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Guitar Serial Number Lookup

Gibson

Gibson Serial Number Lookup: Decode Your Gibson Guitar's Age & Value

Home

Guitar Serial Number Lookup

Gibson

Gibson Serial Number Lookup: Decode Your Gibson Guitar's Age & Value

Home

Guitar Serial Number Lookup

Gibson

Gibson Serial Number Lookup: Decode Your Gibson Guitar's Age & Value

Introduction:

Gibson guitars are among the most iconic and valuable instruments in music history. Whether you own a vintage Les Paul, SG, ES-335, or acoustic model, your Gibson's serial number holds the key to accurately determining its age, authenticity, and value. This comprehensive guide will help you decode Gibson serial numbers across all eras of production.

Gibson's serial numbering systems have changed dramatically throughout the company's history, with significant variations between different factories, production periods, and even model types. Some eras used highly consistent systems, while others were notoriously irregular. This guide covers all major Gibson serialization methods, from early Factory Order Numbers to modern production codes.

Where to Find Gibson Serial Numbers

Gibson has used several locations for serial numbers throughout its history:

Solid Body Electric Guitars

Back of headstock: Most common location since the 1950s
On instrument label: Some earlier models

Solid Body Electric Guitars

Back of headstock: Most common location since the 1950s
On instrument label: Some earlier models

Solid Body Electric Guitars

Back of headstock: Most common location since the 1950s
On instrument label: Some earlier models

Hollow Body and Semi-Hollow Guitars

Inside the f-hole: Label visible through the f-hole
Back of headstock: Modern models (1970s onward)

Hollow Body and Semi-Hollow Guitars

Inside the f-hole: Label visible through the f-hole
Back of headstock: Modern models (1970s onward)

Hollow Body and Semi-Hollow Guitars

Inside the f-hole: Label visible through the f-hole
Back of headstock: Modern models (1970s onward)

Acoustic Guitars

Inside the sound hole: On a label
Back of headstock: Some modern models

Acoustic Guitars

Inside the sound hole: On a label
Back of headstock: Some modern models

Acoustic Guitars

Inside the sound hole: On a label
Back of headstock: Some modern models

Gibson Serial Number Systems By Era

Factory Order Numbers (1902-1961)

Early Gibson instruments used Factory Order Numbers (FONs) rather than serial numbers. These were typically ink-stamped inside the body and not always visible without removing parts.

Identification: FONs consist of a batch number sometimes followed by an instrument ranking number. In later years, they often include a letter code.

Date Ranges and Letter Codes:

FONs from 1942-1951: This period featured inconsistent numbering, with many guitars lacking FONs entirely. When present, they typically fall in these ranges:

1942: 907, 910, 923, 2004, 2005, 7000s
1943: 900-2200
1944: 2200-2900
1945: 100-1000
1947: 700-1000 (particularly unreliable)
1948: 1100-3700
1949: 2000-2999
1950: 3000-5999
1951: 6000-9999

1952-1961 FON Prefix System: Gibson adopted a more reliable system using letter prefixes before the number:

1952: Z prefix
1953: Y prefix
1954: X prefix
1955: W prefix
1956: V prefix
1957: U prefix
1958: T prefix
1959: S prefix
1960: R prefix
1961: Q prefix

Ink Stamped Numbers (1952-1961)

Solid-body electrics made between 1952 and 1961 received an ink-stamped serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 4-6 digit numbers stamped in black or gold ink on the back of the headstock.

How to Read: For these years only, the first digit indicates the year of manufacture:

0xxxx = 1960
1xxxx = 1951
2xxxx = 1952
3xxxx = 1953
4xxxx = 1954
5xxxx = 1955
6xxxx = 1956
7xxxx = 1957
8xxxx = 1958
9xxxx = 1959

Examples:

Serial #93421 = 1959 Gibson
Serial #05546 = 1960 Gibson
Serial #39879 = 1953 Gibson

Important Note: These numbers were often applied irregularly, so supporting evidence from physical features should always be used to confirm dates.

Choose Factory Order Numbers

Factory Order Numbers (1902-1961)

Early Gibson instruments used Factory Order Numbers (FONs) rather than serial numbers. These were typically ink-stamped inside the body and not always visible without removing parts.

