How to read a Gibson serial number
Gibson has changed its numbering many times, and some old and new styles use the same number of digits. Two things tell them apart: how many digits there are, and how the number is applied. Pressed into the back of the headstock, with or without “MADE IN USA” underneath; ink-stamped onto the finish; on a clear decal; or on a paper label inside the body. Pick the matching option above, or “Not sure” to see every reading.
Modern serials: 8 and 9 digits (1977 on)
Since 1977, most Gibson USA serials are pressed into the back of the headstock and encode the day of production[6][1][3][5]:
Y D D D Y R R R → 7 010 8 276 → year 7+8 = 1978, day 010 = January 10, ranking 276
- Digits 1 and 5 together: the year.
- Digits 2–4: the day of the year (001 = January 1).
- The last three: the ranking, the order the guitar was stamped that day. Until 1984, 001–499 meant Kalamazoo and 500–999 Nashville.
In July 2005 Gibson added a batch digit, making serials 9 digits: Y DDD Y B RRR [6][1]. From 2014 to mid-2019 the first two digits were simply the model year (a new model year can start the previous autumn). Gibson says it returned to the day-coded 9-digit style in 2019 [6]; one independent guide still describes the 2014 style as current [1], so the lookup labels the post-2019 reading “per Gibson”.
A 2014–2019 serial can’t be mistaken for a day code: its digits 2–4 would make a day of 400 or more. Serials beginning 94 are from Gibson’s 1994 centennial year and don’t encode a day.
1975–1977: clear decals
For about two years Gibson printed 8-digit serials on a clear decal. The first two digits give the year:99 = 1975, 00 = 1976, 06 = 1977 [6][1][3].
1961–1975: pressed-in numbers
This is the hardest stretch to date. From 1961 to 1964, 3- to 5-digit numbers run roughly in order. From 1963 to 1970, 6-digit numbers without “MADE IN USA” were reused in blocks, up to four times, so one number can fit several years [5][1][3]. The three published tables also differ in detail, so the lookup takes every year any of them allows and shows which table gives which.
To narrow it down, check the guitar’s features: nut width was 1 11/16" before 1965 and 1 9/16" after, “witch hat” knobs arrived in 1967, and the pots carry date codes [3].
From 1970 to 1975, numbers have “MADE IN USA” stamped below them and the first digit only narrows the year:
| First digit | Years |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1973 |
| 1 | 1970–1975 |
| 2 | 1973–1975 |
| 3 | 1974 or 1975 |
| 4 | 1974 or 1975 |
| 5 | 1974 or 1975 |
| 6 | 1970–1972, 1974 or 1975 |
| 7 | 1970–1972 |
| 8 | 1973–1975 |
| 9 | 1970–1972 |
From 1973 to 1975 some numbers start with a letter A–F followed by six digits [5][3].
Before 1961
- 1903–1947, paper label: a plain number on the label inside the body, checked against tables of the last number used each year [1][2][3].
- 1947–1961, “A” + number on the label: started at A 100 in 1947 [2]. The sources differ slightly on where 1953 ends, and the lookup shows both years when a number falls in the gap.
- 1953–1961, ink stamp on solid bodies: a number like “9 2001” on the back of the headstock. The first digit is the last digit of the year: 9 2001 is 1959 [1][3][4].
- 1952–1961, factory order numbers: ink-stamped inside the body: a letter, a four-digit batch and a position, like “Y 2230 21”. The letter gives the year of the batch [1][2][3]:
| Letter | Z | Y | X | W | V | U | T | S | R | Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 1952 | 1953 | 1954 | 1955 | 1956 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959 | 1960 | 1961 |
Custom Shop, reissues and Les Paul Classics (per Gibson)
These styles are documented only by Gibson itself [6][7], so the lookup labels them “per Gibson”:
- 1950s reissues, “M YRRR”: the first digit is the model year being reissued (8 = a 1958 model), the second the last digit of the build year. 7 5123 is a 1957 reissue from 1995, 2005, 2015 or 2025; the certificate of authenticity settles the decade.
- “CS” + digits: Custom Shop, with only the last digit of the year (CS1… = 2001, 2011 or 2021).
- Carved tops from 2000: 8 digits starting with 2, where the 2 isn’t part of the year. 20045002 was stamped on the 4th day of a year ending in 5.
- Les Paul Classic, 1989–1999: an ink stamp that looks like a 1950s one; the first digit is the year (0 1234 = 1990). 2000–2014: the first two digits are the year (05xxxx = 2005).
