Morris serialization has changed over decades, moving from simple sequential numbers to date-coded systems. 1. The Early Years (Late 1960s – Mid-1970s)
Join the "Vintage Japanese Guitars" groups on Facebook or Reddit’s r/Japaneseguitars. Post a clear photo of your serial number and the full guitar. The collective memory of enthusiasts often outperforms any written guide.
: Sites like Vintage Japan Guitars host digital scans of Morris catalogs from 1970 through 1980. morris guitar serial numbers
Modern high-end Morris guitars often use longer numbers where the first two or four digits represent the year (e.g., "98XXXXXX" for 1998). Identifying by Model Prefix (Dating Guide) If the serial number is ambiguous, the model prefix
If you are holding your guitar right now, follow this checklist: Morris serialization has changed over decades, moving from
In the 1970s, Morris frequently used simple 5-digit or 6-digit numeric codes. These are usually found on the inner paper label or stamped on the neck block. YYMMDD or YMMDDD
On a Morris guitar, the serial number and model designation are typically found in three locations: The Paper Label Post a clear photo of your serial number and the full guitar
Morris Musical Instrument Co. formally restructured under . During this period, serial numbers became less standardized, often just a batch number. Many guitars from this era have no serial number at all (only a model stamp).
The earliest Morris guitars featured a flowing, cursive "Morris" script on the headstock.
| Era | Headstock Logo | Truss Rod Cover | Label Inside | |------|----------------|----------------|---------------| | 1967–1973 | Block letters “MORRIS” | 3 screws (black plastic) | White paper, no barcode | | 1974–1981 | Script “Morris” (cursive) | 2 screws (bell shape) | Gold/black label, “Made in Japan” | | 1982–1989 | Block with “M” crest | 1 screw, domed | Barcode + serial match | | 1990s+ | Modern logo, often “Morris by Moridaira” | 1 screw, black/white | Red/gold label, Japanese address |
, you are likely holding a high-end replica of a Martin blueprint. Significant Eras About Morris Guitars