Dating vintage fender amps by serial number etti shimony dating
28-Jan-2020 18:38
For example, the number S/A 8481 E tells us that this is 50W amp (S/A) made in 1973 (E), production number 8481.
From January 1984 to September 1992, the three-part coding was used by Marshall but the date code letter was moved from the end to the middle. This would indicate a 100W Super Lead (SL/A) built in 1989 (X), production number 10059.
These current serial numbers are arranged in a letter-ten digits-letter format (A-xxxx-xx-xxxx-A).
It's important to note that, prior to 1984, this letter came last.
The letter B was skipped, as were the letters I, O and Q since they might be confused for numbers.
Use the model codes and date codes below to determine the model and age of your amp.
While Fender and Vox amps have their place in moving electrified guitar forward, the creations of Jim Marshall fostered an entirely new sound and allowed guitarists to fill stadiums with it.
Marshall amps had such precedent-setting wattage and tone that their history can hardly be separated from the history of rock itself.
If the speakers in your Marshall cabinet or combo are original, they can provide another piece of evidence when determining the date of manufacture.