How do we determine if an R9 is an '07 or a '17?

[vanguard]

The serial # format is such that a 2007 or a 2017 Historic Les Paul would have a serial # starting 9 7xxx(x) right?

In such a case, do we only have general features of the different years to determine its birthday?

I'm looking at an R9 that is listed as a 2007, but the brown case, the sort of Indian looking rosewood board, and the figuring of the top seem more 2017 to me.

Thoughts?

Here's the R9 in question

 

[mjross]

Warranty card should give the date!

 

[Sharky]

I don't know if they have new COA booklets these days, but the pegheads give it away: 2007

 

[vanguard]

I don't know if they have new COA booklets these days, but the pegheads give it away: 2007

You mean the guitar I posted is a 2007? What about the headstock gives it away? And thanks!

 

[DeafDumbBlind Kid]

I don't know if they have new COA booklets these days, but the pegheads give it away: 2007

do you mean the tuner buttons?

 

[sputnik]

Looks like a 2007 with non original case. I’m basing this on the inlays, tuners, and color of the back.

 

[Airplane]

not sure but my guess is that a 17 should have a gap between the 9 and the other figures?

nice top!

 

[ESchmidt]

Better question, what is going on with that binding?!?!

 

[vanguard]

Better question, what is going on with that binding?!?!

Wow, I totally missed that!

 

[DarthPaul]

...17 should have a gap between the 9 and the other figures...

Correct.

 

[Sharky]

do you mean the tuner buttons?

yes, sorry, tuner buttons would be correct. Those became much different in color and optical structure/swirliness around 2012/13

 

[DeafDumbBlind Kid]

yes, sorry, tuner buttons would be correct. Those became much different in color and optical structure/swirliness around 2012/13

yes, the buttons on my '19 R9 are very different from my '11 R0 even though they're both single ring.

 

[Mr French]

the bumble bee and orange tag I've seen far back 06/07 and came with a few geetars I had. However I do not recall the R9's being called reissue.

I remember them being called R9 vos, R9 custom shop, and I think R9 historic reissue but I could be wrong on that. Also the COA was an 8x10 and the case had a grey foam insert for the headstock. The guitar case top was smooth and had smooth rounded edges. That COA could be a historic coa and I think they may had low production as the vos series was the hottest thing back then.

Most of the 07 I've seen and even owned had serial number start with 9 xxxx. I do remember seeing a few 9xxxxx like the picture. Best to call Gibson.

I think those 07 had no pot codes however! the pickups should have the date and wound by. Also that was a transitional year for the paper sticker saying "wound by" The early BB had a square sticker but sometime in 07 they started using a rounded sticker also saying "wound by"

 

[Audrix]

Warranty card should give the date!

6 of my Gibson guitars I bought (new) in Europe WITHOUT any date on the warranty card: it means that those guitars leaved the factory without a factory date .
The checklist of my SJ200 has a date but the guitar has no electronics (no pickup under saddle)
and the checklist certifies that "electronics" os OK.
Thoses "mistakes" are not very serious on "quality papers".

I bought several Fender CS strats and tele: each certificate of FENDER authenticity has a date near the serial number and the signature is named.

 

[framos]

The yellowish binding points towards 2007.

 

[mudface]

I have seen both types of case and COA in 2007,.... black with maroon lining and the orange large paper COA and brown with pink lining with the black booklet (transition period note the double neck rest by 2017 they only had one)..... the OP's guitar shows signs of a 2007.... greenish key Klusons with two row stamped backs and the yellowish lacquered binding with the brighter red back color.

I'm pretty sure it's a all correct 2007.

 

[Coachmoe]

The COA has Rick Gembar’s signature on it. He was fired in mid 2017. If it is a 17, it's an early 17, before June. Additionally, the small COA suggests that it could be a 17, but as someone else already said, they have seen both in 2007. Even if you call Gibson , they will tell you 07 or 17. Best thing to do would be to check with the seller for better pics of the warranty card, see if it has a date.

 

[moreles]

Apparently it's too difficult and too much to ask a major historic guitar company to document its expensive products reasonably. Lucky to have this forum, because Gibson is so bumbling. Supposedly these products reflect thoughtful care and attention to historical detail, but where the company should show some price and more respect to the buyer, you get inadequate documentation. Somebody donate a laptop to Gibson so they can, you know, keep track. Apparently it's very hard.

 

[Tim Plains]

2017s have brown COAs.

 

[Kro64]

The guitar is a 2007 . The COA looks like a 2017 . My 07 has the old style paper COA and no space between the 9 and the other digits but my case is brown .