For example, after 1969, it’s unlikely your guitar would have a label saying it was made overseas, but you might have a seven-digit serial number that could tell that story. Norlin acquired CMI and moved all of the production of Epiphone to Japan and subsequently to Korea.ĭuring each of these transitions, there were also changes made to how the instruments were labeled, which is part of the reason why the serial number identification process is so confusing. As they already owned Gibson, this merge brought the two powerful brand names under one umbrella. In 1957, the Chicago Musical Instrument Company (CMI) acquired Epiphone. Pictures, history for Dobro metal body resonator vintage guitars from 1935 to 1940. Don Young and McGregor Gaines started the National Reso-Phonic Guitar Company in 1989 after doing restorations for a number of years on vintage Nationals. These vintage Nationals were usually found in poor condition and needing restoration. Note the serial number on the top of the peghead, and the fiddle edge body style. Vintage examples eventually became sought after and prices rose. Such as Ward, but these are in fact still Regal/Dobro made resonator guitars. They grew in popularity and by the 1950’s, became Gibson’s main rival. Pictures, history for Dobro metal body resonator vintage guitars from 1935 to. Whereas Martin guitars have been using a single, consistent numbering system since the 19th century, Gibson has used several different serial number formats since its inception in 1902, meaning that. The tuners appear to be enclosed so are more than likely replacements as these do not. For many vintage instruments, determining the date of manufacture involves little more than running the serial number through a reference guide. Higher end pre-War Regals had a fancier logo and post-War instruments came with a blue oval logo.

In the 1930’s, they switched up their business model and began producing high-end guitars, and became the only manufacturer to successfully make the transition. The oval green label with the crown (as well as the lack of ornamentation) indicates lower end model made in the 1930s or early 1940s.

To understand the significance of the Epiphone serial number, we first need to look at how their company historyintertwines with that of Gibson.Įpiphone started as a family business in 1873 as a luxury banjo manufacturer.

Vintage dobro serial numbers