Identification: FONs consist of a batch number sometimes followed by an instrument ranking number. In later years, they often include a letter code.

Date Ranges and Letter Codes:

FONs from 1942-1951: This period featured inconsistent numbering, with many guitars lacking FONs entirely. When present, they typically fall in these ranges:

1942: 907, 910, 923, 2004, 2005, 7000s
1943: 900-2200
1944: 2200-2900
1945: 100-1000
1947: 700-1000 (particularly unreliable)
1948: 1100-3700
1949: 2000-2999
1950: 3000-5999
1951: 6000-9999

1952-1961 FON Prefix System: Gibson adopted a more reliable system using letter prefixes before the number:

1952: Z prefix
1953: Y prefix
1954: X prefix
1955: W prefix
1956: V prefix
1957: U prefix
1958: T prefix
1959: S prefix
1960: R prefix
1961: Q prefix

Ink Stamped Numbers (1952-1961)

Solid-body electrics made between 1952 and 1961 received an ink-stamped serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 4-6 digit numbers stamped in black or gold ink on the back of the headstock.

How to Read: For these years only, the first digit indicates the year of manufacture:

0xxxx = 1960
1xxxx = 1951
2xxxx = 1952
3xxxx = 1953
4xxxx = 1954
5xxxx = 1955
6xxxx = 1956
7xxxx = 1957
8xxxx = 1958
9xxxx = 1959

Examples:

Serial #93421 = 1959 Gibson
Serial #05546 = 1960 Gibson
Serial #39879 = 1953 Gibson

Important Note: These numbers were often applied irregularly, so supporting evidence from physical features should always be used to confirm dates.

Choose Factory Order Numbers

Factory Order Numbers (1902-1961)

Early Gibson instruments used Factory Order Numbers (FONs) rather than serial numbers. These were typically ink-stamped inside the body and not always visible without removing parts.

Identification: FONs consist of a batch number sometimes followed by an instrument ranking number. In later years, they often include a letter code.

Date Ranges and Letter Codes:

FONs from 1942-1951: This period featured inconsistent numbering, with many guitars lacking FONs entirely. When present, they typically fall in these ranges:

1942: 907, 910, 923, 2004, 2005, 7000s
1943: 900-2200
1944: 2200-2900
1945: 100-1000
1947: 700-1000 (particularly unreliable)
1948: 1100-3700
1949: 2000-2999
1950: 3000-5999
1951: 6000-9999

1952-1961 FON Prefix System: Gibson adopted a more reliable system using letter prefixes before the number:

1952: Z prefix
1953: Y prefix
1954: X prefix
1955: W prefix
1956: V prefix
1957: U prefix
1958: T prefix
1959: S prefix
1960: R prefix
1961: Q prefix

Ink Stamped Numbers (1952-1961)

Solid-body electrics made between 1952 and 1961 received an ink-stamped serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 4-6 digit numbers stamped in black or gold ink on the back of the headstock.

How to Read: For these years only, the first digit indicates the year of manufacture:

0xxxx = 1960
1xxxx = 1951
2xxxx = 1952
3xxxx = 1953
4xxxx = 1954
5xxxx = 1955
6xxxx = 1956
7xxxx = 1957
8xxxx = 1958
9xxxx = 1959

Examples:

Serial #93421 = 1959 Gibson
Serial #05546 = 1960 Gibson
Serial #39879 = 1953 Gibson

Important Note: These numbers were often applied irregularly, so supporting evidence from physical features should always be used to confirm dates.

Choose Factory Order Numbers

Ink Stamped Numbers (1952-1961)

Solid-body electrics made between 1952 and 1961 received an ink-stamped serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 4-6 digit numbers stamped in black or gold ink on the back of the headstock.

How to Read: For these years only, the first digit indicates the year of manufacture:

0xxxx = 1960
1xxxx = 1951
2xxxx = 1952
3xxxx = 1953
4xxxx = 1954
5xxxx = 1955
6xxxx = 1956
7xxxx = 1957
8xxxx = 1958
9xxxx = 1959

Examples:

Serial #93421 = 1959 Gibson
Serial #05546 = 1960 Gibson
Serial #39879 = 1953 Gibson

Important Note: These numbers were often applied irregularly, so supporting evidence from physical features should always be used to confirm dates.

