Trying to date your Gibson guitar? The serial number can help you find the production date, country, and even the factory where your guitar was made.
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Where to Find a Gibson Serial Number
You can find the Gibson serial number stamped or punched on the back of the headstock, inside the sound hole on acoustic guitars, or the “F” hole on semi-hollow guitars.
Gibson Serial Number Decoder
Use the decoder below to look up your Gibson serial number. Enter the serial number below and press Enter or click the Check button.
The decoder will show when and where your Gibson guitar was made. If the serial number has more than one possible match, you’ll see all possible years and factories.
Gibson Serial Number 1935-1941
On many early Gibsons, the number you find is not a serial number at all. It is a Factory Order Number, or FON. Gibson used these numbers to track batches of instruments during production. Some guitars had both a serial number and an FON, while others had only an FON.
1935-1937: The FON has a batch number, a letter for the year, and a 1 or 2-digit number showing the instrument’s place in the batch. For example: 0123 A5.
1938-1941: The format changed. Two or three letters came before the batch number. The first letter shows the year. A second letter, when present, shows the brand: G = Gibson, K = Kalamazoo, W = Recording King (Montgomery Ward).
If there is a third letter, E stands for Electric.
Exceptions: Some high-end models and lap steels from 1939-1940 have an A added to the D, E, or F prefix.
1935-1941 Gibson Factory Order Number CHART
| 1st Letter | Production Year |
|---|---|
| A | 1935 |
| B | 1936 |
| C | 1937 |
| D and DA | 1938 |
| Ex (x = any letter) | 1939 |
| F and FA | 1940 |
| E (no sequel letter) | 1941 |
| G | 1941 |
| H | 1942 |
Gibson Factory Order Number 1952-1961
The letter before the FON shows the production year. The FON has a four-digit batch number followed by a 1 or 2-digit number. The year letter comes before the number. For example, Y1234 23.
On archtop models made from 1952 to 1961, the FON was stamped inside the f-hole.
On flat-top guitars, it was stamped on the neck block.
1952-1961 Gibson FON CHART
| FON | Production Year |
|---|---|
| Z | 1952 |
| Y | 1953 |
| X | 1954 |
| W | 1955 |
| V | 1956 |
| U | 1957 |
| T | 1958 |
| S | 1959 |
| R | 1960 |
| Q | 1961 |
Gibson Serial Number 1952-1961
Gibson introduced its solid-body guitars in 1952. At first, these guitars did not have serial numbers. Gibson started adding them in 1953.
The first digit of the serial number shows the last digit of the year. On a five-digit serial number, there is a space after the year digit.
Six-digit serial numbers have no space. These appeared when the serial numbers went past 9999. This happened in 1955, 1956, 1959, and 1960.
In 1955, Gibson forgot to reset the serial numbers to 0001. The year digit changed from 4 to 5, but the serial numbers kept going past 9999. This is why later numbers have no space between the year digit and the rest of the serial number.
Production was also high in 1956, 1959, and 1960, so the numbers again went past 9999. Because of this, some 1959 serial numbers have 1, 2, or 3 as the second digit.
Gibson stopped using this stamped serial number system at the end of 1960, although a few guitars made in 1961 have a “1” prefix. Some 1961 lap steels and Les Pauls have this type of serial number.
There is another exception from late 1958, when some Les Paul Junior and Les Paul Special models had four-digit serial numbers.
1952-1961 Gibson Serial Number Chart
| 1st Letter | Production Year |
|---|---|
| None | 1952 |
| 3 | 1953 |
| 4 | 1954 |
| 5 | 1955 |
| 6 | 1956 |
| 7 | 1957 |
| 8 (at the end of 1958, a lot of LP Juniors/Specials had a 4-digit serial number without a prior annual digit) | 1958 |
| 9 | 1959 |
| 0 | 1960 |
| 1 (rare) | 1961 |
5 and 6-Digit Gibson Serial Numbers 1961-1970
In 1961, Gibson started using a new serial number system. It was supposed to make the system more organized, but in practice, it became even more confusing.
Serial numbers were reused during this period, and the numbers did not always follow the years in order.
On all models, the serial number was stamped on the back of the headstock. Some numbers used from 1963 to 1969 were duplicated.
Because of this, 5 and 6-digit serial numbers from these years can be difficult to date correctly.
