Esp Serial Number Chart
May 02, 2013 Serial number either inked on the back of the headstock or stamped into neck plate. I have a bolt on KH-2 from this era that has both an inked serial number and a (different) neck plate number. Mid2000's- Current ESP guitars circular logo screened on the back of the headstock.
Hey everyone! I thought it might be cool to have a thread which features links and info on how to track and date guitar serial numbers for different brands. I think it can be fun to know a little bit more about our instruments and try to dig up some history if possible. As I have never did this myself before, please help me compose a useful resource for everyone to use as a reference when they need to get more details on their guitars based on the serial number. Disclaimer: listed resources represent what I've found online. The accuracy of data found there is not guaranteed, except for Fender which I've had chance testing with one of my basses.
Let's add info for other brands, please do so by posting in this thread: [Brand] - [Link to information about serial numbers] Also, it would be cool to hear what you've found about your guitars by tracking the serial number and which of the listed methods for tracking serials are valid. These are good for dating amp potentiometers and speakers. 'Pot codes' help identify and date Gibson guitars and some Fender amps where the serial numbers can fail you. *Gibson records were destroyed and/or lost during one period, hence there are some doubled ser #'s.
Fender used parts bought as early as 1964 in huge bulk and used them through the mid and late 60s. And if anyone is interested in an encyclopedia of guitar features by date and model, George Gruhn's book is an absolute necessity. It's not available on line unless you pay for it. This post has been edited by klasaine: Oct 27 2014, 06:04 PM.
So I just picked this up in a trade from a guy on craigslist. I was intrigued by the wild finish and the fact that it was an older Japanese ESP. The headstock says its an ESP Maverick.
The finish appears to be original but I have never seen anything like it before. It changes color depending on the angle and lighting. Anyone seen anything like this before? Any info is appreciated!
Uncharted pc games downloading. From what I have heard ESP does not have good records from the late 80's early 90's and aren't much help in identifying old guitars. Yeah the finish is really sold me on it! I just wanted to make sure it was a real ESP as I've never seen one like it!
The thing I thought was strange was there is nothing on the back of the headstock at all. Most ESPs I have seen have the little ESP circle with logo on the back. Did they not do that on the older 80's models? Its in awesome shape for the age though. Aside from a dime sized paint chip near the guitar input its pretty much perfect.
Frets look like its never been played! Couple of quickies * ESP record keeping. I've been told that ESP had a fire in their (old) LA office in the mid/late 90's which destroyed most if not all of their existing records. * Serial numbers. ESP has used a mix of serial number schemes over the years.