How To Read Gibson Serial Numbers

Find Out The Year Your Gibson Guitar Was Made With Our Guide

Table Of Contents

Reading Gibson Factory Order Numbers From
Where To Locate Your Gibson Guitar’s Serial Number
Decoding Gibson Serial Numbers From
Gibson Serial Numbers On Solid Body Electric Guitars
Gibson Serial Number Lookup Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Gibson Serial Numbers
Discover The Value Of Your Gibson With Joe’s Vintage Guitars
Receive a Free Vintage Guitar Consultation

Gibson used several different methods of serialization to date their instruments. The methods of serialization varied over the years and are detailed in this serial number guide. While serial numbers & factory order numbers are not the most foolproof way to date a Gibson guitar, they can often be fairly accurate, especially on later model instruments. If you need help dating or selling a vintage Gibson, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

For a more detailed evaluation, consider our FREE APPRAISAL services to accurately assess the value of your Gibson guitar.

Reading Gibson Factory Order Numbers From:

While not every vintage Gibson guitar has a serial number, nearly every Gibson acoustic and hollow body instrument has a “factory order number”. Factory order numbers were typically written or stamped in ink inside the body of the instrument.

From 1902-1945, Gibson used a sequential factory order number which consisted of a 3, 4, or 5-digit number sometimes followed by one or two other numbers. Only the first 3, 4, or 5 digit number is used in dating the instrument, the second set of numbers do not aid in dating the instrument.

FONs (factory order numbers) were reused for certain years, so they are not 100% accurate by themselves, but when combining them with an instrument’s features, it is possible to ascertain the production year. If not, it can at least be used as a guide to approximate the era in which the instrument was built. A suffix was sometimes included when reusing serial numbers during these years, but this is not always the case.

Below is an example of a Gibson ink stamp factory order number. Stamp locations vary inside of the body of the guitar. If you need help with serial numbers or have a Gibson you would like to sell, please contact me!

1902-1945

FONs from 1902-1945 and their corresponding years are as follows:

Years 1902 – 1916: 1 to 3650
Years 1917 – 1923: 11000 to 12000
Years 1924 – 1925: 11000A to 11250A (a suffix is not always present)
Years 1925 – 1931: 8000 to 9999
Years 1931 – 1933: 1 to 890
1934: 1 to 1500
1935: 1A to 1520A
1936: 1B to 1100B
1937: 1C to 1400C
1938: 1D to 1000D
1939: 1E to 980E
Years 1940 – 1945: 1 to 7900 (Letters can be present in FONs from this period.)

From 1935-1942, factory order numbers often included an alphabetical suffix (a letter at the end of the number). These suffixes can help us find the year of manufacture. Many FONs from this era have several letters in the suffix. The FIRST number in the alphabetical suffix indicates the year. Subsequent letters indicate model and manufacturing specifications and are NOT used in dating the instrument. Please get in touch with me if you would like to sell your Gibson guitar to a passionate collector and player.

Letter suffixes from 1935-1942 and their corresponding years
are as follows:

1935: A
1936: B
1937: C
1938: D
1939: E
1940: F
1941: E
1941: G
1942: H

1942-1951

FONs from 1942-1951 were very inconsistent and many guitars didn’t even have FONs. That being said, there are many guitars from this era that can be dated by their FON. If you need help with serial numbers or have a Gibson you would like to sell, please contact me!

FONS from 1942-1951 and their corresponding years are as follows:

1942: 907, 910, 923, 2004, 2005, 7000s
1943: 900-2200
1944: 2200-2900
1945: 100-1000
1947: 700-1000 (FONs are not very reliable from 45′-47′)
1948: 1100-3700
1949: 2000-2999
1950: 3000-5999
1951: 6000-9999

1952-1961

Thankfully, from 1952-1961 FONs became much more reliable and consistent. Gibson used an alphabetical PREFIX during this time (a letter before the number). These can be used to date the instrument very reliably. Please get in touch with me if you would like to sell your Gibson guitar!

FON Prefixes from 1952-1961 and their corresponding years are as follows:

1952: Z
1953: Y
1954: X
1955: W
1956: V
1957: U
1958: T
1959: S
1960: R
1961: Q

Note: The numbers that correspond to each year are the LAST serial number for that given year. Please get in touch with me if you would like to sell your Gibson guitar to a passionate collector and player.

