Ibanez Serial Number Lookup Tool

Ibanez began using serial numbers on their guitars in September 1975, but some instruments from 1974 have serial numbers that cannot be linked to a specific manufacturing period. Ibanez serial number usually consists of a combination of letters and digits, although there are cases where the serial number is only numeric.

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You can find the Ibanez serial number on the back of the headstock on a sticker, stamped on the headstock itself, or the metal cover plate between the neck and the body.

At acoustic guitars look up the serial number stamped or written on the label in the hollow body, or stamped on the neck block inside the instrument.

The serial number on Ibanez guitars manufactured in the 1970s can be located on the headstock, either stamped or as a sticker, or on the neck mounting cover plate.

In the case of acoustic guitars, made in the 1970s, the serial number may be indicated on the neck block or label.

Ibanez Serial Number Lookup Tool

This serial number lookup tool will help you find information about the date and manufacture location of your guitar. Enter the serial number below, click the “Check” button and the decoder will show you when your Ibanez was made and even the country and factory, where it came from.

If you don’t find the information you need using the decoder, you can scroll down, and manually search for it in the detailed Ibanez serial number guide.

Ibanez Serial Number Guide

The Ibanez serial number is usually a combination of numerals and letters, but it may only be numeric in some cases.
Unfortunately, Ibanez does not use a uniform format for their serial numbers. The guitar production is outsourced to different companies in various countries where the numbering schemes are different in each factory.
Information about the serial numbers has been obtained from various sources, including the Ibanez Wiki – Fandom.

Ibanez Serial Number Japan

Japan serial number 1975–1986: Letter (A–L) + 6 digits

For example let’s check Ibanez serial number: G770544;
The character represents the month of manufacture (A=January, B=February… L=December).
The first 2 numerals represent the year (77=1977).
The final 4 digits are the consecutive production number for that month (0544).
The serial G770544 is therefore the 544th Ibanez built in July 1977.

Most Ibanez models with this serial format are made by FujiGen Gakki and Terada. Exceptions are the Ibanez Blazer models, made by Dyna Gakki, and the Axstar Ibanez models (AX40, AX45, AX48, AXB50, AXB60, AXB65, AX70 and AX75), made by Chushin Gakki

Japan serial number 1987–1996: Letter + 6 digits

To illustrate: F529157;
The character indicates in which factory in Japan the Ibanez was manufactured. During this period, three different companies were produced.
F = FujiGen Gakki in Nagano (1987–1996).
I = Iida Gakki in Nagoya (1988–1992).
H or T = Terada Musical Instrument Co. Ltd. in Nagoya (1988–1996).

It is claimed that the “H” is the initial of the first name of the company director at that time, Haruo Terada.
The initial digit shows the last digit of the year (7=1987 to 6=1996).
The latest 5 numerals is the serial number which is increased by 5000 each month. Starting in January with 00001.
Ibanez serial F529157 is here the 29157th instrument of 1995, made in June by FujiGen Gakki.

The manufacturing month can be derived from the chart below.

Ibanez production month 1987-2004 chart

Serial Number	Production Month
00001–05000	January
05001-10000	February
10001-10000	March
15001-20000	April
20001-25000	May
25001-30000	June
30001-35000	July
35001-40000	August
40001-45000	September
45001-50000	October
45001-50000	November
55001-60000	December

Ibanez used this numerals sequence to determine the manufacturing date for warranty claims. It is not entirely clear whether this numbering method was also strictly enforced and whether the prescribed numbers for each month are correct or merely an estimate.

serial number FujiGen from 1987

There is some confusion about FujiGen serial numbers from 1987. The Ibanez models produced up to and including 1988 have a serial starting with “F7,” which normally has to indicate manufacturing in 1987. It seems that FujiGen or Ibanez had a surplus of these “F7” numeral stickers, but they just continued to use them until 1988.

You might make a reasonable estimate of whether a model with an “F7” serial number was actually produced in 1987 or 1988 based on the manufacturing sequence (the last 5 numerals of the serial number).
For each manufacturing series above 45000, it can be assumed that they are models from 1988.
Few Ibanez serial numbers beginning with “F8” have been observed.