Choose Ink Stamped Numbers

Ink Stamped Numbers (1952-1961)

Solid-body electrics made between 1952 and 1961 received an ink-stamped serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 4-6 digit numbers stamped in black or gold ink on the back of the headstock.

How to Read: For these years only, the first digit indicates the year of manufacture:

0xxxx = 1960
1xxxx = 1951
2xxxx = 1952
3xxxx = 1953
4xxxx = 1954
5xxxx = 1955
6xxxx = 1956
7xxxx = 1957
8xxxx = 1958
9xxxx = 1959

Examples:

Serial #93421 = 1959 Gibson
Serial #05546 = 1960 Gibson
Serial #39879 = 1953 Gibson

Important Note: These numbers were often applied irregularly, so supporting evidence from physical features should always be used to confirm dates.

Choose Ink Stamped Numbers

Ink Stamped Numbers (1952-1961)

Solid-body electrics made between 1952 and 1961 received an ink-stamped serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 4-6 digit numbers stamped in black or gold ink on the back of the headstock.

How to Read: For these years only, the first digit indicates the year of manufacture:

0xxxx = 1960
1xxxx = 1951
2xxxx = 1952
3xxxx = 1953
4xxxx = 1954
5xxxx = 1955
6xxxx = 1956
7xxxx = 1957
8xxxx = 1958
9xxxx = 1959

Examples:

Serial #93421 = 1959 Gibson
Serial #05546 = 1960 Gibson
Serial #39879 = 1953 Gibson

Important Note: These numbers were often applied irregularly, so supporting evidence from physical features should always be used to confirm dates.

Choose Ink Stamped Numbers

Impressed Six-Digit Numbers (1961-1969)

Starting in 1961, Gibson began impressing (stamping) serial numbers into the back of the headstock wood.

Identification: These appear as impressed numbers without a "Made in USA" stamp underneath.

Dating Challenges: This period is notoriously difficult for accurate dating by serial number alone, as numbers were frequently reused or applied inconsistently. Many numbers from this era can correspond to multiple years.

Sample Serial Number Ranges:

0100 to 42440: 1961
42441 to 61180: 1962
61450 to 64222: 1963
64240 to 71040: 1964
71041 to 96600: 1962, 1963, or 1964
96601 to 99999: 1963
100000 to 106099: 1963 or 1967
[Extensive list continued in detailed view]

Dating Advice: For guitars from this era, always use physical features (neck profile, hardware, electronics, finish) to confirm the serial number date. Pot codes are particularly useful for this period.

Choose Impressed Six Digit Numbers

Impressed Six-Digit Numbers (1961-1969)

Starting in 1961, Gibson began impressing (stamping) serial numbers into the back of the headstock wood.

Identification: These appear as impressed numbers without a "Made in USA" stamp underneath.

Sample Serial Number Ranges:

0100 to 42440: 1961
42441 to 61180: 1962
61450 to 64222: 1963
64240 to 71040: 1964
71041 to 96600: 1962, 1963, or 1964
96601 to 99999: 1963
100000 to 106099: 1963 or 1967
[Extensive list continued in detailed view]

Choose Impressed Six Digit Numbers

Impressed Six-Digit Numbers (1961-1969)

Starting in 1961, Gibson began impressing (stamping) serial numbers into the back of the headstock wood.

Identification: These appear as impressed numbers without a "Made in USA" stamp underneath.

Sample Serial Number Ranges:

0100 to 42440: 1961
42441 to 61180: 1962
61450 to 64222: 1963
64240 to 71040: 1964
71041 to 96600: 1962, 1963, or 1964
96601 to 99999: 1963
100000 to 106099: 1963 or 1967
[Extensive list continued in detailed view]

Choose Impressed Six Digit Numbers

"Made in USA" Era (1970-1975)

In 1970, Gibson began stamping "MADE IN USA" under the serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 6-digit impressed numbers with "MADE IN USA" stamped underneath.