Where To Locate Your Gibson Guitar’s Serial Number

Detailed Diagram of Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster with Notes Highlighting Common Locations of Serial Number

|← Scroll to see the full image

Decoding Gibson Serial Numbers From:

1902-1947

1903: 1150
1904: 1850
1905: 2550
1906: 3350
1907: 4250
1908: 5450
1909: 6950
1910: 8750
1911: 10850
1912: 13350
1913: 16100
1914: 20150
1915: 25150
1916: 32000
1917: 39500
1918: 47900
1919: 53800
1920: 62200
1921: 69300
1922: 71400
1923: 74900
1924: 80300
1925: 82700
1926: 83600
1927: 85400
1928: 87300
1929: 89750
1930: 90200
1931: 90450
1932: 90700
1933: 91400
1934: 92300
1935: 92800
1936: 94100
1937: 95200
1938: 96050
1940: 96600
1941: 97400
1942: 97700
1943: 97850
1944: 98250
1945: 98650
1946: 99300
1947: 999999

1947-1960

Dating your Gibson Guitar from 1947-1960 Using the Serial Number:

1947: A 1305
1948: A 2665
1949: A 4410
1950: A 6596
1951: A 9420
1952: A 12460

1953: A 17435
1954: A 18665
1955: A 21910
1956: A 24755
1957: A 26820
1958: A 28880
1959: A 32285
1960: A 34645

1961-1970

Starting in 1961, Gibson began a new method of serialization. These serial numbers are unfortunately some of the least reliable Gibson ever used, especially from the mid 1960s onwards. While a guitar’s serial number from this time period can give you a general idea of the approximate year, it is necessary to date guitars from this era by their features. Contact me if you need help dating, valuing or selling a guitar from this time period.

Serial numbers for guitars from 1970-1975 are as follows: (Note, once again, rather unreliable).

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
000001 to 099999 – 1967
100000 to 106099 – 1963 or 1967
106100 to 106899 – 1963
109000 to 109999 – 1963 or 1967
110000 to 111549 – 1963
111550 to 115799 – 1963 or 1967
115800 to 118299 – 1963
118300 to 120999 – 1963 or 1967
121000 to 139999 – 1963
140000 to 140100 – 1963 or 1967
140101 to 144304 – 1963
144305 to 144380 – 1964
144381 to 149864 – 1963
149865 to 149891 – 1964
149892 to 152989 – 1963
152990 to 174222 – 1964
174223 to 176643 – 1964 or 1965
176644 to 250335 – 1964
250336 to 305983 – 1965
306000 to 310999 – 1965 or 1967
311000 to 320149 – 1965
320150 to 320699 – 1967
320700 to 329179 – 1965
329180 to 330199 – 1965 or 1967
330200 to 332240 – 1965, 1967 or 1968
332241 to 348092 – 1965
348093 to 349100 – 1966
349121 to 368638 – 1965
368640 to 369890 – 1966
370000 to 370999 – 1967
380000 to 385309 – 1966
390000 to 390998 – 1967
400001 to 406666 – 1966
406667 to 409670 – 1966, 1967 or 1968
409671 to 410900 – 1966
410901 to 419999 – 1966
420000 to 429193 – 1966
500000 to 500999 — 1965, 1966, 1968, or 1969
501009 to 501600 — 1965
501601 to 501702 — 1968
501703 to 502706 — 1965, 1968
503010 to 503109 — 1968
503405 to 520955 — 1965, 1968
520956 to 530056 — 1968
530061 to 530850 — 1966, 1968, 1969
530851 to 530993 — 1968 or 1969
530994 to 539999 — 1969
540000 to 540795 — 1966 or 1969
540796 to 545009 – 1969
555000 to 557999 – 1966
558000 to 567400 – 1969
570087 to 570643 – 1966
570645 to 570755 – 1966 or 1967
570857 to 570964 – 1966
580000 to 580080 – 1969
580086 to 580999 – 1966, 1967, 1969
600000 to 600998 – 1966, 1967, or 1968
600000 to 606090 – 1969
700000 to 700799 – 1966, 1967 or 1969
750000 to 750999 – 1968 or 1969
800000 to 800999 – 1966, 1967, 1968 or 1969
801000 to 812838 – 1966 or 1969
812900 to 819999 – 1969
820000 to 820087 – 1966 or 1969
820088 to 823830 – 1966
824000 to 824999 – 1969
828002 to 847488 – 1966 or 1969
847499 to 858999 – 1966 or 1969
859001 to 895038 – 1967
895039 to 896999 – 1968
897000 to 898999 – 1967 or 1969
899000 to 899999 – 1968
900000 to 909999 – 1970
910000 to 999999 – 1968

1970-1975

Gibson continued to use the unreliable 6-digit serial number system in 1970 on through to 1975. Guitars from this era are immediately distinguishable because of the “Made in USA” stamped on the back of their headstock as seen in the photo. Gibson began stamping made in the USA on guitars in 1970. If your guitar says “made in USA” on the back of the headstock, it was DEFINITELY made in 1970 or later. Please get in touch with me if you would like to sell your Gibson guitar to a passionate collector and player.

