To determine the age of a B.C. Rich guitar, you need to decode its serial number, which is typically found on the back of the headstock or neck plate. All B.C. Rich models, whether imported or USA handmade, utilize a consistent serial number format that provides details about their manufacturing.
Decoding Your B.C. Rich Guitar Serial Number
B.C. Rich guitar serial numbers generally consist of eight digits, with each position revealing specific information about the instrument's origin and production timeline.
Here's how to interpret the serial number:
- First Digit: Represents the year of manufacture. For example, if the first digit is '8', the guitar was made in a year ending in '8' (e.g., 1998, 2008).
- Second Digit: This digit does not currently convey specific dating information for the current serial number scheme.
- Third Digit: Indicates the quarter of the year in which the guitar was manufactured.
- 1 = 1st Quarter (January - March)
- 2 = 2nd Quarter (April - June)
- 3 = 3rd Quarter (July - September)
- 4 = 4th Quarter (October - December)
- Digits 4 through 8: These five digits represent the production number, indicating the specific unit's sequence within that manufacturing period.
Serial Number Breakdown Table
| Serial Number Position | Information Conveyed | Example (for 85201234) |
|---|---|---|
| First Digit | Year of Manufacture | 8 (e.g., 2008, 1998) |
| Second Digit | No specific meaning | 5 |
| Third Digit | Quarter of Manufacture | 2 (2nd Quarter) |
| Digits 4-8 | Production Number | 01234 |
Practical Example
Let's say your B.C. Rich guitar has the serial number 85201234.
- The first digit is '8', indicating the guitar was manufactured in a year ending in '8' (e.g., 1998, 2008).
- The second digit is '5', which does not provide dating information.
- The third digit is '2', meaning the guitar was made in the second quarter of that year (April-June).
- The remaining digits, '01234', are the production number for that specific guitar.
By understanding this serial number structure, you can determine the specific year (or at least the decade and last digit of the year) and quarter your B.C. Rich guitar was produced. For more information regarding B.C. Rich guitars, you can explore their official resources on understanding serial numbers.
