Morris Guitar — Serial Numbers

: In many of these sequences, the digit immediately following the letter represents the final digit of the year. For instance, an "M2XXXXX" sequence from this era often indicates a 1992 build. 4. Modern and High-End Reissues (2000s to Present)

Reintroduced in 2001 upon Morris's return to the US market, the S Series focuses on fingerstyle playing with Grand Auditorium and Classical Auditorium body shapes. morris guitar serial numbers

| Decade | Serial Format | First digit(s) meaning | |--------|---------------|------------------------| | 1970s | 6 digits | Year of 1970s (5=1975) | | 1980s | Letter + 5-6 digits | M = Japan, then year | | 1990s | Letter + era/year | H=Heisei, S=Showa | | 2000s+ | J or C + 6 digits | J=Japan, C=China | | Limited | LE + year + # | Limited edition sequence | : In many of these sequences, the digit

In the 2000s, Morris moved production to Korea and China (like many Japanese brands). The serial numbers on these are consistent with factory codes. Modern and High-End Reissues (2000s to Present) Reintroduced

| Era | Format | Example | Interpretation | |---|---|---|---| | 1970s | Yxxxx (5-digit) | 702965 | 1973？ | | 1970s–80s | Yxxxxx (6-digit) | 160609 | 1978？ | | 1980s | YYxxxx (6-digit) | 812266 | 1981？ | | 2000s+ | YYMMxxxx (8-digit) | 0401015 | 2004年1月 | | 2000s+ | YYMMxxxx (8-digit) | 17060448 | 2017年6月 |

If you want to know the exact factory shift your D-18 copy was made? Buy a Martin. But if you want a story—a mystery that connects you to the hidden history of Japanese luthiery from 1972 to 1995—dig into those faded digits on a Morris. Just be prepared to argue with strangers on internet forums about what that "4" really means.

| 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 |