Strange serial no.

[RavenMadd]

weird

 

[paruwi]

You might get more information about Czech made Epis here

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/epiphone-les-pauls/50378-info-97-czech-epi-les-paul-standard.html

 

[bobbylx]

Not saying one way or the other, but I did find this older thread on Czech LPs. Serial # doesn't seem to be the same style, but I have no clue. http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/epiphone-les-pauls/50378-info-97-czech-epi-les-paul-standard.html

By the way, if you don't like it you can always send it to me. She's sure nice looking.

Edit, dang, paruwi types faster than I.

 

[TommieG]

Hey, didn't Epiphone make electric guitars back in the 50's and 60's with 5 digit serial numbers? This guitar WOULD NOT be one of them though. I think someone put that on there for some odd reason. Take a good pic of the back of the headstock. Do the digits seemed "raised" at all? Does the back of the headstock seemed like it's been refinished, or a least been clearcoated again?

I'm not sure what you mean by "raised", but it doesn't look like it's been refinished or anything.

At closer inspection of the serial I'm starting to believe the first digit that I thought was a "6" might actually be the letter "B"..... It sure does not look like an "upside-down" version of the digit "9" also seen in the serial. What do you guys think? If it's a "B" the "Czech-connection" would be confirmed, wouldn't it?

Thanks again for all your input, guys!
Tom

 

[TommieG]

By the way, if you don't like it you can always send it to me. She's sure nice looking.

Don't get me wrong guys.... I love her, Czech, Korean, Chinese or whatever!

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Magnified, it does look like a "B".

 

[Phildog]

You know what? To heck about the serial number and origin. Just play that gorgeous specimen til your fingers go numb!

 

[purevilpleasure]

Some dude went home one night after work and was just chuckling to himself. Than his wife asked....what are you chuckling about dear? He states.....Today I was bored and took my employee number and stamped it on the back of a guitar that I walked by........I bet in about 4 or 5 years someone will be wondering what it means......

 

[purevilpleasure]

Nice looking guitar........have fun with her.

 

[TommieG]

Well, even if the serial is strange, the "B" should confirm what I was told at puchase, that it indeed is a Czech made LP. Too bad I can't find the production date. Maybe I'll email Gibson to see if they can help.

But what about the colour? Is it tobacco burst or something else? Surely somebody must know....

Tom

 

[SJM]

Best guess is Heritage Darkburst or something "Darkburst." I think Tobacco Burst appears a little lighter in color. Again, this is just a guess.

 

[TommieG]

Best guess is Heritage Darkburst or something "Darkburst." I think Tobacco Burst appears a little lighter in color. Again, this is just a guess.

What about a plus-top "Vintage Sunburst"??? It's the closest I have seen after some hours of googling... The colour difference could just be the pictures....

and here is mine for comparison:

I found it on this page:
Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top Vintage Sunburst | Dawsons Music

Tom

 

[SJM]

Vintage sunburst fits like a glove I think! It is without question a plus top.

 

[TommieG]

Vintage sunburst fits like a glove I think! It is without question a plus top.

Yes, that's my view as well.
The "flames" looks dull on the right side in my picture, but that's just the angle, they really are equal.

Thanks for your input
Tom

 

[Dolebludger]

Over on the Fake Epiphone II thread, it is repeated "the best way to avoid a fake and get what you are paying for is to buy from a reputable, authorized dealer". You not only did this, but bought from a dealer who is also a friend.
Is is clear from the responses to this thread that most of us have never seen a Czech Epi, though most of us know they exist. And the first character in the serial number does look like a "B" when magnified. Sounds Czech to me!

Is the dealer where you bought it still around? If so, you might get the most accurate confirmation from him.