Questions on SE serial numbers

[Developer Blue]

Hi Everyone!

I recently purchased a new SE Kingfisher bass through GC. The serial number started with an 'O', which I understand indicates it is a 2014 model. However it came with a PRS tag indicating it was inspected in April 2016. I would usually expect the inspection to happen soon after the actual construction of the guitar. So I'm curious what this actually indicates (Did they build in 2014 and not send it to the US until 2016? Did they build in 2016, using leftover parts from 2014? Has the serial number system changed?). Any insights?

Also, earlier this year I purchased an SE A30E acoustic. It doesn't follow the SE serial number system I am familiar with in that it was made in 2015 (sticker inside the sound hole indicates this), but the serial number starts with an 'E' (which would be 2004 in the main SE system). I assume this means the SE acoustic models have their own serial number system, with A starting in 2011)? Does that match other's understanding?

Thanks!
- DB

 

[dsenoj]

Hi Everyone!

I recently purchased a new SE Kingfisher bass through GC. The serial number started with an 'O', which I understand indicates it is a 2014 model. However it came with a PRS tag indicating it was inspected in April 2016. I would usually expect the inspection to happen soon after the actual construction of the guitar. So I'm curious what this actually indicates (Did they build in 2014 and not send it to the US until 2016? Did they build in 2016, using leftover parts from 2014? Has the serial number system changed?). Any insights?

Also, earlier this year I purchased an SE A30E acoustic. It doesn't follow the SE serial number system I am familiar with in that it was made in 2015 (sticker inside the sound hole indicates this), but the serial number starts with an 'E' (which would be 2004 in the main SE system). I assume this means the SE acoustic models have their own serial number system, with A starting in 2011)? Does that match other's understanding?

Thanks!
- DB

I know that the SE instruments are inspected in Stevensville before they are shipped to the dealer. I don't know but I suspect that your Kingfisher was built in 2014 and shipped to the US and didn't get inspected until April 2016 and shipped to GC then. One year during PRS Experience, I saw a lot of SE boxes in the factory and I think they were guitars that had been shipped from Korea and were awaiting inspection.

 

[Developer Blue]

I know that the SE instruments are inspected in Stevensville before they are shipped to the dealer. I don't know but I suspect that your Kingfisher was built in 2014 and shipped to the US and didn't get inspected until April 2016 and shipped to GC then. One year during PRS Experience, I saw a lot of SE boxes in the factory and I think they were guitars that had been shipped from Korea and were awaiting inspection.

Thanks - that's probably the explanation that makes the most sense. I was just surprised by the large time gap.