Dating question for Hans - early JF-30-12

[guildzilla]

I recently scored a very nice JF-30-12 that appears to be one of the earliest ones. In fact, the serial number is actually listed under the JF-30's in the "official and faulty" dating charts.

The S/N is JF300071. Under the stamped S/N on the back of the headstock is the date: 4-87.

Just curious how many JF-30-12's were built with the odd prefix and how early production of this model began?

Also, can the design of this model be attributed to Gruhn or Walker or both?

Thanks, Hans!

 

[hansmoust]

I recently scored a very nice JF-30-12 that appears to be one of the earliest ones. In fact, the serial number is actually listed under the JF-30's in the "official and faulty" dating charts. The S/N is JF300071. Under the stamped S/N on the back of the headstock is the date: 4-87. Just curious how many JF-30-12's were built with the odd prefix and how early production of this model began?

Actually, your guitar has the 'correct' prefix for the JF-30-12. That is, that's how they were applied to the guitars but that's not what should have been on the guitars. The 'other' numbers on the 'official list' do not exist in real life; only on paper.
I hope I'm making myself clear.

Your guitar was serial number stamped during April 1987. Production of the JF-30-12 started late 1986 but for all practical purposes it's easier to use 1987 as the year of introduction.

Also, can the design of this model be attributed to Gruhn or Walker or both?

Actually to neither one! The JF-30-12 was the direct result of the 'then new' standardisation of the acoustic model line, which was something that George Gruhn was responsible for. It's too much to explain in a nutshell, so I'm not even going to try.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[guildzilla]

Much appreciated, Hans. Phantom numbers, eh? Amazing.