Gibson headstock Serial number Chart, 1961-1972
| 1st Letter | Production Year |
|---|---|
| 0100 – 42440 | 1961 |
| 42441 – 61180 | 1962 |
| 61450 – 64222 | 1963 |
| 64240 – 71040 | 1964 |
| 71041 – 96600 | 1962 (some 1963 and 1964) |
| 96601 – 99999 | 1963 |
| 000001 – 099999 | 1967 (all 6-digit numerals starting with 0. are 1967) |
| 100000 – 106099 | 1963 or 1967 |
| 106100 – 106899 | 1963 |
| 109000 – 109999 | 1963 or 1967 |
| 110000 – 111549 | 1963 |
| 111550 – 115799 | 1963 or 1967 |
| 115800 – 118299 | 1963 |
| 118300 – 120999 | 1963 or 1967 |
| 121000 – 139999 | 1963 |
| 140000 – 140100 | 1963 or 1967 |
| 140101 – 144304 | 1963 |
| 144305 – 144380 | 1964 |
| 144381 – 149864 | 1963 |
| 149865 – 149891 | 1964 |
| 149892 – 152989 | 1963 |
| 152990 – 174222 | 1964 |
| 174223 – 176643 | 1964 or 1965 |
| 176644 – 250335 | 1964 |
| 250336 – 305983 | 1965 |
| 306000 – 310999 | 1965 or 1967 |
| 311000 – 320149 | 1965 |
| 320150 – 320699 | 1967 |
| 320700 – 329179 | 1965 |
| 329180 – 330199 | 1965 or 1967 |
| 330200 – 332240 | 1965, 1967 or 1968 |
| 332241 – 348092 | 1965 |
| 348093 – 349100 | 1966 |
| 349121 – 368638 | 1965 |
| 368640 – 369890 | 1966 |
| 370000 – 370999 | 1967 |
| 380000 – 385309 | 1966 |
| 390000 – 390998 | 1967 |
| 400001 – 406666 | 1966 |
| 406667 – 409670 | 1966 – 1968 |
| 409671 – 410900 | 1966 |
| 410901 – 419999 | not known |
| 420000 – 429193 | 1966 |
| 500000 – 500999 | 1965, 1966, 1968 or 1969 |
| 501009 – 501600 | 1965 |
| 501601 – 501702 | 1968 |
| 501703 – 502706 | 1965 or 1968 |
| 503010 – 503109 | 1968 |
| 503405 – 520955 | 1965 or 1968 |
| 520956 – 530056 | 1968 |
| 530061 – 530850 | 1966, 1968, or 1969 |
| 530851 – 530993 | 1968 or 1969 |
| 530994 – 539999 | 1969 |
| 540000 – 540795 | 1966 or 1969 |
| 540796 – 545009 | 1969 |
| 555000 – 557999 | 1966 |
| 558000 – 567400 | 1969 |
| 570087 – 570643 | 1966 |
| 570645 – 570755 | 1966 or 1967 |
| 570857 – 570964 | 1966 |
| 580000 – 580080 | 1969 |
| 580086 – 580999 | 1966, 1967 or 1969 |
| 600000 – 600998 | 1966, 1967, or 1968 (low-end models) |
| 600000 – 606090 | 1969 (high-end models) |
| 700000 – 700803 | 1966, 1967 or 1969 |
| 750000 – 750999 | 1968 or 1969 |
| 800000 – 800999 | 1966, 1967, 1968 or 1969 |
| 801000 – 812838 | 1966 or 1969 |
| 812900 – 819999 | 1969 |
| 820000 – 820087 | 1966 or 1969 |
| 820088 – 823830 | 1966 |
| 824000 – 824999 | 1969 |
| 828002 – 847488 | 1966 or 1969 |
| 847499 – 858999 | 1966 or 1969 |
| 859001 – 891999 | 1967 |
| 892000 – 896999 | 1968 |
| 897000 – 898999 | 1967 or 1969 |
| 899000 – 899999 | 1968 |
| 900000 – 909999 | 1970 |
| 910000 – 999999 | 1968 |
6-Digit Gibson Serial Number 1970-1975
From 1970 to 1975, Gibson used six-digit serial numbers that did not follow a clear order. The numbers were stamped on the back of the headstock, and some also had a letter before or after the number.
In 1970, Gibson replaced the orange labels inside acoustic guitars with white rectangular labels with orange details.
Electric models received a rectangular label with a black and purple triangle.
TStarting in 1970, “MADE IN USA” was also stamped on the back of the headstock. Some guitars from the 1950s have this stamp as well.
After Norlin took over Gibson, the same confusing six-digit serial number system remained in use until 1975. This means the same serial number may point to a guitar from either the 1960s or the 1970s.
Some Gibson serial numbers from 1970 to 1975 repeat numbers that were already used in 1964 and 1965. In 1970, some six-digit serial numbers also had an A suffix.
The chart below shows the possible years for each serial number range.
