DATING PRS GUITARS BY REFERENCE OF SERIAL NUMBERS

Initially, PRS serial numbers were imprinted with ink on the headstock. Every PRS guitar possesses a serial number that begins with a prefix indicating the year of production. This prefix comprises one or two digits that correspond to the production year and is used across all models.

Where to find the serial number

The location of the serial number on a guitar varies depending on the model, with some having it hand-painted or printed on the headstock, while others feature it printed on the neck plate.

To determine the production year of your PRS guitar, you can utilize the serial number decoder or refer to the information about the dating system PROVIDED BELOW.

DECODER coming soon… see tables

All decoders:

PRS history in short

Paul Reed Smith, the founder of PRS, started building guitars as a hobby in college. After graduating, he continued to refine his craft and eventually founded PRS in 1985. At first, PRS only produced a small number of custom guitars each year, but the quality of these instruments quickly gained attention from professional musicians.

PRS guitars are known for their attention to detail in every aspect of construction, from the selection of woods to the hand-wiring of electronics. In addition to their meticulous craftsmanship, PRS guitars also have a distinctive look. The bird inlays on the fretboard have become an iconic symbol of the brand.

One of the key influences on PRS guitars has been the Gibson Les Paul. Smith was fascinated by the Les Paul’s sustain and rich tone, and he worked to incorporate those elements into his own designs. At the same time, Smith also drew inspiration from Fender’s Stratocaster, and he sought to combine the tonal characteristics of both instruments in his own guitars.

Over the years, PRS has expanded its lineup to include a wide range of models, from the classic Custom 24 to the hollowbody Archtop. In addition to electric guitars, PRS also produces acoustic guitars, basses, and amplifiers.

In 1995, PRS moved to a new factory in Stevensville, Maryland, where it continues to operate today. The company has also partnered with Cort Industries in South Korea to produce the more affordable SE series of guitars, which are also manufactured in Indonesia.

Despite its growth and success, PRS remains committed to its core values of quality and craftsmanship. Each guitar is still made by hand, with great care and attention to detail, and the company continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in guitar design and construction.

Serial numbers

Prefix for year code

The serial numbers on all guitars and basses start with a prefix indicating the year. This one or two digit prefix stands for the last digit (s) of the production year and applies to all models below.

Prefix for year code

PREFIXYEAR
01990 or 2000
11991 or 2001
21992 or 2002
31993 or 2003
41994 or 2004
51985 or 1995 or 2005
61086 or 1996 or 2006
71987 or 1997 or 2007
81988 or 1998
91989 or 1999
082008
092009
102010
112011
122012
132013
142014
152015
162016
172017
182018
192019

Set-Neck Serial Numbers
The serial number of a set-neck model is located on the back of the guitar’s headstock. After the year prefix, the remaining numbers indicate the sequential order of that year.

SERIALSYEAR
0001 – 04001985
0401 – 17001986
1701 – 35001987
3501 – 54001988
5401 – 76001989
5401 – 76001990
10101 – 126001991
12601 – 150001992
15001 – 179001993
 20901 – 246001995
24601 – 295001996
29501 – 346001997
34601 – 391001998
159133 – 1705911998
39101 – 444991999
44500 – 521992000
52200 – 621992001
62200 – 723532002
72354 – 822542003
82255 – 925552004
92556 – 1031032005
103104 – 1149402006
114941 – 1324012007
132402 – 1464192008
146420 – 1591322009
17901 – 209002010
170592 – 1838622011
183863 – 1964102012
183863 – 1964102013
206060 – 2154912014
215492 – 2249542015
224955 – 2361472016
236148 – 2466502017
246651 – 2576552018

CE Models
The serial number is located on the neck plate on the back of the guitar. After the number for the year follows a 7 or CE prefix, concerning the CE model, then sequential number.

