How to Date a Gibson Guitar: Complete 2025 Authentication Guide

Understanding Gibson Guitar Dating

Learning how to date a Gibson guitar is essential for authentication, valuation, and understanding your instrument's history. Gibson guitars represent significant value, and accurate dating affects everything from insurance coverage to resale prices. Unlike some manufacturers with straightforward serial number systems, Gibson used multiple dating methods across different eras, making proper identification both challenging and crucial.

This comprehensive guide explains every method to accurately date your Gibson guitar, from serial numbers and Factory Order Numbers to potentiometer codes and construction features. Whether you own a vintage Les Paul, SG, ES-335, or any other Gibson model, these techniques will help you determine your guitar's exact production year.

Why Accurate Gibson Dating Matters

Before diving into dating methods, understanding why accurate dating is important helps you appreciate the process:

Value Determination: Certain years command premium prices. A 1959 Les Paul Standard is worth substantially more than a 1960 model with identical specifications. A 1961 SG/Les Paul transitional model is more valuable than a 1963 SG Standard.

Authentication: Accurate dating helps verify authenticity and detect refinishes, replaced parts, or assembled "parts guitars" combining components from different years.

Insurance and Documentation: Proper dating provides accurate replacement values for insurance purposes and estate documentation.

Historical Significance: Understanding your guitar's production year connects you to specific manufacturing periods, feature transitions, and historical contexts.

Selling Preparation: When you're ready to sell your Gibson guitar, accurate dating maximizes value and builds buyer confidence. Buyers pay premiums for properly documented instruments.

Gibson Serial Number Systems: A Complex History

Gibson's serial number systems evolved multiple times throughout the company's history, creating confusion for guitar owners attempting to date their instruments. Understanding which system applies to your guitar is the first step in accurate dating.

Early Gibson Serial Numbers (1902-1947)

Gibson's earliest guitars used simple sequential numbering systems:

Batch Numbers and Sequential Series:

• Very early instruments often lack serial numbers entirely

• Simple sequential numbers stamped on back of headstock

• Factory Order Numbers (FON) provide more reliable dating

1952-1961: Five-Digit Ink Stamp Serial Numbers

This era saw Gibson standardize serial numbering for solid-body guitars:

Location: Ink-stamped inside the guitar body

• Visible through f-holes on hollow/semi-hollow guitars

• Inside control cavity on solid-body guitars (visible when removing control plate cover)

• Occasionally on the back of the headstock

Number Format: Five digits (later six digits)

Dating by Serial Number Ranges (approximate):

• 1952: 0xxx - 2xxx

• 1953: 2xxx - 4xxx

• 1954: 4xxx - 5xxx

• 1955: 5xxx - 6xxx

• 1956: 6xxx - 7xxx

• 1957: 7xxx - 8xxx

• 1958: 8xxx - 9xxx

• 1959: 9xxx - 0xxx (numbering started over)

• 1960: 0xxx - 1xxx

• 1961: 1xxx - 2xxx

Important Notes:

• Significant overlap exists between years

• Some guitars have no serial numbers

• Numbers are not strictly chronological

• High-end models sometimes used different numbering

1961-1970: Impressed Serial Numbers

Gibson transitioned to impressed (stamped) serial numbers on the back of the headstock:

Location: Back of headstock, impressed into the wood

1961-1969 Format:

• 1961: 1xxxx - 2xxxx (5 digits)

• 1962: 2xxxx - 3xxxx

• 1963: 3xxxx - 4xxxx

• 1964: 4xxxx - 7xxxx

• 1965: 7xxxx - 9xxxx

• 1966: 0xxxx - 1xxxx (numbering started over again)

• 1967: 1xxxx - 8xxxx

• 1968: 8xxxx - 0xxxx (started over again)

• 1969: 0xxxx - 9xxxx

Problems with This System:

• Extensive overlap between years

• Same serial numbers used multiple times across different years

• Inconsistent application

• Many guitars have no serial number or unclear numbers

1970-1975: Six-Digit Serial Numbers

Gibson introduced a more organized system:

Format: Six digits (occasionally seven)

Pattern: First digit indicates production year

• 0xxxxx = 1970

• 1xxxxx = 1971

• 2xxxxx = 1972

• 3xxxxx = 1973

• 4xxxxx = 1974

• 5xxxxx = 1975

Additional Markings:

• "MADE IN USA" stamp appears (1970+)

• Volute on back of neck (1970-1972, some models)

