What year is this thing?

[mulletman80]

I have a RG450 and the serial numbers start out like C51010...someone told me the 1st two digits is the year..I dont think 1951 would be right for a RG or even any Ibanez. All I know its made in kora so that means its in the mid to late 90's? The thing is in good condition when I got it like new almost but now its fretboard is dirty due to playing it daily. But anyone know what year this thing is?

[Petie]

1995, and made in the Cort factory. If the serial number started with an S it would be made in the Samick factory. As of 03 (or maybe it's 02, I can't remember), they're made by a company called World and are much better quality. You can spot them because the serial number starts with a W - and it seems to me that the maple used for the necks is a lighter shade, anyone else notice that?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Petie

1995, and made in the Cort factory. If the serial number started with an S it would be made in the Samick factory. As of 03 (or maybe it's 02, I can't remember), they're made by a company called World and are much better quality. You can spot them because the serial number starts with a W - and it seems to me that the maple used for the necks is a lighter shade, anyone else notice that?

The way it was explained to me, Samick was taken over by the Korean government and renamed the World factory

[Petie]

What I was told (by a guy whose store was named Ibanez Dealer of the Year a couple times) was that the Korean Government bought and refitted the factory when Samick moved to a new one.

[mulletman80]

thanks guys whoa..95 is old to me...haha damn the thing looked brand new even when i got it..thanks again