If there is no serial number on the paper label inside the soundhole, shine a flashlight into the body and look at the wooden block where the neck joins the body. Many numbers were stamped directly into the wood.
Before you can decode your serial number, you need to find it. Look in these primary locations:
Morris Guitars, founded by Toshio "Mori" Moridaira in 1967, are legendary for their high-quality Japanese craftsmanship. Whether you own a vintage "lawsuit era" Martin copy or a modern fingerstyle masterpiece, decoding the serial number is the first step in uncovering your instrument’s history. Where to Find Your Morris Serial Number
The (楕円幌馬車ラベル) appeared from the mid-1970s through the early 1980s. For these instruments, the serial number often begins with the last two digits of the year. One owner of a Morris W-50 with serial number beginning with “9” suggested it was likely a 1979 manufacture, sold in 1980. Another TF Series W-50 with serial 080960 was interpreted as a 1980 instrument based on the leading “80”. morris guitar serial numbers
Based on observed examples and collector research, Morris serial numbers fall into several distinct formats that correlate with specific eras:
Serial M 901234 → Morris, 1990, January 234th unit.
On select models (especially late 70s, 80s, or electric models), a serial number may be stamped into the wood or printed on a decal on the back of the headstock. 2. Decoding Morris Serial Number Formats by Era If there is no serial number on the
: Often formatted as YYMMXX (Year, Month, Production Number).
: Stamped into the wood at the base of the neck inside the guitar. The Headstock
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate Morris guitar serial numbers, paper labels, and factory stamps to date your instrument accurately. 1. Where to Find the Serial Number and Model Info Look in these primary locations: Morris Guitars, founded
) that do not explicitly contain the date. To date these, you must cross-reference the Model Number (like W-18 or A-12) with Vintage Morris Guitar Catalogs Sticker Prefixes (1980s):
Mimicking Martin guitars, Morris used a blocky, vertical text logo running down the center of the headstock on their higher-end dreadnoughts.
If you are trying to identify a specific model, I can help narrow down the year. Tell me:
Guitars from the early 1980s may have a silver sticker with a letter/number prefix. While less documented than brands like Fender, these stickers are unique markers of Moridaira factory production during that decade. 3. Where to Find the Information Soundhole Label: