Date my Thumb

[Lorenzo]

Can anyone work out when my Thumb was made? I bought it in 1995. The serial number had been removed

 

[Mr Rabble]

are you sure it ain't on the top side of the headstock?

anyway, not after 1990

 

[bassbooty]

Simply beautiful! I love the figuring on the wood - one of the most unique looking Thumbs I've seen.

 

[Lorenzo]

Thanks for the suggestion, Mr Rabble. But the end of the headstock seems to have been sanded to remove the serial number. I bought it from a pawnshop ...

 

[Grgzilla]

Hi Lorenzo & welcome.
You have an early Thumb NT5.My guess is about 1986 or 87.

 

[Lorenzo]

Thanks Greg. Does the 2-piece bridge mean 1987 at earliest?

 

[Mr Rabble]

I'd say 1988, 1989 or very early 1990

 

[Grgzilla]

Thanks Greg. Does the 2-piece bridge mean 1987 at earliest?

Sorry mate,I didnt take the bridge into account when I guessed that date.I was dazzled by your Thumb's brilliance & my coffee hadnt quite kicked in yet.
I reckon it's about an 89.
Whatever year it's from,it's a fantastic bass.

 

[Florin]

I'd say 1988, 1989 or very early 1990

+1 probably 88 because of the carved headstock. I have one similar bass, but with one piece bridge, and it is from 87., beautiful instrument!!! 100% hand made
Cheers, flo

 

[trujo777]

that has a very intersting grain. reminds me of coffee at Starbucks for some reason maybe capucchino or one of their pastries. LOL :wink:

Beautiful bass indeed. congrats

 

[warwickhunt]

As has been stated 87/88 saw the end of the carving on the back of the headstock and 88/89 the 2 piece bridge, so I'd be confident to agree that 88 would be a good guesstimate

The date would have originally have been on the top of the headstock and even though it has been sanded off you may still be able to 'capture' the date. Using a digital camera with a macro function (most point and click cameras have it) take a picture of the headstock end; do one with and one without flash. Then load the pictures into a basic image editor (Windows has one) and increase/decrease the contrast etc, you'd be amazed what can show up :wink:

 

[naetog]

yeah, I'd say 88 too. I have a 4 string from the same year, that is pretty much identical except for the wood color (EMG's, 2 band EQ, 2 piece bridge, carved headstock, schaller strap locks).

How are your tuning peg retainers holding up (the little plastic rims)?? mine are all cracked and most have fallen out.

 

[herb vibes]

because of the carved headstock, dot inlays, 2-piece bridge an 2-band pre-amp i also say 88 same as mine:
https://imageshack.us

 

[schlobodan]

Thanks for the suggestion, Mr Rabble. But the end of the headstock seems to have been sanded to remove the serial number. I bought it from a pawnshop ...

mymy pawn shop & sanded )

I would not post pictures on the Internet;-)

 

[Revolver]

If you'd show the front part of the headstock, it would be easier. If it had the plastic washers, it would be most likely '88. If not, '89 (I've never seen an '89 with the angled plastic washers).

 

[Revolver]

Another thing is the heel of the neck. In 80's thumbs, the heel is deeper and more comfortable.

 

[Lorenzo]

It does not have plastic washers. So more likely 89 than 88?
Thanks

 

[Mr Rabble]

It does not have plastic washers. So more likely 89 than 88?
Thanks

It could still be a 1988.
If I remember well, the older tuning heads with washers were replaced during year 1988

Seeing this old post again, I'm now thinking that you dont' have a serial number because your bass maybe was originally painted with a gloss finish.
At some point someone stripped the bass.
This could justify the unusual body pieces configuration.

 

[Lorenzo]

Mayhap - interesting idea (thank you Mr Rabble).

But I have to say it is clear that the serial number has been deliberately eradicated.

I tried Warwickhunt's suggestion re photoshop tweaking, but no joy. There is no other sign of interference with the original "state of the bass" (was that a Jamaladeen Tacuma album?)

 

[Mr Rabble]

Do You see signs of eradication?
Often older Warwick with the high gloss finish had no serial number