I've got a Wilson Bros. VM-75 and I'd like to date it. Anybody know of a website that can provide that info? I've been Googling, but haven't had any luck. Thanks.
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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Gear »
Wilson Bros. Serial #'s
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Joined: Jul 26, 2007 Posts: 11 
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Posted on Apr 23 2011 05:23 PM
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Joined: Apr 05, 2006 Posts: 1547 Bethlehem, GA 
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Posted on Apr 26 2011 09:40 AM
On the VM-65 and 75 guitars I believe the last two numbers of the serial # on the back of the headstock are the year of manufacture and the first set of numbers are the production number. My VM-75 is 001404 (14th one made, in 2004) Both were ordered the same day by a music store in Atlanta (in 2004) so it appears they were consecutive serial #'s. The music store owner where I got mine has a white VM-65 serial # 000204 that was signed by the Ventures a the NAMM show where these guitars were introduced to the dealers...it's the second production one made. These guitars don't get much love on this site but I always felt that they were pretty decent for what they cost. I don't care for the Gibson-ish wide, flat fretboard but the P90-ish pickups do provide a good surf sound and the Wilson Bros. guitars were nicely constructed. They were marketed in the Orient under the Aria name. Had Wilson Bros. marketing and supply been better they might still be around. At one time I was interested in getting the upgraded VM-110 model with the Jazzmaster style tremolo but the local dealer was unable to get one from the distributor...who happened to be Don Wilson's (Ventures rhythm guitarist) brother. BTW, the serial numbering on the VM-110 is completely different than the 65's and 75's. I have no idea how to date those. —Jack Booth The Mariners (1964-68, 1996-2005), 2025 Last edited: Apr 26, 2011 10:13:07 |
Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 20 Huntington Beach |
Posted on Apr 26 2011 02:10 PM
Thanks for this information, Jack. I have a new, unplayed VM-65 that was also signed by the Ventures. Now I wonder if it was signed at that same Namm show? Probably not...mine is #145. |
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Joined: Jul 26, 2007 Posts: 11
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Posted on Apr 27 2011 11:14 AM
Thanks so much for the info. Now trying to figure out the exact year of my Teisco ET-200. |
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Joined: Jul 26, 2007 Posts: 11
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Posted on Apr 27 2011 11:17 AM
..and yeah, I know what you mean, Jack about them not getting much love here. However, I record with mine quite often and will continue to do so. |
Joined: Apr 03, 2010 Posts: 3201 Jacksonville, AL
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Posted on Apr 27 2011 11:38 AM
Okieguitar50 and Jack...people on here, as well as most communties, have what instruments they prefer. Some are convinced that more expensive is better. Some don't feel that way. I say play what sounds and feels good to you. Personally, I purchased the Aria Diamond, which is pretty much the same as the Wilson Bros guitars but with the Mosrite style 'upside down' body. I was not very happy with mine and sent it back within a few weeks. The sound was great but the thing wouldn't stay in tune for anything. —THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary. www.thekbk.com |
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