If you want to find out how old your Gibson is, the first thing to check is the serial number. It can help you determine the year of manufacture of your guitar.
Table of Contents
Where Can I Find a Gibson Serial Number?
On most Gibson electric guitars, the serial number is usually found on the back of the headstock.
On semi-hollow and hollow-body models, you may also find it inside the body through an F-hole, often on a paper label, or as a stamped number inside the instrument.
On acoustic Gibsons, the number may appear on the back of the headstock, on a label visible through the soundhole, or stamped on the neck block inside the guitar.
Gibson Serial Number Dater
To quickly identify your guitar, enter the serial number into the Gibson Serial Number Dater. It will show probable manufacturing date based on the numbering system.
Gibson reused some serial numbers and changed formats over time, so the same number can sometimes match more than one period. That is why our date tool must show all possible options, not just one result.
Gibson Serial Number Dating Guide
If the decoder didn’t return a result, or returned multiple results, then use our quick guide to Gibson serial numbers.
First of all, choose your guitar type:
If you have a Semi-Hollow, Hollow-Body or Acoustic guitar, then select the location of the serial number:
- Back of the Headstock
- Inside the F-Hole (Semi-Hollow, Hollow-Body Guitar) or inside the Round Soundhole (Acoustic Guitar)
If the serial number is located on the back of the headstock, check to see if there’s a “MADE IN USA“ inscription underneath the serial number:
If the headstock says “MADE IN USA“, select the serial number format:
- 6 Digits in a row without spaces, like XXXXXX (stamp engraved)
- 8 Digits in a row without spaces (stamp engraved)
- 9 Digits in a row without spaces (stamp engraved)
- 2 Digits (99, 00, 06), a Space, then 6 Digits, like 00 XXXXXX (the serial number is printed in gold font on the decal)
If the serial number does NOT say “MADE IN USA“, then select the serial number format:
- A Number, a Space, then 4 Digits, like 3 XXXX (the Stamp is applied in Ink)
- 6 Digits in a Row Without Spaces, like 4XXXXX (the Stamp is applied in Ink)
- 3-5 Digits in a Row Without Spaces, like XXXX (Stamp Engraved)
- 6 Digits in a Row Wthout Spaces (Stamp Engraved)
If the serial number is in the F-style Hole or in the Round Soundhole, then select the sticker type and serial number prefix:
- White label with an “A” Prefix
- White Label without Prefix
- Orange Label with an “A” Prefix
- Orange Label with No Letter Prefix – if your Gibson has an orange label without prefix, check the serial number on the back of the headstock. Beginning in 1961, Gibson began putting serial numbers on all guitars, but on some hollowbody and acoustic models, the same number was duplicated on an orange label.
- No Label, Number Printed in Ink on Wood
5-6 Digit Ink Stamped Headstock Serial Number (1953-1961)
These serial numbers were printed on Gibson guitars from 1953 to early 1961, including the Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Doubleneck.
How to read: The first digit represents the last digit of the year (3 XXXX = 1953).
Exceptions: Les Paul from 1952 and Les Paul Custom 1953 do not have serial numbers.
Reissue Guitars: Beginning in 1992, Gibson used a similar ink-printed serial number style for Custom Shop Reissue guitars. In this case, the first digit denotes the year of the reissue. The second digit indicates the year of manufacture, which could be 1992, or 2002, or 2012. It’s difficult to distinguish an original guitar from a reissue based on the number alone. So, be careful. If in doubt, inspect the instrument for additional characteristics.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 3 XXXX | 1953 |
| 4 XXXX | 1954 |
| 5 XXXX | 1955 |
| 6 XXXX | 1956 |
| 7 XXXX | 1957 |
| 8 XXXX | 1958 |
| 9 XXXX | 1959 |
| 0 XXXX | 1960 |
| 1 XXXX | 1961 |
Ink-Stamped Headstock Serial Number (1989-2006)
If the serial number is in ink, but the word “Classic” is written on the headstock at the front, then the guitar is a reissue model.