Japanese Serial number from 1997 to October 2004: Letter + 7 digits

To illustrate let’s check Ibanez serial number: F0414210;
The symbol “F” indicates that the Ibanez was produced by FujiGen Gakki in Nagano.
The first 2 numerals represent the year (04=2004).
The latest 5 digits are the sequential serial number for that month (14210).
The manufacturing month can be determined from the chart “Ibanez production month” (see above).
So, production number 14210 is in the range of 10001-15000 and would then be month March of 2004, built by FujiGen Gakki.
It is also not entirely clear for this period whether this numbering method was strictly enforced.

Japanese serial 1998–2022: Letter + 6 digits

To illustrate: T990544;
The symbol “T” indicates that the Ibanez was produced by Terada Musical Instrument in Nagoya.
The initial 2 numerals represent the year (99=1999).
The last 4 numerals are the consecutive serial numbers for that year (0544).
Ibanez serial T990544 here is the 544th instrument built by Terada in 1999.

Japanese serial number from November 2004 to 2022: Letter + 7 digits

Example: F1627642;
The symbol “F” indicates that the guitar was produced by FujiGen Gakki in Nagano.
The primary 2 numerals represent the year (16=2016).
The final 5 digits is the production number which is increased by 3000 each mo. Starting in November with 00001.
Here, too, the manufacturing month can be determined according to the chart below.
Manufacturing number 27642 is in the range of 27000-29999 and would then be mo. August of 2016, built by FujiGen Gakki.

Ibanez production month 2004-2022 chart

Serial Number	Production Month
00001–02999	November
03000-05999	December
06000-08999	January
09000-11999	February
09000-11999	March
15000-17999	April
18000-20999	May
21000-23999	June
24000-26999	July
27000-29999	August
30000-32999	September
33000- ++++	October

From November 2004, the serial number does not represent the year in which the Ibanez was produced, but rather the model year of which the instrument is part.
Again, it is not entirely clear whether this method of numbering is also strictly enforced.

Japanese Serial Number 2005–2022: Letter + 5 digits

As an illustration let’s inspect Ibanez serial number: C06256.
The character represents the month of manufacture (A=January, B=February… L=December).
The first 2 numerals represent the year (06=2006).
The third digit indicates the model: 2=PGMFRM1, 5=UV77RE.
With other numerals, it is not clear which model it is or is unknown.
The final 2 numerals are the sequential serial numbers for that month (56)
So, Ibanez serial C06256 is the 56th instrument of the model PGMFRM1, built in March 2006.

There is some confusion with some of the other schemes mentioned here in connection with the initial symbols “F” and “I,” but this format is the only one with only 6 characters.
It is assumed that all models manufactured in Japan with this serial number format are manufactured by Sugi Musical Instruments Ltd.

Japanese serial number 2016–2022: 2 letters + 6 digits

Example: IG161156;
IG = indicates, produced in the Ibanez Guitar Development Center.
Ibanez Guitar Development Center (IGDC) is a facility that carries out research and development for Ibanez guitars.
The initial 2 numerals represent the year (16=2016).
The next 2 numerals are for the mo. (11=November).
The last 2 digits are the consecutive serial number for that year (56).
These serial numbers are handwritten on the back of the headstock.
So, serial number IG161156 is the 56th instrument built in November 2016 at the Ibanez Guitar Development Center.

Ibanez Serial Number Korea

From 1987 through 2008, Ibanez manufactured guitars in Korea. Some Korean serial numbers from 1997 only consist of 7, 8, or 10 numerals. These guitars were produced at the Cort factory in Incheon (for an 8 or 10-digit serial this is not entirely certain).

Because they had no date stamps at the start of the manufacturing, the serial number of the Artstar models was handwritten. This handwritten Ibanez serial is difficult to read and decipher.
In 2003 the production of these Artstar models was discontinued.