• Three-piece maple neck (many 1970s models)

1975-1977: Transfer Serial Numbers

Gibson switched to decal serial numbers on the headstock:

Format: Eight digits

• First two digits = year

• Example: 99xxxxxx = 1975

Location: Back of headstock, decal rather than impressed

1977-Present: Modern Serial Number Systems

Gibson modernized their serial number system with more reliable dating:

1977-2013 Format:

• Made in USA stamp

• Letter prefix indicates factory and year

• More consistent numbering system

2014-Present Format:

• YYMMXXXX format (Year-Month-Sequence)

• First two digits = year

• Second two digits = month

• Much more reliable dating

Factory Order Numbers (FON): The Most Reliable Gibson Dating Method

While serial numbers create confusion, Gibson's Factory Order Numbers provide the most accurate dating method for vintage instruments.

Understanding Factory Order Numbers

Factory Order Numbers tracked production batches and shipping orders, not individual instruments. However, they provide reliable manufacturing date ranges.

Location: Stamped inside the guitar

• Visible through f-holes on hollow/semi-hollow models

• Inside control cavity on solid-body models

• Typically on a white or orange label

• Sometimes hand-written rather than stamped

Format: Letter followed by 3-4 digits

• Letter indicates year of manufacture

• Numbers indicate production batch

FON Letter Code System

The letter in the Factory Order Number indicates the production year:

1952-1961 FON Letter Codes:

• Z = 1952

• Y = 1953

• X = 1954

• W = 1955

• V = 1956

• U = 1957

• T = 1958

• S = 1959

• R = 1960

• Q = 1961

Example: A Les Paul with FON "T 2567" was manufactured in 1958 (T = 1958), production batch 2567.

Later FON Systems: Gibson continued using FON systems with different letter codes through later eras. The specific codes vary by decade and factory location.

How to Find Your Gibson's FON

Solid-Body Guitars (Les Paul, SG):

1. Remove the control plate cover (back of guitar)

2. Look inside the control cavity

3. FON often stamped or written on wood or label

4. May require a flashlight and careful inspection

Semi-Hollow/Hollow Guitars (ES-335, ES-175, etc.):

1. Look through the f-holes

2. FON typically on a label attached to interior

3. May be on orange label (1950s-early 1960s) or white label (1960s+)

4. Sometimes visible without removing strings; better visibility with strings removed

Important Notes:

• Not all Gibson guitars have FON markings

• Some FONs are unclear or partially visible

• FON dates the production batch, not the exact completion date

• A guitar shipped in January 1959 might have a 1958 FON

Potentiometer Date Codes: Electronics Dating

Potentiometers (pots) in Gibson guitars provide another reliable dating method. Pots were manufactured and dated before installation, typically within weeks or months of guitar completion.

Understanding Pot Code Format

Vintage Gibson guitars used potentiometers from several manufacturers, each with date coding systems:

Standard Format: XXYYZZ

• XX = Manufacturer code

• YY = Year of manufacture (last two digits)

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Manufacturer Codes

Common Gibson Pot Manufacturers:

• 137 = CTS (Chicago Telephone Supply)

• 134 = Centralab

• 140 = Clarostat (less common)

• 304 = Stackpole (rare in Gibsons, more common in Fenders)

Reading Pot Date Codes

Example 1: 137 5928

• 137 = CTS manufacturer

• 59 = 1959

• 28 = 28th week of 1959 (approximately July)

Example 2: 134 6015

• 134 = Centralab manufacturer

• 60 = 1960

• 15 = 15th week of 1960 (approximately April)

How to Check Your Gibson's Pot Codes

Process:

1. Remove control plate cover (solid-body) or reach through f-hole (hollow-body)

2. Identify potentiometer(s) - cylindrical components with wiring

3. Look for stamped codes on the pot casing

4. Record codes from all pots (typically 2-4 per guitar)

5. Use flashlight and magnifying glass for unclear codes

Interpreting Results:

• Pot dates should precede or match guitar assembly date

• All pots typically from the same year (occasionally different weeks)

• Pots dated significantly after supposed guitar date indicate replacements

• Mixed pot dates from different years suggest electronic work or modifications

Important Considerations:

• Pots were stockpiled, so guitars might have pots several months older

• A 1959 Les Paul might have pots dated late 1958 or early 1959

• Replaced pots don't disqualify a guitar but do affect value

• Original pot codes help authenticate vintage Gibsons

Neck and Body Stamps: Hidden Dating Clues

Gibson guitars often contain pencil markings, stamps, and inscriptions inside the guitar body or on the neck, providing additional dating evidence.

