1966 Gibson Johnny Smith Blonde/Natural

[Len R]

Len --

GuitarHQ shows that serial number as 1969.
As others have noted Gibson serial numbers are non-linear, but Steve's research is generally reliable (meant as compliment).

If your seller has some backup for the 1966 date, such as a potentiometer code, that might be helpful as you ponder.

For some people the difference between 1966 and 1969 matters a ton. For others, not so much.
The 'not so much' crowd says, "It is what it is, I love it, I want it."
The 'matters a tonners' say, "Not only do I want a 1966 more than I want a 1969, but 'Like the 13th chime of the clock it calls into question the validity of all which came before.' "

All the best with your quest.

Thanks Sam. I looked at the site you linked, and 551280 is not included.
The list skips an entire range:

540796 to 545009 1969
555000 to 557999 1966

Nothing between 545009 and 555000, which is where 551280 would fall.

Also, are there known differences between the 66 and 69 models?

Thanks,

Len

[ThatRhythmMan]

Thanks Sam. I looked at the site you linked, and 551280 is not included.
The list skips an entire range:

540796 to 545009 1969
555000 to 557999 1966

Nothing between 545009 and 555000, which is where 551280 would fall.

Also, are there known differences between the 66 and 69 models?

Thanks,

Len

Spec wise there are no differences. A little later than ‘69 some started getting volutes, but not all of them.

[wintermoon]

Volutes usually show up on high end Gibson archtops around '77-'78

[Hammertone]

'76 Byrdland:

[Hammertone]

'74 l-5s:

[wintermoon]

There were Gibsons w volutes in the early 70s but no high end archtops to my knowledge

[ThatRhythmMan]

I don’t know when the first GJS with a volute occurred, but I know for sure that during a given year there were some with a volute and some without.

[Stringswinger]

Gibson started using their volute in mid 1972 and ended the practice in mid 1982.

I have played a 1976 GJS that had a volute. I believe mid 1975 was when they started putting them on archtops.

[Jimmy Mack]

Again with the volutes ??????

My '81 L5 CES has a volute - and I'm glad it does.

M '65 GJS did not. I couldn't wait to sell the GJS. The L5 is a keeper.

By the way, when I play the L5, the volute has NOTHING to do with its playability. I have no idea that it's there.

[jads57]

I believe the early Gibson Citations had volutes in the late 1960’s.
Considering they were already 5 piece maple necks that was even more protection.

My Elferink is that constructive with the volute as well and graphite rods. I would guess that would be as stable as one gets with wood construction.

[wintermoon]

I've talked to few luthiers over the years and they said they've repaired plenty of cracked headstocks of Gibsons w/ volutes.