SELLING YOUR GUITAR? We pay top dollar for vintage Fender, Gibson, and Martin instruments.
FREE APPRAISALS: Discover what your vintage guitar is really worth with our complimentary valuation service.
How To Date Your Gibson Les Paul
How To Date Your Gibson Les Paul
How To Date Your Gibson Les Paul
Introduction:
Dating your Gibson Les Paul accurately can make an astronomical difference in its value - sometimes just a one-year difference can significantly impact what your guitar is worth! While this comprehensive guide will help you determine when your Les Paul was made, remember that consulting with a vintage guitar expert is the most reliable method for precise dating and valuation.
Step One: Find Your Serial Number
The first crucial step in dating your Les Paul is locating and correctly reading the serial number. On Gibson Les Pauls, the serial number is located on the back of the headstock.
Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Format
Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Format
Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Format
Gibson has changed their serial number format multiple times throughout their history. Click on the format below that matches your guitar to jump directly to the relevant section:
Step Three: Verify with Physical Features
Step Three: Verify with Physical Features
Step Three: Verify with Physical Features
While serial numbers are helpful, confirming your dating through physical characteristics is essential. Different era Les Pauls have distinct features:
Step Four: Determine Value
After dating your Gibson Les Paul, understanding its value depends on several factors:
Year and model specifics
Originality of parts
Overall condition
Provenance (history of ownership)
Market demand
Most Valuable Eras:
1958-1960 Sunburst Les Paul Standards ("Bursts")
1954-1955 Les Paul Customs ("Black Beauty")
1952-1953 Les Paul Goldtops (first years of production)
Need Expert Help?
Need Expert Help?
Need Expert Help?
Dating Gibson Les Pauls can be complex, especially for instruments from the 1960s-1970s when production was less consistent. If you're uncertain about your guitar's age or value, we offer free professional appraisal services.
Whether you're looking to:
Get an accurate date for your Les Paul
Understand what your vintage Gibson is worth
Sell your guitar to a passionate collector
Simply learn more about your instrument's history
Contact us today for assistance with dating or valuing your Gibson Les Paul!
Why Choose Us?
Why Choose Us?
Why Choose Us?
Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?
Top Dollar Offers
We don't have retail overhead costs, allowing us to pay more for your instruments than most guitar shops or pawn shops.
We Come To You
For valuable instruments, we'll travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.
Fast & Simple Process
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.
How it works
How it works
How it works
Selling your guitar is EASY
01
01
Tell Us About Your Guitar
Share details and photos of your guitar through our simple form, text, or email.
01
01
Tell Us About Your Guitar
Share details and photos of your guitar through our simple form, text, or email.
01
01
Tell Us About Your Guitar
Share details and photos of your guitar through our simple form, text, or email.
02
02
Get Your Free Valuation
Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.
02
02
Get Your Free Valuation
Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.
02
02
Get Your Free Valuation
Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.
03
03
Get Paid
Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.
03
03
Get Paid
Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.
03
03
Get Paid
Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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 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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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.
Selling Options
Selling Options
Selling Options
Multiple Ways To Sell
Sell Online
Submit photos and information through our secure form for a quick online valuation and offer.
Sell By Phone
Speak directly with our experts at (440) 219-3607 for immediate assistance and valuation.
In-Person Evaluation
Schedule an appointment for an in-person assessment of valuable or multiple instruments.