Yes, I did do a search before asking. Info seems to vary a bit and I know they changed format over the years. and also, I think I know the date, I just wondered if there is a way to tell if a guitar is the last of a model run or what? I think my LP "2008" model was the last of the run. Going by the 1st and 5th number, that puts it at 2012 and 2nd, 3rd and 4th put it at may 10. do the other numbers mean much? according to the site, the just mean batch or something. I think the one I have is the last of that model because the first one was messed up. They didnt want to rebuild for me as they had discontinued the model. But upon insistance, they did. Thats why I assume it may be the last one.