Neck Stamps and Markings

Locations to Check:

• Neck heel: Where neck joins body (visible when neck is removed)

• Inside neck pocket: Area where neck fits into body

• Truss rod channel: Occasionally visible with truss rod cover removed

What to Look For:

• Pencil dates (month/year format)

• Inspector marks or initials

• Model codes

• Factory stamps

• Serial numbers

Common Neck Markings:

• Simple date format: "12-59" (December 1959)

• Model indicators: "LP" (Les Paul), "SG", "335", etc.

• Worker initials or codes

• Pencil measurements or setup notes

Body Stamps and Inscriptions

Locations:

• Inside control cavities

• Under pickguards

• Inside f-holes

• On body blocks (semi-hollow models)

• Neck pocket area

Common Body Markings:

• FON stamps

• Date stamps

• Model numbers

• Color codes or finish designations

• Serial numbers (early models)

• Inspector marks

How to Access Neck/Body Stamps Without Damage

Non-Invasive Methods:

1. Remove control plate covers (easily accessible)

2. Remove pickguard (on models with screwed-on guards)

3. Use flashlight and mirror to inspect through f-holes

4. Photograph with phone camera and zoom in

5. Use dental mirrors for difficult angles

Invasive Methods (best left to professionals):

• Neck removal for heel inspection

• Complete electronics removal

• String removal for better f-hole visibility

Important Note: Never attempt neck removal on valuable vintage Gibsons without professional expertise. Neck removal can damage finish or joint integrity.

Physical Features and Specifications: Dating by Construction Details

Beyond numbers and codes, Gibson guitars can be dated through physical features that changed over specific years.

Pickup Dating

Gibson pickups evolved significantly, providing reliable dating indicators:

P-90 Pickups (1946-1957 on most models):

• "Soap bar" single-coil pickups

• Cream-colored covers on early Les Pauls

• Black covers on later models

• Alnico magnets

• Approximately 8k ohms resistance

PAF Humbuckers (1957-1962):

• "Patent Applied For" on underside or sticker

• Double-coil design

• Chrome or gold-plated covers

• 7.5k-8.5k ohms typical resistance

• No patent number visible

• Two bobbins visible when cover removed

• Long or short magnet variations

Early Patent Number Pickups (1962-1965):

• Patent number embossed on underside: "2,737,842"

• Transition period pickups

• Similar construction to late PAFs

• Chrome or nickel covers

Patent Number Pickups (1965-1975):

• Patent number clearly visible on cover

• "T-Top" nickname (double-line patent number)

• Varying resistance readings

• Different magnet types over the years

Mini-Humbuckers (1968-1970s):

• Smaller humbucker design

• Used on Les Paul Deluxe and other models

• Originally designed for Epiphone

Hardware Dating

Tuners:

• Kluson Deluxe (1950s-1960s): Single or double ring, "Kluson Deluxe" stamp

• Kluson with keystone buttons (early 1960s): Distinctive keystone-shaped buttons

• Grover tuners (late 1960s+): More modern sealed tuners

• Schaller tuners (1970s): Imported hardware

Bridges:

• Wraparound bridge/tailpiece (early Les Pauls 1952-1953)

• Tune-o-matic (ABR-1) (1954+): Lightweight aluminum

• ABR-1 with retainer wire (1957+)

• Nashville bridge (1975+): Heavier zinc construction

• Modern bridges (1980s+): Various designs

Tailpieces:

• Trapeze tailpiece (early Les Pauls, some ES models)

• Stop tailpiece (Les Pauls 1953+)

• Bigsby vibrato (various models, various eras)

• Maestro vibrola (1960s SGs, ES models)

Neck Profiles and Construction

Gibson neck profiles evolved over time:

Neck Profile Changes:

• 1952-1957 Les Pauls: Thick "baseball bat" or chunky profile

• 1958-1960 Les Pauls: Still substantial but slightly refined

• 1960 Les Pauls: "Slim taper" neck introduced late in year

• 1961+ SGs: Generally slimmer profiles

• 1970s models: Volute added to back of headstock (1970-1972 most common)

Fingerboard Materials:

• Brazilian rosewood (pre-1965 standard)

• Indian rosewood (1965+ standard)

• Ebony (premium models like Custom, ES-355)

• Maple (limited models and later reissues)

