Dating an Epi missing serial number

[Dino]

Is there any way to date an Epiphone Les Paul Custom without a serial number?
I'm assuming the serial number was on a sticker and it has either worn off or has been removed.
Why would Epi put serial numbers on stickers anyway!

Is there maybe date-codes on parts that may help identify the age of my guitar?

Thanks!

 

[jkinnison90]

The serial number is stamped on the back of the headstock. Someone could have sanded it off or something though I guess.

I have no clue how you could really date it without the serial number.

 

[Dino]

The serial number is stamped on the back of the headstock.

Typically, yes.
This is an older one.

Is there maybe a date code stamped on the pickups?

 

[Lemonhead]

Check the pots.

 

[Dino]

Check the pots.

Good idea.
Thanks.

 

[Guido]

Check the pots.

+1

 

[EpiClassic1790]

The serial number is stamped on the back of the headstock.

Certainly not the case on the Chinese-made Epiphone Les Pauls, unless you're referring to an ink stamp. Mine, and most I've seen, has a sort-of decal with the serial number in gold lettering underneath the finish coat on the headstock. Certainly sanding would leave a mark. The only stickers I've seen are on re-furbished factory seconds.

 

[Dino]

Certainly not the case on the Chinese-made Epiphone Les Pauls, unless you're referring to an ink stamp. Mine, and most I've seen, has a sort-of decal with the serial number in gold lettering underneath the finish coat on the headstock. Certainly sanding would leave a mark. The only stickers I've seen are on re-furbished factory seconds.

I just posted on the Epiphone forum.
Let's see what they say.

 

[stryker59]

Certainly not the case on the Chinese-made Epiphone Les Pauls, unless you're referring to an ink stamp. Mine, and most I've seen, has a sort-of decal with the serial number in gold lettering underneath the finish coat on the headstock. Certainly sanding would leave a mark. The only stickers I've seen are on re-furbished factory seconds.

yep! same here!

 

[Dino]

Certainly not the case on the Chinese-made Epiphone Les Pauls, unless you're referring to an ink stamp. Mine, and most I've seen, has a sort-of decal with the serial number in gold lettering underneath the finish coat on the headstock. Certainly sanding would leave a mark. The only stickers I've seen are on re-furbished factory seconds.

I've got an old Epiphone acoustic that has a sticker with the serial number.
It's not under the finish, nor is it a "second".

btw .. why would a "second" have the serial number on a sticker?
Aren't they defined as "seconds" AFTER the serial numbers have already been stamped?

 

[overdriver]

I've got an old Epiphone acoustic that has a sticker with the serial number.
It's not under the finish, nor is it a "second".

btw .. why would a "second" have the serial number on a sticker?
Aren't they defined as "seconds" AFTER the serial numbers have already been stamped?

I do not belive I have ever seen a reg. Epi MIK or MIC that has a stamped serial# , I think I have seen sticker serial #s on the first MIK Samick built as you had most likely on yours .

The MIJ epi ,ya they have stamped #s and have seen the sticker over those on refurbished ones donating a new serial , do not understand why they do that, never thought about it, just have seen it. I guess to offer some prove of owner ship, which does not conflict with the original owner ?

Yours got stock mini pots ? probably came out to the first decade or two not much help am I, the newer EPIs have full size Alpha pots.

Also I know you must be aware that 2nds from most makers that stamp serial # are stanped 2nd if factory second. You bin around not news to you .

 

[Dino]

I still haven't recieved it so I don't know about the pots.

The only thing I could find by doing a Google search was this ...

The Guitar Dater Project - Epiphone Serial Number Decoder
"Serial numbers from 70' and 80's era Epiphone guitars made in Japan are not supported. The reason for this is that there is no reliable documentation from this time period."

Of course, I'm not sure if it's a 70's, 80's, 90's, ... who knows.

I posted the same question on the Epiphone forum ...
Over 30 views and no response.

Am I correct in my understanding that there were some Epiphones made in Japan that were not meant for overseas distribution?
If so, I wonder if those had serial numbers.

 

[Dino]

Also I know you must be aware that 2nds from most makers that stamp serial # are stanped 2nd if factory second. You bin around not news to you .

Yeah ... and they stamp that #2 (or "sec") pretty damn good too!

 

[overdriver]

Have ya poped out the neck pup , if it has a tenon at all its a Samick IMO they had tenons. What exact year I have no idea.

 

[timgman]

It's the same epi as mine (black custom).. the sernum IS a gold sticker that would be easy to peel off. and BTW...

These are KICK ASS GUITARS.....
and I was in the market for one until I found mine recently....

 

[overdriver]

Do not think Gibson made an EPI LP untill some time in the 80s, contract with Samick, not sure.

 

[timgman]

 

[overdriver]

It's the same epi as mine (black custom).. the sernum IS a golod sticket that would be easy to peel off. and BTW...

These are KICK ASS GUITARS.....
and I was in the market for one until I found mine recently....

What year is yours ?

 

[Dino]

It's the same epi as mine (black custom).. the sernum IS a golod sticket that would be easy to peel off. and BTW...

These are KICK ASS GUITARS.....
and I was in the market for one until I found mine recently....

That's very encouraging, thanks!
Once I get it, I think I'll tear it apart and get some date codes off all the parts AND check for that long tenon.

Thanks for the help.


btw timgman ... I can't view your pics on my computer here at work, but I'm really anxious to see them.
I'll check it out when I get home tonight.
Thanks for sharing them

 

[overdriver]

Wow just noticed your guitar has the Gibson 2 screw truss cover I think that would make it MIJ. Never mind. I knew I should have stayed out of this one. The MIJ had sticker serial # s at one point in time.