HELP with date codes !

guitar slinger · June 22nd, 2008, 04:40 PM

I bought this guitar but not sure it is a 1978. It is sometimes referred to as a custom II. It is in a transparent red. I have attached a few pics in hopes some of the knowledgable tele players and collectors in the forum can give me some info. THANKS guys !

jwells393 · June 22nd, 2008, 05:57 PM

I say it's a '78. The headstock looks exactly like the 78 Custom headstock found on page 49 of the Duchossoir book. What else do you want to know?

guitar slinger · June 22nd, 2008, 08:22 PM

thanks jwells

slack · June 22nd, 2008, 11:16 PM

The only date codes pictured are on the base of the neck. Conventionally, both translate to 1981 (35th and 42nd week). S8 prefix serials were used into 1982. What are the dates on the pots? The bottom of the pickups?

TDPRI · June 22nd, 2008, 11:30 PM

I would have said "78 as well, but Slack knows what he's talking about generally. Though so does Jwells. Slack must be seeing something I don't because I don't see the code on the heel of the neck.

blue metalflake · June 23rd, 2008, 02:47 PM

I think Slack is referring to the 4212 & 3512 codes not on the butt of the neck, but on the base, where it sits into the pocket.

Generally accepted that the S8s ran on for a year or two, so its not cast in stone that they will be 78. Best to look for pot codes, or pick up nos, if its that important.

slack · June 23rd, 2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue metalflake

I think Slack is referring to the 4212 & 3512 codes not on the butt of the neck, but on the base, where it sits into the pocket.

Correct. Those are the two codes I'm referencing. ~1979/1980 they ditched the first four digits from the 8-digit code used from ~1973 and you typically find only the 4-digit part that represents the date. You will also find some less cryptic codes, such as "9 7 82" on this misidentified Tele:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=190230632889

June 22nd, 2008, 05:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 11,691 101 Photos	I say it's a '78. The headstock looks exactly like the 78 Custom headstock found on page 49 of the Duchossoir book. What else do you want to know? __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

June 22nd, 2008, 08:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
guitar slinger Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: lexington. ky Posts: 146 6 Photos	thanks thanks jwells

June 22nd, 2008, 11:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
slack Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 1,883	The only date codes pictured are on the base of the neck. Conventionally, both translate to 1981 (35th and 42nd week). S8 prefix serials were used into 1982. What are the dates on the pots? The bottom of the pickups?

June 22nd, 2008, 11:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
TDPRI Administrator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: TDPRILAND Posts: 5,267 36 Photos	I would have said "78 as well, but Slack knows what he's talking about generally. Though so does Jwells. Slack must be seeing something I don't because I don't see the code on the heel of the neck.

June 23rd, 2008, 02:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
blue metalflake Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: ireland Age: 54 Posts: 2,303 10 Photos	I think Slack is referring to the 4212 & 3512 codes not on the butt of the neck, but on the base, where it sits into the pocket. Generally accepted that the S8s ran on for a year or two, so its not cast in stone that they will be 78. Best to look for pot codes, or pick up nos, if its that important.