S/N Question

[doug winborne (ole6string)]

I purchased #74-92 new way back when, got it as a replacement for a pre# that they just could not get right, electronic-wise. After many attempts to fix the squeels, the fine folks offered me another guitar, that I picked up from the chicken shack shop. My power supply is #13. My question is, were basses and guitars in the same series of numbers, or did each have its own set? I know that a lot more basses were built. If the same set of #s were used for both, is there a way to find out what # guitar I have? Would just be fun to know. thanks,doug

[mica]

The power supplies have their own sequence of numbers. Did you get a new power supply with #92 or did you keep your original one?
 
We've never tracked serial numbers any way other than sequentially. I'm currently working on a database so questions like yours can be answered without sifting through 14,000 files by hand. I don't have an estimate for when I'll be done with it however (it's a really big job).

[doug winborne (ole6string)]

I think I got a new power supply, but soo long ago I can't be sure, the memeroy fades. Another question, if I may? My Pups are kinda a light chocolate/ dark mustard color. What is this color called, and for how long was it used? Would it be condidered rare? thanks

[mica]

The color is the natural color of the polyurethan potting compound. We refer to it in polite company as "caramel." There isn't a set cutoff date of when the black (which we originally wanted) replaced it. The manufacturer no longer supplies in this color, so I suppose it must be pretty rare.  Here's the logo photos I told you about:  

 This is inlaid into the wood and has a good bit of filler around it. Typical for the earliest instruments (this one is from serial number 6)  

 This is inlaid in an epoxy and ebony dust mixture,  with the whole thing sitting proud about the surface.  

 This is a handcut silver logo, sitting proud and anchored by 3 pins and adhesive.  Your number 92 is probably like the last picture, which was typical until about 1977 when the jeweler's casting replaced the handcut logos.  Let me know if any of these look like your original no serial number guitar.

[doug winborne (ole6string)]

The first is similar to the first no number, the third as # 92.Thanks, doug

[mica]

The first 20 or so were usually like the the first and second photos above.  
 
I checked with my dad yesterday about the no serial number guitar, and he agrees that it must have been an oversight, because there isn't a concept of guitars we made before serial numbers. We intended to put them on every instrument we ever made.
 
If you remember any other information about that guitar, I'd like to try and figure out what it's serial number was. Even if it didn't get stamped on the instrument, it's likely it was assigned a number. You mentioned you picked it up at Brady Street, any chance you remember the month/year of the visit? Thanks.

[doug winborne (ole6string)]

The no number guitar was not picked up at Brady St,but rather taken there many times to try to get the squeels out. As I told you, I belive that it was the guitar that appeared in your ads in Guitar Player Magazine at that time. I got it from a small local store, and traded a Gretsch White Falcon, Gretsch Roc-Jet, D-35 Martin, a Nat-Strat and 250 cash for it. Think I still have the magazine around somewhere, but remember comparing the oak woods grains. In any event the guitar went back to you, when I picked up the new one (92)in Cotati. All of this is breakin my heart about now, as I've found myself in a real tough spot, and after 28 years of joy (she was born Aug.8, 1974) am am forced to sell. Thanks for the years years of pleasure and beauty! As for dates, I brought it to Brady St. about a month or two after I got it, it was a Sunday shop was 'closed'but Mr Winter was there also pickin up the Dragon. My new one #92 was a couple of months later.