Tobias identification (too old to reply) LIBERT CALABRO 2007-03-18 12:26:30 UTC. I bought one of those Tennessee Gibson Tobias models in the early 90's. Biggest piece of high end crap I've ever had. When Michal went. Even without the serial numbers, I'd almost guarantee it's a Gibson. Dating Gibson Guitars. From Gibson.com. 1902 - 1947 The Early Years In the first 45 years of production the number system was pretty cut and dry. Unfortunately not all instruments were numbered and not all followed the number pattern so all dates are approximate. From 1975-1976 a transfer was used for the serial numbers. The transfer.
Gibson serial numbers 1952 to 1961, solidbody model.
An ink-stamped number from the back of the headstock.
Gibson released solidbodies in 1952. No serial numbers were used, Gibson just started therewith in 1953.
The first digit of the serial number is the last digit of the year. If the stamped number consists 5 digits, there is a space between the first and second digit (a separation between the last digit of the year and the actual serial number).
When a six-digit serial number is concerned, there is no space, because the highest number in four digits (9999) has been exceeded and so fills the space. This was the case in the years 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960.
In 1955, Gibson forgot to put back the serial number range to 0001.
So they had just put the year from 4 to 5. For this reason, the array of four-digit serial number was exceeded after 9999.
Thence 5 digits and no space between the year (5) and the serial number. (After 5 9999 came 510 000)
Evidently the production was high in 1956 because '6 9999' is exceeded. Also in 1959 and 1960 there was a high production, '9 9999' is exceeded for '932 000' or higher.
Therefore, the production in 1959 may be a '1', '2' or '3' in the second digit.
Gibson stopped the stamped serial numbers at the end in 1960, although there are a few guitars made in 1961 with a '1' as a prefix. Some lap steels and Les Paul's from 1961 have such a serial number.
Another exception to the above rules is in the autumn from 1958, where a some Les Paul Juniors and Specials had a four-digit serial number.
| 1st digit | PRODUCTION YEAR |
| None | 1952 |
| 3 | 1953 |
| 4 | 1954 |
| 5 | 1955 |
| 6 | 1956 |
| 7 | 1957 |
| 8 At the end of 1958 had some LP Juniors/Specials a four-digit serial number without prior year digit. | 1958 |
| 9 | 1959 |
| 0 | 1960 |
| 1 (rare) | 1961 |
Gibson serial numbers, early to mid seventies.
From 1970 to 1975, the 6-digit serial numbers randomly generated.
In a random sequence numbers were stamped on the back of the headstock. For some instruments, preceded by a letter.
It was also from 1970 'MADE IN USA' stamped on the back of the headstock. Some instruments from the fifties also had been such a stamp.
Gibson serial numbers, 1970-1975.
The same confusing six-digit serial system of the sixties was maintained until 1975. This means that instruments with the same serial number can be from the 60s or 70s.
Guitars got six digits in any order, and in some cases they were preceded by a letter that none seemed to have no smeaningful sense.
Note that the series of between 1970 and 1975, may be an overlap from production in 1964 and 1965.
The table below shows the years in which the numbers could relate.
| Seral number range | PRODUCTION YEAR |
| 000000 - 099999 | 1973 |
| 100000 - 199999 | 1970 - 1975 |
| 200000 - 299999 | 1973 - 1975 |
| 300000 - 399999 | 1974 - 1975 |
| 400000 - 499999 | 1974 - 1975 |
| 500000 - 599999 | 1974 - 1975 |
| 600000 - 699999 | 1970 - 1972 and 1974 - 1975 |
Serials 1977-2013.
The most sustainable numbering system Gibson was launched in 1977, an eight-digit number. The first and fifth digit representing the year of manufacture. The three intermediate digits, the day of that year. The digits to six to eight gave the serial number.
After opening of the new factory in Nashville, in the sequence numbers were also included the production site. 001 to 499 appeared on the instruments built in Kalamazoo, 500 to 999 built in Nashville.
Even after the closing of the factory in Kalamazoo in 1984, this process was continued until 1989 in Nashville.
In 2005 the system was upgraded to first digit at the end of the batch number was inserted. The sequence numbers were 500 to 699, after which the batch number 1 was increased, and the number returned 500.
Gibson closed the Memphis plant in April 2019.
The production of the 'USA made' solid body guitars is now only produced in Nashville.
Serial numbers 2014 to present.
Gibson's most simplest system was introduced in 2014. A nine-digit serial number stamped. The first two digits indicate the year, the rest is the serial number for all guitars produced that year.
Every year starts with serial 0000001.
Free Serial Numbers
This bass has some issues... As near as I can tell the bass started its life as a fretless and at some point was professionally fretted. The bass also started its life with a 7-pin midi set up for the electronics and had the standard Tobias branded bridge. However now, the midi Jack remains but isn't hooked up to anything, and the electronics have been replaced with a Seymour Duncan pre-amp. Additionally the original bridge has been replaced with a Wilkinson.
Despite all this the bass is in overall good playing and functional condition. It has the classic asymmetrical Tobias
Neck shape and weighs in at a measly 10 lbs
Had I decided to keep this I thought about having the fingerboard and electronics replaced, but truthfully I need a 6-string like I need a hole in my head. Bass is what it is and is priced accordingly. You won't find a pre-Gib classic 6 cheaper than this!
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Product Specs
- Condition:
- Fair (Used)
- Brand
- Tobias
- Model
- Classic 6-string, #17XX
- Finish
- Walnut
- Made In
- United States