Look-alikes
The same digits can mean very different guitars. An ink stamp reading “0 1234” could be an original 1960 Les Paul, a 1990 Les Paul Classic or a Custom Shop reissue. “8 5123” could be a 1958 original or a 1958 reissue built decades later. The lookup shows each reading. A “Classic” headstock or a Custom Shop certificate tells them apart.
Worked examples
| Serial | Style | How it reads | Made | Example from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Y223021 | Factory order number with letter prefix, inside the body (1952–1961) | Y = factory order letter (year of the batch)Blue Book example FON "Y 2230 21". | 1953 | Blue Book of Guitar Values |
92001 | Ink-stamped "Y XXXX" on solid bodies (1953–1961) | 9 = last digit of the year (1959)A "9 2001"-style stamp (TVG: first digit 9 = 1959). | 1959 | True Vintage Guitar |
B123456 | Letter A–F + 6 digits with MADE IN USA (1973–1975) | B = series prefix (1974 or 1975 in the published tables) | 1974 or 1975 | Blue Book of Guitar Values |
99123456 | 8 digits on a clear decal starting 99, 00 or 06 (1975–1977) | 99 = series prefix (1975 in the published tables) | 1975 | Gibson Brands |
70108276 | 8 digits YDDDYRRR, impressed (1977 on) | 7 = first digit of the two-digit year; 010 = day 10 of the year; 8 = second digit of the two-digit yearGibson: "Jan. 10, 1978, in Kalamazoo… 276th instrument stamped that day". | January 10, 1978 | Gibson Brands |
82765501 | 8 digits YDDDYRRR, impressed (1977 on) | 8 = first digit of the two-digit year; 276 = day 276 of the year; 5 = second digit of the two-digit yearGibson: "Oct. 3, 1985, in Nashville". | October 3, 1985 | Gibson Brands |
81463508 | 8 digits YDDDYRRR, impressed (1977 on) | 8 = first digit of the two-digit year; 146 = day 146 of the year; 3 = second digit of the two-digit yearBlue Book: 146th day (May 26) of 1983, Nashville. | May 26, 1983 | Blue Book of Guitar Values |
91418009 | 8 digits YDDDYRRR, impressed (1977 on) | 9 = first digit of the two-digit year; 141 = day 141 of the year; 8 = second digit of the two-digit yearCarved-top example. | May 21, 1998 | Gibson Brands |
20045002 | Gibson Custom carved top, 8 digits starting with 2 (2000 on) | 004 = day 4 of the year; 5 = last digit of the year (2005, 2015 or 2025)Gibson: "2nd carved top stamped on the 4th day of 2005". | January 4 of 2005, 2015 or 2025 | Gibson Brands |
94123456 | "94" + 6 digits (1994 centennial) | Looked up in the published tables | 1994 | Gibson Brands |
01234 | Les Paul Classic ink stamp "Y RRR(R)" (1989–1999) | 0 = last digit of the year (1990)Gibson: "0 xxxx = 1990". Combined with the “Ink-stamped "Y XXXX" on solid bodies (1953–1961)” format the full answer is 1960 or 1990. | 1990 | Gibson Brands |
051234 | Les Paul Classic ink stamp "YYRRRR" (2000–2014) | 05 = year ’05Gibson: "05xxxx = 2005". | 2005 | Gibson Brands |
75123 | Custom Shop 1950s reissue ink stamp "M YRRR" (late 1992 on) | 7 = reissued model year (1957); 5 = last digit of the year (1995, 2005, 2015 or 2025)Gibson: "7 5123 is the 123rd 1957 reissue model produced in 2005"; the decade is not in the number. | 1995, 2005, 2015 or 2025 | Gibson Brands |
CS10845 | Custom Shop "CS" + year digit + 3–4 digits | 1 = last digit of the year (2001, 2011 or 2021)Gibson: "CS10845 is the 845th… produced in 2001". | 2001, 2011 or 2021 | Gibson Brands |
What this lookup doesn’t cover
- SG, Firebird and ES reissue codes and artist-model prefixes, which are model-specific.
- Factory order numbers from before 1952, whose batch ranges are tied to logo styles.
- Epiphone, Dobro, banjos and mandolin-specific schemes.
- 1970 “6 digits + A” numbers and “LE” prefixes, each described by only one source.
Common questions
Where is the serial number on a Gibson?
On solid bodies, on the back of the headstock. On hollow and older guitars, also look for a label or stamp inside the body, visible through the f-hole or soundhole.
How do I read a 9-digit Gibson serial number?
