Morris Guitar Serial Numbers [2021] -
3. When the Serial Number is Missing: Alternative Dating Methods
Morris guitars, a Japanese brand known for their high-quality instruments, have been producing guitars since the 1960s. Over the years, the company has used various serial number formats, making it challenging for collectors and enthusiasts to decipher their meaning. However, by understanding the evolution of Morris guitar serial numbers, you can gain valuable insights into your instrument's history.
For example, with the serial number 1703013 seen on a Morris S93, the "17" suggests 2017, "03" suggests March, and the remaining digits indicate the production sequence. Similarly, 17060448 would be interpreted as June 2017, and 21080965 would be August 2021.
Morris guitars hold a revered place in the history of Japanese luthiery. Founded in 1967 by Toshio Moridaira, the Moridaira Manufacturing Company produced some of the finest acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars of the "Lawsuit Era" and beyond. For collectors, players, and vintage enthusiasts, identifying the exact year and origin of a Morris guitar can be challenging. Unlike major American brands with centralized databases, Morris used several different serialization systems across different decades, factories, and model tiers.
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. morris guitar serial numbers
| Era | Format | Example | Interpretation | |---|---|---|---| | 1970s | Yxxxx (5-digit) | 702965 | 1973？ | | 1970s–80s | Yxxxxx (6-digit) | 160609 | 1978？ | | 1980s | YYxxxx (6-digit) | 812266 | 1981？ | | 2000s+ | YYMMxxxx (8-digit) | 0401015 | 2004年1月 | | 2000s+ | YYMMxxxx (8-digit) | 17060448 | 2017年6月 |
In 1974, a dedicated code was introduced where the first two digits represent the year and the remaining digits are the production sequence.
Morris guitars hold a legendary status among musicians who appreciate exceptional Japanese craftsmanship. Founded by Toshio Moridaira in 1967, the Moridaira factory produced high-quality acoustic and electric guitars that rivaled American counterparts.
Look for signs of refinishing, replaced parts, or other modifications. A "refinished" headstock may have lost its original serial number, and a replacement may have been added that does not follow Morris's authentic format. However, by understanding the evolution of Morris guitar
Early 70s Morris guitars featured open-gear or cheap covered tuners. Late 70s and 80s models transitioned to high-quality, Morris-branded enclosed die-cast tuners or imported Gotoh tuners.
A letter followed by a string of numbers (e.g., T 810234 or I 79112 ). How to read: T stands for the Terada factory. I stands for the Iida factory.
The Ultimate Guide to Morris Guitar Serial Numbers: Dating and Authenticity
Smaller, folk-style bodies comparable to 000 or orchestra models. Morris guitars hold a revered place in the
: Similar to Taylor or other modern makers, these may include series codes and production dates.
Model numbers are often more useful for dating than the serial number itself. Morris used a letter-prefix system: : Dreadnought models (Martin-style). F-Series : Smaller "000" or Folk-style bodies.
: For Morris electric guitars, the serial number is often found on the metal plate where the neck joins the body. Decoding the Numbers by Era