Dating Information:

000000: 1973
100000-200000: 1970-1975
200000-300000: 1973-1975
300000-400000: 1974-1975
400000-500000: 1974-1975
500000-600000: 1974-1975
600000-700000: 1970-1972, 1974-1975
700000-800000: 1970-1972
800000-900000: 1973-1975
900000-999999: 1970-1972

Key Identifier: The presence of "MADE IN USA" definitively indicates the guitar was made in 1970 or later, regardless of the number.

Choose "MADE IN USA" Era

"Made in USA" Era (1970-1975)

In 1970, Gibson began stamping "MADE IN USA" under the serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 6-digit impressed numbers with "MADE IN USA" stamped underneath.

Dating Information:

000000: 1973
100000-200000: 1970-1975
200000-300000: 1973-1975
300000-400000: 1974-1975
400000-500000: 1974-1975
500000-600000: 1974-1975
600000-700000: 1970-1972, 1974-1975
700000-800000: 1970-1972
800000-900000: 1973-1975
900000-999999: 1970-1972

Key Identifier: The presence of "MADE IN USA" definitively indicates the guitar was made in 1970 or later, regardless of the number.

Choose "MADE IN USA" Era

"Made in USA" Era (1970-1975)

In 1970, Gibson began stamping "MADE IN USA" under the serial number on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 6-digit impressed numbers with "MADE IN USA" stamped underneath.

Dating Information:

000000: 1973
100000-200000: 1970-1975
200000-300000: 1973-1975
300000-400000: 1974-1975
400000-500000: 1974-1975
500000-600000: 1974-1975
600000-700000: 1970-1972, 1974-1975
700000-800000: 1970-1972
800000-900000: 1973-1975
900000-999999: 1970-1972

Key Identifier: The presence of "MADE IN USA" definitively indicates the guitar was made in 1970 or later, regardless of the number.

Choose "MADE IN USA" Era

Eight-Digit Numbers (1975-1977)

From 1975-1977, Gibson briefly used a new 8-digit format that appeared on labels on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 8-digit numbers starting with specific digits:

99xxxxxx: 1975
00xxxxxx: 1976
06xxxxxx: 1977

Choose Edight Digit Numbers

Eight-Digit Numbers (1975-1977)

From 1975-1977, Gibson briefly used a new 8-digit format that appeared on labels on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 8-digit numbers starting with specific digits:

99xxxxxx: 1975
00xxxxxx: 1976
06xxxxxx: 1977

Choose Edight Digit Numbers

Eight-Digit Numbers (1975-1977)

From 1975-1977, Gibson briefly used a new 8-digit format that appeared on labels on the back of the headstock.

Identification: These appear as 8-digit numbers starting with specific digits:

99xxxxxx: 1975
00xxxxxx: 1976
06xxxxxx: 1977

Choose Edight Digit Numbers

Modern Era Numbers (1977-Present)

Starting in 1977, Gibson implemented a much more reliable and consistent 8-digit serial number system that continues (with variations) to the present day.

Identification: These appear as 8-digit numbers impressed into the back of the headstock.

How to Read: The year is determined by the first and fifth digits, which represent the last two digits of the year:

Typical Format: YDDDYPPP, where:
- Y = last digit of the year
- DDD = day of the year
- Y = last digit of the year (repeated)
- PPP = production number

Examples:

90008554 = 1998 (9 and 5 indicate 95, but this actually means 1999-5=1994)
05571664 = 2000 (0 and 1 indicate 01, but this actually means 2000+1=2001)
88765111 = 1985 (8 and 5 indicate 85 = 1985)

Modern Variations: Starting in 2014, Gibson changed to a YYMMDDFFFF format, where:

YY = year
MM = month
DD = day
FFFF = factory order number

Choose Modern Era Numbers

Modern Era Numbers (1977-Present)

Starting in 1977, Gibson implemented a much more reliable and consistent 8-digit serial number system that continues (with variations) to the present day.

Identification: These appear as 8-digit numbers impressed into the back of the headstock.

How to Read: The year is determined by the first and fifth digits, which represent the last two digits of the year:

Typical Format: YDDDYPPP, where:
- Y = last digit of the year
- DDD = day of the year
- Y = last digit of the year (repeated)
- PPP = production number

Examples:

90008554 = 1998 (9 and 5 indicate 95, but this actually means 1999-5=1994)
05571664 = 2000 (0 and 1 indicate 01, but this actually means 2000+1=2001)
88765111 = 1985 (8 and 5 indicate 85 = 1985)

Modern Variations: Starting in 2014, Gibson changed to a YYMMDDFFFF format, where:

YY = year
MM = month
DD = day
FFFF = factory order number

Choose Modern Era Numbers

Modern Era Numbers (1977-Present)

Starting in 1977, Gibson implemented a much more reliable and consistent 8-digit serial number system that continues (with variations) to the present day.

Identification: These appear as 8-digit numbers impressed into the back of the headstock.

How to Read: The year is determined by the first and fifth digits, which represent the last two digits of the year:

Typical Format: YDDDYPPP, where:
- Y = last digit of the year
- DDD = day of the year
- Y = last digit of the year (repeated)
- PPP = production number

Examples:

90008554 = 1998 (9 and 5 indicate 95, but this actually means 1999-5=1994)
05571664 = 2000 (0 and 1 indicate 01, but this actually means 2000+1=2001)
88765111 = 1985 (8 and 5 indicate 85 = 1985)

Modern Variations: Starting in 2014, Gibson changed to a YYMMDDFFFF format, where:

YY = year
MM = month
DD = day
FFFF = factory order number

Choose Modern Era Numbers

Gibson-Specific Guides

Different Gibson models often have unique characteristics that help with dating. For more detailed information specific to your model, visit these dedicated guides:

How to Date Gibson Les Paul Guitars

Learn How To Date Gibson Les Paul Guitars

How to Date Gibson Les Paul Guitars

Learn How To Date Gibson Les Paul Guitars

How to Date Gibson Les Paul Guitars

Learn How To Date Gibson Les Paul Guitars

How to Date Gibson SG Guitars

Learn How To Date Gibson SG Guitars

How to Date Gibson SG Guitars

Learn How To Date Gibson SG Guitars

How to Date Gibson SG Guitars

Learn How To Date Gibson SG Guitars

Beyond Serial Numbers: Other Dating Methods

When Gibson serial numbers are absent, unclear, or known to be from an inconsistent period, these alternative methods can provide more accurate dating:

Potentiometer Codes

Electric guitar potentiometers (volume and tone controls) often have their own date codes that can accurately date a guitar within a few weeks:

CTS Pots: Most common in Gibson guitars since the 1950s
- Format: 137xxxx (13=manufacturer, 7=1967, xxxx=week)
Centralab Pots: Used in some 1950s-1960s models
- Similar dating system to CTS
Allen Bradley Pots: Found in some 1950s and early 1960s models
- More complex coding system

Accessing Pot Codes: Requires removing the control cavity cover or pickguard. Codes are typically stamped on the back or side of the potentiometer.

Potentiometer Codes

Electric guitar potentiometers (volume and tone controls) often have their own date codes that can accurately date a guitar within a few weeks:

CTS Pots: Most common in Gibson guitars since the 1950s
- Format: 137xxxx (13=manufacturer, 7=1967, xxxx=week)
Centralab Pots: Used in some 1950s-1960s models
- Similar dating system to CTS
Allen Bradley Pots: Found in some 1950s and early 1960s models
- More complex coding system

Accessing Pot Codes: Requires removing the control cavity cover or pickguard. Codes are typically stamped on the back or side of the potentiometer.

Potentiometer Codes

Electric guitar potentiometers (volume and tone controls) often have their own date codes that can accurately date a guitar within a few weeks:

CTS Pots: Most common in Gibson guitars since the 1950s
- Format: 137xxxx (13=manufacturer, 7=1967, xxxx=week)
Centralab Pots: Used in some 1950s-1960s models
- Similar dating system to CTS
Allen Bradley Pots: Found in some 1950s and early 1960s models
- More complex coding system

Accessing Pot Codes: Requires removing the control cavity cover or pickguard. Codes are typically stamped on the back or side of the potentiometer.

Pickup Markings

Gibson pickups evolved over time with distinctive features for different eras:

PAF (Patent Applied For): 1957-1962
Patent Number Pickups: 1962-1965
Patent Sticker Pickups: 1965-1967
T-Top Pickups: 1967-1975
Stamped Bobbin Pickups: 1975-1980s
Modern Pickups: 1980s-present

Pickup Markings

Gibson pickups evolved over time with distinctive features for different eras:

PAF (Patent Applied For): 1957-1962
Patent Number Pickups: 1962-1965
Patent Sticker Pickups: 1965-1967
T-Top Pickups: 1967-1975
Stamped Bobbin Pickups: 1975-1980s
Modern Pickups: 1980s-present

Pickup Markings

Gibson pickups evolved over time with distinctive features for different eras:

PAF (Patent Applied For): 1957-1962
Patent Number Pickups: 1962-1965
Patent Sticker Pickups: 1965-1967
T-Top Pickups: 1967-1975
Stamped Bobbin Pickups: 1975-1980s
Modern Pickups: 1980s-present

Headstock Logos and Truss Rod Covers

The Gibson logo and truss rod cover have changed in subtle ways throughout the years:

"Gibson" Logo Evolution:
- 1903-1933: "The Gibson" script
- 1934-1947: Thicker "Gibson" script
- 1948-1969: "Gibson" with dot over the "i"
- 1970-1981: Black "Gibson" with no dot over the "i"
- 1981-present: Various versions with historical inspiration
Truss Rod Cover Changes:
- Bell-shaped: 1950s-1960s
- "Les Paul" with/without "Model": Various periods
- "Custom" vs. "Standard" designations

Headstock Logos and Truss Rod Covers

The Gibson logo and truss rod cover have changed in subtle ways throughout the years:

"Gibson" Logo Evolution:
- 1903-1933: "The Gibson" script
- 1934-1947: Thicker "Gibson" script
- 1948-1969: "Gibson" with dot over the "i"
- 1970-1981: Black "Gibson" with no dot over the "i"
- 1981-present: Various versions with historical inspiration
Truss Rod Cover Changes:
- Bell-shaped: 1950s-1960s
- "Les Paul" with/without "Model": Various periods
- "Custom" vs. "Standard" designations

Headstock Logos and Truss Rod Covers

The Gibson logo and truss rod cover have changed in subtle ways throughout the years:

"Gibson" Logo Evolution:
- 1903-1933: "The Gibson" script
- 1934-1947: Thicker "Gibson" script
- 1948-1969: "Gibson" with dot over the "i"
- 1970-1981: Black "Gibson" with no dot over the "i"
- 1981-present: Various versions with historical inspiration
Truss Rod Cover Changes:
- Bell-shaped: 1950s-1960s
- "Les Paul" with/without "Model": Various periods
- "Custom" vs. "Standard" designations

Neck Joint and Construction Methods

Gibson's neck construction evolved across different eras:

Long Tenon: 1950s-early 1960s
Short Tenon: Mid-1960s-present
Neck Volute: 1969-early 1980s
Neck Heel Shape: Various changes

Neck Joint and Construction Methods

Gibson's neck construction evolved across different eras:

Long Tenon: 1950s-early 1960s
Short Tenon: Mid-1960s-present
Neck Volute: 1969-early 1980s
Neck Heel Shape: Various changes

Neck Joint and Construction Methods

Gibson's neck construction evolved across different eras:

Long Tenon: 1950s-early 1960s
Short Tenon: Mid-1960s-present
Neck Volute: 1969-early 1980s
Neck Heel Shape: Various changes

Identifying Counterfeits

Unfortunately, counterfeit Gibson guitars are increasingly common. Watch for these warning signs:

Serial Number Red Flags

Incorrect font or spacing in the number
Misaligned stamping
Numbers that don't correspond to the apparent age of other components
Serial numbers from valuable vintage years (1958-1960) on guitars with modern features

Physical Authentication Points

Headstock shape and angle (17-degree angle on authentic Gibsons)
Logo positioning and inlay quality
Hardware quality and correct vintage-appropriate components
Nitrocellulose finish (vs. polyurethane on many counterfeits)
Weight and wood quality
Electronics routing and quality