Gibson headstock Serial Number chart, 1970-1975
| Serial Number Range | Production Year |
|---|---|
| 000000 – 099999 | 1973 |
| 100000 – 199999 | 1970 – 1975 |
| 200000 – 299999 | 1973 – 1975 |
| 300000 – 399999 | 1974 – 1975 |
| 400000 – 499999 | 1974 – 1975 |
| 500000 – 599999 | 1974 – 1975 |
| 600000 – 699999 | 1970 – 1972 1974 – 1975 |
Gibson Limited Edition Serial Number
Limited editions made from 1975 to 1977 have a gold serial number and a “MADE IN USA” stamp. The first two digits show the year: 99 = 1975, 00 = 1976, and 06 = 1977.
8-Digit Gibson Serial Number Since 1977
In 1977, Gibson started using an eight-digit serial number system.
The first and fifth digits show the year. The 3 digits between them show the day of the year. The last 3 digits show the production number.
For example, 80923015 means 1983, day 092 (April 2), production number 015.
After the Nashville factory opened, the last three digits also showed where the guitar was made. Numbers 001-499 were used for guitars made in Kalamazoo, while 500-999 were used for guitars made in Nashville.
Nashville continued using this system until 1989, even after the Kalamazoo factory closed in 1984.
9-Digit Gibson Serial Number Since 2005
In July 2005, Gibson added a ninth digit to the serial number. The first six digits are the batch number, and the last three show the guitar’s place in that batch. The sequence runs from 500 to 699.
For example, 113142030 is the 30th guitar from batch 4 of May 11, 2014.
When the sequence reaches 699, the batch number goes up by 1 and the sequence starts again at 500.
The system changed again at the beginning of 2014. The day and batch number were no longer included in the serial number.
The serial number now had 9 digits. The first two showed the year, and the last seven were the production number.
For example, 160001234 means production year 2016, with production number 0001234.
Gibson closed the Memphis factory in April 2019. USA-made solid-body guitars are now produced only in Nashville.
- YY: Represents the production year.
- DDD: The day of the year (from 001 to 365).
- RRRR: Indicates the factory number for that specific day, starting with 0001.
Gibson Custom Guitar Serial Numbers
Gibson Custom guitars have a detailed serial number system that varies by model and production year. Here’s a breakdown of the different formats used for various Custom serials:
1952-1960 Reissues: Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, Futura
Gibson Custom reissues of 1952-1960 Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Futura models have used a special serial number format since late 1992.
Format: M YRRR or MYRRRR.
- M: The model year being reissued.
- Y: The production year of the guitar.
- RRR(R): The guitar’s place in production for that year. The production number includes all models from the same reissue year. For example, a 1958 Reissue serial number may belong to either a ’58 Les Paul Standard or a ’58 Explorer.
Example: 6 1234 is the 234th 1956 reissue model produced in 2001.
1961-1969 Reissues: Firebird, Les Paul, and SG
Starting in 1997, Gibson Custom 1961-1969 Firebird, Les Paul, and SG reissues, use the format YYRRRM:
- YY: The production year of the guitar
- RRR(R): Indicates the guitar’s place in production for that year
- M: The model being reissued
Reissue Model Codes:
- 1 = SG Custom and Special
- 2 = SG Standard
- 3 = 1963 Firebird 1
- 4 = 1964 Firebird III
- 5 = 1965 Firebird V & VII
- 8 = 1968 Les Paul Custom
Example: 0600303 indicates the 30th 1963 Firebird 1 reissue produced in 2006.
Historic ES Models since 1995
Starting in 1995, Gibson Historic ES reissues use the serial number format (A or B)-MYRRR:
- M: The model (and year being reissued)
- Y: The production year
- RRR: The guitar’s place in the production sequence for that year
Reissue Model Codes:
- 2 = ES-295
- 3 = 1963 ES-335 (block inlays)
- 4 = ES-330
- 5 = ES-345
- 9 with an “A” prefix = 1959 ES-335 (dot inlays)
- 9 with a “B” prefix = ES-355
Example: B-59010 indicates the 10th ES-355 reissue produced in 1999.
Carved Top Models – Serial Number on Orange Label
For Carved Top models, serial numbers use the format YDDDYRRR:
- YY: The production year
- DDD: The day of the year (from 001 to 365)
- RRR: Indicates the guitar’s place in the sequence of carved tops produced on that day
Important Note: Starting in the year 2000, the first digit of the serial number will always be a “2.”
Example: 20123015: This is the 15th carved top produced on the 123rd day of 2020.
Custom Shop Regular Production Models
Custom Shop regular production models use the format CSYRRRR:
- CS: Stands for “Custom Shop”
- Y: Indicates the production year
- RRRR: Represents the guitar’s place in the sequence of production
Example: CS20432: This is the 432nd regular production Custom Shop model produced in 2002.
Custom Shop Signature Models
For CS Signature Models, the serial numbers vary depending on the specific model. Below are some notable examples:
Ace Frehley Les Paul: This model was produced in a limited run in 1997 and is numbered as “ACE xxx“
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul features a standard 8-digit serial number.
