1983 Nighthawk
Brad W. Traweek's 1983 Nighthawk

Photos
History
Registered Examples

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The following images are in the Nighthawks/Skyhawks section of the Pictures Gallery:

Check out this page on Greg Gagliano's site for the complete story (and specifications) on the Nighthawk. All I'll add to Greg's text is that we've since run across a number of Nighthawks with ash bodies (like the clear red and clear blue examples in the photos above, for example). Dale Hyatt searched the logbooks several years ago and is responsible for the 269-guitar figure; while he was at it he also compiled the following report of Nighthawk finishes which he gave to Paul Bechtoldt: 
113 Black
 38 White
 87 Burst
 23 Natural
  2 Gold
  2 Clear Red 
  2 Clear Blue
  2 Clear Green

S/N
Model Neck Date Body Date Color Fretboard Body Bridge Other Features Owner
1. G005101 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   scott63@wowway.com
2. G005329 Nighthawk     Natural Gloss Maple   DF Vibrato System   Leobygnl@aol.com
3. G007806 Nighthawk     Natural Gloss Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Bought new in 83, all original hardware, warranty & sales tag with #244 written under quality control team initials / other than some slight checking on the back of the neck, this guitar is still like new Jammjunky7
4. G007935 Nighthawk MAR 25, 1983 AUG 20, 1983 Natural Gloss Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Ash body Registry Admin
5. G008206 Nighthawk OCT 28, 1983   Black Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Oct of 83 Nighthawk neck on 87 - 91 black Skyhawk body. Serial # is Nighthawk. Head stock is natural color. Ebony fret board. Play's, looks & sounds great. If you want to see what it looks like, email me and Ill send you pictures. mbyrne52482@gmail.c...
6. G008481 Nighthawk OCT 21, 1983 OCT ??, 1983 Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System All Black like a Broadcaster GNLDAVE
7. G009885 Nighthawk     Natural Gloss Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System Bought new at Harmony House in Alton, Il. in 1983. The salesman said it was a prototype left by a G & L salesman. garryyoung1@yahoo.c...
8. G009923 Nighthawk OCT 21, 1983 OCT 12, 1983 Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Decal on Neck plate with Patent # 4002994, 4046050, 256804, 431950, 3678795 Nguma
9. G010435 Nighthawk     Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System Seen on eBay; rust on bridge parts and pickup pole pieces; matching headstock; OHSC; appears to have original trem bar Mister Basil
10. G010921 Nighthawk     Natural Gloss     DF Vibrato System   Frodo
11. G011473 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Natural Gloss Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System   jamesboswell
12. G011730 Nighthawk           DF Vibrato System completion date 4/20/83 from Bechtoldt's book feel free to edit in additional info Registry Admin
13. G011744 Nighthawk JUL 21, 1983 JUL 18, 1983 Natural Gloss Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System No pickguard, which would have saved one $30 in the day. Ebony board has 12" radius. Non-original case. yowhatsshakin
14. G011763 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983   Natural Gloss Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Serial # on bridge. Blk plastic PG / blk metal control plate Juan Valdez
15. G011780 Nighthawk     Clear Red Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Matching Clear Red Headstock, originally came without pick guard ericc1974
16. G011810 Nighthawk     White Ebony   DF Vibrato System For sale 1-12-2022 listed in the G&L Buy-Sell-Trade Facebook group.  
