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Kathrine Selvage
How to Date a Gretsch Guitar with Serial Number 46231
Gretsch guitars are among the original American guitar manufacturers, with a history dating back to 1883. If you own a Gretsch guitar with serial number 46231, you might be wondering how old it is and what model it is. In this article, we will show you how to use the serial number and other clues to date your Gretsch guitar and identify its model.
The serial number 46231 is located on the back of the headstock, and it consists of five digits. According to the Gretsch product dating guide, this serial number format was used from 1939 to 1965, and it indicates the sequential order of production. However, the exact year and month of production can vary depending on the placement and method of the serial number on the guitar.
From 1939 to 1965, Gretsch used different ways of labeling their guitars, such as penciling, impressing, or gluing labels on the inside or outside of the body or headstock. These labels also had different shapes, colors, and information depending on the era. For example, from 1957 to 1965, Gretsch used an orange oval label on a grey and white background, with "Fred Gretsch Mfg. Co" and lines for the model and serial numbers. This label was used for most models except for some Electrotone and solid body instruments that had impressed serial numbers on the top edges of the headstocks.
Based on these clues, we can narrow down the possible date range for serial number 46231 to between 1962 and 1965. According to the Gretsch product dating guide, this serial number range corresponds to these years:
| Year | Serial Number Range |
|---|
| 1962 | 46,000s to 52,000s |
| 1963 | 53,000s to 63,000s |
| 1964 | 63,000s to 78,000s |
| 1965 | 78,000s to 85,000s |
To further pinpoint the exact month and model of your guitar, you will need to look for other features such as body shape, color, hardware, pickups, knobs, switches, binding, inlays, logos, etc. These features can vary depending on the specific model and series of your guitar. For example, some of the most popular Gretsch models from this era are the Chet Atkins Hollowbody (6120), Country Gentleman (6122), Nashville (6120-DC), Duo Jet (6128), White Falcon (6136), Viking (6187), etc.
You can compare your guitar with pictures and descriptions of these models on websites such as Reverb, Gretsch blog, or Gretsch Pages. You can also consult other Gretsch experts or collectors who might have more knowledge and experience with vintage Gretsch guitars.
Dating a Gretsch guitar with serial number 46231 can be a bit challenging, but also rewarding. By using the serial number and other clues, you can discover more about the history and identity of your guitar. You can also appreciate its unique features and sound that make it a classic American instrument.
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