Gibson serial number dating

The serial number will be an 8 digit number impressed into the back of the headstock with "MADE IN USA" below. The pattern is as follows: YDDDYRRR YY is the production year DDD is the day of the year RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number. Prior to 1984 when the Kalamazoo, MI factory was closed, the numbers 001-499 indicated Kalamazoo production. Gibson USA 2014 to present – These serial numbers cannot be dated to a specific day of the year. The new model year typically launches in the fall as the current model year winds down. It is not uncommon for a new model year model to be produced during the previous model year (example – a 2015 model may have been built in late 2014).

Dating gibson guitars and mandolins by reference of serial numbers. Regarding duplications of serial numbers, Gibson does take the lead. Gibson has used various numbering methods since 1900, making it difficult to determine the production year based on the serial number. From 1902 to 1976, Gibson instruments have a serial number or a FON (Factory Order Number ) or both. However, in the beginning this was not done consistently, so that there are also be instruments without identification. Where to find the serial number The serial number can be found stamped or punched on the back of the headstock or acoustic in the sound hole. The acoustic models have been manufactured in Bozeman, Montana since the end of 1989.

The Gibson Serial Number Decoder currently supports 6 formats from 4 Factories. For guitars made prior to 1977 use the extended search function. This new function will try to match the serial number against older formats. This website possesses NO REGISTRY DATABASE of guitars made by manufactures, instead simple serial code patterns that are available on this site and in the wider guitar community are used in comination with historical data. It follows that potential scammers can use this knowledge to try to trick unsuspecting buyers.

GIBSON SERIALIZATION Identifying Gibson instruments by serial number is tricky at best and downright impossible in some cases. The best methods of identifying them is by using a combination of the serial number, the factory order number and any features that are particular to a specific time that changes may have occurred in instrument design (i.e. logo design change, headstock volutes, etc). There have been 6 different serial number styles used to date on Gibson instruments. The first serialization started in 1902 and ran until 1947. The serial numbers started with number 100 and go to 99999. All numbers are approximates. In most cases, only the upper end instruments were assigned identification numbers.

Серийный номер (S/N, Serial Number ) Gibson — номер, используемый компанией для учета выпущенных в продажу инструментов. Серийный номер присваивается гитаре по окончанию изготовления, перед тем, как отправиться в магазин. Серийный номер может включать до 10 цифр и дополнительные буквенные суффиксы. Заводской номер (FON, Factory Order Number ) Gibson — номер, используемый для внутреннего отслеживания выпуска инструментов на заводе. Заводской номер служит для обозначения номера партии на заводе, и присваивается инструменту на ранних этапах изготовления, когда составные части инструмента только отправляются в производство.

Methods For Dating a Gibson Instrument. For many vintage instruments, determining the date of manufacture involves little more than running the serial number through a reference guide. Whereas Martin guitars have been using a single, consistent numbering system since the 19th century, Gibson has used several different serial number formats since its inception in 1902, meaning that some formats and numbers overlap across decades. This makes it especially important to first identify the general era during which your instrument was made before pinning down the exact date of manufacture with a serial number. If you know the backstory around when the instrument was purchased, this can provide some rough clues about its era.

As Gibson serial numbers are renowned for being a bit of a nightmare, we contacted them and they’ve advised checking the code on the pots when in doubt. They had to be made before the guitar was assembled so they can give a clue to the age of the guitar. Unless, of course, the pots have been changed. Where Do You Find Your Gibson Guitar Serial Number ? Unlike other brands of guitars, Gibson keeps it simple. Electric guitars having the serial number on the back of the headstock and acoustics are punched inside the soundhole on a sticker. On rare occasions, some dates can be found on the electric guitar pots. Need Accessories? To reveal an accurate date of the serial numbers below, add your details to our Gibson decoder. 1935-42. 225 Parsons St., Kalamazoo.

Each serial number starts with a letter that signifies a year. Gibson used A through H with a few variants to denote specific models. Models made up until 1937 place the letter between the order number and batch number, while everything up to 1941 puts two or three letters before the batch number. If there are two letters, such as EG, that indicates both the year and a Gibson make. EK would stand for a 1939 Kalamazoo, while EW would be the same year for a Recording King/Montgomery Wards. During this era, Gibson used a standard serial number system. Without any prime indicators, dating your guitar can be a little confusing. Some numbers are also repeated in the following decade, adding more confusion into the mix. Luckily, the models in this era are incredibly distinct.

DATING YOUR GIBSON Serial Number Configuration and Placement:1902 to 1908: Rectangular label, no serial number or model name on label, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin on label, date. 1902 to 1908: Rectangular label, no serial number or model name on label, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin on label, date sometimes penciled under top. 1904 to 1909: Oval label with serial number, no model name, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin: 1904 to 1909. 1902 to April 1947: Number and model name on white paper label, number range 1000 to 99999: 1908 to 1932: Hand ink or penciled (some overlap with previous style)

Gibson 's serial number scheme changed in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, so a simple Les Paul serial number lookup isn't often very helpful. Never fear! This page is intended to clear up some some of the inconsistencies of dating Gibson guitars. If you're looking for "How old is my Gibson Les Paul guitar?" then you've come to the right place. The serial number is one of the first places to start for how to date a Gibson Les Paul guitar. It should be on the back of the neck at the top just between and above the tuning machines. If the Gibson Les Paul serial number is six digits or less then your guitar may be older than 1975. Gibson reused this serial number scheme for reissue guitars starting in the 1990s, so check the picture below to compare vintage versus reissue serial numbers.