“1996 Gibson Gold top this is the classic good wood era.”

[Jbraz]

So I’m considering buying this LP but am a little confused by the serial number 6 0269.

Looking at the serial number data on Gibsons web site would the 6 represent ‘56 or ‘66? and the year manufactured 2000? Would this be an “R” series gold top everyone is always talking about?


Thanks,
Joe

 

[DrewB]

Looks like it's probably an R6 that was routed for humbuckers.

 

[agquake]

So I’m considering buying this LP but am a little confused by the serial number 6 0269.

Looking at the serial number data on Gibsons web site would the 6 represent ‘56 or ‘66? and the year manufactured 2000? Would this be an “R” series gold top everyone is always talking about?


Thanks,
Joe

The ‘6’ represents the year, 1996. For example, here is a 1993 with the first number being a ‘3’:

Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus 1993, Cherry Sunburst

View the listing for Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus 1993, Cherry Sunburst at Carter Vintage Guitar Exchange

cartervintage.com

 

[DrewB]

Very odd that Gibson deviated like this from their Gibson USA serial-numbering "pattern."

 

[jb_abides]

It's not an R6, it's a 96 Classic model.
[Someone added a cover to or swapped the neck pup]

Les Paul Classic 1989-2014: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no "MADE IN USA" (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. There should be a space after the 1st digit with the 4 and 5 digit serial numbers, and no space with the 6 digit numbers.

The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000.

Examples -
9 xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with "9" used only in 1989)
0 xxxx = 1990
9 xxxx = 1999
00xxxx = 2000
05xxxx = 2005

*Note – For Les Paul Classics made in 2007 and later, “MADE IN USA” was added to the back of the headstock

 

[metropolis]

I saw the same ad and laughed at the "good wood era" comment. I've seen a few people talk about mid-90s Gibsons like that. It's just a Les Paul Classic.

 

[Jbraz]

It's not an R6, it's a 96 Classic model.
[Someone added a cover to or swapped the neck pup]

Les Paul Classic 1989-2014: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no "MADE IN USA" (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. There should be a space after the 1st digit with the 4 and 5 digit serial numbers, and no space with the 6 digit numbers.

The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000.

Examples -
9 xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with "9" used only in 1989)
0 xxxx = 1990
9 xxxx = 1999
00xxxx = 2000
05xxxx = 2005

*Note – For Les Paul Classics made in 2007 and later, “MADE IN USA” was added to the back of the headstock

It's not an R6, it's a 96 Classic model.
[Someone added a cover to or swapped the neck pup]

Les Paul Classic 1989-2014: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no "MADE IN USA" (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. There should be a space after the 1st digit with the 4 and 5 digit serial numbers, and no space with the 6 digit numbers.

The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000.

Examples -
9 xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with "9" used only in 1989)
0 xxxx = 1990
9 xxxx = 1999
00xxxx = 2000
05xxxx = 2005

*Note – For Les Paul Classics made in 2007 and later, “MADE IN USA” was added to the back of the headstock

Hey jb_abides thanks for the reply. After reading most of the Serial number info from Gibson like you have listed above it all started making since. Still a little confused with the reissue numbers, looks like there are a few different variations, guess I’ll have to read it a few more times. I’ve scratched this particular LP off my list. What are your thoughts on the ‘04 LP limited edition, not the GC one with the hand written number on the headstock?

 

[Jbraz]

Thank you all for the replies form a new member. Very much appreciated!

 

[jb_abides]

Hey jb_abides thanks for the reply. After reading most of the Serial number info from Gibson like you have listed above it all started making since. Still a little confused with the reissue numbers, looks like there are a few different variations, guess I’ll have to read it a few more times. I’ve scratched this particular LP off my list. What are your thoughts on the ‘04 LP limited edition, not the GC one with the hand written number on the headstock?

No worries... always good to check before you take a plunge.

Limited with the white bound headstock, non-GC?

I am not sure about how 'limited' they really are or how much this even factors in resale, just consider them another LP Standard with nice appointments.... good for some but not overly prized.

I think the ebony boards and usually decently moderately flamed or quilt-y tops work with those bound headstocks. Slim Taper with BB1/2 and usually trans colors not bursts, IIRC: Turquoise, Blues, Reds. And didn't they have 'butter bean' keys, not Kluson [not for me on an LP/ YMMV]..?

You'd need to post particular detailed pics for folks to weigh in... these are not highly gamed as fakes, but could have been, or might have mods.

As always, weight and condition are primary factors... if you like the neck size and there are no obvious material issues like a wonky neck, bad bridge, headstock break, etc.

 

[NickiC]

*(“Good wood era”)
Nope. It is a goldtop tho…. Gold tops do have a reputation as better sounding and playing

 

[NINFNM]

The ‘6’ represents the year, 1996. For example, here is a 1993 with the first number being a ‘3’:

Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus 1993, Cherry Sunburst

View the listing for Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus 1993, Cherry Sunburst at Carter Vintage Guitar Exchange

cartervintage.com

If anyone likes thin necks this is the best purchase you can make.