Andy Summers ES-335: This is a limited edition of 50 units, numbered as “AS xxxx.”
Dickey Betts ’57 Goldtop Les Paul: This limited edition consists of 114 units, numbered as “DB xxx.”
Dickey Betts ’57 Redtop Les Paul: This model is numbered as “DBR xxx.”
Gary Rossington Les Paul: This model has a limited edition of 250 units and is numbered as “GR xxx.”
Gary Rossington SG: This is also a limited edition of 250 units, numbered as “13xxx.”
Jimmy Page Les Paul:
- The first 25 aged models are hand-numbered from 1 to 25 and signed by Jimmy Page, with no additional number on these models
- There is a limited run of 150 aged models, numbered as “PAGE xxx”
- An unlimited series of Custom Authentic models is numbered as “JPP xxx”
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul uses a standard 8-digit serial number
Joe Perry Les Paul:
- The Joe Perry Signature Les Paul from 1996 (in transparent black) is numbered as “JPxxx”
- The Boneyard LP features Pilot Run models with an inked number and handwritten “Pilot Run.” The regular production version is numbered as “BONE xxx”
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Joe Perry Signature Les Paul has a standard 8-digit serial number
Johnny A.: This model is numbered as “JA xxx”
Pete Townshend LP Deluxe: This limited run of 75 units is numbered as “PETE xxx.”
Peter Frampton Les Paul:
- The PF LP Custom is numbered as “PF xxx”
- The PF LP Special is numbered as “PFYxxx,” where Y indicates the year of production
Slash Les Paul:
- The limited edition model from 1997 (cranberry finish) is numbered as “SL xxx”
- The regular production model from 2004 is also numbered as “SL xxx”
Note: The discontinued Epiphone Slash Les Paul has a standard Epiphone serial number
Tony Iommi SG: This model is numbered as “TI xxx.”
Zakk Wylde Les Paul:
- The Bullseye and the rare “Rough Top” versions are numbered as “ZW xxx”
- The camo version is numbered as “ZPW xxx”
Dating a Gibson by Pot Codes
If the Gibson serial number is missing or unreadable, the pot codes can also help you date the guitar. These codes show who made the pot and the year and week it was made.
Gibson used pots from several companies, including IRC, CTS, CentraLab, and CGE.
IRC and CGE pots were used in the 1950s.
CGE pots wore out quickly, so Gibson later switched to CTS and then CentraLab.
Dating a Gibson by the Headstock Logo
The Gibson logo can also help you estimate the age of a guitar.
The first Gibson logo, used from 1902 to 1920, had italic lettering with pearl inlay. Some guitars from 1903 to 1907 had straight lettering or no logo at all.
By the late 1920s, the logo was no longer slanted. Some flat-top guitars from this period did not have the word “The” in the logo.
From late 1933 to 1943, Gibson dropped “The” from its logos. The earlier thin lettering was also replaced with a thicker style.
From 1943 to 1947, the logo appeared in thick gold lettering. This is also known as the banner logo. Some models, including the LG-2 and L-50, had a banner across the headstock with the words “Only a Gibson Is Good Enough.”
The block logo appeared after World War II and is still used today. Between 1968 and 1981, some guitars did not have a dot over the “i.”
The dot returned on most Gibson guitars in 1972 and on the remaining models by 1981.
Gibson Banjo Serial Numbers
Gibson banjos made since 1988 use several serial number formats, depending on the model. Here are the main formats:
Earl Scruggs Models:
- Standard: Uses a simple sequential production number starting at 001
- ’49 Classic: Follows the format YY-RR, where YY represents the year of manufacture and RR is the sequence number, beginning from 01
- Golden Deluxe: Shares the same YY-RR format as the ’49 Classic
- Flint Hill Special: The serial number format is FH-YY-RR, with FH indicating the model, YY for the year, and RR as the sequence number, starting at 01
- Special: Uses the ES-YY-RR format, where ES stands for Earl Scruggs, YY represents the year, and RR is the sequence number
Style 250:
- The format is 250-TT-RR, where 250 represents the model, TT indicates the year of manufacture, and RR is the sequence number, starting from 01
Granada:
- Follows the format YY-MM-RR, with YY for the year, MM for the month, and RR for the sequence number
RB Models:
- These use a simple sequential production number, typically in the format RB###
Other Models:
- Most other models follow the format S(S)-YYMM-RR, where S(S) indicates the style, YYMM represents the year and month of manufacture, and RR is the sequence number
Gibson Goldtone Amp Serial Numbers
Gibson Goldtone amp serial numbers include the product code, production number, and the quarter and year the amp was made.
Example: G-12/345/499.
- G stands for Gibson and can sometimes look like a 6
- 12 is the product code
- 345 is the production number
- 499 means the amp was made in the 4th quarter of 1999