Fingerboard Binding:

• Presence, color, and style of binding varies by model and era

• Multi-ply binding indicates premium models

• Binding "nibs" (small extensions at fret ends) characteristic of pre-1970s Gibsons

Finish and Cosmetic Features

Finish Types:

• Nitrocellulose lacquer (pre-1970): Thin, ages naturally, develops checking

• Polyester/Polyurethane (1970+): Thicker, more durable, doesn't check the same way

• Aniline dyes (1950s-1960s): Used for sunbursts, fades over time

Logo Styles:

• 1950s logos: Gold Gibson logo, "Les Paul Model" in gold

• 1960s logos: Various styles depending on model

• "Made in USA" addition (1970+)

Headstock Variations:

• Open-book headstock: Standard on most models

• Split-diamond inlay: Custom models

• Crown inlay: Standard and Special models

• Volute: Added 1970-1972 on many models

Step-by-Step Process: How to Date Your Gibson Guitar

Follow this systematic approach to accurately date your Gibson guitar:

Step 1: Identify Your Model

Before dating, confirm your guitar's model:

• Les Paul (Standard, Custom, Junior, Special)

• SG (Standard, Special, Junior)

• ES series (ES-335, ES-345, ES-355, ES-175, ES-150, etc.)

• Flying V, Explorer, Firebird

• Acoustic models

Step 2: Locate and Record the Serial Number

Where to Look:

• Back of headstock (most common 1961+)

• Inside control cavity (1950s solid-bodies)

• Inside f-hole on label (hollow/semi-hollow guitars)

• Neck plate (rare on Gibsons)

Record:

• Complete serial number

• Location of serial number

• Whether impressed, inked, or stamped

• Any letters or prefixes

Step 3: Find the Factory Order Number

Solid-Body Guitars:

• Remove control plate cover

• Inspect inside cavity for FON stamp or label

• Record complete FON (letter and numbers)

Hollow/Semi-Hollow Guitars:

• Look through f-holes

• Identify orange or white label

• Record FON from label

• Note label color and condition

Step 4: Check Potentiometer Codes

Process:

• Access pots (through control cavity or f-holes)

• Identify manufacturer code and date code on each pot

• Record all pot codes (typically 2-4 pots)

• Note if any pots have different dates

What You'll Learn:

• Earliest pot date establishes "not before" date

• Consistent pot dates suggest original electronics

• Mixed dates indicate possible replacements

Step 5: Examine Physical Features

Inspect:

• Pickup type (P-90, PAF, patent number, etc.)

• Tuner style and brand

• Bridge and tailpiece type

• Neck profile and binding

• Finish type and aging characteristics

• Logo style and headstock inlay

• Any modifications or non-original parts

Step 6: Cross-Reference All Information

Compare:

• Serial number date range

• FON date

• Pot code dates

• Physical features

Ideal Scenario: All dating methods point to the same year or consecutive years

Red Flags:

• Serial number significantly differs from FON

• Pot codes dated years after supposed manufacture date

• Physical features don't match serial number era

• Inconsistent features from different periods

Step 7: Verify Through Expert Resources

Additional Verification:

• Gibson's official dating resources

• Vintage guitar reference books (Gruhn's Guide, etc.)

• Expert authentication services

• Vintage guitar dealer assessment

Common Gibson Dating Challenges and Solutions

Even with comprehensive knowledge, dating Gibson guitars presents challenges:

Challenge 1: Missing or Unclear Serial Numbers

Problem: Many vintage Gibsons have worn, unclear, or missing serial numbers

Solutions:

• Rely primarily on FON for dating

• Use pot codes as secondary verification

• Evaluate physical features comprehensively

• Consider professional authentication

• UV light sometimes reveals faded ink stamps

Challenge 2: Overlapping Serial Number Ranges

Problem: Gibson's inconsistent serial numbering means the same number could indicate multiple years

Solution:

• Never rely on serial numbers alone

• Use FON as primary dating method

• Pot codes provide crucial secondary dating

• Physical features confirm era

Challenge 3: "Parts Guitars" and Assembled Instruments

Problem: Some guitars combine necks and bodies from different years

Indicators:

• Neck date doesn't match body date

• Pot codes significantly predate or postdate other indicators

• Features from different eras

• Serial number doesn't match construction style

Impact: Assembled guitars have reduced value compared to all-original instruments

Challenge 4: Refinished Guitars

Problem: Refinishing can obscure or alter dating evidence

Indicators:

