Epi Explorer Manufacture dates?

[Freuds_Cat]

   This guy says the following in his ebay auction:

"Up for auction is my Epiphone By Gibson Explorer Bass. I purchased this bass new in late 2000, I believe it maybe a ’99 model"




http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110282541628&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001

[Dave W]

IIRC the second and third serial numbers are the year of manufacture.

[Freuds_Cat]

I think the guy is dodgy. I have requested the serial number or part thereof twice in 3 days. I am being ignored by the seller.

[Freuds_Cat]

The guy finally replied to my requests for the serial number or part thereof.

He gave me this:   u99050**

I tried the Guitar Dater project site and put in a few different low Production Numbers on the end and it still
  came back with : Serial number unrecognized 

Can anyone re-confirm with me that these basses were not made in the Unsung (or any) factory until 2002?

[uwe]

Why is the date so relevant to you? It sure looks like an early Epi Explorer as the early ones had that korina look veneer.

[Freuds_Cat]

It looks exactly the same as my Explorer. The date doesn't seem to match my research (doesn't mean my research is right) but the main reason I'm interested in this auction is because of the unusually high number of fraud auctions that have happened on ebay here in Australia regarding guitars and basses recently. Including a lot of Gibsons and Epiphones.

The ebay account has a low feedback. The guy is very slow in replying to any questions. When he does reply his questions are vague and he avoids answering direct ones.

Just smells wrong.

[uwe]

Why would anybody fake Epis this lovingly? Not a smart way to make money.

[Dave W]

I think he's just as concerned with finding out whether or the date is legit. I don't know when Epi Explorer production was started. Even if it's exactly as described, is it worth anywhere near that?

I would avoid any seller who seems to be evasive. It's just not worth the risk.

[doombass]

I have no problems dating it. For example U99050140 says:

Your guitar was made at the
Unsung Plant, Korea
May 1999
Production Number: 0140

IIRC the first ones using a Korina veneer were made as early as 1999.

[Freuds_Cat]

Why would anybody fake Epis this lovingly? Not a smart way to make money.

No, they dont fake the instrument. They just use pics they have grabbed off the web or even off old ebay auctions.  They dont actually have any bass.

[Freuds_Cat]

I have no problems dating it. For example U99050140 says:

Your guitar was made at the
Unsung Plant, Korea
May 1999
Production Number: 0140

IIRC the first ones using a Korina veneer were made as early as 1999.

Thanks doombass. I was not aware they were made that early. I also got the number wrong due to not realising that he had dropped a digit from the serial he sent me.