2009 SJ200 Standard - puzzled by almost un-noticable serial on the headstock

[mikedge]

First of all, let me say a big hello to all fellow Gibson-lovers out there. Although I own two LesPauls (R7 Custom with 3PUs and a P90 Standard GoldTop) I still consender myself a newbie in this world of the famous guitars. I would therefore like to ask much more experienced memebers about the following. I was offered a decent price on a 2009 SJ200 Standard (sunburst) acoustic. It is in an almost mint contiditon (the only change I can notice being a replaced nut). I don't doubt it legit origin (everything seems legit to me - the nitro finish, all the details, oval serial sticker inside the body). I don't question its origin. However, the strange thing is that the serial/made in US stamp on the headstock is very shallow, it is very, very faint.
I guess this might be caused by the following:
- low pressure when applying the stamps
- very thick layer of lacquer
- a refinish
And the third possibility is what troubles me. Is there a way for me to find out whether the headstock has been refinished (possible repair)? Can I somehow rule out the possible broken-headstock repair? The joint seems perfect to touch but I know there can be very professionally done repairs.
Thank you very much in advance.

 

[jb_abides]

Shallow, faint stamps did and still do happen from your first and second reasons plus combo of both.

Can't rule out your 'bad' scenarios on the basis of what's provided. If you have access to the guitar, closer examination including a black-light test would reveal more or arrange someone knowledgable near the seller to do same.

Just curious: white oval label, without the Custom~Art-Historic decal at the neck bend, I presume?

Good luck.

 

[mikedge]

Just curious: white oval label, without the Custom~Art-Historic decal at the neck bend, I presume?

Thanks a lot for your reply. I am enclosing both the photo of the headstock and also of the label.

 

[jb_abides]

Thanks a lot for your reply. I am enclosing both the photo of the headstock and also of the label.

Hard to say with certainty: there's lacquer-sink with age along the wings and center seams, also looks a bit sloppy (maybe over-)spray or uneven spray going on, but nothing compellingly 'untoward' that looks like it's hiding damage.

Of course, that refin would most likely hide damage elsewhere, so scrutinize the area under and around the nut, the neck angle, along the side of the neck stemming from near the nut along down the side of the fretboard where cowboy chords are played, etc. And you'd see thru the lighter areas past there... something would be harder to hide.

~~~ Looks OK to me ~~~ Others may chime in and have something else to offer ~~~

Here's another one; different lighting so you can barely see the serial imprint and 'Made in USA' is faint.

 

[mikedge]

Thank you for all the feedback so far. I arranged another meeting with the seller and took a black-light torch with me. The headstock looked perfect (uniform greenish glow as you would expect form nitro) and so did the neck. BUT - at the center of the body back the following came up in the UV light:

SJ200 UV shot

It is in the central area (waist), looks like it is in the level of the central transversal rib/brace - what looks especially strange to me, is the lower-right spot. What can this be? The finish looks perfect to the naked eye (and so does the rib inside the guitar), but in the black light this is what shows up. Any idea, what can this be? The rest of the guitar looks perfect.

I have suspended the purchase to check this with you, guys. Thanks.

 

[jb_abides]

Given the spotty nature, likely some contaminant came into contact with the nitro: a drip of solvent, etc. Then wiped away. If you can't see any marring to the surface of the lacquer visible to the surface under bright light, what's done is done.

Off-chance, something underneath e.g. a residual on the wood from the build process, or lack of nitro adhesion to the wood when being sprayed and curing causing lift. It might lift and disintegrate, but then people are paying Gibson big money for brittle finish on Murphy Labs that might well do the same with >15 years of further age.

After 15 years, if all else looks like it has high integrity, then things happen and I wouldn't worry if you are getting a decent used price. Only you can decide...