by Gerard Stolk vers Noël<
Question by JeezyBaby: Just bought a 1989 Gibson J200 guitar from a dealer&cant find out that much about it.Interesting story…..?
I just went to a dealer a while back, and happened to stumble upon what he said was a “2000 Gibson J200, with maple backing and sides and spruce top,ebony fretboards.” I purchased the guitar AND the hardcase for $ 2,300. I then got home, and just wanted to find out more abuot the guitar, since the dealer “didnt know much.” The guitar specifications said that it is a Gibson J200, and was made in Bozeman, Montana. The serial number is 81589001. I called Gibson, and THEY said that it’s a 1989 Gibson J200 (THAT dealer was off lol) and that it was sold to a dealer, originally, in Maryland. I’m in Pennsylvania. Hmm, from the information I have given you guys, can someone please tell me more about this guitar, and if i got a good deal?? Thank you so much!! 
(P.S. It’s in EXCELLENT condition, and is the sunburst look.)
Best answer:
Answer by TommyMc
When I put the number into the Gibson serial number decoder, it shows:
…..”Your guitar was made at the
Bozeman Plant , MA, USA (obviously it should be “MT”)
June 7th, 1989
Production Number: 1″ ……
You can see for yourself here:
http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx
Since 1977, the codes are interpreted like this:
YDDDYPPP
So your was made on the 158th day of ’89 and was the first one completed in that Production series.
You bought yourself a fine guitar and I wouldn’t have any concerns that the dealer misrepresented the age. Gibson has changed it’s serial numbering code many times and can be hard to interpret. The condition of the guitar is more important than the age…in fact many folks would put a higher value on the older ones….they’ve had time for the sound to “open up.” Considering that new J-200′s are selling for between $ 3500 and $ 4500, I think you got a fair deal.
Answer by Nathaniel the Destroyer
Great Gutiar! Elvis played a customized one with his name on the fingerboard.
you can tell the date by the 1st and 5th digits in a gibson serial number ….8+9=1989
its hard to give it a value, especially without seeing it. the 1960′s j200s go for between $ 5000-$ 6000 and the new ones for about $ 2,500
so take what you will from that.
good find!
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