Post by CTGull on Dec 30, 2023 12:11:12 GMT -5
Japan Other Internal Markings (1966 to early 1970’s)
• As mentioned earlier, most vintage Yamaha FG’s have an internal Date Code on one of the sides. Many of the Green label and early Red labels also have a date code in (I assume) an inspection stamp on the end block, deep inside the guitar.
• Another common marking is a “K” or (less common) “KL” marked on the center strip near the model label. I assume this is an inspection mark.
• Also, “MADE IN JAPAN” can be found stamped on or near the model label. I assume this was added by an importer.
• In the early 70’s there can be a Japanese stamp in a circle near the serial number, on the brace under the fretboard. Again, I assume this is an inspection stamp.
• Some importers also added stamps. I have seen “NW” and “NWM” marked on or near the model label, which were probably imported by N.W. Musical Supply (founded in 1957 by Norman Weiler and went out of business in the early 1980’s), based in Seattle, Washington. They had retail stores throughout the Pacific Northwest, and a mail order catalog. They were also a major supplier of musical instruments to schools and music stores in the US.
• While these markings are one’s I’ve found in pictures I’ve collected, there are probably more. I’ll have to watch for them more closely.
END BLOCK MARKINGS
END BLOCK MARKINGS
“K” MARKING
“MADE IN JAPAN” and “KL” MARKINGS
JAPANESE STAMP NEAR SERIAL NUMBER
“NW” AND “K” MARKINGS
“NW” MARKING
“NWM” MARKING
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• As mentioned earlier, most vintage Yamaha FG’s have an internal Date Code on one of the sides. Many of the Green label and early Red labels also have a date code in (I assume) an inspection stamp on the end block, deep inside the guitar.
• Another common marking is a “K” or (less common) “KL” marked on the center strip near the model label. I assume this is an inspection mark.
• Also, “MADE IN JAPAN” can be found stamped on or near the model label. I assume this was added by an importer.
• In the early 70’s there can be a Japanese stamp in a circle near the serial number, on the brace under the fretboard. Again, I assume this is an inspection stamp.
• Some importers also added stamps. I have seen “NW” and “NWM” marked on or near the model label, which were probably imported by N.W. Musical Supply (founded in 1957 by Norman Weiler and went out of business in the early 1980’s), based in Seattle, Washington. They had retail stores throughout the Pacific Northwest, and a mail order catalog. They were also a major supplier of musical instruments to schools and music stores in the US.
• While these markings are one’s I’ve found in pictures I’ve collected, there are probably more. I’ll have to watch for them more closely.
END BLOCK MARKINGS
END BLOCK MARKINGS
“K” MARKING
“MADE IN JAPAN” and “KL” MARKINGS
JAPANESE STAMP NEAR SERIAL NUMBER
“NW” AND “K” MARKINGS
“NW” MARKING
“NWM” MARKING
Back to the TABLE OF CONTENTS
