Califone serial numbers
Pictured Example:
The C stands for "Califone"
The first # indicates how many strings. In the case of Califones, it's always a 6.
We aren't entirely sure what the "8" stood for.
The last two numbers are the identifying number made. (We know of 69 so far.)
First #
Indicates how many strings.
Second #
Last digit of the year it was manufactured (most likely a 5 or 6 for 1965 or 1966).
Third #
Number made.
How to read the serial number
12 - The first number indicates how many strings it has. In the example on the right, it's a 12 string.
6 - Is the year it was made. In this case 1966.
1032 - The remaining numbers indicate which number guitar it was, based on the number made. This is guitar number 1,032.
This tribute website was made and is maintained by one of Pat Murphy's granddaughters. The original tribute website was created and maintained by Dan (in Australia). Thank you, Dan, for the work you put into creating the first website and for giving it to our family. We are very grateful for the work you did.
We continue to research, collect information, fix photos, and update this site. If you have information to add, please contact us through the contact page. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to preserving the history of Murph Guitars.
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