[quote name='jonthebass' post='433238' date='Mar 13 2009, 08:29 AM']Hi Bradthebass,
I notice from the rear headstock photo that the serial number indicates it's actually a 1992 model (1st & 5th numbers).
Just wanted to point that out for you.
I just don't have the moolah for this but can't stop looking at this beut!
Regards,
JTB[/quote]
Thanks for the comment, and this is something that has puzzled me for many a year... When i brought the guitar back in 96' i was told it was 2 years old, however the serial no would suggest 1992 then 4 years old, Which has always left me abit puzzled...
Please see the link below where it states the following:
[url="http://www.gibson.com/en-us/support/serialnumbersearch/"]http://www.gibson.com/en-us/support/serialnumbersearch/[/url]
[b]"There are always exceptions to these rules, the two listed below are worth noting:
[/b]
Les Paul Classic: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no "MADE IN USA" (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. There should be a space after the 1st digit with the 4 and 5 digit serial numbers, and no space with the 6 digit numbers.
The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000.
Examples -
9 xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with "9" used only in 1989)
0 xxxx = 1990
9 xxxx = 1999
00xxxx = 2000
05xxxx = 2005
[b]Those beginning with "94":
In 1994, Gibson's Centennial year, many instruments have a serial number that begins with "94" for the year, with the remaining 6 digits indicating the ranking number. "[/b]
So there we have it, 1994 was a centennial year, hence the different serial number. I know this is 'glass-eye' stuff, but it now makes sense!
thanks again and well spotted!