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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.
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!
FONs from 1902-1945 and their corresponding years are as follows:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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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.
Dating your Gibson Guitar from 1947-1960 Using the Serial Number:
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).
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.
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.
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:
The Gibson website also has a handy Serial Number Search that is free to access and use.
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!
If you have a Gibson solid body guitar with this serial number format you’d like to sell, please contact me!
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.
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.
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Joe’s Vintage Guitars
47 N Fraser Dr E
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: (602) 900-6635
Email: joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com
Written by Joe Dampt
“Driven by a love for classic tunes, I specialize in buying, selling, and appraising vintage guitars, bringing music and history together.”
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