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Dating an R8. 2003 or 2013

TLmix

New member
Joined
Aug 15, 2020
Messages
4
I am looking at buying a used R8. The serial number is 831271 and the pot code is 430-71100 1317. I know the serial numbers repeat every 10 years so that’s not much help. Does 1317 make it a 2013?

Thanks for the help
 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
2013.

Pot code is 17th week of 2013.

2013's are very nice. I have several.
 

TLmix

New member
Joined
Aug 15, 2020
Messages
4
2013.

Pot code is 17th week of 2013.

2013's are very nice. I have several.


Thank you Renderit. I'm between this 2013 and a 2020. Pretty close to the same price but I am able to try the 2013 before buying.
 

Zeppelinguy85

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Dec 1, 2002
Messages
422
I am looking at buying a used R8. The serial number is 831271 and the pot code is 430-71100 1317. I know the serial numbers repeat every 10 years so that’s not much help. Does 1317 make it a 2013?

Thanks for the help

Just in case the pots got switched, the easiest way would be to look at the truss rod cover. If the bottom is butted up against the nut, it'd be a 2003. If it's raised up a bit, it'd be a 2013. They moved it up in the mid 2000's.
 

TLmix

New member
Joined
Aug 15, 2020
Messages
4
Just in case the pots got switched, the easiest way would be to look at the truss rod cover. If the bottom is butted up against the nut, it'd be a 2003. If it's raised up a bit, it'd be a 2013. They moved it up in the mid 2000's.

That’s a good tip. Looks like it’s a 2013 then.
 

Bluesman1956

Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
48
I have a R8. When I spoke with Gibson they said it was either a 1996 or a 2006 they couldn’t verify given the serial numbers I gave. What’s up with that?
 

TLmix

New member
Joined
Aug 15, 2020
Messages
4
I have a R8. When I spoke with Gibson they said it was either a 1996 or a 2006 they couldn’t verify given the serial numbers I gave. What’s up with that?

Looks like the serial numbers repeat every 10 years on the Historics. I think it’s to match the number format of the original 58-60 Les Pauls. Obviously that was only a 3 year run. Seems like pot date codes are the best way to validate it. Unless you’re knowledgeable enough to know the other minor differences. I bought mine from Norman’s Rare guitars. They are vintage guitar experts and weren’t sure if it was a 2003 or 2013 until they looked at the pots. Great guitar shop by the way and the 2013 R8 is amazing.
 

johnreardon

Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2006
Messages
544
Why not just contact Gibson Support and ask them? They have always answered my queries. They will need to see pics of the guitar including the serial no
 

Bluesman1956

Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
48
Why not just contact Gibson Support and ask them? They have always answered my queries. They will need to see pics of the guitar including the serial no
I did talk with a representative unfortunately he wasn’t much help when I supplied the necessary information he requested.
 
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