PREFIXSERIALSYEAR
70001 – 02701988
70271 – 18301989
71831 – 32001990
73201 – 45401991
74541 – 70901992
77091 – 88201993
78821 – 107001994
710701 – 130001995
713001 – 146801996
714681 – 171301997
7 or CE17131 – 195801998
CE19581 – 207491999
CE20750 – 215992000
CE21600 – 231992001
CE23200 – 253892002
CE25390 – 263992003
CE26400 – 279002004
CE27901 – 293772005
CE29378 – 318002006
CE31801 – 327832007
CE32784 – 338812008

EG Models
The year of manufacture for the EG-models is determined in the same way as for the CE-models. Just like the CE-models, the serial number is located on the neck plate at the back of the guitar.
The next number, after the year number, determines the model (5 or EC) for the EG-models and then the sequential order of that year.

PREFIXSERIALSYEAR
50001 – 09201990
50921 – 12901991
51291 – 20701992
52071 – 28701993
52871 – 31901994
53191 – 33001995

S2 Models
The serial number of an S2-Series model is located on the back of the guitar’s headstock. After the prefix of the year, the remaining digits indicate the sequential order of the set neck models built.

SERIALSYEAR
S2000001 – S20038202013
S2003821 – S20105292014
S2010530 – S20173902015
S2017391 – S20233912016

Swamp Ash Special Models
The serial number is located on the neck plate on the back of the guitar.
The year of manufacture is determined in the same way for the Swamp Ash Special as for the CE and EC. The next number, after the year number, determines the model (8 or SA) for the SA-models and then the sequential order of that year.

PREFIXSERIALSYEAR
800001 – 004101997
8 or SA00411 – 007601998
SA00761 – 009691999
SA00970 – 011792000
SA01180 – 013992001
SA01400 – 018992002
SA01900 – 020992003
SA02100 – 022872004
SA02288 – 027002005
SA02701 – 028002006
SA02801 – 030552007
SA03056 – 032562008
SA03257 – 033122009

Bolt-On Bass
The serial number is located on the neck plate at the back of the bass.
After the prefix of the year, these models have the code number 4, which indicates a bolt-on neck bass. The following digits are the production order for that year.

PREFIXSERIALSYEAR
40001 – 00301989
40031 – 01401990
40141 – 02001991

Set-Neck Bass
The serial number will be located on the back of the headstock.
After the prefix of the year, these models have the code number 9, which indicates a set-neck model bass. The following digits are the production order for that year.

PREFIXSERIALSYEAR
90001 – 02301986/87
90231 – 03501988
90351 – 06801989
90681 – 07301990
90731 – 08001991

Electric Bass
The serial number will be located on the back of the headstock.
After the prefix of the year, these models have the letter code EB, which indicated Electric Bass. The following digits are the production order for that year.

PREFIXSERIALSYEAR
EB00007 – 000722000
EB00073 – 001992001
EB00200 – 004222002
EB00423 – 005012003
EB00502 – 006502004

SE Model Serial Numbers
The serial number on SE models will be located on the back of the headstock The year of construction for SE guitars can be determined by a letter prefix prior to the series of digits.

LETTERYEAR
A2000
B2001
C2002
D2003
E2004
F2005
G2006
H2007
I2008
J2009
K2010
L2011
M2012
N2013
O2014
P2015
Q2016
R2017
S2018
T2019
U2020
V2021
W2022
X2023
Y2024
Z2025

In addition to manufacturing in Stevensville, USA are also in Asia produced guitars for PRS.
Most guitars with a year letter are produced by World Musical Instruments in Korea. But SE models are also made for PRS in China and Indonesia.
These guitars have a 3 letter code for the letter of the production year.
CTC = Cort China CTI = Cort Indonesia.

FAQ

  1. How can I tell what year my PRS guitar was made?

    Initially, PRS serial numbers were imprinted with ink on the headstock. Every PRS guitar possesses a serial number that begins with a prefix indicating the year of production. This prefix comprises one or two digits that correspond to the production year and is used across all models. To check the production year of your PRS guitar, you can utilize the serial number decoder or refer to the information about the dating system.

  2. How do I find PRS guitar serial number?

    The location of the serial number on a PRS guitar varies depending on the model, with some having it hand-painted or printed on the headstock, while others feature it printed on the neck plate.