1996 HISTORIC R8 Serial Number

[Danelectro]

Its a 1996. Looking closely at the inlays I can see they have rounded corners and a crackled type appearance.

 

[guitarnut_germany]

The case is a 1997-1998.

I have seen 98 historics with the crushed velvet one though (maybe late 98 ones... dunno)

 

[ctkarslake]

Hi Rick, I'm Marcelo from Argentina. Please let me know what the difference to know if 1996 or 2006

Best!

I hope we've settled on 1996, and a gorgeous example at that!

Two things to look for as mentioned above:

Rounded corners on fretboard inlays-compare to a 2002 model or newer if you can.

Tuners installed PARALLEL like this (ll), NOT in a "V". Compare to 2002 or newer reissue for reference.

Plus, the low serial confirms it. Only a couple hundred were produced back in the day. This serial falls right in line with that.

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

Sorry, my memory is fading as I get senile. I guess I thought mine was a '95. It looked like this:

And yet here is a 1995 R7 Custom WITHOUT the custom shop decal, as expected:

Gibson Les Paul Custom '57 Reissue*Black Beauty*3 Pickups*1995*USA***NEW*** | eBay

I could not find a 2005, but here is a 2004, again no custom shop decal. I have no idea why yours has one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Les-...r-/270913810955?pt=Guitar&hash=item3f13b8b20b

 

[Chicago John]

I say 1996, the inlays, ferrules, bridge pickup position, SN font, amber knobs, tuner alignment and other cues, tell me so.

I would like to add that the coloring is very similar to my '96... Sort of in between a lemonburst and teaburst, not like the 2006's I've seen.

 

[5411GEAR]

Thank you very much everyone for all the information. Here there are people who know much. Thank you!