Korean serial number 1987–1995: Letter + 6 digits

As an illustration let’s look up the Ibanez serial number: P315821;
The character indicates in which factory in Korea the guitar was manufactured.
A = Saein Musical Instrument Co. Ltd. in Incheon.
Y = Yoojin Industrial Co. Ltd. in Yangju, (acoustic) or Guangju (electric).
C = Cort Guitars in Incheon (1987–2007) or Daejeon (1991–2007).
P = Peerless Korea Co. Ltd. in Pusan (1987–1988).

The primary digit shows the last digit of the year (7=1987 through 5=1995).
The final numerals are the serial numbers for that year.
So, the serial P315821 is the 15821st guitar built in 1993, by Peerless in Pusan.

Korean serial number 1987–1995: Letter + 7 digits

Example: E1020456;
The symbol “E” indicates that the Ibanez is produced by Sung-Eum Music Co. Ltd. in Yangju.
The initial digit corresponds to the latest digit of the year (7=1987 through 5=1995).
The next 2 numerals show the month (01=January…12=December).
The latest numerals are the consecutive serial for that mo. (0456).
So, Ibanez serial number E1023456 is the 456th instrument built in February 1991, by Sung-Eum Music in Yangju.

Korean serial number 1990–1995: Letter + 7 digits

As an illustration: S4110076;
The symbol “E” indicates that the Ibanez is produced by Samick Musical Instruments Co. Ltd. in Incheon.
The first digit shows the last digit of the year (0=1990 through 5=1995).
The next 2 numerals correspond to the month (02=February…12=December).
The final numerals are the sequential serial for that mo. (0076)
So, Ibanez serial S4110076 is the 76th instrument built in November 1994, by Samick Musical Instruments in Incheon.

Korean serial number 1995–1999: 1 or 2 letters + 8 digits

Example: SQ6050234;
The character(s) indicates in which factory the Ibanez was manufactured.
A = Saein in Incheon.
C = Cort Guitars in Incheon in Incheon or Daejeon.
S = Samick in Incheon.
SQ = Saehan Guitar Technology.
Y = Yoojin Industrial in Yangju, (acoustic) or Guangju (electric).
The initial digit shows the latest digit of the year (5=1996).
The next 2 numerals correspond to the month (February…12=December).
The final 4 numerals are the sequential serial numbers for that month (0234).
So, the serial number SQ6050234 is the 234th Ibanez built in May 1996, by Saehan Guitar Technology.

Korean serial number 1997–2008: 7 digits

For instance: 8071234;
The first digit shows the last digit of the year (7=1997 and 8=2008).
In the case of a 7 or an 8, you must have a general timetable for the correct date, because this can be either 1997/1998 or 2007/2008.
The next 2 numerals specify the month (02=February, 11=November, and so on).
The latest 4 numbers are the consecutive serial numbers for that month (1234).
So, Ibanez serial number 8071234 is the 1234th guitar of 1998 or 2008, built in July. Made by Cort Guitars in Incheon or Daejeon.

Korean serial number 1997–2008: 8 digits

For example: 99004321;
The primary 2 numerals represent the latest numbers of the year (99=1999).
The next 6 numbers are the consecutive serial numbers of that year (004321).
The serial number 99004321 is the 4321st Ibanez of 1999, (probably) built by Cort Guitars in Incheon.

Korean serial number 1997–2008: 10 digits

For instance: 0112004524;
The first 2 numerals represent the latest numbers of the year (01=2001).
The next 2 numbers indicate the month (01=January…12=December).
The next 6 numerals are the consecutive serial numbers of the month (004524).
So, the serial 0112004524 is the 4524th Ibanez of 2001, built in December. Made (probably) by Cort Guitars in Incheon.

Korean serial number 1999–2008: Letter(W) + 6 digits or Letter(W) + letter + 5 digits

As an illustration: W962827;
The symbol “W” stands for produced by World Musical Instrument Co. in Incheon.
The 2nd digit or character corresponds to the production month (1 = January…9 = September, X=October, Y=November, and Z=December).
The third digit indicates the last digit of the manufacturing year (9=1999 through 8=2008).
The final 4 numerals are the sequential serial numbers for that month (2827).
So, Ibanez serial number W962827 is the 2827th guitar of September 2006, built in Incheon.

