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Author Topic:  Derby serial numbers
Michael T. Hermsmeyer


From:
Branson, Missouri, USA
Post  Posted 2 Aug 2016 4:14 am    
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Hey everyone, I recently purchased a nice Derby SD-12 from a friend of mine! I was simply wondering if anyone was familiar with the Derby serial number system and could I use that info to get an approximate build date for my guitar. Serial number is 0170. And does anyone know about how many 12 string steels Charlie built?

Thanks, Michael T.
_________________
Currently retired from performing music in Branson, MO
'73 EMMONS D10 FATBACK, '92 EMMONS D10 LASHLEY LEGRANDE, Bray Resonator Guitar,'95 DOBRO F60S, '85 Dobro 60DS, '95 MELOBAR CUSTOM, 1948 National Grand Console D-8, 1951 Supro Clipper S-6. EVANS, FENDER, PEAVEY,
and MESA BOOGIE Amps...

www.onemancountryshow.com

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Michael T. Hermsmeyer


From:
Branson, Missouri, USA
Post  Posted 2 Aug 2016 4:16 am    
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_________________
Currently retired from performing music in Branson, MO
'73 EMMONS D10 FATBACK, '92 EMMONS D10 LASHLEY LEGRANDE, Bray Resonator Guitar,'95 DOBRO F60S, '85 Dobro 60DS, '95 MELOBAR CUSTOM, 1948 National Grand Console D-8, 1951 Supro Clipper S-6. EVANS, FENDER, PEAVEY,
and MESA BOOGIE Amps...

www.onemancountryshow.com

www.facebook.com/utilityman2000
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Michael T. Hermsmeyer


From:
Branson, Missouri, USA
Post  Posted 2 Aug 2016 4:18 am    
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_________________
Currently retired from performing music in Branson, MO
'73 EMMONS D10 FATBACK, '92 EMMONS D10 LASHLEY LEGRANDE, Bray Resonator Guitar,'95 DOBRO F60S, '85 Dobro 60DS, '95 MELOBAR CUSTOM, 1948 National Grand Console D-8, 1951 Supro Clipper S-6. EVANS, FENDER, PEAVEY,
and MESA BOOGIE Amps...

www.onemancountryshow.com

www.facebook.com/utilityman2000
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Michael T. Hermsmeyer


From:
Branson, Missouri, USA
Post  Posted 2 Aug 2016 4:19 am    
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_________________
Currently retired from performing music in Branson, MO
'73 EMMONS D10 FATBACK, '92 EMMONS D10 LASHLEY LEGRANDE, Bray Resonator Guitar,'95 DOBRO F60S, '85 Dobro 60DS, '95 MELOBAR CUSTOM, 1948 National Grand Console D-8, 1951 Supro Clipper S-6. EVANS, FENDER, PEAVEY,
and MESA BOOGIE Amps...

www.onemancountryshow.com

www.facebook.com/utilityman2000
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Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 2 Aug 2016 7:14 am    
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I don't know how many 12's he built, but there were not many. I'd guess fewer than a dozen...perhaps fewer than a half dozen. I'm not sure if serial number data is accessible from Margit.

He asked me to bring over the Newman U12 tuning back in the middle 90's as I had been playing universals about then or just prior to that. He also had me tune a couple of new builds for him at different times.

I had serial #72 which was about '93 or 4. Looks like yours has the square changer axle bosses, pillow blocks or whatever. I think he changed to the angled style in the late 90's. Yours also has the latest design body decal.

I would guess yours was built toward the end of the century.

Bobby Callaway might have a better idea, but I don't think he's on the forum much anymore.

Jerry van Hoose was very involved with the various models and spent a lot of time helping Charlie with the shows etc., so he might get you closer.

Far as I know, serial numbers were all sequential regardless of model, so someone that knows for sure the year of build on their serial number close to yours should be helpful.

Nice guitar. Enjoy!


