Gibson Detective Work

[HarrisonMandolin]

Hi fellow mandolinists! I recently purchased a Gibson F-5G second hand from a store that was selling the instrument on consignment. So far I love the instrument very much! It has lovely sustain, power, and overtones. The shop didn't know the age of the instrument. My guess judging on the aesthetics and hardware on the instrument is that it was built around 2005...but I could be wrong. It has Schaller tuners as opposed to Grovers, it also has the flowerpot that more closely resembles the Loar flowerpots as opposed to the newer, sleeker inlays that Gibson seem to be using. I'll post some pics. Also the serial number is: 40126070. I understand the vintage numbers from Gibson, but I am having trouble deciphering the new ones. I would love any info people might have as far as the date and who was the acoustic engineer at the time of its completion. Thanks106245106246106247

[Gene Summers]

Those F5G's are canons, I bought mine back in 1999. The year is the last and first digit, in your case, 2004, the 01 is the month, the 26 the day, and the 07 would be the number made that month. I'm pretty sure that is correct. I later sold my F5G to fund my Ham Radio habit. :grin:

[HarrisonMandolin]

Thanks for your help!

[J.Albert]

40126070 translates to:

January 26, 2004, 7th instrument off-the-line that day.