#1
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How do I get a vintage guitar authenticated?
I recently purchased what was claimed to be a late ‘60s Gibson J-45 from a trusted friend. The guitar looks right, but I can’t find a serial number. It is one of the conversions from the old adjustable bridge guitars, and is stamped J-45 ADJ. BRIDGE inside. There is an internal sticker from the person who did the conversion, but I duckduckgo’d him and he died in 2007. It’s a great guitar, but I would like to know if it is legit Gibson and preferably what year. Any thoughts?
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#2
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Start here, with good images. Front, back, headstock, tuners, inside..... You'll get good help here with good images. If you need help posting images, there are threads and mods can guide you. Sounds like a nice guitar. Hope to see pics.
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#3
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A reputable guitar shop that deals in vintage guitars would bea good place to start.
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Dave F ************* Martins Guilds Gibsons A few others 2020 macbook pro i5 8GB Scarlett 18i20 Reaper 7 |
#4
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George Gruhn in Nashville has done it for me.
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#5
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I've had a few over the years that were suspect or I couldn't make exact sense of from the major makers and sent to Gruhn's....George himself sent me replies with help.
I agree that there is a lot of knowledge here that you'd probably get an answer quickly from forum friends. I'd start here for that reason, but Gruhn's is the first place that came to mind since he literally wrote the book on vintage instrument and Gibson is HQ'd in the same town as their store, so they probably have as good a beat on it as anyone. |
#6
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Take it to Gold and Silver Pawn Shop?
"Do you mind if I call a buddy to come check it out? He knows everything about guitars . . . " |
#7
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I would second the recommendation of George Gruhn. He is literally the go to expert for this type of question.
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-Raf |
#8
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Thanks, I went with Gruhn.
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#9
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Those same folks who called the top on a Martin "birch?" Yeah - right.
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Rick Ruskin Lion Dog Music - Seattle WA |
#10
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Gruhn once appraised a guitar for me and he did it without having the guitar in hand but by using a detailed description and a ton of photos. But again, posting photos here or on some forum might have provided you with some answers and saved you some trouble.
While I do not want to come off as stupid, just for grins did you check to see if there is an FON on the neck block? As I am sure you know in 1961 Gibson started stamping the serial number into the back of the headstock. But the J45 ADJ became available in 1956. It will have the model stamped on the center back strip with the FON inked onto the neck block.
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"You start off playing guitars to get girls & end up talking with middle-aged men about your fingernails" - Ed Gerhard Last edited by zombywoof; 01-10-2021 at 06:57 PM. |
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Tags |
authentic, j-45, vintage |
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