Dating your Gibson guitar accurately is essential for determining its value, authenticity, and historical significance. While Gibson's serial number systems have changed multiple times throughout the company's history, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the various formats and decode your instrument's production date.

Gibson Serial Number Locations

Gibson has placed serial numbers in different locations depending on the era and model:

1) Instruments from 1902-1960s:

• Typically found on a white label inside acoustic guitars

• Stamped on the back of the headstock on electric models

• Some early electrics have the serial number on the label inside the body

2) Instruments from late 1960s-1970:

• Found impressed into the wood on the back of the headstock

• Often begins with a digit indicating the year of the decade

3) Instruments from 1970-present:

• Eight-digit stamped numbers on back of headstock

• First and fifth digits represent the year of manufacture

Let's break down each era's numbering system:

Pre-World War II Gibson Serial Numbers (1902-1947)

Gibson's earliest serialization was relatively simple, using a sequential factory order number system. These numbers typically range from 100-99999, with the following approximate dating ranges:

• 100-999: 1902-1908

• 1000-9999: 1908-1923

• 10000-99999: 1923-1947

Dating tip: For pre-war instruments, FON (Factory Order Numbers) are often more helpful than serial numbers. These batch numbers were penciled or stamped inside the guitar body and typically included a letter prefix indicating the year:

• "A" prefix: 1935

• "B" prefix: 1936

• "C" prefix: 1937

• "D" prefix: 1938

• "E" prefix: 1939

• "F" prefix: 1940

• "G" prefix: 1941

• "H" prefix: 1942

Post-War to Pre-1961 Serial Numbers

After WWII, Gibson continued using sequential numbers without a consistent pattern until about 1961. Numbers from this era typically range from 100 to 99999, restarting several times, making this era particularly challenging to date by serial number alone.

Dating tip: For 1950s Les Pauls, SGs, ES-335s, and other valuable vintage models, additional dating methods should be used alongside serial numbers:

• Potentiometer codes (often stamped with date codes)

• PAF pickup date stamps (when present)

• Tuner types and hardware changes

• Neck profile changes

• Factory specification changes

1961-1969: The "Inconsistent" Years

From 1961 to 1969, Gibson used a somewhat unpredictable system. Serial numbers from this era typically have the following patterns:

• 1961-1963: 6 digits starting with "0"

• 1963-1964: 6 digits without leading zero

• 1965-1969: Various formats including:

  • Numbers with spaces (e.g., "12345 6")

  • Numbers with "A" suffix (late 1960s)

This era is notorious for inconsistencies, making pot codes, neck features, and other physical characteristics essential for accurate dating.

1970-1975: The "Made in USA" Era

In 1970, Gibson began impressing "Made in USA" below the serial number on the headstock. Numbers from this era follow this pattern:

• First digit = last digit of the year (e.g., "0" for 1970)

• Following 5-6 digits = production number

Examples:

• 025976 = 1970, production unit 25,976

• 115943 = 1971, production unit 15,943

• 227456 = 1972, production unit 27,456

1975-1977: The "MADE IN USA" Era (All Capitals)

During this brief period, Gibson changed to all-capital "MADE IN USA" stamps and changed their numbering to:

• First digit = last digit of the year

• Next 5 digits = day of the year + production ranking

1977-2013: Modern 8-Digit System

From 1977 to 2013, Gibson used an 8-digit system with this format: YDDDYPPP where:

• Y (first digit) = last digit of the year

• DDD = day of the year (001-365)

• Y (fifth digit) = last digit of the year (repeated)

• PPP = production number for that day

Example: 70108016 decodes as:

• 7 = 1977 or 1987 or 1997 or 2007 (determined by model features)

• 010 = 10th day of the year (January 10)

• 8 = 1978 or 1988 or 1998 or 2008 (should match first digit's decade)

• 016 = 16th instrument built that day

Distinguishing between decades: Since this system repeats every 10 years, use these features to determine decade:

• 1977-1979: Volute on back of neck near headstock

• 1980s: Volute disappeared, purple label inside acoustic models

• 1990s: Made in USA stamp centered under serial number

• 2000s: Made in USA stamp right-justified under serial number

2014-Present: Enhanced Serial Number System

From 2014 onward, Gibson implemented a more straightforward system:

• First and second digits = last two digits of the year

• Next three digits = day of the year

• Last three digits = unit number

Example: 14001043 = 2014, January 1st, unit #43

Exceptions and Special Cases

1) Kalamazoo-made Epiphones (1957-1970):

• Used a separate number series

• Often include factory order numbers and ink stamps inside the guitar

2) Custom Shop Instruments:

• May use special serialization systems

• Often include CS or custom shop markings

3) Reissue Models:

• Historic/Custom Shop reissues often use a specific format indicating reissue status

• Example: Historic Les Paul reissues often have 5-digit numbers with a specific range for each year

4) Counterfeit Warning Signs:

• Serial numbers that don't match headstock font/logo style for the supposed era

• Serial numbers with incorrect "Made in USA" font or positioning

• Suspicious character spacing or stamping depth

Practical Dating Example: 1960s SG Standard

For a 1960s Gibson SG with serial number 123456:

1. Check the location (back of headstock, impressed into wood)

2. Note the "MADE IN USA" marking style and position

3. Observe the size and font of the serial numbers

4. Check neck joint (long guard = pre-1966, short guard = post-1966)

5. Examine potentiometer codes (usually 137[last digit of year][week])

6. Verify tuner style (Kluson deluxe = pre-1965, enclosed = post-1965)

Beyond Serial Numbers: Secondary Dating Methods

While serial numbers provide a starting point, always use these additional methods:

• Potentiometer codes (usually 137-YYWW format)

• PAF pickup date stamps on bobbins (pre-1965)

• Tuner types and hardware changes

• Neck profile measurements

• Finish checking patterns

• Bridge and tailpiece styles

• Headstock design changes

• Logo and inlay style

Need Help Dating Your Gibson?

If you're still uncertain about your Gibson's age or authenticity, our experts at Edgewater Guitars offer free dating and appraisal services. Whether you're looking to sell or simply want to know more about your instrument, contact us for a professional evaluation.

This article was written by the vintage guitar experts at Edgewater Guitars, specializing in purchasing Gibson, Fender, and other fine vintage instruments throughout the Midwest.