Introduction:
When buying, selling, or appraising a vintage Gibson guitar, accurate dating is essential. This comprehensive guide provides year-by-year identifiers for Gibson guitars from the 1950s to present day, covering the most collectible models including Les Paul, ES-335, SG, and other iconic instruments. Use this guide alongside our serial number lookup tool to precisely date your Gibson.
Why Year Matters
The year of manufacture can dramatically impact your Gibson's value:
A 1959 Les Paul Standard can be worth 5-10 times more than a 1961 SG/Les Paul
A 1958-1959 ES-335 "dot neck" commands significantly higher prices than a 1965 model
Even within a single year, early vs. late production guitars can have substantial value differences
Gibson Timeline: Key Milestones
1952: Les Paul model introduced
1958: ES-335 introduced with dot inlays
1960: Cherry finish option appears on ES-335s
1961: SG body style replaces original Les Paul
1962: Block inlays replace dots on ES models
1963: Firebird introduced
1968: Gibson acquired by Norlin
1969: Made in USA stamp begins appearing
1975: Serial numbering system changes
1986: Gibson returns to Nashville
2002: Digital ID system introduced
2014: Min-ETune system introduced
2018: Company restructuring
1. Serial Numbers
Serial numbers are your first clue in dating a Gibson, but they must be verified against physical features. Gibson has used multiple serial number systems over the years, often with overlapping numbers.
2. Factory Order Numbers (FONs)
Used alongside serial numbers from the early 1900s through 1961, FONs typically indicate when production began on an instrument.
3. Potentiometer Codes
Volume and tone pot codes follow a consistent format with manufacturer, year, and week of production.
4. Logo Variations
The Gibson logo has changed multiple times through history, providing key dating clues.
5. Hardware Features
Tailpieces, tuners, and bridges evolved over time and help verify dating.
1952-1953
Les Paul Model (Goldtop)
Gold finish only
Trapeze tailpiece wrapping over the top of the guitar
P-90 pickups
No serial number on headstock (factory order number only)
Deep, rounded neck profile
Key Features Across Models:
Kluson Deluxe tuners with no "Kluson Deluxe" stamp
Wrap-around bridge/tailpiece on some models
Thick finishes with minimal grain showing
Chunky neck profiles
1954-1955
Les Paul Model
Tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece replaces trapeze
P-90 pickups continue
Gold finish remains standard
Slightly thinner neck profile than 1952-1953
Other Models:
Substantial, rounded neck profiles
Thicker body dimensions than later years
Black or white P-90 pickups depending on model
Serial numbers ink-stamped on back of headstock
1956-1957
Les Paul Model
Gold finish continues as standard
First appearance of humbucking pickups (PAFs) in 1957
Serial number begins with digit corresponding to last number of year (6 or 7)
Key Features Across Models:
Introduction of PAF (Patent Applied For) humbuckers on high-end models
"Tune-o-matic" bridges become standard
Neck angle begins to standardize
Les Paul Junior features a single cutaway design
1958-1959
Les Paul Standard
Sunburst finish replaces Goldtop
PAF humbuckers standard
Serial number begins with digit corresponding to last number of year (8 or 9)
Thinner, more comfortable neck profile than earlier years
ES-335
Introduction in 1958
"Dot" inlay position markers
Semi-hollow body with solid maple center block
"Mickey Mouse ear" rounded cutaways
PAF humbuckers
Available in sunburst or natural finish
Orange oval label with serial number visible through F-hole
Serial numbers follow same system as Les Paul
Key Features Across Models:
Brazilian rosewood fretboards
Nickel-plated hardware
Long pickguards on ES models
Multi-ply binding
"Unburst" sunburst finish with minimal red tone
"Double-ring" Kluson tuners
1960-1961
Les Paul Standard (1960)
Last year of original Les Paul body shape
Cherry sunburst finish becomes more red
Serial number begins with 0 (1960)
Slightly thinner neck profile than 1959
ES-335
Cherry red finish option added in 1960
"Dot" inlays continue
Thinner neck profile introduced in 1960
1961: Serial number transitions to impressed (stamped) format on back of headstock
SG/Les Paul (1961)
New double-cutaway body design replaces original Les Paul
Initially named "Les Paul" despite design change
Thinner, faster neck profile
Nickel-plated hardware
Vibrola tailpiece options introduced
Serial numbers impressed on back of headstock
Key Features Across Models:
Transition from ink-stamped to impressed serial numbers
PAF pickups transition to "Patent No." pickups
Brazilian rosewood continues on fretboards
Nickel-plated hardware standard
1962-1964
SG
"Les Paul" name dropped, officially becomes "SG"
Various tailpiece options (stopbar, Maestro, Sideways)
"Patent No." stickers replace PAF stickers on pickup underside
Small pickguard
ES-335
Block inlay position markers replace dots (1962)
"Mickey Mouse ear" cutaways continue
Patent No. pickups replace PAFs
Double-ring Kluson tuners
Serial numbers in 60,000-70,000 range (but varies)
Key Features Across Models:
Nickel hardware (some chrome appears in late 1964)
"Patent No." on humbuckers becomes common
Small logo changes
Brazilian rosewood still used for fretboards
1965-1967