17. G011816 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System Purchased from a friend very good condition a few light marks on the body plays awesome ConquistadorS-500
18. G011818 Nighthawk     Sunburst (1980-1991) Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System 1983 model Registry Admin
19. G011827 Nighthawk     Black Maple   DF Vibrato System For sale on Reverb with White Fender Lace Sensor pickups  
20. G011949 Nighthawk SEP 3, 1983 JUL 11, 1983 Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Rare maple body. Previously owned by Greg Gagliano. Nice weather checking on neck finish. yowhatsshakin
21. G011956 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System Has Had A Kahler Installed At One Time Which Has Left A Hole In The Top. OHSC  
22. G011959 Nighthawk     Sunburst (1980-1991) Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System No pickguard was ever on this instrument. Serial number on the tremolo. B Vestal
23. G011965 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood Swamp Ash Kahler Aftermarket Kahler. I have the original Dual Fulcrum Vibrato, bar, claw, springs, etc. Body colored headstock. OHSC. Groovology
24. G011993 Nighthawk SEP 3, 1983 JUN 10, 1983 Natural Gloss Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System s/n on bridge Skyhawk
25. G012031 Nighthawk     Sunburst (1980-1991) Ebony   DF Vibrato System i am the original owner, NO pickguard was ever on this guitar. I have not seen one like that. Also the finish is a See Through Sunburst. please contact me if you can help find more info mediamusic@aol.com
26. G012042 Nighthawk     Natural Gloss Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Like an idiot I sold this guitar. If you have it I would love to buy it back.  
27. G012059 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 JUL 11, 1983 Clear Red Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System 2 reportedly existed, but mine would actually make number three Registry Admin
28. G012110 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 SEP 2, 1983 Black Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System new bone-nut, new trem-arm and spring-cavity plate, non-original case, bought from BWT. mr_and_mrs_freeze@w...
29. G012201 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System No pickguard [RA note: body wood is either Mahogany, Swamp Ash or Maple] evak47
30. G012251 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System VG shape, the finish on the neck has beautifully yellowed with age. Nighthawks ROCK! Purchased from my good friend Paavo. jefF-100
31. G012304 Nighthawk     Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System I bought it new at St Charles Guitar Exchange in St Louis in 1983-september 1983 manufacture date-have all tags that came from factory including one that says featured in Guitiar Player magazine which is where I saw it and decided to buy it. kycom@mchsi.com
32. G012324 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   Registry Admin
33. G012370 Nighthawk MAY 3, 1983 APR 29, 1983 Natural Gloss Ebony Koa DF Vibrato System Koa wood body, I was told this was the only Koa NightHawk and 1 of 3 Koa G&Ls, gold HW, maple neck. The body date stamp actually says Apr 39 Mike1
34. G012379 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   Registry Admin
35. G012462 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   Registry Admin
36. G012490 Nighthawk     Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Seen on eBay 2/22/2012 with a BIN of $1,199.00; matching black headstock; has an MFD humbucker in the bridge but I do not believe it to be factory installed and one of the tone controls replaced with a toggle switch (listed as a 3-way). Registry Admin
37. G012530 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood   DF Vibrato System   Papa Tom
38. G012676 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Black Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Headstock matches body color MAIKOL
39. G014382 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood   DF Vibrato System Matching head stock, black crinkle control plate, black 3 ply plastic p/g.  
40. G014607 Nighthawk     Black Maple   DF Vibrato System   GwedoOhio@aol.com
41. G014748 Nighthawk     Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System Bought new in \\\'83, main guitar for many years, no longer pristine, but sounds incredible. rsc59
42. G014762 Nighthawk     Black     DF Vibrato System Body was custom painted black with multi color glitter PhilH
43. G014771 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   GreyVerde@ATT.net
44. G014777 Nighthawk JUL 14, 1983 JUN ??, 1983 Clear Blue Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System just started collecting,i think i hit paydirt! [Reg Admin note from previous owner's reg entry: Ash body, possibly 1 of 2 blue Nighthawks] lar7200
45. G014782 Nighthawk   ??? ??, 1983 Natural Gloss Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System [RA note: body wood is Swamp Ash not Maple per photo] Like new condition, no chips or wear, original hard case. Light natural body and fretboard, black head stock ViperJ
46. G014801 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood   DF Vibrato System Color match headstock, b/w/b pg  
47. G014802 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System For sale on Reverb 7-6-17  
48. G014820 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood Mahogany DF Vibrato System The original fingerboard was ebony but the truss rod was broken and the neck replaced by G&L with a rosewood fingerboard in 1988. brettgstoddard@yaho...