000000-100000 – 1973
100000-200000 – 1970-1975
200000-300000 – 1973-1975
300000-400000 – 1974-1975
400000-500000 – 1974-1975
500000-600000 – 1974-1975
600000-700000 – 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975
700000-800000 – 1970, 1971, 1972
800000-900000 – 1973, 1974, 1975
900000-999999 – 1970, 1971, 1972

1975-1977

99XXXXXX– 1975
00XXXXXX– 1976
06XXXXXX– 1977

1977 To Present

Starting in 1977 and continuing on until present day, Gibson began using a standardized and easy to read serial number system. This system was and is very reliable and will always give you a correct year on your guitar. The year of the guitar is determined by the FIRST and FIFTH digit of the number. These two digits represent the last two digits of the year. For example:

90008554 = 1998
05571664 = 2001
88765111 = 1985

The Gibson website also has a handy Serial Number Search that is free to access and use.

Gibson Serial Numbers On Solid Body Electric Guitars

Solid body electrics made between 1952 and 1961 received a stamp on the back of the headstock. For these years only, the first number indicates the year of manufacture. (For example, a serial number that reads “65341” would indicate a guitar manufactured in 1956).

Here are a few examples to help you get the hang of it!

93421 – 1959
05546 – 1960
39879 – 1953

If you have a Gibson solid body guitar with this serial number format you’d like to sell, please contact me!

Gibson Serial Number Lookup Resources

Decoding a Gibson guitar’s serial number is key to understanding its history, authenticity, and value. Whether you want to identify the year of manufacture or confirm its originality, you can get help with the following reliable resources that include trusted dealers and online tools.

Joe’s Vintage Guitars

At Joe’s Vintage Guitars, we offer helpful resources for identifying the production year and authenticity of Gibson guitars. We offer expert evaluation services and personalized guidance for vintage guitar owners looking to trace their instrument’s history.

Online Databases For Gibson Serial Numbers

Many online tools simplify Gibson serial number lookups. Sites like Guitar Dater Project, Reverb’s guide, and GuitarHQ feature searchable databases and serial number charts, helping users quickly identify the model year, factory location, and production sequence.

Official Gibson Serial Number Lookup

Gibson’s official website includes a serial number search guide that provides accurate details about most guitars manufactured after 1977. It decodes the date of production and batch number, making it a reliable source for verifying an instrument’s age and origin.

Frequently Asked Questions About | Gibson Serial Numbers

What Do Gibson Serial Numbers Tell Me About A Guitar?

Gibson serial numbers provide key information about a guitar’s production details. Depending on the era, they can reveal the year it was made, the factory location, and even its production sequence. For guitars made after 1977, the serial number format often includes the specific day of the year it was built and a plant code.

How Do I Decode A Gibson Serial Number?

It depends on the year and model. Since 1977, Gibson typically uses an 8-digit format where the 1st and 5th digits indicate the year, the 2nd through 4th digits show the day of the year, and the last three represent the production number. However, earlier guitars used different systems, so it’s best to use our official lookup tool or contact me directly!

Where Can I Find The Serial Number On My Gibson Guitar?

These are usually located on the back of the headstock, stamped or inked directly into the wood. On some vintage models, especially acoustics or hollow bodies, the serial number might also appear on the inside label through the soundhole. In rare cases, other locations may be used depending on the production era.

Are All Gibson Serial Numbers Unique To Each Guitar?

Most modern Gibson serial numbers are unique, but this hasn’t always been the case. In earlier decades, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, these numbers were reused or repeated sometimes. Because of this, serial numbers alone may not fully identify a vintage guitar without other supporting details like hardware, construction style, or pot codes.

How Can I Use A Gibson Serial Number To Confirm The Authenticity Of My Guitar?

While a Gibson guitar’s serial number, when used with the brand’s official lookup tool, can help verify its production date and model consistency, it’s only a starting point for confirming authenticity. Counterfeit instruments may feature fake or duplicated serial numbers, which is why we always recommend additional inspection of craftsmanship, hardware, logo design, and origin.

Discover The Value Of Your Gibson With Joe’s Vintage Guitars

Want to learn more about the history and value of your guitar? Contact Joe’s Vintage Guitars for a friendly and easy discussion regarding your guitar’s history and value!

Join the thousands of people who have unlocked the history of their treasured instruments

Reach out for a no-obligation assessment! Contact me today for more help!