Serial number question

[plaintop]

How do tell if you have a "flame" "killer" or whatever kind of top on an historic? Is there a site that tells you this? Or do you call and give them your serial number and they tell you?

 

[mikeslub]

The only year that R9s had the "killertop" designation was in 1999. There were a few killertops that had the "R9" designation with a "K" following it in the control cavity. But some killertops (and there weren't many produced) didn't have this code, so the only way to really know is to give the serial number to the boys in Customer Relations, who can check it out in their computer and tell you what it is.

 

[Dewey]

Plaintop, Mine is a "killertop" and it doesn't have the KT designation in the control cavity as Mike mentioned. I wrote Gibson and gave them my serial number and Wayne Green replied with the following information:

Invoice number; 595582
Serial number; 99455
Dealer number; 0W1150
Product number; LPR9KHSNH1
Order number; 360276
Date of shippment; 03/21/99

In the product number the "K" designation after LPR9 will identify it as being a factory "killertop" Ive been curious myself as to how many were actually made in '99 and if it is a small number if they will be a little more desired in the future. As far as their criteria for a "killertop" I couldn't say...mine is kinda quilt/flame and has a great look to it. I've seen more flame and greater figured tops in pre-historic LP's though. Regardless, it is a factory designation and their choice of wood varies considerably. I really love the top and color of mine, it's very light, great neck and frets, and the tone is my fav with the vintage paf's. I've been tempted to sell it at times, but it's hard when it really comes down to it. If I do, Rich had expressed an interest, and that would give him two "KT's"..

 

[plaintop]

So the product number is where it says it. Where do you get the product number? From Gibson?

 

[Dewey]

Plaintop, yes you can get the info directly from Gibson. I believe I contacted them through the Gibson website. On my email it says it went to relations@gibson.com I gave them my serial number and asked them if it was in fact a factory killertop. You might ask them directly if you could get the information I listed above just to get a history of your guitar. Wayne Green, who answered my email was forthcoming with this particular information. He told me in closing "Congradulations on my instrument, and he hopes I enjoy it for years to come" and thanked me for my inquiry...nice guy and very helpful.

Just click on the email address I listed above and ask them directly any questions you may have about your guitar...good luck! Let me know how they respond?

 

[plaintop]

Thanks Dewey!