Use the chart below to match the number range to the year.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 9_001 – 9_999 | 1989 |
| 0_0001 – 0_9999 | 1990 |
| 1_0001 – 1_9999 | 1991 |
| 2_0001 – 2_9999 | 1992 |
| 3_0001 – 3_9999 | 1993 |
| 4_0001 – 4_9999 | 1994 |
| 5_0001 – 519999 | 1995 |
| 6_0001 – 619999 | 1996 |
| 7_0001 – 729999 | 1997 |
| 8_0001 – 899999 | 1998 |
| 9_0001 – 999999 | 1999 |
| 000001 – 009999 | 2000 |
| 010001 – 019999 | 2001 |
| 020001 – 029999 | 2002 |
| 030001 – 039999 | 2003 |
| 040001 – 049999 | 2004 |
| 050001 – 059999 | 2005 |
| 060001 – 069999 | 2006 |
3-5 Digit Gibson Headstock Serial Number (1961-1963)
If your Gibson has a 3 to 5 digit serial number, read the number carefully and compare it with the chart below. Match your number to the range where it falls between the first and last known numbers for that year.
Example: 58732
This falls within the 1962 range.
This format was used for Gibson guitars produced between 1961 and 1964, including models such as the Les Paul, SG, ES-335, ES-345, and ES-355.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 0100 to 42440 | 1961 |
| 42441 to 61180 | 1962 |
| 61450 to 64222 | 1963 |
| 64240 to 71040 | 1964 |
| 71041 to 96600 | 1962, 1963, or 1964 |
| 96601 to 99999 | 1963 |
6 Digit Headstock Serial Number (1963-1969)
A 6 digit serial number stamp is usually found on Gibson guitars made from 1963 to 1969.
To use this chart, first make sure there is no “MADE IN USA” stamp below the serial number. Then read the number carefully, especially the first three digits, and compare it with the ranges below.
Example: 153421
This falls within the 1964 range.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 000001 – 099999 | 1967 |
| 100000 – 106099 | 1963, 1967 |
| 106100 – 106899 | 1963 |
| 109000 – 109999 | 1963, 1967 |
| 110000 – 111549 | 1963 |
| 111550 – 115799 | 1963, 1967 |
| 115800 – 118299 | 1963 |
| 118300 – 120999 | 1963, 1967 |
| 121000 – 139999 | 1963 |
| 140000 – 140100 | 1963, 1967 |
| 140101 – 144304 | 1963 |
| 144305 – 144380 | 1964 |
| 144381 – 149864 | 1963 |
| 149865 – 149891 | 1964 |
| 149892 – 152989 | 1963 |
| 152990 – 174222 | 1964 |
| 174223 – 176643 | 1964, 1965 |
| 176644 – 250335 | 1964 |
| 250336 – 305983 | 1965 |
| 306000 – 310999 | 1965, 1967 |
| 311000 – 320149 | 1965 |
| 320150 – 320699 | 1967 |
| 320700 – 329179 | 1965 |
| 329180 – 330199 | 1965, 1967 |
| 330200 – 332240 | 1965, 1967, 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, 1967, 1968 |
| 409671 – 410900 | 1966 |
| 410901 – 419999 | Year not confirmed |
| 420000 – 429193 | 1966 |
| 500000 – 500999 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969 |
| 501009 – 501600 | 1965 |
| 501601 – 501702 | 1968 |
| 501703 – 502706 | 1965, 1968 |
| 503010 – 503109 | 1968 |
| 503405 – 520955 | 1965, 1968 |
| 520956 – 530056 | 1968 |
| 530061 – 530850 | 1966, 1968, 1969 |
| 530851 – 530993 | 1968, 1969 |
| 530994 – 539999 | 1969 |
| 540000 – 540795 | 1966, 1969 |
| 540796 – 545009 | 1969 |
| 555000 – 557999 | 1966 |
| 558000 – 567400 | 1969 |
| 570087 – 570643 | 1966 |
| 570645 – 570755 | 1966, 1967 |
| 570857 – 570964 | 1966 |
| 580000 – 580080 | 1969 |
| 580086 – 580999 | 1966, 1967, 1969 |
| 600000 – 600998 | 1966, 1967, 1968 |
| 600000 – 606090 | 1969 |
| 700000 – 700799 | 1966, 1967, 1969 |
| 750000 – 750999 | 1967, 1968, 1969 |
| 800000 – 800999 | 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 |
| 801000 – 812838 | 1966, 1969 |
| 812900 – 819999 | 1969 |
| 820000 – 820087 | 1966, 1969 |
| 820088 – 823830 | 1966 |
| 824000 – 824999 | 1969 |
| 828002 – 847488 | 1966, 1969 |
| 847499 – 858999 | 1966, 1969 |
| 859001 – 895038 | 1967 |
| 895039 – 896999 | 1968 |
| 897000 – 898999 | 1967, 1969 |
| 899000 – 899999 | 1968 |
| 900000 – 909999 | 1970 |
| 910000 – 999999 | 1968 |
Important: Gibson reused some 6 digit serial number ranges in the 1960s, so these numbers should be used as a starting point, not as exact year.
