| Vintage Gibson guitar identification is
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| | codes. In1949, a four digit FON was used,
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| easy if you know what to look for. Serial
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| | but not in conjunction with any
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| numbers are not always the complete
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| | codeletter.
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| answer. Better to look for a combination
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| | From 1952-61, the FON's scheme followed
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| of serial numbers, factory order numbers
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| | the pattern of a letter, batch number,
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| and any design features specific to the
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| | and instrument ranking number. The FON
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| time.
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| | is the only identification number on
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| Factory Order Numbers (FON's) were used
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| | Gibson's lower grade models like the
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| by Gibson to track batches of instruments
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| | ES-125, ES-140 etc.)which do not feature
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| in the early days when they made guitars
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| | a paper label. High grade models (such as
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| normally in batches of forty. Therefore
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| | the Super 400, L-5 etc.) have both a
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| early Gibson Vintage Guitars may have
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| | serial number and a FON.
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| both a FON and a serial number. The FON
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| | When both numbers are present on a high
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| will even provide what number in the
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| | grade model, please remember that the FON
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| batch of forty guitars your instrument
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| | was assigned at the beginning of the
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| was!
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| | production run, while the serial number
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| There are three groupings of numbers
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| | was recorded later (before shipping). The
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| which are used for their accuracy. The
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| | serial number would be the best
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| numbers are often stamped or written on
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| | indication of the actual date of the
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| the back of the instrument and seen
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| | guitar.
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| through the lower f-hole or round
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| | For detailed information plus a list of
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| soundhole. They may also be impressed on
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| | serial numbers you may want to visit my
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| the back of the headstock.
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| | website as there is too much information
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| Code Letter FONs were stopped after 1941
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| | to share in a single article.
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| and any instruments made during or right
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| | Lyndon is a collector of Gibson vintage
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| after World War II do not bear any FON
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| | guitars.
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