Derby serial numbers

[Michael T. Hermsmeyer]

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.

[Michael T. Hermsmeyer]

[Michael T. Hermsmeyer]

[Michael T. Hermsmeyer]

[Jerry Overstreet]

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!

[Michael T. Hermsmeyer]

Thank you Jerry!!!

[Bill Moore]

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.

[ROBERT MYERS]

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

[Dick Chapple Sr]

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

[William Morgan III]

I have serial #0047. Any guess on this one? It's a great sounding and playing guitar.

[Jeremy Brandelik]

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.

[Dick Sexton]

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

[Jim Cooley]

Dick - I have SN 230. It's a midnight blue SD10.

[Dick Sexton]

Noted. Is it a Big D or Older Crown emblem

[Jim Cooley]

Noted. Is it a Big D or Older Crown emblem

It's like this one

[Larry Dering]

I now have a Teal green SD10 3X5. Serial number 0136