• Overspray on stamps or markings

• Missing or illegible FON

• Concealed body stamps

• Incorrect aging patterns

Solution:

• Electronics and hardware provide dating evidence

• Neck stamps may remain intact

• Expert evaluation can detect refinishes

Gibson Dating by Model: Specific Guidance

Different Gibson models require specific dating approaches:

Dating Les Paul Guitars

Key Identifiers:

• 1952-1957: Goldtop finish, P-90 pickups (PAFs mid-1957+)

• 1954-1957: Black Custom models

• 1958-1960: Sunburst Standard "Burst" models

• 1960: Slim taper neck appears late in year

• 1968-1970: Les Paul returns with different appointments

Dating Priority:

1. Factory Order Number

2. Pot codes

3. Pickup type

4. Neck profile

5. Serial number

Dating SG Guitars

Key Identifiers:

• 1961-1963: May still have "Les Paul" on truss rod cover

• 1961: Side-pull vibrato early, sideways Maestro later

• 1963: "Les Paul" removed from headstock

• 1965+: Wider neck joint

• 1967-1969: "Witch hat" knobs era

Critical Distinction: 1961-1962 SGs with "Les Paul" designation command premium prices

Dating ES Series Guitars

Key Identifiers:

• 1958-1962: PAF pickups on 335/345/355 models

• 1958-1961: Orange labels

• 1962-1964: White labels, dot inlays (ES-335)

• 1962+: Block inlays replace dots on 335

• Mickey Mouse ears vs. pointed cutaways

Label Colors Indicate Era: Orange = late 1950s-early 1960s; White = 1960s+

Dating Acoustic Gibson Guitars

Unique Considerations:

• FON typically on label inside soundhole

• Serial numbers on various locations depending on era

• Bracing patterns changed over years

• Tuner styles and bridge designs

• Fingerboard binding styles

When You're Ready to Sell Your Dated Gibson Guitar

Accurate dating is essential when you sell your Gibson guitar. Proper documentation and authentication significantly affect value and buyer confidence.

How Accurate Dating Affects Value

Impact on Selling:

• Documented vintage Gibsons command premium prices

• Buyers pay more for well-documented instruments

• Accurate dating enables fair market valuation

• Proper documentation reduces buyer skepticism

• Transitional year models recognized for their value

Edgewater Guitars Expertise: When you're ready to sell your Gibson guitar, we provide expert dating verification and fair market valuations. Our knowledge of Gibson dating methods ensures you receive accurate assessments that reflect your instrument's true age and value.

Documentation to Prepare

Before Selling:

• Photograph serial numbers clearly

• Document Factory Order Numbers

• Record pot codes from all potentiometers

• Photograph neck stamps or body stamps

• Note all physical features and specifications

• Document original case and accessories

• Compile repair or maintenance records

This Documentation:

• Builds buyer confidence

• Supports your asking price

• Demonstrates your guitar's provenance

• Facilitates authentication

• Increases perceived value

Why Choose Expert Buyers Like Edgewater Guitars

When you sell your Gibson guitar to specialized buyers:

Advantages:

• Expert dating verification

• Recognition of valuable transitional features

• Fair valuation based on accurate age determination

• Immediate offers based on proper authentication

• No risk of undervaluing misidentified guitars

• Professional documentation of your instrument

Common Scenarios We Recognize:

• 1961 SG/Les Paul transitional models

• Early PAF pickups that add significant value

• Rare color options specific to certain years

• Transitional features that general buyers miss

• Factory variations that affect collectability

Advanced Gibson Authentication Topics

For those seeking deeper knowledge:

Transitional Features

Gibson guitars from transition years often combine features from multiple eras:

Examples:

• 1957 Les Pauls with both P-90s and early PAFs

• 1960 Les Pauls with various neck profiles

• 1961 SGs still labeled "Les Paul"

• 1965 Gibsons with pre-CBS and CBS-era features

Value Impact: Transitional guitars often command premiums due to rarity and unique features

Factory Variations and Anomalies

Gibson's production included variations that complicate dating:

Common Variations:

• Leftover parts used on later guitars

• Special orders with custom features

• Prototypes or limited runs

• Factory experiments

• Custom shop instruments

Authentication Importance: Expert evaluation helps distinguish factory variations from modifications

Refinished and Modified Gibsons

Dating refinished guitars requires additional expertise:

Challenges:

