ID Method 1: Production/Serial NumberCheck to see if there is a number printed inside the guitar body. This number seems to be linked to a production code rather than an actual serial number, but it still may be useful for identification.

• Samick P Bass
• Samick 5 String Bass

ID Method 2: Source-code IDSource-code identification is another way to identify your guitar. Look for a six- or seven-number code stamped into the pots. The last three or four numbers will tell you the year and week of production for that pot. Knowing the year the pot was made can help you better estimate the year the guitar was manufactured (see Resources). ID Method 3: Online CatalogsResearch product catalogs.

For a small fee, you can access online Kay Guitar catalogs from the 1950s to the 1990s (see Resources). ID Method 4: Vintage guitar collectorContact a Vintage guitar collector with the make and model of your guitar. ID Method 5: Visual IDBrowse through photos of Kay Guitars to visually identify your make and model. Most online collections are categorized by year and model (see Resources).

Samick P Bass

Samick 5 String Bass

In the following charts, you can determine the year of manufacture for a Yamaha electric, archtop, or bass guitar. The first step is to find the serial number—a combination of letters and/or numbers— and the 'Made in.” label (Japan, Taiwan, lndonesia, Korea, or China) on the guitar. You should be able to find these in one of. The last two numbers in the serial number are the year of the guitar- unless the guitar is a 7 or 8 string in which case there will be an extra number on the end of the serial number (the second and third numbers from the end of the serial number would be the year of the guitar if its a 7 or 8 string). Ibanez serial numbers are unique identifiers placed on instruments sold under the Ibanez brand. Ibanez guitars have used serial numbers since the mid 1970s. Some sources say the practice started in September 1975, but serial numbers indicating production as early as October 1974 have been spotted.