We now have almost complete serial number records for the main period of Shergold
production from 1975 to 1980. The only major omissions are the
Marathon bass and
Custom Double
numbers -
I'll be trying to track these down. I'll also be trying to find any details on the more
recent Shergolds.
There are full details available in the searchable database for these models and
ranges of serial numbers, all between 1975 and 1981.
- Early Meteor and Masquerader (from 3101)
- Masquerader 6 String (from 7001 and 9001)
- Masquerader 12 String (from 8001)
- Meteor (from 1101)
- Modulator 6 String (from 2101)
- Modulator 12 String (from 4001)
- Modulator Bass (from 5001 and 6001)
- Cavalier 6 String (from 001)
- Cavalier 12 String (from 3001)
- Cavalier Double Neck (from 0001)
Other serial numbers follow numbering schemes, which as yet cannot be tied to a definite production
date. Remember also that neck dates can be misleading - for example, parts made around 1981 regularly
turn up on guitars known to have been assembled and finished in 1991.
- Most Later Models: The last two digits of the serial number may give the year of
manufacture. Typically, if the number does not fit one of the series detailed here, and ends
in a number between 81 and 91, it is likely to be the year of manufacture. These are usually
5 digit numbers. It is currently unknown if the numbers are restarted each year or if the
numbers are unique by model or across the range.
- Custom Doubles: Numbers begin with one of 124 (12 string / 4 string bass),
612 (12 string / 6 string) or 64 (6 string / 4 string bass). Other configurations
such as doubles with two bass necks tend to be custom built so may not follow this system.
Within this series it seems (unconfirmed) that the numbers following the "model"
number are sequential across the whole range not just the specific model.
- Marathon 4 String: Many examples are in a series of numbers from 6000. Examples known
to have been built from late 1981 onwards usually have a serial number ending in the two
digits of the year stamped into the truss rod adjuster slot, under the truss rod cover.
- Marathon 6 String: All known examples are in a series of numbers from 7000.
- Marathon 8 String: All known examples are in a series of numbers from 8000.
- Hayman: The last two digits of the serial number give the year of manufacture.
- Burns Flyte: The neck dates on these are: 1 to 414 = 1975, 415 to 704 = 1976.
