Serial numbers

fronobulax

Bassist, GAD and the Hot Mess Mods
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The serial number list here is about as good as any listing available online, but the most accurate information available is contained in The Guild Guitar Book by Hans Moust.

While 1965 is normally cited as the first year of production there are documented examples with serial numbers that were assigned in 1964 and will be five digits, less than 45xxx.

For the Early and Vintage periods, the serial number has a prefix of "BA", a dash and then a three or four digit number. The serial number on the headstock generally matches the number on the paper label in the body although there are a few exceptions. There are examples of two different instruments with the same serial number. Some of them may have a "-1" after the serial number on the label.

A '70's bass will have a five or six digit serial number, generally between 45xxx and 17xxxx.

The serial numbering scheme for the 90's reissues was the prefix AG followed by six digits. The GSRs is unknown to me at this time. (TODO - find out).

The Newark Street serial numbers have a three letter prefix followed by a six digit number. The first letter will be a K. (TODO - find an example and possobly the magic decoder ring).
 
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