was better - Maybe a repair and/or re-spray on this one

gringopig

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guitars4you

That CTS pot date alone makes it 1977 which doesn't match up with the claim of a 75 guitar

Pots might be found on a later serial number - ie 77 pots on a 78 guitar, but obviously never earlier

Yes most of the ones I've seen with impressed serial numbers still show the 'made in USA' tag as well

Agree it does not look right 

gos6

Sorry guys 13777517 is a wrong number it should read 1377517 - this indeed is the 17th week of 1975.

As for both V's there is nothing odd about the numbering on both and are both original serial numbers.

Gibson used 6 digit serial number in the early produced V's in 74/75 for the 2nd reissue of the Mahogany V placed in a stamped decal and - 102907 is a legitimate number but they bear no resemblance to the current dating system which was introduced in 1977

1970-1975

Despite being purchased by the Norlin corporation in 1970, Gibson maintained the same confusing 6-digit serial system through 1975, meaning instruments with the same serial number could be from either the ‘60s or the ‘70s.

Fortunately, there were two notable changes to the entire lineup that occurred during the transition that make differentiating ‘60s and ‘70s Gibsons straightforward.

Number	Year
000000S	1973
100000S	1970-1975

This guitar falls into a time of serial number conversion.

Then also in 1975 Gibson introduced to the oval decal (along with the serial number), the made in the USA and the model.

At about the same time Gibson also introduced the stamped serial number with "made in the USA" on the back of the   headstock but not in an Oval stamped decal.

Then in 1976 Gibson introduced a Limited edition with an 8 digit serial number decal transfer placed in the Oval stamped decal.

Then in 1977 the current numbering system was adopted.

Hope this helps

Keiko

If it doesn't look right, just walk away. Stick to the known genuine serial numbers. Whilst you might convince yourself it is legit by doing lots of research, and asking on forums, you give yourself a problem when you come to sell it later yourself.

gos6

I agree totally but you have to have the knowledge to understand the Gibson serial numbering system prior to 1977.

gos6

If you did not understand the Gibson numbering system prior to 1977 how on earth could you ever buy a guitar prior to 1977
before the current 8 digit serial numbering system came into play- you would only ever buy Gibson guitars later than 1977?
You would never own a 67 V?