SG
Larger pickguard design (full size)
Chrome hardware replaces nickel
Maestro vibrola common
Bat-wing pickguard
ES-335
More pointed cutaways (less rounded "ears")
Trapeze tailpiece replaces stop-bar (1965)
Nylon saddles replace metal saddles
Narrower nut width (1 9/16")
Chrome hardware replaces nickel
Single-ring Kluson tuners replace double-ring
Key Features Across Models:
Transition to chrome-plated hardware
Indian rosewood begins replacing Brazilian
"Made in USA" stamp appears on some models
Headstock angle increases slightly
Neck width decreases
Fretboard radius flattens slightly
1968-1969
Les Paul Custom/Deluxe
Reintroduction of the Les Paul model
Maple top but with "pancake" construction (multi-piece)
Larger headstock dimensions
Chrome hardware standard
ES-335
Chrome hardware standard
Trapeze tailpiece
Narrow nut width continues
"Gibson" logo missing dot over "i" (1969)
Key Features Across Models:
Norlin ownership begins affecting quality
Multi-piece bodies more common ("pancake" construction)
Indian rosewood standard on fretboards
Three-piece necks common
Polyurethane finishes begin to appear
1970-1972
Les Paul Models
"Pancake" body construction
Mahogany with maple center layer
"Made in USA" stamp on headstock
Larger headstock dimensions
Multiple model variants introduced
ES-335
"Made in USA" stamp on headstock
Three-piece necks common
Volute (extra wood) on back of headstock
Lower-quality hardware
Multiple model variants introduced
Key Features Across Models:
Made in USA stamp appears on all models
Volute added to back of headstock
Heavy polyurethane finishes
Three-piece maple necks common
Lower overall quality standards
Pancake bodies with multiple wood layers
1973-1975
Les Paul Standard/Custom
"Pancake" body construction continues
Maple or pancake neck construction common
White "Les Paul" model stamp on pickguard
Lower-quality hardware
Multiple finish options
ES-335
Headstock volute continues
Three-piece necks standard
Lower-quality hardware and electronics
Multiple model variants with differing features
Key Features Across Models:
Thick polyurethane finishes
Headstock volute
Serial numbers still six digits with "Made in USA" stamp
Three-piece maple necks
Indian rosewood fretboards
Wide range of quality issues
1976-1979
Les Paul Models
Return to solid mahogany back (less pancake construction)
New serial number format (8 digits) beginning 1977
Tim Shaw pickups introduced (late 1970s)
Slightly improved quality control
ES-335
Improved construction quality toward end of decade
New eight-digit serial number system (1977)
Multiple finish options
Standardized hardware
Key Features Across Models:
8-digit serial numbers by 1977
First two digits indicate production year
Headstock volute begins to disappear (late 1970s)
Improved attention to quality
Transition to modern production methods
Introduction of new finishes and options
1980-1983
Les Paul Models
Tim Shaw pickups on many models
End of "pancake" body construction
Nashville-produced vs. Kalamazoo production
"Dirty Fingers" high-output pickups on some models
Multiple finish options
ES-335
Dot or block inlay options
Various tailpiece options return
Nashville production established
Serial numbers begin with year identifier
Key Features Across Models:
Nashville production center established
Several model variations and commemorative editions
Higher quality control standards return
Standardized eight-digit serial number format
First digit and fifth digit indicate year
1984-1986
Les Paul Models
Introduction of the Les Paul Studio
Return to original headstock dimensions
Ebony fingerboard options expand
Multiple finish options and special runs
ES Models
335 Dot reissue introduced
Historic Collection begins
Custom Shop operations expand
Various model reissues begin
Key Features Across Models:
Crown inlay returns to headstock
Heritage Series models introduced
Improved electronics
Return to higher production standards
Weight-relief begins on some models
1987-1989
Les Paul Models
Les Paul Classic introduced
1950s reissues gain popularity
Standard production models improve in quality
Various signature models introduced
ES Models
Historic reissues expand
ES-335 traditional models return
Various limited editions
Improved hardware quality
Key Features Across Models:
Return to vintage specifications
Improved binding work
Better finish quality
Expanded Custom Shop offerings
More accurate vintage reissues
Higher quality control standards
1990-1995
Les Paul Models
Introduction of '59 reissue models
Historic Collection expands
Faded finishes introduced
Jimmy Page signature models
Custom Shop operations grow
ES Models
Historic ES-335 reissues (1959 and 1963 spec)
Lucille model standardized
Various artist models
Key Features Across Models:
Vintage-correct reissues improve in accuracy
Custom Shop expands significantly
Historic Collection numbering system
Improved quality control
Limited run "True Historic" models begin
1996-1999
Les Paul Models
Standard fret wire returns to vintage spec
Burstbucker pickups introduced
Historic Reissue models refined
Custom Shop operations expand further
Various artist signature models
ES Models
BB King signature models expand
ES-335 Traditional models refined
Dot neck reissues gain popularity
Limited production special runs
Key Features Across Models:
Serial number system standardized
Better vintage replica hardware
Nitrocellulose finish standard on premium models
"VOS" (Vintage Original Specification) finish options
Expanded color options
Heightened attention to historic detail
2000-2005
Les Paul Models
Historic ranges expand with improved features
Chambered bodies introduced on some models
'59 reissues refined further
Digital certificates introduced
Expanded Custom Shop operations
ES Models
Memphis factory production begins
Historic reissues continue to improve
VOS finishes become popular
Digital serialization
Key Features Across Models:
New digital serial number formats
Certificate of authenticity standard
Expanded custom colors
Router-based production techniques
PLEK machine technology introduced
Burstbucker Pro pickups
2006-2009
Les Paul Models
'59 Reissues recognized as premium instruments
Chambering becomes common on Standards
Traditional model introduced
Robot Tuners on some models
Custom Shop expands with True Historic range
ES Models
Memphis Custom Shop offerings expand
ES-339 introduced
Various signature models
Expanded VOS offerings
Key Features Across Models:
Richlite fretboard material introduced on some models
Robot tuning systems experimented with
Upgraded electronics with coil-splitting
Expanded Custom Shop offerings
TekToid nuts replace bone on many models
VOS finishes refined
2010-2014
Les Paul Models
1960 reissues refined
Traditional becomes core model
Min-ETune system debuts
Push-pull switching standard
Weight-relieved vs. non-weight-relieved options
ES Models
ES-339 line expands
Memphis vs. Nashville production
VOS finishes standard on premium models
Various 50th Anniversary models
Key Features Across Models:
Modern weight relief standard on many models
Compound radius fretboards on some models
TekToid nuts standard
Improved electronics
Titanium saddles and bridge parts
Min-ETune automated tuning systems
2015-2018
Les Paul Models
Controversial 2015 spec changes (wider neck, zero fret nut)
Return to traditional specifications in 2016
Traditional vs. High Performance models
True Historic models with hide glue
ES Models
Memphis factory continues ES production
Historic models refined
Original Collection launches
Modern Collection established
Key Features Across Models:
2015: Controversial G-Force tuning, wider neck, zero fret nut
2016: Return to traditional specifications
Company restructuring affects model lines
Modern vs. Original collections established
Improved historic recreations with hide glue construction
Murphy Lab aging debuts
2019-Present
Les Paul Models
Original Collection standardizes vintage features
Modern Collection offers contemporary features
Murphy Lab aging for Custom Shop
Authentic Collection with historic accuracy
Custom Collection with premium features
ES Models
Production moves to Nashville
Original Collection ES models
Murphy Lab aging options
Improved vintage accuracy
Standard production models refined
Key Features Across Models:
Murphy Lab aging process for authentic vintage appearance
Return to traditional dimensions and specifications
Handwired electronics on premium models
Vintage-correct neck profiles standardized by era
Hide glue construction on premium historic models
Improved vintage-correct hardware
Premium Custom Shop Features
Murphy Lab
Multiple aging levels (Ultra Light, Light, Heavy, Ultra Heavy)
Authentic checking patterns
Age-appropriate hardware patina
Play wear matched to era
True Historic
Hide glue construction
Period-correct aniline dyes
Historically accurate plastic parts
Double-carved tops
Accurate internal construction
Collector's Choice
Exact recreations of specific vintage instruments
Precise aging to match original
Documented lineage
Limited production
Common Gibson Myths and Misconceptions
"Newer Gibsons Are Lower Quality"
While 1970s instruments had quality issues, modern Gibsons (especially Custom Shop) maintain excellent standards. Modern CNC manufacturing actually allows for more consistent quality compared to the hand-built vintage era.
"All Vintage Gibsons Are Superior"
Vintage instruments vary tremendously in quality. While the best examples are exceptional, many vintage instruments have neck issues, structural problems, or extensive repairs.
"Lightweight Guitars Are Always Better"
Though widely believed, this is subjective. 1950s Les Pauls are generally heavier than modern weight-relieved versions. Tone preferences vary by player.
"Original PAF Pickups Are Always Better"
Original PAFs varied tremendously in output and tone. Some modern reproductions actually provide more consistent performance.
"Only Pre-War Gibsons Are Collectible"
While pre-war flat-top acoustics are highly valued, the most valuable Gibsons are actually 1958-1960 Les Pauls and ES-335s.
If you're looking to sell your Gibson guitar, we're interested in purchasing vintage and used examples from all eras. We specialize in:
1950s Les Pauls (especially Goldtops and Bursts)
1958-1964 ES-335, ES-345, and ES-355 models
1960s SGs
1950s-1960s acoustics
1970s-1980s vintage instruments in excellent condition
We pay top dollar based on true market value - typically 30-40% more than local shops or consignments. Our team has decades of experience appraising vintage Gibson instruments.
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