6 Digit Gibson Headstock Serial Number with MADE IN USA Stamp (1970-1975)
Gibson began adding a “MADE IN USA” stamp to the back of the headstock in 1970.
If your guitar has a 6 digit serial number and “MADE IN USA” stamped below it, use the chart below.
Example: 800000
This points to 1973 to 1975.
For guitars from this period, pot codes can also help narrow down the date.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 000000 | 1973 |
| 100000 | 1970-1975 |
| 200000 | 1973-1975 |
| 300000 | 1974-1975 |
| 400000 | 1974-1975 |
| 500000 | 1974-1975 |
| 600000 | 1970-1972, 1974-1975 |
| 700000 | 1970-1972 |
| 800000 | 1973-1975 |
| 900000 | 1970-1972 |
8 Digit Headstock Serial Number with MADE IN USA Stamp (1977-2005)
These 8 digit serial number are usually found on the back of the headstock of Gibson guitars made from 1977 to 2005.
How to read:
- The 1st and 5th digits show the year;
- The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th digits show the day of the year;
- The last 3 digits show the production ranking for that day.
A commonly used rule:
- Numbers below 500 usually point to Kalamazoo;
- Numbers above 500 usually point to Nashville.
Example: 82765543
The 1st digit is 8 and the 5th digit is 5, so the year is 85.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th digits are 276, which means the 276th day of the year.
The last 3 digits are 543, which are the production ranking number for that day.
Because this format was used for many years, you need to match it with the correct production period as well.
8 Digit Headstock Serial Number with MADE IN USA Gold Decal (1975-1977)
These serial numbers are usually found printed in gold on a clear sticker applied to the back of the headstock on Gibson guitars made from 1975 to 1977.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 99xxxxxx | 1975 |
| 00xxxxxx | 1976 |
| 06xxxxxx | 1977 |
9 Digit Headstock Gibson Serial Number with MADE IN USA Stamp (Since 2005)
Gibson updated its serial number system in 2005 by adding an extra digit for the batch number.
How to read:
- The 1st and 5th digits still show the year;
- The 6th digit was added as an extra batch digit.
Example: 017650123
The 1st digit is 0 and the 5th digit is 5, so the year is 2005.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th digits are 176, which means the 176th day of the year.
The 6th digit is 0, which is the batch number.
The last 3 digits are 123, which are the production ranking number.
White Label Gibson Serial Number (1910-1946)
The chart below covers serial numbers printed on white paper labels inside Gibson hollow-body and instruments.
This chart applies to Gibson serial numbers, Not Factory Order Numbers (FONs). These white-label serial numbers were used on instruments made between 1903 and 1947.
Example: 84527
This falls within the 1927 range.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 1 – 1500 | 1903 |
| 1501 – 2500 | 1904 |
| 2501 – 3500 | 1905 |
| 3501 – 5500 | 1906 |
| 5501 – 8300 | 1907 |
| 8301 – 9700 | 1908 |
| 9701 – 10100 | 1909 |
| 10101 – 10600 | 1910 |
| 10601 – 10850 | 1911 |
| 10851 – 13350 | 1912 |
| 13351 – 16100 | 1913 |
| 16101 – 20150 | 1914 |
| 20151 – 25150 | 1915 |
| 25150 – 32000 | 1916 |
| 32001 – 39500 | 1917 |
| 39501 – 47900 | 1918 |
| 47901 – 53800 | 1919 |
| 53801 – 63650 | 1920 |
| 63651 – 69300 | 1921 |
| 69301 – 71400 | 1922 |
| 71401 – 74900 | 1923 |
| 74901 – 81200 | 1924 |
| 81201 – 82700 | 1925 |
| 82701 – 83600 | 1926 |
| 83601 – 85400 | 1927 |
| 85401 – 87300 | 1928 |
| 87301 – 89750 | 1929 |
| 89751 – 90200 | 1930 |
| 90201 – 90450 | 1931 |
| 90451 – 90700 | 1932 |
| 90701 – 91400 | 1933 |
| 91401 – 92300 | 1934 |
| 92301 – 92800 | 1935 |
| 92801 – 94100 | 1936 |
| 94101 – 95200 | 1937 |
| 95201 – 95750 | 1938 |
| 95751 – 96050 | 1939 |
| 96051 – 96600 | 1940 |
| 96601 – 97400 | 1941 |
| 97401 – 97700 | 1942 |
| 97701 – 97850 | 1943 |
| 97851 – 98250 | 1944 |
| 98251 – 98650 | 1945 |
| 98651 – 99300 | 1946 |
| 99301 – 99999 | 1947 |
White Label Serial Number with A Prefix (1947-1955)
Gibson restarted the sequence in 1947 and added an A prefix.