Korean serial number 2000–2008: Letter + 8 digits or Letter + letter + 8 digits

For instance: A01042941;
The character(s) indicates in which factory the Ibanez was manufactured.
A = Saein Musical Instrument in Incheon.
C = Cort Guitars in Incheon in Incheon of Daejeon.
S or SQ = Saehan Guitar Technology.
Y = Yoojin Industrial in Yangju, (acoustic) or Guangju (electric).

“CP” is unclear where the Ibanez is built.
It is speculated that “CP” stands for Cort Plant or an indication that these models are made by a joint venture between Cort and Peerless, or perhaps production is indicated in Cort’s Indonesian factory known as Cort PT. This last seems very unlikely since the instruments are marked as “Made in Korea.”

The initial 2 numbers represent the latest numbers of the year (01=2001).
The next 2 numerals point out the month (03=Marc, 10=October).
The latest 4 numbers are the manufacturing number for that mo. (2941).
So, Ibanez serial A01042941 is the 2941st guitar of April 2001, built by Saein, Incheon, Korea.

Korean serial number 1999–2008: Letters(KR) + 9 digits

As an illustration: KR050602345;
It is not known what the symbol “KR” stands for and by whom this Ibanez is made.
The first 2 numerals represent the latest numbers of the year (05=2005).
The next 2 numbers show the month (05=May, 06=June).
The last 5 numerals are the manufacturing number for that month or year (02345).
Ibanez serial number KR050602345 is the 2345th instrument of 2005, built in June. Unknown where it was made.

Ibanez Serial Number Indonesia

Indonesian serial number 2001–2022: Letter + 9 digits

To illustrate let’s search Ibanez by serial number: K160600221
The character indicates in which factory the guitar was manufactured.
I = Cort Guitars (known as Cor-Tek factory in Indonesia).
K = Kwo Hsiao Co., Ltd.
J = Sejung.
The initial 2 numerals represent the latest digits of the year (16=2016).
The next 2 numbers correspond to the month (01=January…12 = December).
The final 5 numerals are the consecutive serial numbers for that month (00221).
So, Ibanez serial K160600221 is the 221st guitar of June 2016, built by Kwo Hsiao.

Indonesian serial number 2004–2007: Letter + Letter + 9 digits

Example: PR051112345;
With the prefix “PR” – the initial 2 numbers represent the latest numbers of the year (05=2005).
The next 2 numerals show the month (02=February…11=November).
The latest 5 numbers are the sequential serial numbers for that year (12345).
Ibanez serial number PR051112345 is the 12345th instrument of 2005, built in November. Unknown where it was made (The symbol prefixes PR and PW are unclear by whom and where it was produced in Indonesia).

Indonesian serial number 2007–2009: Letter + 7 digits

For instance: I7100262;
The symbol “I” Is an abbreviation for produced by Cort Guitars (known as Cor-Tek factory in Indonesia).
The first digit represents the latest digit of the year (7=2007) The next 2 numerals display the month (04=April…09=September).
The final 4 numbers are the manufacturing number for that mo. (00262).
The serial I7100262 is the 262nd Ibanez of October 2007, built by Cor-Tek, Indonesia.

Indonesian serial number 2010-2011: 5 digits + Letter

The Premium Line is a quality label that Ibanez uses for electric guitars made in Indonesia, with more attention to detail than the standard models. They were introduced in 2011, produced by Hoshino Gakki, and sold under the Ibanez brand.
Production with this Ibanez serial number runs from November 2010 to December 2011. The manufacturing month can not be derived from this sequence.

For example: 10701B;
The initial 5 numerals are the consecutive serial numbers for the production of the year (10701).
The character stands for the yr. (A=2010 B=2011).
So, the serial 10701B is the 10701st Ibanez of 2011, from the Premium Line. Unknown where it was manufactured.

Indonesian serial number from November 2011 to 2015: Letter + 4 digits + Letter

For instance: J0321D;
The primary symbol represents the manufacturing month (A=January…L=December).
The 4 following numerals are the successive serial numbers for the production that mo. (0321).
The last character indicates the year (B=2011…F=2015).
Ibanez serial J0321D is the 321st instrument of October 2013, from the Premium Line. Unknown where it was manufactured.

