G&L L1000 - SERIAL B000544.

[stamos]

I just purchased a G&L L1000 - SERIAL B000544.

According to G&L official site, S/Ns started from B000518 in 1980, meaning this is the 26th bass of the factory.

Does anyone know if this particular one, or maybe the first production models where specifically ordered for someone or for some particular reason?

It seems we are talking about a historic piece and I would be really happy to know more details if someone knew.
Is there any way I can check the authenticity or possible alterations made?

[Ken Baker]

I just purchased a G&L L1000 - SERIAL B000544.

According to G&L official site, S/Ns started from B000518 in 1980, meaning this is the 26th bass of the factory.

Does anyone know if this particular one, or maybe the first production models where specifically ordered for someone or for some particular reason?

It seems we are talking about a historic piece and I would be really happy to know more details if someone knew.
Is there any way I can check the authenticity or possible alterations made?

I don't mean to burst anyone's bubble, but here's how it worked.

The parts that had the serial numbers, bridges in your case, were in a box at the factory. Just loose in the box. One of the folks building basses that day reached in and grabbed a bridge. No attempt was made at grabbing in order. Reach in, grab, install on body. So while your #544 is numerically 26 away from #518, it could have been made right after #518.

There were production logs. They were hand written in spiral notebooks. They only noted model, body color, fingerboard wood; basic stuff. These logs were spirited away with Dale Hyatt when he left G&L in November of 1991, shortly after Leo's passing. Hyatt died fairly recently. I don't know the disposition of the logs, but while he was alive he would peer into them for people. For $35.

There is no way of knowing from the logs, or from G&L, the history of an instrument. Such provenance would have to be maintained by all the owners of a given instrument.

While current instruments from G&L are entered into computer based logs, these logs aren't available to the public and asking will get you nowhere.

There should be date stamps on the neck heel and/or body pocket. These are the closest you can get to a "born on" date. It is like that to this day.

So there you have it. As much as I know, and I didn't even delve into personal opinion.

Ken...

[stamos]

Thanks Ken

The situation you describe seems pretty realistic. I assume this is the way it worked back those days.
I will try to dismantle it also and check the dates printed on body and neck.
I will let you know (for the record only).

No matter the dates , however, tha bass really rocks. Fat sound with great typical G&L volume.
I LOVE IT. I don't know if you can find these instruments today anymore.

stamos

[Ken Baker]

You can find them today.

http://www.glguitars.com

Ken...

[Basscase]

Beautiful 1K. It appears to be in excellent shape. Congrats!

[staccato11]

I don't care to burst bubble either, but I am the original owner of number B0000441, if that is the correct number of zeros...

[staccato11]

Ken, what you're saying is true to a point...the point of when the box empties, and needs refilled...and what month and year it is presently...just sayin'.

[Ken Baker]

Welcome aboard!

Ken, what you're saying is true to a point...the point of when the box empties, and needs refilled...and what month and year it is presently...just sayin'.

None of which was recorded as far as I know. The point I was trying to make is that no attention was paid to serialization until relatively recently when computer tracking and "travelers" tracked an instrument from order to ship. Searching in the GbL Registry for a range of serials around the target can many times get into the ballpark of a born-on date, usually with 6 months or so.

Ken...

[staccato11]

Ken, Indeed it makes me wish I had insisted on a dated ser# receipt, but that was the furthest thing from my mind back then. I knew it was an early purchase, in fact, I think I bought old #441 in 1979 at Christmas, or 1980 in Feb for my bday...

[staccato11]

I'm corrected, my ser # is early but after 518. It looks like only about 1400 of these were ever made. 544, that's a gorgeous bass...