Where to find it:
Before diving into the numbers themselves, it is crucial to understand why dating a Morris is harder than dating a Yamaha or Takamine. morris guitar serial numbers
Unlike Western brands that used sequential, computer-logged serials, Morris was a brand distributed primarily by Morris Musical Instrument Co. (later becoming part of the Moridaira Corporation). The guitars were manufactured by a revolving door of Japanese factories including Chushin Gakki, Terada, and Kasuga. Where to find it:
Because production was outsourced, there was no central, unified numbering system. Different factories used different formats. Furthermore, many domestic Japanese models (marked "For Domestic Sale Only") never had English-language records. To make matters worse, Morris re-used model numbers in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Before diving into the numbers themselves, it is
The golden rule: On a Morris guitar, the serial number is rarely a simple "higher number = newer guitar."
The most sought-after Morris instruments are typically those produced between 1972 and 1985. During this period, Morris utilized several distinct serial numbering conventions.
Interpreting guidance: