G&L L5500 serial number 41

filobanks · #1 07-09-2009, 08:29 AM

I have just brought an old L5500 and it came with a certificate of authenticity stating the serial number as 41. I am new to G&L instruments and my research online has left me confused as to the date of manufacture of this bass - I undrstand that I can take the neck off to see the date stamp but I am reluctant to do this as she is set up so beautifuly and I don't want to chance this. any ideas from any one out there would be much appreciated

filobanks · #2 07-09-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by filobanks

I have just brought an old L5500 and it came with a certificate of authenticity stating the serial number as 41. I am new to G&L instruments and my research online has left me confused as to the date of manufacture of this bass - I undrstand that I can take the neck off to see the date stamp but I am reluctant to do this as she is set up so beautifuly and I don't want to chance this. any ideas from any one out there would be much appreciated

I just loeaded a pic

GGJaguar · #3 07-09-2009, 09:21 AM

G&L used a separate serialization for the 6-bolt neck plates found on L-5500s and the 4+1 headstock L-2500s. The really early ones don't have a serial number on the neck plate, but rather in the neck pocket (you have to remove the neck to see it). Yours should have a chrome plate and is most likely from very late 1993 or early 1994.

HTH,

GG

eastcoasteddie · #4 07-13-2009, 04:20 PM

Well, L5500's were made from '93 to '97. if you REALLY need to see the date, then you're going to have to take the neck off.
However, check out the registry page of GuitarsbyLeo.com. you can pull up a list of all the registered L5500's (you can register yours if you'd like). Judging by the serial number, assuming the entire number is B000041 then it could be a long shot. Looking at some of the serial numbers registered, they're all over the place. a #16 in '95 and then a #1121 in '94...
http://www.guitarsbyleo.com/AUTOREG/interact.php3

I read that back then, G&L made a whole bunch of bodies & necks at one time and then just grabbed them out of the bins and put them together as needed. Serial numbers are insignificant when trying to date these basses.

...sweet bass, by the way.