Decoding GL serial numbers ? please help

[tompisa]

Hi everybody

I just have the chance to purchase (ebay) an ASAR Classic (beautiful transparent red swamp ash, white Pickguard ). I am new to G&L Guitars and would like to ask if there is a way to find out which production date the Guitar might be and if its US born .

The Serial Number of the guitar is : G040176

I would like to show some pictures of the guitar because I am a little bit leery about its authenticity. Owner tells me that he bought it 4 years ago in USA. ( btw: how can I upoload some pictures here ?)

thanks in advance
Tom

[Xochitl]

Hello,

You will soon find there's no easy answer to this question, but ther are some useful threads:

• Serial number significance: http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=18
  
  How do I determine an instrument's age?: http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=19

[Xochitl]

I came to realize that your serial is previous to my own S-500's, which I believe is a 94. Your ASAT should be an early 90's model. I bet it has a 3 bolt neck heel.

[tompisa]

hey, thanks for your answer. YES, it has a - black- 3 bolt GL neck plate including Serialnumber

Do you think it is 1000$ worthy ? its in a very good condition.

thanks again

[Craig]

Hi everybody

I just have the chance to purchase (ebay) an ASAR Classic (beautiful transparent red swamp ash, white Pickguard ). I am new to G&L Guitars and would like to ask if there is a way to find out which production date the Guitar might be and if its US born .

The Serial Number of the guitar is : G040176

I would like to show some pictures of the guitar because I am a little bit leery about its authenticity. Owner tells me that he bought it 4 years ago in USA. ( btw: how can I upoload some pictures here ?)

thanks in advance
Tom

You mean an ASAT Classic?

To post photos, see: READ ME FIRST: guitarsbyleo.com History and G&LDP Guidelines.

Hope this helps.

[Xochitl]

hey, thanks for your answer. YES, it has a - black- 3 bolt GL neck plate including Serialnumber

Do you think it is 1000$ worthy ? its in a very good condition.

thanks again

It may be considered a little expensive this side of the Atlantic but, as you're in Europe, I 'd say it's a good price: less tha half the price of a new one or more or less the price of MIM Fender.

Now, we want some pictures to drool over!

[tompisa]

Thanks Xochitl,

for your tips and hints. I just registered the beauty. I would love to post some pictures, but unfortunately I don't know how ...? Maybe you can help - again- ?
btw: what is " MIM" ?
thanks
tom

[Xochitl]

Craig already answered this question. Here's his answer copy/pasted.

To post photos, see: READ ME FIRST: guitarsbyleo.com History and G&LDP Guidelines.

Hope this helps.

MIM is for Made in Mexico.

MIA usually stands for Made in USA (America), MIJ for Made in Japan, MIK for Made in Korea...

[tompisa]

I just received my US G&L yesterday and I am a little bit shocked because this ASAT looks like brand new to me. It plays extremly well and sounds very good, crisp. Thats good. But , can I be sure that this ASAT Classic is an older US modell from the 90ies ? Its looks really new. thats why I am asking for a crosscheck with you guys.

If someone could tell me I would be very happy , I payed 770 Euro

here is the link to my picture on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/61310887@N ... 581246571/


all comments are very welcome. I do hope it´s a real US G&L


thanks

[SouthpawGuy]

I just received my US G&L yesterday and I am a little bit shocked because this ASAT looks like brand new to me. It plays extremly well and sounds very good, crisp. Thats good. But , can I be sure that this ASAT Classic is an older US modell from the 90ies ? Its looks really new. thats why I am asking for a crosscheck with you guys.

If someone could tell me I would be very happy , I payed 770 Euro

here is the link to my picture on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/61310887@N ... 581246571/


all comments are very welcome. I do hope it´s a real US G&L


thanks

Yours has a three bolt neck with the serial number on the neck plate.

If I remember correctly the last year that three bolt necks were offered was '96 or '97, and it is definitely a US made G&L.

[Xochitl]

It's obviously a pre-1997 as
- In 1997, G&L moved to waterslide decals for the serial numbers and apply them
on the back of the headstock,
- from 1980 through 1996 and into 1997, serial numbers of the form GXXXXXX were used for guitars

For a more accurate "estimate (sic), you should take the neck off - you'll find two stamped dates, one in the neck pocket on the guitar and one stamped on the butt of the neck itself. Do that only if you are skilled and confident enough.

Nice score.

[tompisa]

thanks a lot , now I am really happy about the G&L . Today a friedn cam in with a 80th FenderTele. It is a huge difference between the GL and the original Fender. The G&L is extremly bright and crisp vs the "real" Tele. I would say, more accurate in sound.

The major difference I feel is that the G&L comes with a much much better workmanscraftship. You can play the GL very very fast and smooth. The Tele was a bit sloppy .

however, I am lucky that I have spent money for an old but new US G&L. Thanks again for your help !

[Xochitl]

Bitteschön!

[Xochitl]

Just to let you know that I took the plunge and checked the dates on the neck pocket of my S-500. It's a 1996 model.
Easy operation finally. I'm not skilled for those things and it took me only a few minutes to carefully unscrew the neck and another few to screw it back.
For your ASAT, it should be even easier as you don't have to manage the tremolo.

[yowhatsshakin]

Just to let you know that I took the plunge and checked the dates on the neck pocket of my S-500. It's a 1996 model.

Cool! Hope you didn't forget to take pics and update the Registry entry

- Jos