Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

[Imperfect]

I have a 1997 ES-335 that I am refinishing. The stamps on the back of the headstock are VERY shallow (wasn't too deep to begin with) due to some sanding so after a few layers of paint they will not be able to be seen. Where can I find stamps for the correct size and font to stamp over the current imprint? I've looked all over the internet but can't find any information.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

Mask over/around?

 

[Zarg]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

you could stain the back and finish with a clearcoat after, should keep the numbers visible

 

[akio]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

This might be one place to start.

 

[Imperfect]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

Mask over/around?

That would unfortunately leave a lip around it though.

you could stain the back and finish with a clearcoat after, should keep the numbers visible

Actually I'm only going to clear it. When I said paint I was being generic. Even so the stamp is so shallow that I would think it would still disappear.

This might be one place to start.

Thanks for the link. I think it might cost quite a bit more than it's worth but I can definitely check and see.

 

[Imperfect]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

I believe the numbers are 1/4" (6mm) and the letters are 5/32" (4mm) as that is what my calipers are showing. It looks like the letters are standard upper case. The numbers on the other hand are a little different font that what I can find. I guess I could always sand the original serial number out and stamp new in although I would really like to stamp over the original with the correct stamps. Any other insight is appreciated.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

Most/all of the stamp indentation is removed from the clearcoat anyhow, so you simply see the way the light reflects off the indentation in the wood. I would also look to a coloured fill.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

Not sure if this would work at all but maybe before you strip it go over the numbers with a wood burner? Just a thought.

Whatever you do, I would make sure you have good picture documentation of before and after.

 

[Imperfect]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

Most/all of the stamp indentation is removed from the clearcoat anyhow, so you simply see the way the light reflects off the indentation in the wood. I would also look to a coloured fill.

They are pretty much color filled due to the previous paint. The problem is that it fades the further towards the right (uneven stamp pressure?).

Not sure if this would work at all but maybe before you strip it go over the numbers with a wood burner? Just a thought.

Whatever you do, I would make sure you have good picture documentation of before and after.

It is already stripped and pretty much ready for paint. I don't trust myself with a wood burner. I definitely have a before and current picture.

You definitely can't tell the imprint depth by the photo as it looks completely fine due to the previous finish. The number 9 is the deepest and the last number 7 is so shallow that I can't really feel a ridge. The funny thing is that is looks better (more prominent) in the picture than it does in person.



On a side note Gibson does a horrible job drilling the tuner holes! They are extremely rough and not all the same size. I was using my fingernail to scrape off what I thought was a piece the previous finish inside of one of the tuner holes and a small chunk of mahogany came out instead. In the end it was the rough wood. Due to this I filled the void and had to sand it back down which lead me to now.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Gibson Serial Number & Made In U.S.A Stamps - Refinishing

Jeez, no problem there as you already have the effect of the dark numbers. I thought you were actually talking about something where it was hard to read or similar (like with my mid 70's custom).

Depth is of no importance here as you'll have clear over the top. You might just need to dropfill for the deeper impressed numbers if they have a divot/depression.