stamos wrote: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...