Getzen trombone serial numbers

[LarryPrestonRoberson]

As far as I know the Getzen serial number for a modern trombone is on the bell section. Please confirm. Also, if I wanted to share just enough of the serial to give the approximate year of manufacture, what is the minimum number of digits I can provide? And which can I omit—starting from the left or the right? For instance, on a Bach I can usually leave off the last 3 digits and sub xxx or obscure them in pictures.

[elmsandr]

Yes, Getzen serial numbers are on the bell section. I know the Edwards variants used to have the first two digits were the year of manufacture. Can’t remember what they did for all the getzen versions off the top of my head.

Cheers,
Andy