Unfortunately, counterfeit Gibson guitars are increasingly common. Watch for these warning signs:

Serial Number Red Flags

Incorrect font or spacing in the number
Misaligned stamping
Numbers that don't correspond to the apparent age of other components
Serial numbers from valuable vintage years (1958-1960) on guitars with modern features

Physical Authentication Points

Headstock shape and angle (17-degree angle on authentic Gibsons)
Logo positioning and inlay quality
Hardware quality and correct vintage-appropriate components
Nitrocellulose finish (vs. polyurethane on many counterfeits)
Weight and wood quality
Electronics routing and quality

Expert Authentication Services

For valuable vintage Gibson instruments or when you need definitive answers about age and authenticity, consider these professional resources:

Expert Appraisal

Our team of vintage Gibson specialists can provide:

Precise dating based on all available evidence
Authentication of originality and components
Complete documentation of features and specifications
Fair market value assessment
Condition grading

Documentation Services

We offer comprehensive documentation including:

Detailed photography
Component analysis
Historical context research
Ownership history investigation
Comparative analysis with known authentic examples

Free Initial Consultation

Upload photos of your guitar
Share the serial number and any other identifying information
Describe your guitar's history and condition
Ask specific questions about dating or value

For valuable vintage Gibson instruments or when you need definitive answers about age and authenticity, consider these professional resources:

Expert Appraisal

Our team of vintage Gibson specialists can provide:

Precise dating based on all available evidence
Authentication of originality and components
Complete documentation of features and specifications
Fair market value assessment
Condition grading

Documentation Services

We offer comprehensive documentation including:

Detailed photography
Component analysis
Historical context research
Ownership history investigation
Comparative analysis with known authentic examples

Free Initial Consultation

Upload photos of your guitar
Share the serial number and any other identifying information
Describe your guitar's history and condition
Ask specific questions about dating or value

Get A Free Quote

Call (440) 219-3607

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Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?

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No waiting for your guitar to sell on consignment. Get an offer within hours and cash in hand as soon as same day.

Trusted Experts

Our team has decades of experience evaluating vintage and rare guitars, ensuring accurate assessments of your instrument's value.

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Share details and photos of your guitar through our simple form, text, or email.

Tell Us About Your Guitar

Share details and photos of your guitar through our simple form, text, or email.

Get Your Free Valuation

Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.

Get Your Free Valuation

Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.

Get Your Free Valuation

Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.

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Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.

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Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.

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Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.

Get A Free Quote

Call (440) 219-3607

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?

No special documentation is required for most sales. For very valuable vintage instruments, any provenance or ownership history is helpful but not necessary. We handle all the paperwork to make selling easy.

What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

How does your online appraisal process work?

Our online appraisal process is simple: submit clear photos of your instrument (front, back, headstock, serial number, and any damage), along with details about its history and condition. Our experts will evaluate the information and provide a fair market offer within 24-48 hours.

How does your online appraisal process work?

Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?

No, please don't make any repairs or even clean vintage instruments before contacting us. Original condition—even with dust, grime, or minor issues—is often preferable for accurate valuation. Improper cleaning can actually damage valuable finishes on vintage instruments.

Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?

Do you offer more for guitars with original cases?

Yes, original cases—especially for vintage instruments—can significantly increase value. 'Case candy' such as original paperwork, warranty cards, tags, and accessories also adds value. Keep everything together when selling for maximum return.

Do you offer more for guitars with original cases?

What payment methods do you offer?

We offer several secure payment options including cash (for in-person transactions), certified check, bank wire transfer, PayPal, or direct deposit. For high-value instruments or collections, we can accommodate special arrangements to ensure your comfort and security.

What payment methods do you offer?

Selling Options

Multiple Ways To Sell

Sell Online

Submit photos and information through our secure form for a quick online valuation and offer.

Get A Free Estimate

Sell By Phone

Speak directly with our experts at (440) 219-3607 for immediate assistance and valuation.

Call (440) 219-3607

In-Person Evaluation

Schedule an appointment for an in-person assessment of valuable or multiple instruments.