The most comprehensive Fender serial number decoder available — covering every format from the earliest 1950 bridge plate stamps through today’s US-prefix models, with full support for Japanese, Mexican, and Custom Shop instruments. Enter your serial number below and the tool will guide you to a precise result.
Use our free decoder tool to instantly identify the year your Gibson was made — covering every serialization system from the early Kalamazoo label era through today’s 9-digit format, plus Factory Order Numbers, pot codes, and model-specific guides for the Les Paul, ES-335, and SG. Just like our Gibson shipment totals guide, it can help you discover the rarity and value of your Gibson!
If you’re holding a Martin guitar, you’re holding a piece of music history. Finding the exact year of production is the first step in understanding its story and its true market value. Our lookup tool above cross-references official Nazareth records to give you an instant date for your instrument.
Rickenbacker used several distinct serial number systems across nine decades of production. This guide covers every era — from the earliest 1950s Combos through the current year+week format — plus a comprehensive spec-dating section to help you pin down a guitar when the serial number alone isn’t enough. Once you know what you have, get a free appraisal from Joe to find out what it’s worth.
The definitive resource for Gretsch guitar serial number lookup and dating — covering every production era from 1939 to the present day. Whether you’re holding a penciled pre-war number, a Baldwin-era date code, or a modern Fender-era prefix, this guide will walk you through exactly how to read it. We also cover the physical spec changes — pickups, logos, labels, hardware — that let you cross-check (or date) a guitar even when the serial number is missing, faded, or confusing.
Dating and authenticating a vintage Guild is a critical step in determining its market value. While serial number charts are a vital foundation, they are only one part of the puzzle. Guild’s history is defined by shifts in manufacturing locations—from Manhattan and Hoboken to Westerly, Tacoma, and New Hartford—each with its own unique characteristics and numbering quirks.
We hear it all the time: “I have a vintage Fender amplifier, can you help me find out what year it was made?” Yes we can! In fact, we’ve helped people date their amplifiers so many times, we decided to write up a comprehensive guide for dating your Fender amplifier!
