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1973(?) Les Paul Custom

MGV207

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Joined
Jan 30, 2025
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12
Some time ago I purchased a 1973 Les Paul Custom. I have been trying to verify the actual year of the guitar with some difficulty. I sent photos and info to Gibson, and they replied that according to the 6 digit serial number (189xxx) and Made in USA on the back of the head stock, it was manufactured between 1970 and 1975. They added that the pot codes (1377348) date to the 48th week of 1973. Gibson said that based on that info, it could be a late 1973, or an early 1974. I was wondering if there might be any other ways to verify the year? Thanks!
 

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Subliminal lanimilbuS

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Sep 28, 2023
Messages
434
You have pretty much already hit the nail on the head. Shortly after your guitar was built the 74 anniversary model was made as Blind Lemon mentioned. Those guitars have an anniversary plaque on the 15th fret. Your guitar looks to be nice and all original.
 

metropolis

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Joined
Sep 14, 2018
Messages
501
The info they gave you is pretty spot on - I'd say it's a late '73 just before the anniversary '74s. Probably could even have been sold in '74 still. I know there's someone in here who is an expert at identifying visual features of 70s LPs by eye, but from what I can see comparing it to my '72 Custom behind me it shares a lot of similar traits - no dot above the Gibson logo, headstock binding identical (even cracked in the same places!) Looks very tidy and well looked after.
 

MGV207

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Joined
Jan 30, 2025
Messages
12
You have pretty much already hit the nail on the head. Shortly after your guitar was built the 74 anniversary model was made as Blind Lemon mentioned. Those guitars have an anniversary plaque on the 15th fret. Your guitar looks to be nice and all original.
Thank you!
 

MGV207

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Jan 30, 2025
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12
The info they gave you is pretty spot on - I'd say it's a late '73 just before the anniversary '74s. Probably could even have been sold in '74 still. I know there's someone in here who is an expert at identifying visual features of 70s LPs by eye, but from what I can see comparing it to my '72 Custom behind me it shares a lot of similar traits - no dot above the Gibson logo, headstock binding identical (even cracked in the same places!) Looks very tidy and well looked after.
So we're leaning 73! Thanks to you and everyone else. All info is much appreciated.
 

jb_abides

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Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
6,830
48th week of 73 date of manufacture at a CTS facility: which CTS factory was making pots then, original downtown Chi, Paducah, Brownsville...? Being generous: Chi-to-KZoo-to-final assembly to include ordering, transportation, logistics plus Gibson's inventory backlog [this wasn't an age of JIT logistics...], I'd say borderline Late-73 at best; more likely completed and shipped in 74. Not all 74 Customs have an Anniversary inlay [which spilled into 75].
 

Jethro Rocker

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Nov 6, 2022
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358
48th week of 73 date of manufacture at a CTS facility: which CTS factory was making pots then, original downtown Chi, Paducah, Brownsville...? Being generous: Chi-to-KZoo-to-final assembly to include ordering, transportation, logistics plus Gibson's inventory backlog [this wasn't an age of JIT logistics...], I'd say borderline Late-73 at best; more likely completed and shipped in 74. Not all 74 Customs have an Anniversary inlay [which spilled into 75].
That was my thought. Late 73 for the pot manufacture means most likely 74 by the time guitar is produced and shipped. But really, late 73, early 74 basically the same thing.
 

Grog

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Apr 7, 2012
Messages
603
I’ve seen a lot of confusion on dating LPC’s from this timeframe. Mine was sold by a reputable dealer as a ‘72, ended up being a ‘74 without the anniversary marker. Mine was likely sold in ‘75. I’ve run into owners that think they have a ‘72 with’75 pots. We had a long thread on this subject several years ago. There is a way of further identifying the date by the wire channel shape.
 

1allspub

Active member
Joined
Aug 15, 2015
Messages
206
With these years, it’s really not possible to completely pinpoint the exact year of manufacture. The pots are your closest clue, but since they are dated near the end of 73, it could be either a late 73 or early 74 (sans 20th anny inlay). That’s really as close as you’re gonna get. Great Norlin LPC! Enjoy! :cool:
 

MGV207

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Jan 30, 2025
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12
Thank you! And again, thanks to all for your help. Your collective knowledge is amazing.
 
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