Stamped or handwritten headstocks

C

Chrispy

New Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2020
Messages
14
Hi folks
New to the forum , first post so "Hi" to all.
Looking to buy my first PRS and currently looking at a much adjusted McCarty for sale.

It has a stamped headstock as opposed to the hand written one. The numbers also don't match up to the PRS number checker. No case or paperwork, bridge pick ups and tuners all changed. Not saying that it's not legit, just need some advice...
Hope you folks can help?

Thanks in advance.
Chris
 
A stamped serial number? Is it a rosewood neck? Maple? It’s not that unusual but pics would help. You a need 3 post count before the forum will let you post pics, but answer some of these question in two or more responses and you’re good.

and welcome!
 
Boogie said:
A stamped serial number? Is it a rosewood neck? Maple? It’s not that unusual but pics would help. You a need 3 post count before the forum will let you post pics, but answer some of these question in two or more responses and you’re good.

and welcome!
Click to expand...
Aha.. thanks....
 
Serial numbers of my solid rosewood necks are stamped, and the gloss finished mahogany neck numbers are hand-painted on. I’d be especially concerned if the serial number doesn’t match PRS records.

Just my take on your situation, but I’d say to make your first PRS a sure thing and you won’t regret it. These days I’d rather miss a deal than buy something sketchy.
 
That all sounds very suspect. Pics or a link to the for-sale ad would be a big help. If the seller happens to be someone on this forum, they'll be cool, so don't worry about that.

At best, some details are getting mixed up and it's legit. At worst, it's a Chinese fake. Either way, the info provided so far doesn't add up.
 
Chrispy said:
I'll try and get more info...I'll pm you as I don't want to upset the seller if he/she is on the forum!
Click to expand...

If the seller is here and legit, they shouldn't get upset by you, as someone less experienced with PRS, confirming validity. If they're here and it's not legit, they should be outed.
 
My NF3 (greatest neck ever!) has Maple neck and fingerboard. It had a written on SN. I went to wipe it down with just a dust rag last week and noticed the SN is completely illegible now :eek: I've never used anything on it but mild guitar cleaner/polish (no compound or abrasive cleaner ever!) I have original box and tags or course because I bought it new. But I wondered, if I was buying used, would that concern me, especially if no tags were included. I would certainly be cautious if I didn't know the seller.
 
I would agree that you should be cautious if there is no paperwork to go with the guitar and the number do not add up. Like the others said, drop us some pictures so we can have a look. If the seller is active here, he should be cool about it and happy to explain.

Nevertheless think twice if you want to buy it without posting some pictures first. There are some "artists" around that like to make a quick buck on knockoffs.
 
DreamTheaterRules said:
My NF3 (greatest neck ever!) has Maple neck and fingerboard. It had a written on SN. I went to wipe it down with just a dust rag last week and noticed the SN is completely illegible now :eek: I've never used anything on it but mild guitar cleaner/polish (no compound or abrasive cleaner ever!) I have original box and tags or course because I bought it new. But I wondered, if I was buying used, would that concern me, especially if no tags were included. I would certainly be cautious if I didn't know the seller.
Click to expand...

You did what???? :eek::eek::eek::eek:
 
DreamTheaterRules said:
My NF3 (greatest neck ever!) has Maple neck and fingerboard. It had a written on SN. I went to wipe it down with just a dust rag last week and noticed the SN is completely illegible now :eek: I've never used anything on it but mild guitar cleaner/polish (no compound or abrasive cleaner ever!) I have original box and tags or course because I bought it new. But I wondered, if I was buying used, would that concern me, especially if no tags were included. I would certainly be cautious if I didn't know the seller.
Click to expand...

! - I'm afraid this would make me worried. Aren't those handwritten serial numbers under the clear coat? If not, they should be!
 
PDC said:
! - I'm afraid this would make me worried. Aren't those handwritten serial numbers under the clear coat? If not, they should be!
Click to expand...
Yeah, I thought so too, but when I looked today I really couldn’t tell! I’m going to be more careful from now on.
 
Plugske said:
You did what???? :eek::eek::eek::eek:
Click to expand...

I didn't do anything. I was wiping it down and noticed the numbers on the back were rubbed off so bad as to be illegible.

PDC said:
! - I'm afraid this would make me worried. Aren't those handwritten serial numbers under the clear coat? If not, they should be!
Click to expand...

Bought it new from a dealer with all hang tags, etc., so I've got the number, it just doesn't show on the guitar.

That said, I don't like it either. But it doesn't matter in effect, because I'll never sell that guitar.
 
Hmmmm...this one's a head-scratcher. The top looks somewhat legit, but the neck looks to be heavily modified....the description says something about oiled mahogany. I don't recall PRS ever doing that, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been done. Also, the neck heel looks smaller than usual (it is a mid-90's though, and they had small neck heels back then) and the finish looks real light around the pocket, almost as if someone got crazy with sanding the finish off the neck. Also, from the back, the body shape looks off, as do the headstock horns, and the signature decal looks crooked.

The stamped head stock would make sense for an unfinished neck, but this just looks odd to me.

With the non-corresponding serial number....I don't know, I'd stay clear of this one.
 
Last edited:
Agreed with above, neck is for sure sanded and refinished which would make sense as to why not the sharpie.

You could ask for a shot of the pickup cavity to ensure serials match.

Have you emailed PRS Customer Service with the number?
 
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