I did some searching and found 2 theories for dating a 7 digit serial number:
1: first digit is for the manufacturing year.
2: first 2 digits are the model, 3th digit is the manufacturing year, last 4 digits are the production number.
My thoughts on this:
(my serial number =3501022)
Theory 1: would make mine a 1983. I?m not so sure, of all the 80's CE photos or serial numbers I could find, the first 2 digits are always the same as the model type number, e.g. 20XXXXX= CE2OO, 25XXXXX=CE250, 30XXXXX=CE300, etc.
Theory 2: 35=CE350, 0=1980, 1022=production number. I think this is the most plausible theory, but what do I know?
Also, I keep reading that the Cat?s Eyes are reproductions of Martins, either a D28 or a D45. My CE-350S has a solid top, 2 piece back, standard non scalloped tapered X bracing with large rosewood bridge plate and popsicle brace, comparable with a 70's Martin D28. But Tokai made the CE with adjustable truss rod before (supposing mine is from ?83 or ?80) Martin started to use them. Martin started using adjustable truss rods around 1985.
So my 1980 CE-350S is a technically advanced copy of a 70's Martin D28.:lol: Feel free to correct me if I?m wrong.