49. G014821 Nighthawk     White Maple Mahogany DF Vibrato System Bought second hand in the mid 90's in Boston. Now in France, where I live. Unfortunately, bridge pickup had been changed for Duncan's hot rails. p.hello@orange.fr
50. G014824 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System Was used for recording and performance by my brother Oliver North in the band COMATEENS. Can be see in action here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=FV3g_EP3Fa8 ndnyc2003@yahoo.com
51. G014832 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood Maple DF Vibrato System Color match headstock,two part pg, blk. plastic with crinkle blk control cover Registry Admin
52. G014834 Nighthawk SEP 26, 1983 AUG ??, 1983 Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Color matched headstock; OHSC; pitting on bridge and knobs. (Hidden)
53. G014838 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System Headstock color matches body color; black polymer pickguard. Registry Admin
54. G014851 Nighthawk     Red Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System   redwood841@comcast....
55. G014870 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System Original case, warranty pamphlet, and user manual. robperry11@gmail.com
56. G014884 Nighthawk   ??? ??, 1983 Clear Blue Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System One of Two Clear Blue Nighthawks ever Made smithomike@gmail.com
57. G014913 Nighthawk SEP 26, 1983 AUG 26, 1983 Black Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Matching (black) headstock. Purchased at Blazing Guitars. Previous Owner claims that Brad Traweek was one of its original owners. westflyer07@gmail.c...
58. G014914 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   AmyFive
59. G014937 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System   rickfoxrox@hotmail....
60. G014946 Nighthawk OCT 21, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System Black, B\W\B Guard, Chrome hardware, Matching Headstock Color. Crinkle Control Plate. No Body Date Stamp. Very Good Condition. FZTNT
61. G014965 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood   DF Vibrato System This one was purchased new from Filip's Muic downtown Aurora, Illinois between spring and summer 1983. This guitar shows signs of wear as it was used. It is all original with the exception of 2 small screw holes drillrd for a guitar synth P/U skiplay4@comcast.net
62. G014975 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood   DF Vibrato System 12/16/83 completion date  
63. G014979 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Clear Red Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System [Admin note: Headstock color matches body; this is a 'rarebird'; 1/6 or 7 red; 1/3 with ebony board!!] jdbe1@yahoo.com
64. G014983 Nighthawk JAN 13, 1984 OCT ??, 1983 Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System The body day is illegible. Not sure what the body is made from but its HEAVY! Smudger
65. G014991 Nighthawk OCT 21, 1983   Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System   guitarzan518
66. G014995 Nighthawk     Clear Red Maple   DF Vibrato System Sold on EBay 10-31-15.  
67. G015002 Nighthawk OCT 10, 1983 OCT ??, 1983 Sunburst (1980-1991) Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System Matching coloured Headstock,Very Thin Neck,Original HSC and all paperwok,Mint Condition. supertash
68. G015006 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System Matching head stock, black crinkle control plate, black 3 ply plastic p/g. CENZ56
69. G015028 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System Purchased new in Washington State on January,15th,1983 trijones@comcast.net
70. G015032 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Black Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System The formerly black body was stripped off; black pickguard, black headstock; OHSC, the original trem-arm and the original black metal spring-cavity plate are missing mr_and_mrs_freeze@w...
71. G015033 Nighthawk     White Ebony   DF Vibrato System Possibly one of 38 white Nighthawks  
72. G015035 Nighthawk     Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System MINT pblassen@yahoo.com
73. G015048 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System Color match headstock, chrome hardware, b/w/b pg, blk metal control cover  
74. G015049 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Sunburst (1980-1991) Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System Color matching headstock, two part pickguard (blk. plastic over pups- metal over controls) Registry Admin
75. G015051 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood   Kahler Blk. plastic pg, blk. metal control cover, SSH pickup configuration  
76. G015065 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Natural Gloss Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System black pickguard with the face of the headstock also in black. Skyhawk
77. G015072 Nighthawk     Natural Gloss Maple Mahogany DF Vibrato System   (Hidden)
78. G015108 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   Registry Admin
79. G015118 Nighthawk FEB 15, 1983   Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System NAMM show guitar, gold hardware B Vestal
80. G015125 Nighthawk JUL 12, 1983 OCT 26, 1983 Clear Blue Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Bought at Banko's in Ansonia, CT in 1983 (maybe 1984) and have owned since! First Electric Guitar as a 9 Year Old. I guess this is the third Clear Blue Rarebird... Mike N.
