Not my M-20, but what year is it?

[E-Type]

There is an M-20 on Reverb ATM with a Hoboken ghost label, but the old Gibson style headstock and a serial # 1522 (making it a 1954). So when and where was it made?

M-20 on Reverb

 

[Wilmywood]

There is an M-20 on Reverb ATM with a Hoboken ghost label, but the old Gibson style headstock and a serial # 1522 (making it a 1954). So when and where was it made?

M-20 on Reverb

536 Pearl Street in New York City.

Exact date will have to come from Hans Moust.

 

[Wilmywood]

My '53 X-375 serial 1175 has that same old Epiphone style headstock

 

[E-Type]

536 Pearl Street in New York City.

Exact date will have to come from Hans Moust.

Does that mean someone added a Hoboken label later?

I just read another LTG post that said the switch to the crown Guild headstock happened in ‘62-‘63, so I’m beginning to think the serial # is wrong and it’s a ‘59/‘60.

 

[tonepoet]

My memory

Does that mean someone added a Hoboken label later?

My memory is that that "ghost" was used in 1959 and 1960 (maybe 1961) so I think the serial number is not what it seems (maybe a digit has faded from it.) I think the first year of the M-20 was 1958 which had the "silhouette" label. My M-20 is one of those. And the handwritten ink is very faded on mine.

Hans will be able to give a concise answer when he sees the posts.

 

[AcornHouse]

I believe we have seen (and heard from Hans) about a batch that had incorrect serial numbers making them appear to be from ‘54 even though all the other evidence points to ‘59-‘60. IIRC

I wait with baited breath on a good Hansing.

 

[Wilmywood]

Does that mean someone added a Hoboken label later?

I just read another LTG post that said the switch to the crown Guild headstock happened in ‘62-‘63, so I’m beginning to think the serial # is wrong and it’s a ‘59/‘60.

That serial number may be a 1954, but Hans will know for sure.

Pics of the label and headstock would help, so would a link to the listing on reverb.

 

[hansmoust]

I believe we have seen (and heard from Hans) about a batch that had incorrect serial numbers making them appear to be from ‘54 even though all the other evidence points to ‘59-‘60. IIRC

You're right about that; Hoboken, NJ made during 1959.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[E-Type]

There is a link in my original post…not well noted, I’m afraid.

 

[adorshki]

I believe we have seen (and heard from Hans) about a batch that had incorrect serial numbers making them appear to be from ‘54 even though all the other evidence points to ‘59-‘60. IIRC

I wait with baited breath on a good Hansing.

No, I recall that story but couldn't recall specifics. Ah, I see Hans confirmed.