The first two digits following the letter typically represent the year. Example: T802145 →right arrow Built at the in 1980 . Format C: The Modern 8-Digit System (1990s–Present)
If your serial number is missing, faded, or ambiguous, you can narrow down the era using visual design cues. Headstock Logo Chronology
Highly sought-after acoustic guitars, including famous "lawsuit era" copies of Martin and Gibson designs. morris guitar serial numbers
These numbers generally represent sequential production run counts rather than encoded dates.
Before diving into serial numbers, it is important to understand the company’s evolution—the context often provides as many clues as the digits themselves. The first two digits following the letter typically
This is the most frequent format found on vintage Morris acoustics. YYMMDD or YMMXXX How to read:
| Model | Serial Number | Reported or Estimated Year | Decoding Method | |---|---|---|---| | Morris S-101 | 0401015 | January 2004 | First two digits = year (04); next two = month (01) | | Morris W-50 (TF Series) | 9xxxx | 1979–1980 | First digit “9” suggests 1979 | | Morris TF Series W-50 | 080960 | 1980 | Leading “80” suggests year | | Morris W-50H | 811146 | 1978 | 11th listing, no formal decoding available, but year is seller-assigned | | Morris W-50 | 290309 | 1970s | Unknown format | | Morris MD-512 | 9139168 | Unknown, Korean-made | Likely YYMM format; “91” would be 1991 if pattern holds | | Morris W603 | (no serial listed) | 1978 | Identified by model and period | | Morris W-20 | S724035 | 1977 | Letter prefix “S” may indicate series; numbers suggest format unknown | | Morris W-100 TF Series | 030580 | Late 1970s | Possibly 1980 | | Morris W601m | 41567 | Unknown | Neck heel location | This is the most frequent format found on
The most common location is stamped or written directly on the neck block inside the body, visible through the sound hole.
However, for the uninitiated, dating a Morris guitar can be a confusing endeavor. Unlike modern American manufacturers with standardized dating systems, Morris used a variety of numbering conventions that changed over the decades. This guide aims to demystify the process.
Letter followed by 5 or 6 digits (e.g., M820145 or T85032 ). Letter Prefixes: M: Typically denotes the main Moridaira (Nagano) factory.
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