81. G015131 Nighthawk OCT 20, 1983 OCT 20, 1983 Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System Match H/Stk, P/Guard black plastic 3 ply BWB, black crinkle cont. cov.. Stainless plate on back! Exc. Minus-Cond. West Mobile Music
82. G015160 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood Mahogany DF Vibrato System Chrome Hardware, Vibrado Arm, 22 Fret neck, matching black headstock, black crinkle control plate, black 3 ply pick guard, All Factory Original Guitarmaan2000
83. G015163 Nighthawk     Natural Gloss   Mahogany DF Vibrato System Assembled 11/17/83. Purchased new 2/6/87 at Ann Arbor Music Mart, Ann Arbor MI. with case regular price $816, sale $530 JDB
84. G015171 Nighthawk     Natural Gloss Maple Mahogany DF Vibrato System   Registry Admin
85. G015191 Nighthawk OCT 21, 1983 OCT ??, 1983 Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Matching Headstock Seaotter
86. G015204 Nighthawk AUG 23, 1983   Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   Tom Valentine
87. G015211 Nighthawk OCT 21, 1983 OCT ??, 1983 Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   Yamato
88. G015219 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System For sale on Reverb in excellent condition for $1200. 8-8-18  
89. G015241 Nighthawk ??? ??, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Clear Red Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Near mint guitar; one of the very few clear red Nighthawks, probably less than 20; only 4 known with maple necks. Matching clear red headstock. PhatGuitars
90. G015267 Nighthawk     Clear Red Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Headstock same color as body. jordan@covconn.net
91. G015277 Nighthawk     Black     DF Vibrato System    
92. G015279 Nighthawk     Black Rosewood Swamp Ash cap/Basswood body DF Vibrato System Purchased over 20 years ago, original rusted pick-ups replaced, heavily customised, paint checked. kpayne726.kp@gmail....
93. G015288 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   Dave@Seafordmusic.c...
94. G015289 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System   jworthy65@gmail.com
95. G015307 Nighthawk     Clear Red Ebony   DF Vibrato System Bought new/one owner. Well cared for but some paint blemishes. Matching Red head stock. All original. Have original warranty papers and inspection tag shows #250. dnevitt57@gmail.com
96. G015320 Nighthawk AUG 25, 1983 JUL 27, 1983 Clear Red Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System The Former Owner wrote, "possibly 1 of 2 red Nighthawks, \\\"OK Leo C. 11-16-83\\\" written in neck pocket" [RA note: Completed 11/17/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Yamato
97. G015321 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System [RA note: Completed 11/9/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Registry Admin
98. G015322 Nighthawk     Red Ebony   DF Vibrato System [RA note: Completed 112/17/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Registry Admin
99. G015328 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System [RA note: Completed 11/28/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Registry Admin
100. G015329 Nighthawk NOV 22, 1983 ??? ??, 1983 Black Ebony Mahogany DF Vibrato System 100% all original [RA note: Completed 12/19/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] JR.BLUES
101. G015331 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System [RA note: Completed 10/7/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Registry Admin
102. G015332 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System [RA note: Completed 10/19/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Registry Admin
103. G015335 Nighthawk OCT 25, 1983 OCT ??, 1983 Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System [RA note: Completed 11/17/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Adam
104. G015336 Nighthawk     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System [RA note: Completed 11/21/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Registry Admin
105. G015337 Nighthawk     Black Maple   DF Vibrato System [RA note: Completed 10/25/83-Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page] Registry Admin
106. G015915 Nighthawk     Black Ebony Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System I got this guitar in 1983 from Leo Fender on a cruise with Mrs. Fender. I was playing a Gibson LP on the gig. Leo offered his card and invited me to try a guitar he had brought on board. He left me with the guitar and a great memory. info@LouieMoon.com
You can click the serial numbers in this column to edit the corresponding Instrument.
[Total Produced: 269]
[Total Registered to Date: 106]

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