1928

The shipping dates listed below relate to the instrument’s serial number and are based on information provided in Spann’s Guide To Gibson by Joseph E. Spann

Note that the serial number indicates the date at which the instrument was shipped rather than its date of manufacture

All examples have maple back and sides unless otherwise indicated

If an instrument appears in one of our picture galleries this is noted beneath the serial number

Serial Number: 82506

Year shipped: 1928

FON:

(See Type Two Gallery)

Headstock: Diagonal ‘The Gibson’ logo. Note that the flowerpot inlay has no epsilon engraving. The name ‘Silvio Lavagno’ appears on the truss rod cover

Neck/fingerboard: 20 fret fingerboard with pointed end, dot inlays from the fifth fret

Body: Maple back and sides. Two repaired top cracks

Hardware: Gold-plated metal parts including wrap-over tailpiece and Waverly three-on-a-strip tuners. Short bound pickguard and dated ebony bridge

Notes: Master Model label. Has original hardshell case

Source: Robert Caroon and Dexter Johnson Carmel Music Co. (carmelmusic.com)

Serial Number: 83659

Year shipped: 1928

FON: 9007

(See Type Two Gallery)

Headstock: Horizontal ‘The Gibson’ logo, pearl nut

Neck/fingerboard: 20 fret fingerboard with pointed end, dot inlays from the fifth fret

Body: Maple back and sides

Hardware: Gold-plated metal parts including wrap-over tailpiece and Waverly three-on-a-strip tuners. Short bound pickguard

Notes: This guitar has “made in the USA” stamped on the rear of its headstock, thus indicating that is was an export model.

Source: Bernunzio Uptown Music (bernunzio.com)

Serial number 83791

Year shipped: 1928

FON:

(See Type Two Gallery)

Headstock: Diagonal ‘The Gibson’ logo

Neck/fingerboard: 20 fret fingerboard with pointed end, dot inlays from the third fret

Body: Maple back and sides. Master Model label

Hardware: Gold-plated metal parts including wrap-over tailpiece and Waverly three-on-a-strip tuners with engraved baseplate and pearl buttons, mounted so that the cog is positioned below the worm gear. The bridge is inscribed “Jan 18, 21”. 

Notes: Missing the pickguard and fitted with replacement nut. Has been re-fretted and divots in the fingerboard have been filled

Source: Roger Twitchell