When distribution came back to B.C. Rich in 1974, a system of serial number coding began using a 5-digit code (XXYYY) with the first 2 digits indicating the year and the last 3 indicating the production number. That would make the first guitar of 1974 to have been numbered 74000, followed by 74001, 74002, 74003, etc. Throughout the '70s, production numbers were low enough that the serial numbers pretty much reflect the year of manufacture.
In the late '70s as production grew, the serial numbers begin to get ahead of themselves since only 1000 numbers were available in a series. With production growing rapidly by 1980, the serial numbers had gotten about two to three years ahead.
bc rich serial number reference
Although neck-through production never surpassed approximately 2200 guitars a year, as the '80s progressed, the serial numbers continued to get ahead of the actual year. By 1981 the numbers were about four years ahead. This gap remained fairly constant until Bernie Sr. turned the production over to Class Axe in 1989.
Bolt-neck guitars are less precise for the usual reasons. The serial number is stamped on a neck plate, and like every other company, when the guitar was being finished, someone grabbed a plate out of the box and put it on in no particular, precise or documented order. These do not follow the same XXYYY dating scheme as the neck thru models.
The serial numbers are a bit hard to date because there was no uniform way they were assigned a number at Bernie's original shop. The neck plates were pre-stamped and pulled out of a box at random when it was time to install the neck onto the guitar or bass.
The USA bolt on guitars never followed the same serial number sequence as the neck thru models, which were numbered using the (YYXXX) format with the first two digits being the year, and the last three digits being the production number. Also, keep in mind on the 2+3 (five digit) serial numbers, they got out of sequence in the early to mid 80's. In other words, a guitar with serial number "84532" could have been made in 1982 or 1983, not 1984 as the number would suggest. They got back on track in 1993.
Also, at some point in 1999 or 2000 the "Made In The USA" below the script logo disappeared on most of the guitars built. In the year 2000, they changed to the letters "BO" (Bolt On) and three digits (B0XXX), which was the actual production number, but there was no number stating the year the guitar was built. The import guitar models before November of 2000 have a serial number starting with the letter "F", the USA models do not.
In the year 2000, they changed to the letters "BO" (Bolt On) and three digits (B0XXX), which was the actual production number, but there was no number stating the year the guitar was built. The import guitar models before November of 2000 have a serial number starting with the letter "F", the USA models do not.
In November of 2000 B.C. Rich implemented a new date stamp format for serial number coding of its imported models. . This started on the January 2001 models. All B.C. Rich models, both imported and usa handmades implement this same year time date stamp and guitar production number format:
i have a bc rich ironbird platinum series and a 10 digit serial# 00020600623. from everything i have seen and read this is what i think it means.00- The guitar was made in china 02 the guitar was manufactured in 2002, 06- the guitar was made in june and the last two #s - it was the 23rd made in june. is this correct or did i decipher this code wrongly? i would really appreciate knowing what this serial # means. Thank you for any help.
I have the same problem on my Zombie and I read that the early (1980's) BC Rich guitars had a sticker on the back of the headstock with the serial number on the sticker, which explains why we can't find a serial number. The stickers are long gone but we know that they're vintage eighties, which is great.
I have one too that i just bought 3 days ago. It is serial number 32330677. It's all black and only has one volume knob, and no whammy bar or switch to change pickups as there is only one pickup on the guitar. I want to know the date it was produced. If anyone has any information please share. Thanks!!
As of May 27, 2007 a new serial number system was developed for use on all B.C. Rich, Michael Kelly Guitars, and Traben Basses. Numbers were devised for the factory, month of production, year, etc. Below is an example of the number scheme. First is the month code letter:
In some cases the serial numbers are some what meaningless. Not all have a BC in front, in a lot of cases they just have a B then the serial number. In some cases the made in USA is NOT on the headstock... but this is REALLY early stuff.Paul Unkert was the guy that ran Class Axe, and knew what went on in BC Rich before they took over the deal. He did most of the work on my guitar and will swear up and down, it's a Wayne Charvel neck, and he's probably right as this neck never moves...LOL
The deal here is this a BC Rich ST3 , they only started making this in 1986 and that's when I bought it! I have the bill of sale for it!!!!!The serial number on it is only B0276... that's it, this possibly the 276 guitar made, but can't clam that..LOLFrom what i understand, they did not think the guitar would sell, they cut the bodys but got the necks from Wayne Charvel.The factory was about to close and go to Class Axe..... they did not put "made in the USA" on it, pretty much only a bigger BC Rich logo maybe.
I have a b.c. rich platinum seriesEither called black or crackle.It only has a 4 digit serial numberOn the neck plate 5296 it is also a reverseHeadstock any info would beGreatly appreciated.
Real all sorts of descriptions about the serial numbers but i do not understand in wich year mine was build.It's a bc rich virgin platinum series and a bolt on neckProperbly from usa but it doesn't notify it under the name tag.Serie nummer 38415.
I have a blood red thru the neck BC RICH that has no serial number that I can find. It's in perfect condition. I'm guessing seventies or early eighties year. The headstock is inlayed with an "R"Any info would be appreciated.Thanks
I been looking for a replacement part and was asked for info including serial number so the guitar store could locate parts (bridge magnets). I think I have found the serial number on my KK.Would the number on the fretboard be the serial number or is it somewhere else on the guitar? Also, do they really need the serial to find replacement parts or do the idiots think I stole my own guitar?
Hi. I have a bc rich warlock which has no serial number, just a blank black plate. Black hardware. Pickups don't say bc rich. All the guitar has is bc rich on the pointed headstock. 22 frets. It has 3 knobs for vol treble. And selector switch.
I have a guy wanting to sell a BC Rich warlock with the serial number M01075484. he says it's a $1,000 guitar (aren't they all? lmao!) I would like to know where it was made at least. And an apprx. value would be great. 2ff7e9595c
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