Which year was my guitar made?

[Noobster]

I have a SL3 soloist and I know it is made in Japan. As the title suggest, I would like to know which year it was made.The SL3 serial number is 030294. Please kindly assist...

[Nazgul]

In 2003.

(030294)

[Noobster]

So that's how it goes. Thanks man!

[Nazgul]

yeah, I'm pretty much sure that that's how it goes. But that is only for current top of the line MIJ Jacksons (SL3, RR5, Kevin Bond Rhoads, COW and the new RR24) and the Jackson Stars neck-thru guitars.

[Glave]

yeah, I'm pretty much sure that that's how it goes. But that is only for current top of the line MIJ Jacksons (SL3, RR5, Kevin Bond Rhoads, COW and the new RR24) and the Jackson Stars neck-thru guitars.

It also applies to the Charvel Model series. My Model 6 sn starts out C7xxxxx, making it a 1987 Model 6.

[rjohnstone]

It also applies to the Charvel Model series. My Model 6 sn starts out C7xxxxx, making it a 1987 Model 6.

Yes and no... Bolt-on Model series don't follow that rule.

[Glave]

Momentary vapor-lock of the brain. Yes, J/C is very odd at what they do with serial numbers across all their lines.

[Noobster]

No wonder there are lots of confusion. Thanks guys for sharing the info...

[soc_monki]

if you had a bolt-on you could take the neck off and see when the neck and body were made

[Sunbane]

if you had a bolt-on you could take the neck off and see when the neck and body were made

Exactly!
...at least for MIJ guitars.

Unfortunately it may not be true for MII Jacksons. I've gotten my hands on an indian made Jackson body, and it just has some (unreadable) marker scriblings in the neck pocket.