If the serial number begins with A- on a white label, use the chart below.
Example: A-7325
This falls within the 1951 range.
| Start | Finish | Year |
|---|---|---|
| A-100 | A-1304 | 1947 |
| A-1305 | A-2665 | 1948 |
| A-2666 | A-4413 | 1949 |
| A-4414 | A-6597 | 1950 |
| A-6598 | A-9419 | 1951 |
| A-9420 | A-12462 | 1952 |
| A-12463 | A-16101 | 1953 |
| A-16102 | A-18667 | 1954 |
| A-18668 | A-20000 | 1955 |
Gibson Orange Label Serial Numbers with A Prefix (1955-1961)
Orange labels with an A prefix are found on Gibson guitars made from 1955 to 1961, and also on some modern reissues.
If your serial number begins with A-, compare it with the chart below.
Example: A-30114
This falls within the 1959 range.
| Start | Finish | Year |
|---|---|---|
| A-20001 | A-21909 | 1955 |
| A-21910 | A-24755 | 1956 |
| A-24756 | A-26819 | 1957 |
| A-26820 | A-28880 | 1958 |
| A-28881 | A-32284 | 1959 |
| A-32285 | A-35645 | 1960 |
| A-35646 | A-36147 | 1961 |
| A-36147 | A-9999999 | Reissue |
Ink-stamped Gibson Number Inside the Soundhole – Factory Order Numbers (1908-1923)
If you have a Gibson hollowbody and there’s no label in the F-hole, but you see a number printed in ink, then this guide is for you.
If you have an acoustic guitar and there’s no sticker in the round soundhole, but you see a number printed on the neck block inside the guitar, then look up Gibson Letter Prefix Number.
The table below is a guide to 3 to 5 digit ink-stamped numbers applied directly to the wood without a letter prefix.
These are Factory Order Numbers, usually shortened to FONs. A Factory Order Number identifies a batch of guitars, not one individual instrument.
Until 1961, many Gibson low- and mid-grade models used an FON instead of a regular serial number.
Find the number closest to yours in the table below.
| Serial Number | Start Year | End Year |
|---|---|---|
| 200 – 1000 | 1908 | 1910 |
| 1000 – 2000 | 1910 | 1914 |
| 2000 – 4000 | 1914 | 1917 |
| 11000 – 11300 | 1917 | 1920 |
| 11300 – 11500 | 1920 | 1922 |
| 11500 – 11973 | 1922 | 1923 |
Ink-stamped Gibson Number Inside the F Soundhole (1947-1951)
In typical Gibson fashion, the company reused part of the same FON range again from 1947 to 1951.
This range is not completely consistent, but it can still help you place the guitar in the right general period.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 700 to 1099 | 1947 |
| 1100 to 3700 | 1948 |
| 3700 to 4500 | 1949 |
| 2000s | 1949 |
| 3000 to 5000 | 1950 |
| 6000 to 9000 | 1951 |
Letter Prefix Number Inside the Soundhole (1935-1961)
These numbers can be found in guitars with F-holes and in round-hole flattop acoustics.
If your Gibson has a letter-prefixed Factory Order Number stamped inside the body, use the list below.
Example: D 2876
The letter D points to 1938.
| Factory Order Letter | Year |
|---|---|
| A | 1935 |
| B | 1936 |
| C | 1937 |
| D or DA | 1938 |
| E + extra letter | 1939 |
| F + extra letter | 1940 |
| E | 1941 |
| G | 1941 |
| F | 1942, 1943 |
| H | 1942 |
Note: the A prefix in this section refers to an ink stamp on wood, not an A-prefix paper label.