If digits 2–4 make a sensible day (001–366), it’s Y DDD Y B RRR: digits 1 and 5 are the year. If the first two digits are 14–19 and digits 2–4 make no sense as a day, the first two digits are the year.
How do I read an 8-digit Gibson serial number?
Digits 1 and 5 are the year and 2–4 the day: 82765501 is October 3, 1985. On a clear decal, 99, 00 or 06 at the start mean 1975, 1976 or 1977.
What does a 6-digit Gibson serial mean?
Usually a 1963–1975 pressed-in number, a 2000s Les Paul Classic ink stamp or a 5–6 digit Custom Shop reissue. The marking decides: choose it above to narrow the answer.
Was my Gibson made in Kalamazoo or Nashville?
For 8-digit serials up to 1984, rankings 001–499 point to Kalamazoo and 500–999 to Nashville.
Also dating a Fender? Try the Fender serial number lookup.
Sources
- Kansas City Vintage Guitars: Gibson Serial Number GuideUsed for: Paper-label number (1903–1947); "A" + number on a paper label (1947–1961); Factory order number with letter prefix, inside the body (1952–1961); Ink-stamped "Y XXXX" on solid bodies (1953–1961); 3–5 digit die stamp (1961–1964); 6-digit die stamp without MADE IN USA (1963–1970); 6-digit die stamp with MADE IN USA (1970–1975); 8 digits on a clear decal starting 99, 00 or 06 (1975–1977); 8 digits YDDDYRRR, impressed (1977 on); "94" + 6 digits (1994 centennial); 9 digits YDDDYBRRR (July 2005 – 2014); 9 digits YYRRRRRRR (2014 – mid 2019).
- Blue Book of Guitar Values (Bluebook Publications): Gibson Serialization 1903–1960Used for: Paper-label number (1903–1947); "A" + number on a paper label (1947–1961); Factory order number with letter prefix, inside the body (1952–1961).
- True Vintage Guitar: Gibson Serial Number Lookup & Guide (John Shults)Used for: Paper-label number (1903–1947); "A" + number on a paper label (1947–1961); Factory order number with letter prefix, inside the body (1952–1961); Ink-stamped "Y XXXX" on solid bodies (1953–1961); 3–5 digit die stamp (1961–1964); 6-digit die stamp without MADE IN USA (1963–1970); 6-digit die stamp with MADE IN USA (1970–1975); Letter A–F + 6 digits with MADE IN USA (1973–1975); 8 digits on a clear decal starting 99, 00 or 06 (1975–1977); 8 digits YDDDYRRR, impressed (1977 on).
- Garrett Park Guitars: Gibson Serial Number LookupUsed for: Ink-stamped "Y XXXX" on solid bodies (1953–1961).
- Blue Book of Guitar Values (Bluebook Publications): Gibson Serialization 1961–PresentUsed for: 3–5 digit die stamp (1961–1964); 6-digit die stamp without MADE IN USA (1963–1970); 6-digit die stamp with MADE IN USA (1970–1975); Letter A–F + 6 digits with MADE IN USA (1973–1975); 8 digits on a clear decal starting 99, 00 or 06 (1975–1977); 8 digits YDDDYRRR, impressed (1977 on).
- Gibson Brands (Help Center): Gibson Serial Numbers (How to Read Gibson Serial Numbers)Used for: 8 digits on a clear decal starting 99, 00 or 06 (1975–1977); 8 digits YDDDYRRR, impressed (1977 on); Gibson Custom carved top, 8 digits starting with 2 (2000 on); "94" + 6 digits (1994 centennial); 9 digits YDDDYBRRR (July 2005 – 2014); 9 digits YYRRRRRRR (2014 – mid 2019); 9 digits YDDDYBRRR (mid 2019 on); Les Paul Classic ink stamp "Y RRR(R)" (1989–1999); Les Paul Classic ink stamp "YYRRRR" (2000–2014); Custom Shop 1950s reissue ink stamp "M YRRR" (late 1992 on); Custom Shop "CS" + year digit + 3–4 digits.
- The Music Zoo (text is Gibson's; not independent of gibson-official): Gibson And Epiphone Guitars Serial Number Guide (2011-05-04, republished from Gibson.com)Used for: Gibson Custom carved top, 8 digits starting with 2 (2000 on); Les Paul Classic ink stamp "Y RRR(R)" (1989–1999); Les Paul Classic ink stamp "YYRRRR" (2000–2014); Custom Shop 1950s reissue ink stamp "M YRRR" (late 1992 on); Custom Shop "CS" + year digit + 3–4 digits.