Last edited by Jerry Overstreet on 17 Oct 2016 6:59 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Michael T. Hermsmeyer


From:
Branson, Missouri, USA
Post  Posted 2 Aug 2016 10:47 pm    
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Thank you Jerry!!!
_________________
Currently retired from performing music in Branson, MO
'73 EMMONS D10 FATBACK, '92 EMMONS D10 LASHLEY LEGRANDE, Bray Resonator Guitar,'95 DOBRO F60S, '85 Dobro 60DS, '95 MELOBAR CUSTOM, 1948 National Grand Console D-8, 1951 Supro Clipper S-6. EVANS, FENDER, PEAVEY,
and MESA BOOGIE Amps...

www.onemancountryshow.com

www.facebook.com/utilityman2000
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Bill Moore


From:
Manchester, Michigan
Post  Posted 3 Aug 2016 4:38 am    
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Derbys are great! I've had 2, both SD-10s. One was serial #190. I'm pretty sure that one was a late '90s guitar. I still have the other, I believe it's from 2008. I would really like to have a 12 string like yours.
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ROBERT MYERS


From:
HEDGESVILLE, W.VA. USA
Post  Posted 3 Aug 2016 4:53 am    
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I bought a SD10 from Billy Cooper in Feb 99 that was serial #0145 Great guitar, wish I still had it but I do love my Pedalmaster
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Bob Myers Pedalmaster Classic 8 & 7 Profex2 Peavey M7000 Power Amp 2 15in speakers Nashville 400 Digitech RP 100 67 Fender Duo-sonic 69 Fender Mustang
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Dick Chapple Sr

 

From:
Hardin Montana, USA
Post  Posted 3 Aug 2016 1:20 pm     Derbys
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I have serial number 371, early 2000's????
It is a lacquer finish, perfect and beautiful.
I think it was finished with Jimmy Days' copedent, was switched to Emmons but I think it would be better to switch it back to Day copendent.

It is so well built. This a the big "D" logo.
Dick
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William Morgan III

 

From:
Hephzibah,GA
Post  Posted 4 Aug 2016 9:23 am    
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I have serial #0047. Any guess on this one? It's a great sounding and playing guitar.
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Jeremy Brandelik

 

From:
Austin, Texas, USA
Post  Posted 14 May 2020 8:27 pm    
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Any luck finding out dates? I have serial number 0138 and I'm curious to know roughly what year it's from. Apparently Derby started out in the late '80s so my guess would be 0138 is probably late '90s but I really have no clue.
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Dick Sexton


From:
Greenville, Ohio
Post  Posted 15 May 2020 8:58 am     Derby Info
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This is what I have... I'll add to it if you give me the info. Thanks...

Derby Serial Numbers... Believed to be 500+ steels built

0001.....D10
0006.....D10.....91...................Derby Hat type emblem
0020.....D10.....Early 90s........Name plate type emblem
0047
0056.....D10.....96/97
0070.....D10.....Early 90s?......Old Crown emblem
0072.....SD12...93/4
0085.....D10
0102................93/4
0103.....D10............................Old Crown emblem
0136.....SD10..Teal..
0138.....
0144.................Early 90s
0145.....SD10....99Feb
0149.....D10
0153.....SD10....92
0170.....SD12....Mid 90s
0190.....SD10....Late 90s
0212.....................
0228.....SD10....90s
0230.....SD10....90s..Mid-night Blue
0247.................99
0271.....SD10.........................Big D emblem
0362.....SD10....2005
0368.....D10
0371.................2000s
0401.....D10......2006Dec
0421.....D10......2006Dec
0422.....D10......2006/7
0428.....SD10....2007.............Big D emblem
0431.....SD10....2007
0434.....SD10....2007
0443.....SD10........................Big D emblem


Last edited by Dick Sexton on 16 May 2020 5:41 pm; edited 4 times in total
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Jim Cooley


From:
The 'Ville, Texas, USA
Post  Posted 15 May 2020 5:17 pm    
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Dick - I have SN 230. It's a midnight blue SD10.
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Dick Sexton


From:
Greenville, Ohio
Post  Posted 16 May 2020 6:53 am     Thank you, Jim...
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Noted. Is it a Big D or Older Crown emblem
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Jim Cooley


From:
The 'Ville, Texas, USA
Post  Posted 16 May 2020 9:16 am     Re: Thank you, Jim...
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Dick Sexton wrote:
Noted. Is it a Big D or Older Crown emblem


It's like this one


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Larry Dering


From:
Missouri, USA
Post  Posted 16 May 2020 2:33 pm    
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I now have a Teal green SD10 3X5. Serial number 0136
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