FON letter prefixes were discontinued for a time, then returned in 1952 in reverse alphabetical order, beginning with Z.
| Factory Order Letter | Year |
|---|---|
| Z | 1952 |
| Y | 1953 |
| X | 1954 |
| W | 1955 |
| V | 1956 |
| U | 1957 |
| T | 1958 |
| S | 1959 |
| R | 1960 |
| Q | 1961 |
In 1961, Gibson switched to individual serial numbers for later model instruments.
Gibson Serial Number Exceptions and Special Cases
Most Gibson serial numbers follow the main formats in this guide, but there are a few important exceptions.
A few 1958 Les Paul Junior and Special guitars appear with unusual 4 digit serial numbers, which do not fit the more familiar later patterns. Known examples usually fall in the 6000 to 7000 range.
Les Paul Classic guitars use their own serial number system, not the normal Gibson production charts. On 1989 to 1999 models, the serial is usually a 5 digit ink-stamped number. The first digit gives the last digit of the year, and the remaining digits are the production number. For example, 3 4567 points to 1993.
On 2000 to 2006, the format becomes 6 digits, where the first 2 digits give the year and the last 4 digits are the production number. So, 03 0542 points to 2003.
Gibson Custom Shop and Reissue models are also exceptions. They often use a different serial number structure from standard Gibson.
The 1970s Les Paul Spotlight Special used a YY nnnn numbering style, with the first two digits showing the year and the remaining digits showing the ranking number. So, 78 1234 would indicate 1978.
One more detail that matters on later guitars is the factory ranking number. On the 1977 and later 8 digit system, numbers usually started at 001 each day in Kalamazoo and Bozeman, while Nashville production started at 500. That does not change the date, but it can help identify the plant.
Rare and Unusual Gibson Serial Number Chart
| Special Case | Years | What Makes It Different | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Les Paul Junior and Special | 1958 | Uses 4 digit numbers 6000-7000 | Check the model and the early solid-body ranges |
| Les Paul Classic | 1989 to 1999 | Uses a 5 digit ink-stamped serial format | First digit = last digit of the year, last 4 digits = production number |
| Les Paul Classic | 2000 to 2006 | Uses a 6 digit serial format | First 2 digits = year, last 4 digits = production number |
| Custom Shop models | Often use separate serial number formats | Check the Custom Shop format before using the standard chart | |
| Reissue models | Often use reissue-specific serial systems | Decode by Reissue format, not by regular production charts | |
| Les Paul Spotlight Special | Uses YY nnnn format | First 2 digits = year, remaining digits = production number | |
| Factory Ranking Numbers | 1977 and later | Last digits can help identify the plant | Use them to help tell Kalamazoo, Nashville, or Bozeman apart |
What If Your Gibson Has No Serial Number
If your Gibson has no visible serial number, or the number is too faint to read, you can still determine the age of the guitar by checking a few other details. On many older Gibsons, the serial number is only one part of the dating process. Depending on the model and period, you may need to look at the Factory Order Number, the pot codes, and the guitar’s construction details.
On electric guitars from the mid-1950s onward, one of the best dating tool is the Potentiometer Code.
On many Gibson electric guitars, the pots have their own production code stamped on them. This code can help you estimate when the electronics were made, which gives you the earliest possible date for the guitar. It will not give you the exact production date, but it can get you much closer.
Pot codes are usually 6 or 7 digits long. The first part identifies the manufacturer, and the remaining digits show the date. On many vintage examples, the last digits indicate the year and week of production. For example, a pot made in the 30th week of a given year could not have been installed before that point. This is especially helpful on 1970s Gibson guitars, where serial number ranges were reused and pot codes can sometimes date the guitar more accurately than the headstock number alone.
You should also check whether the electronics look original. If the pots, wiring, or solder joints have been replaced or reworked, the pot codes may no longer reflect the guitar’s actual production period. If everything appears untouched, the codes are much more useful.
If pot codes are not available, the next step is to compare the guitar’s features with known Gibson specs from the same era. You should also check whether the parts appear to be original.
What to Check if the Serial Number is Missing:
- Pot codes
- Headstock shape
- Logo style
- Tuners
- Bridge and tailpiece
- Pickups
- Knobs and Plastics
- Body and Neck Construction