• Hidden or obscured dating evidence

• Removed stamps or markings

• Altered physical features

• Mixed original and replacement parts

Dating Methods for Refinished Guitars:

• Electronics dating through pot codes

• Hardware examination

• Neck stamps (often intact)

• Construction methods

• Wood types and routing patterns

Resources for Further Gibson Dating Research

Official Gibson Resources

• Gibson's official website dating guides

• Customer service authentication assistance

• Historical archives and documentation

Reference Books

Essential References:

• Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars (comprehensive specifications)

• The Beauty of the Burst (Les Paul specific)

• Gibson Electrics: The Classic Years

• Gibson Guitars: 100 Years of an American Icon

Online Resources

• Vintage guitar forums with expert communities

• Gibson collector groups

• Dating tools and serial number databases

• Pot code reference charts

Professional Authentication Services

For high-value or questionable instruments:

• Certified vintage guitar dealers

• Professional appraisers

• Gibson Custom Shop authentication

• Specialized authentication services

Frequently Asked Questions About Dating Gibson Guitars

Why doesn't my Gibson serial number match any dating guide?

Gibson's serial number systems contained significant overlap, inconsistencies, and reused numbers. This is normal and why FON and pot codes provide more reliable dating. Never rely solely on serial numbers for Gibson guitars.

What if my Gibson has no serial number?

Many early Gibson guitars lack serial numbers. Use Factory Order Numbers and pot codes for dating. Physical features also provide reliable era identification.

Can I date my Gibson without removing the control plate?

You can estimate age through serial numbers and physical features, but definitive dating requires accessing FON and pot codes inside the guitar.

How much does refinishing affect my ability to date the guitar?

Refinishing can obscure body stamps and FON markings, but neck stamps and electronics dating typically remain accessible. Expert evaluation can date refinished guitars through multiple methods.

Are Gibson reissues dated the same way?

Modern Gibson reissues have their own serial number systems. Historic reissues attempt to replicate vintage specs but use contemporary dating methods.

What if pot codes and serial number don't match?

This is common due to parts stockpiling and inconsistent serial numbering. Pot codes typically provide more accurate dating. If pots are dated significantly later than serial number indicates, electronics may have been replaced.

Should I have my vintage Gibson professionally authenticated?

For high-value guitars (particularly 1950s-1960s models), professional authentication provides documentation for insurance and resale purposes.

Contact Edgewater Guitars for Expert Gibson Dating and Valuation

When you need expert Gibson guitar dating, authentication, or are considering selling your instrument, Edgewater Guitars offers specialized knowledge and fair valuations.

Our Gibson Expertise

We provide:

• Comprehensive dating using all available methods

• Factory Order Number interpretation

• Pot code analysis and electronics authentication

• Physical feature verification

• Transitional model identification

• Refinish detection

• Fair market valuations based on accurate dating

Ready to Date or Sell Your Gibson?

Contact Us:

• Phone: (440) 219-3607

• Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

• Free preliminary assessments

• In-person evaluations for valuable instruments

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

When you sell your Gibson guitar to us:

✓ Expert Dating Knowledge: We understand all Gibson dating methods
✓ Fair Valuations: Accurate dating ensures fair offers
✓ Immediate Offers: Quick, professional assessments
✓ Premium Prices: 30-40% more than typical guitar shops
✓ No Hidden Fees: Straightforward, transparent process
✓ Secure Transactions: Professional handling of valuable instruments

Additional Gibson Resources

• Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool

• Complete Gibson Les Paul Identification Guide

• Gibson SG Dating and Authentication

• Gibson ES-335 Year-by-Year Guide

• How to Spot Refinished Gibson Guitars

• Sell Your Gibson Guitar - Get Your Free Valuation

Accurate Gibson guitar dating requires expertise across multiple authentication methods. From serial numbers and Factory Order Numbers to pot codes and physical features, proper dating affects both understanding your instrument's history and maximizing its value when selling.

Whether you own a legendary 1959 Les Paul Standard, a transitional 1961 SG/Les Paul, a vintage ES-335, or any other Gibson model, accurate dating provides crucial information about your guitar's authenticity, specifications, and market value.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage Gibson authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest. Our comprehensive knowledge of Gibson dating methods—combined with fair market valuations and professional service—makes us the preferred choice for Gibson owners seeking expert guidance or looking to sell their instruments.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert Gibson dating assistance or to receive a fair valuation for your instrument.

Gavin Coe, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Ohio's Premier Guitar Buyer