Ibanez Serial Number China

Chinese serial number 1999-2006: Letter Z + 6 digits or Letter Z + Letter + 5 digits

As an illustration let’s identify Ibanez by serial number: Z190234;
The symbol “Z” Is an abbreviation for produced by Yeou Chern Enterprises Instrument Co. Ltd. in Guangdong.
The 2nd digit or letter indicates the manufacturing month (1 = January… 9 = September, X = October, Y = November, and Z = December).
The third digit corresponds to the latest number of the manufacturing year (9=1999 through 8=2008).
The final 4 numerals are the consecutive serial numbers for the month (0234).
So, Ibanez serial Z190234 is the 234th guitar of January 1999, built by Yeou Chern in Guangdong.

Chinese serial number 2002–2022: Letter S + 8 digits

For example: S05030941;
The symbol “S” is an abbreviation for factory [not known].
The initial 2 numerals represent the latest digits of the year (05=2005).
The next 2 numbers demonstrate the month (07=July…12=December).
The last 4 numerals are the manufacturing number for that month (0941).
Ibanez serial number S05030941 is the 941st instrument of March 2005.
The factory and location in China is unclear here.

Chinese serial number 2004–2012: Letter J + 9 digits

To illustrate: J111214321;
The symbol “S” is an abbreviation produced by Sejung Musical Instrument Manufacturing in Qingdao (possibly).
The first 2 numbers represent the latest numerals of the year (11=2011).
The next 2 numbers indicate the month (03=March…10=October).
The latest 5 numerals are the sequential serial numbers for that year (14321).
So, Ibanez serial J111214321 is the guitar № 14321, manufactured in 2011.
Probably made by Sejung Musical Instrument Manufacturing in Qingdao.

Chinese serial number 2005–2022: Letter A + 8 digits

For instance: A15060177;
The character “A” signifies factory (but it’s not known).
The initial 2 numbers represent the latest numerals of the year (15=2015).
The next 2 digits show the month (05=May…11=November).
The final 4 numerals are the manufacturing number for that mo. (0177).
The serial number A15060177 is the 177th Ibanez of June 2015. The factory and location in China is unclear here.

Chinese serial number 2007–2022: Letters GS + 9 digits

To illustrate: GS090301145;
It is not entirely clear what the symbol “GS” stands for. Some speculate that it merely indicates that it concerns guitars from the GIO series.
The first 2 numbers represent the latest numerals of the year (09=2009).
The next 2 numerals demonstrate the month (01=January…12 = December).
The last 5 numbers are the consecutive serial numbers for that year (01145).
So, Ibanez serial GS090301145 is the 1145th instrument of 2009, built in March. The factory and location in China is unclear here.

Chinese serial number 2010–2022: Letters SS + 8 digits

Example: SS11020221;
The symbol “SS” is an abbreviation for factory (not known).
The initial 2 numerals represent the latest numerals of the year (15=2015).
The next 2 numbers show the month (06=June…10=October).
The latest 4 numerals are the sequential serial number for that month (0221).
So, the serial SS11020221 is the 221st Ibanez of February 2011. The factory and location in China is unclear here.

Chinese serial number 2000’s: Digit 4 + Letter L + 9 digits

It is unclear in which period exactly this serial number dating was used. It is also not entirely clear what the number with the symbol 4L stands for.

As an illustration let’s look up Ibanez by serial number: 4L080500889;
The initial 2 numbers after 4L correspond to the last numerals of the year (08=2008).
The next 2 numerals indicate the manufacturing month (04=April… 11=November).
The latest 5 numbers are the sequential serial number for that year or the month (00889).
So, the serial 4L080500889 could be the 889th Ibanez of May 2008. The factory and location in China is not known.

From approx 2005 some Chinese Ibanez guitars only have a 9-digit serial. It is unclear which supplier or factory has manufactured these models.

From this consecutive production number, no date of construction and location can be derived either.