As a former Gibson dealer from the 1970s and 1980s, I’ve seen my fair share of guitars roll out of the Gibson Guitar Factory. Over the years, Gibson used various designations to mark instruments that didn’t quite meet their top-tier standards. These markings, such as “2”, “SECOND”, and “BGN”, often spark curiosity and confusion among guitar enthusiasts. Let’s delve into what these designations meant and how they impacted the guitars that carried them.
The Era of the Stamped “2” (Mid-1960s to Mid-1970s)
During the mid-60s through the mid-70s, Gibson utilized a simple stamped “2” beneath the serial number to indicate a “second” quality instrument. It’s crucial to understand that this “2” designation was purely cosmetic. These guitars had no structural defects whatsoever. The reason for the “2” was usually minor visual imperfections that didn’t quite align with Gibson’s stringent standards for their “first-quality” instruments.
What kind of cosmetic issues warranted a “2”? It could be something as subtle as a slight imperfection in the guitar’s finish or a minor anomaly in the wood grain. These were aesthetic details that, while noticeable to a trained eye at the Gibson guitar factory, did not affect the playability, sound, or structural integrity of the instrument.
Dealers like myself couldn’t specifically order these “second” guitars. Instead, our Gibson factory representative would occasionally offer them as part of their sales interactions. The incentive for taking these “2” guitars was a modest 10% discount off the normal wholesale price.
The “SECOND” Stamp Emerges (Late 1970s – Early 1980s)
As the late 1970s approached, perhaps around 1980, Gibson transitioned from the discreet “2” stamp to a more explicit “SECOND” stamp. This change was implemented because Gibson realized that many dealers weren’t passing on the discount to their customers when selling these “second” guitars. The more obvious “SECOND” stamp was intended to ensure greater transparency for the public, making it clear that these instruments were sold at a reduced price due to minor cosmetic issues originating from the Gibson guitar factory quality control.
Just like the “2” designated guitars, those marked “SECOND” were still fundamentally sound instruments. The designation remained cosmetic, highlighting visual flaws rather than any structural problems. The issue was purely about aesthetics, not playability or sound quality emanating from the Gibson guitar factory.
The “BGN” Designation and Factory Visits (1980s Onward)
The “BGN” designation, as I recall, appeared sometime in the 1980s. These guitars were a different breed compared to the “2” and “SECOND” marked instruments. While not exclusively sold to employees, “BGN” guitars were primarily offered to dealers who visited the Gibson guitar factory itself. Ordering “BGN” guitars through regular channels was generally not an option, at least not for my dealership.
The reason for the factory-visit requirement was crucial: “BGN” guitars could have structural flaws, ranging from minor to significant. You absolutely had to inspect these instruments meticulously before considering a purchase. This was in stark contrast to the “2” and “SECOND” guitars, where the issues were purely cosmetic from the Gibson guitar factory.
The discount on “BGN” guitars was considerably steeper, reflecting the increased risk. In my experience, negotiating a price around 30% below normal wholesale was possible. However, this discount came with a significant caveat – “BGN” guitars were sold with no warranty.
During factory visits, you might encounter “BGN” guitars with various issues: broken braces, significant wood flaws like knots in critical areas, or necks that wouldn’t adjust correctly. Some of these instruments, frankly, should have been deemed unsalvageable. It seemed like a desperate period for Gibson, leading them to offer guitars with substantial defects. However, amidst the problematic “BGN” guitars, you could occasionally find diamonds in the rough – instruments with minor, functionally insignificant issues. Thorough inspection at the Gibson guitar factory was paramount.
The Value Question: Designations and Vintage Gibson Guitars
Does a “2” designation devalue a vintage Gibson from the 1960s? In a purely academic scenario, perhaps. If you were presented with two otherwise identical guitars side-by-side, and one had a “2” stamp, it might be considered slightly less desirable by some collectors. However, in the real world, after four decades or more, the original cosmetic flaw that earned the “2” designation is likely inconsequential. The overall condition, playability, and sound of the vintage guitar are far more critical factors in determining its value today than a faint “2” stamp from the Gibson guitar factory.
The “SECOND” stamp, being more visually prominent, might have a slightly greater impact on perceived value, simply due to its less subtle nature. Again, the actual defect remains cosmetic.
“BGN” guitars are a different story. Due to the potential for structural issues, the “BGN” designation should absolutely prompt careful scrutiny. However, if a “BGN” guitar has survived and its structural flaws are either minor or have been professionally addressed, it can still be a worthwhile instrument, especially considering the original discounted price point from the Gibson guitar factory. The key is – and always was – diligent inspection.
In conclusion, understanding these Gibson guitar factory designations provides valuable insight into the history and quality control practices of a legendary guitar manufacturer. While “2” and “SECOND” markings denoted minor cosmetic blemishes, “BGN” signaled the potential for more significant issues, demanding careful evaluation. For today’s guitar buyers and vintage enthusiasts, these designations offer a fascinating glimpse into the journey of a Gibson guitar from factory floor to music store and beyond.
