1970s Johnny Smith Missing Serial #?

[ingeneri]

I recently purchased an early 1970s Johnny Smith from a dealer (new to me, but reputable in online reviews and acted professionally). Guitar plays and sounds great. But,I can't find the serial number on the back of the headstock. This is a player, and not a collectable. However, I do need the serial number to insure the instrument.

I don't think this is a fake. It's got the right Norlin sticker, the Gibson logo is missing the . on the i, and the headstock does have a faint impression of the "Made in the USA" imprint that are all early 1970s period correct. While in good shape, there is sufficient finish checks and dings for a 50 year guitar. Plus, it's a comparatively obscure model, and why would you fake a 50 year old Norlin when you can fake a 55 year old Mcarty era for another $5K?

Did Gibson ever use decals for the serial numbers that might have fallen off?

I've heard of FON numbers on Gibson solid bodies and acoustics. Anyone know where an archtop equivalent would be located?

I know Gibson doesn't sell necks separately today, but does anyone know if they used to replace them in the 1970s and whether this would explain a missing serial number?

No major issues, no cracks, minimal tarnishing on the pickup or tailpiece, neck is straight, truss rod works, no caved arch, etc. Frets show a lot of wear, indicating it was played a lot. All original except for a replaced out gased pick guard (that doesn't seem to have hurt the finish). The pickup and pots are supposedly original, but the 1/8" jack has been swapped for a normal 1/4" that is still under the guard. Maybe the pick guard brackets were swapped out for something taller to accommodate the bigger jack?

[skiboyny]

Congratulations on your Smith. I've had a few and never saw any removable serial numbers of any kind. Usually imprinted. Maybe it had a headstock repair at some point. Black is easy to blend. This is a pix of mine I believe to be a 72. No dot on the I

[ThatRhythmMan]

Circa 1976 they used decals, 1975-77 I believe.




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[omphalopsychos]

The serial number for that guitar is #896729. I know because I bought and returned/canceled it when the dealer originally thought it was '68. I've done business with them before. They are honest and price fairly, but not very knowledgable about vintage.

Here's my thread. Incoming 1968 Gibson Johnny Smith

[ingeneri]

The serial number for that guitar is #896729. I know because I bought and returned/canceled it when the dealer originally thought it was '68. I've done business with them before. They are honest and price fairly, but not very knowledgable about vintage.

Here's my thread. Incoming 1968 Gibson Johnny Smith

Thanks, you saved me from doing the paper/pencil trace spy trick.

Fortunately, I think they lowered the price after you corrected the vintage. So I owe you thanks for that too.

I also enjoyed reading your old thread. I’d agree with the defense of the GBS’ acoustic tone, but concede it is not a traditional parallel braced cannon
like your L5C or the ‘71 Guild AA I bought from Stringswinger.

Speaking of which, I bought the GJS as a retirement gift to myself. But sorry Marc, that Guild is going nowhere.

[omphalopsychos]

Yeah they lowered the price to a very fair level. Strum is a good shop. That guitar is beautiful congrats on the retirement!

[Stringswinger]

Matt, that Guild AA is one that I never should have sold. Don't let that one get away.

[fine-instruments]

ingeneri, did we mention the open "b" and "o" of Gibson

[fine-instruments]

mine is from the late 60ties with open b and o letter

[Woody Sound]

The serial number for that guitar is #896729. I know because I bought and returned/canceled it when the dealer originally thought it was '68. I've done business with them before. They are honest and price fairly, but not very knowledgable about vintage.

Here's my thread. Incoming 1968 Gibson Johnny Smith

Just curious, how was that s/n determined?

[omphalopsychos]

Not sure. The shop provided it to me. Maybe they had done the paper/pencil trick on the headstock.

[2bornot2bop]

Matt, that Guild AA is one that I never should have sold. Don't let that one get away.

I sure wish that I kept mine. Little did I know too that prices would increase as much as a Gibson.