Identifying the hallmarks of a 1960s legend: This Thunderbird body displays the distinctive control layout and finish patterns essential for authenticating Hoboken-era Guilds.

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.

This guide provides the full technical data needed to date your instrument, along with professional authentication tips to ensure its originality. If you need help evaluating your vintage guitar, feel free to reach out for a free appraisal. If you are interested in selling a vintage guitar please don’t hesitate to reach out to receive a competitive cash offer.

This guide is optimized for mobile research. All serial number charts feature horizontal scrolling and sticky headers, allowing you to easily track model years and designations from your phone while on the go.

Part 1: The Early Eras (1952–1969)

The Numerical Sequence (1953–1959)

In the earliest years of production, Guild utilized a straightforward numerical sequence. These “Hoboken” era guitars are prized for their craftsmanship and often feature white internal labels.

General Ranges (1960–1969)

From 1960 to 1964, Guild continued using a single sequential numbering system for all models. From 1965 to 1969, a separate serial numbering system was introduced for each guitar model. Your serial number may be a sequential one or a model specific one. Look at both charts and compare to your serial number accordingly.

Model-Specific Ranges (1965–1969)

During this period, refer to the model-specific prefixes to determine the year.

Tip: An easy way to navigate the somewhat confusing model specific serial numbers on your computer is to press “ctrl + F” and then type your prefix into the search bar. You can then jump around the tables to the serial numbers that share the same prefix as your guitar. 

Part 2: The Westerly Era (1970–1979)

In 1970, Guild consolidated production back into a single sequential system. Dating Guilds from this period is much easier than the preceding era!

Part 3: Return to Model Prefixes (1979–1983)

In late 1979, the prefix system was reintroduced. What a headache! The figures below represent the last serial number produced for each year.

Part 4: Westerly Era Continued (1984–1989)

During this high-production era, Guild continued model-specific serialization. Match your model to find the last serial number of that year.

Part 5: The 90s Transition Era (1990–1994)

Guild continued model-specific serialization through 1994.

Part 6: Expansion and Model Prefixes (1994–1996)

For 1994, official factory records typically only provide the model prefix and the last serial number produced. However, for 1995 and 1996, Guild returned to providing the full production ranges (first and last serial numbers) for each individual model. The following table is a complete record of this transition era

Part 7: Late Westerly Era (1997–1999)

As the 1990s progressed, Guild provided detailed beginning and ending serial number ranges for each instrument model. This chart covers the production data for 1997, which includes several legendary acoustics and the continuation of the Starfire electric series.

Part 8: Modern Julian Dating & Authentication Checklist

The Julian Dating System (2005–Present)

For Guild instruments manufactured in Tacoma, Washington (starting February 2005) or New Hartford, Connecticut (starting December 2008), a specialized serial numbering system is used. These serial numbers consist of two letters followed by six digits (e.g., TJ 037 016):

• Factory Location: The first letter identifies the plant (T for Tacoma, N for New Hartford).

• Year Code: The second letter identifies the year of manufacture. For example, I=2005, J=2006, K=2007, L=2008, M=2009, and N=2010.

• Julian Day: The first three digits indicate the day of the year (001–365).

• Unit Number: The final three digits represent the specific unit number built on that day.

Professional Authentication Checklist

The flagship Guild X-500 from the 1960s—this example features a rare factory Bigsby tailpiece. Combining elegant aesthetics with professional-grade versatility, the X-500 remains one of the most sought-after archtops for collectors and players alike.

While serial numbers provide the baseline, expert authentication requires a physical inspection of these key areas:

1. Internal Labels

• Hoboken Era (1950s–60s): Look for a white label explicitly stating “Hoboken, New Jersey.”

• Westerly Era (1970s–90s): These typically moved to a cream or tan label.

• Consistency: Always ensure the serial number on the label matches the number stamped on the back of the headstock exactly.

2. Potentiometer (Pot) Codes

• For electric models, check the seven-digit EIA code on the pots.

• The first three digits (usually 137) identify the manufacturer (CTS).

• The next two digits identify the year, and the last two identify the week of production.

3. Finish and Structure

• Nitrocellulose Check: Vintage Guilds used nitrocellulose lacquer, which often develops fine “weather checking” lines over time.

• Binding Shrinkage: Minor shrinkage of the headstock or body binding is common in vintage units and is often a sign of original materials.