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Model #'s for Kimberly's
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Does anyone out there know how to cipher Kimberly model #'s, and where they may be located?
- chkneater
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2011 8:58 pm
- Location: FL
Ah - that one! It's sometimes branded as Appollo too. I don't know what it's called though. Often the model number is just a sticker on the back of the headstock. Steve probably has a catalogue image of it...
- simonm
- Posts: 125
- Joined: Mon Jul 17, 2006 2:06 pm
- Location: uk
Hi chkneater.
I wasn't sure whether you were talking about model numbers or serial numbers when you first posted since you said "cipher". There is really no cipher necessary for a model number, it just is what it is.
To my knowledge, this model of Kimberly had no model number other than perhaps a generic ET-400 designation which means electric guitar with 4 pickups. This model was introduced around 1969 and lasted until about 1974. The only differences across this time was the floral pattern on the pickguard but I've never been able to associate this variation with model year since floral models appear in all years of production. Look in the Japanese Guitar Gallery under "apollo greenburst solidbody guitar ca. 1969" to see two variations in pickguard decoration.
This Kimberly was sold through Department Stores and Electronics Suppliers like Lafayette where model numbers were not used in the descriptions. It was advertized as a "Deluxe 4-pickup Solid body Electric Guitar".
If you are looking for a serial number, it doesn't exist.
BTW, the bridge on yours looks like a replacement. It's probably better quality than the original.
I wasn't sure whether you were talking about model numbers or serial numbers when you first posted since you said "cipher". There is really no cipher necessary for a model number, it just is what it is.
To my knowledge, this model of Kimberly had no model number other than perhaps a generic ET-400 designation which means electric guitar with 4 pickups. This model was introduced around 1969 and lasted until about 1974. The only differences across this time was the floral pattern on the pickguard but I've never been able to associate this variation with model year since floral models appear in all years of production. Look in the Japanese Guitar Gallery under "apollo greenburst solidbody guitar ca. 1969" to see two variations in pickguard decoration.
This Kimberly was sold through Department Stores and Electronics Suppliers like Lafayette where model numbers were not used in the descriptions. It was advertized as a "Deluxe 4-pickup Solid body Electric Guitar".
If you are looking for a serial number, it doesn't exist.
BTW, the bridge on yours looks like a replacement. It's probably better quality than the original.
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VintAxe - Site Admin
- Posts: 2196
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:52 am
- Location: USA
Yeah, I figured that these were probably manufactured w/o the serial numbers just cuz these guitars are just so damn ODD!! I love it tho, and the bridge is a replacement tuneomatic mounted on a rosewood piece thats screwed in place of the ugly nickel mounting bracket. It's odd using a trem with a tuneomatic for me LOL, but it sounds a LOT better and looks better also. The original bridge can still be mounted on in case a collector is interested, but the original bridge was noisy and impossible to set the string spacing without them hopping off the rollers under heavy bending.
The only reason I was interested in model numbers is to find out when it was made. I've narrowed it down to four possible years thanks to your help!
Tell me, for 225$, how good of a deal do you think I got?
The only reason I was interested in model numbers is to find out when it was made. I've narrowed it down to four possible years thanks to your help!
Tell me, for 225$, how good of a deal do you think I got?
- chkneater
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2011 8:58 pm
- Location: FL
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