

- #SERIAL NUMBERS SEARCH HOW TO#
- #SERIAL NUMBERS SEARCH SERIAL NUMBERS#
- #SERIAL NUMBERS SEARCH SERIAL NUMBER#
#SERIAL NUMBERS SEARCH SERIAL NUMBERS#
Gibson has used serial numbers to catalog its instruments since the 1940s. Gibson guitar serial numbers are an easy way to identify a specific guitar model. Typically, the last five digits are the production number of the model. They are usually found on the back of the headstock or pot. These serial numbers are a bit more confusing. Instead, they are still in use on certain models. It is also important to note that a guitar’s age does not necessarily depend on the year. This is often used as a guide to its age. It explains the plant where the instrument was manufactured. This is a reference to the plant designation number. In addition to the YY, it includes the letters RRR and MM. The YYYMRRR digit is a bit more complicated. Unlike the previous system, this one included a letter prefix for the number and a pair of digits describing the year. Although the process was not perfect, the new system was relatively simple.

In the 1960s, Gibson started taking serial numbers seriously. In addition, the system wasn’t very reliable. This meant that some of their instruments were dated incorrectly. In addition, they reused the same serial numbers for different years. Before this, Gibson used a combination of letters and a space to decode its serial numbers.
#SERIAL NUMBERS SEARCH SERIAL NUMBER#
Gibson started using a new serial number system in 1961.

If you are considering buying a vintage or antique Gibson, you will need to know its serial number. The serial number also reveals the origin of the guitar. The other digits can give you information about the grade of the wood, as well as if the guitar is a B-stock or factory second. For example, if you are unsure of the age of your guitar, the first digit can tell you the model and if it is acoustic or electric. This number is important to guitar players because it can give them a lot of information. The Gibson guitar serial number is found on the back of the headstock and the inside of the sound hole sticker. The last digit indicates the production date. The first digit indicates the year, followed by two or three digits indicating the model. The Gibson guitar serial number is used to decode the age of a guitar. These models include the Heritage Korina guitar and the Heritage Les Paul guitar. Gibson reissued some of these models, which use a different serial number format. A red line may be visible, or the neck pickup pickguard attachment point might be scuffed.ĭuring the 1990s, a lot of interest in vintage models returned. They were fixed in the mid-60s, but they can still be affected by age. The final numbers are sequential orders of the model made during the life span of the instrument.ĭuring the 1960s, the sunburst finishes on Gibson guitars were often damaged. The second type of serial numbers ran from 1947 to 1961. This new system consisted of three digits stamped on the headstock top. When Gibson started producing solid-body guitars, they switched to a new serial number system. Some of the instruments were hand-inked and the numbers could be duplicated up to four times. They were sometimes inked for easier reading. Gibson used a serial number system from 1902 to 1947. These cases had leather-covered metal handles. In the post-WW2 period, Gibson offered three kinds of cases: the case with a curved top, the case with a plush pink interior, and the case with a brown exterior. The serial number and the FON will also help you to date your guitar. If you find a guitar with a FON, it means that it was ranked in that batch. These were internal coding that Gibson used to assign specific instruments to a certain batch. They began using Factory Order Numbers, or FONs. In the early 1980s, Gibson changed the way they used serial numbers.

These numbers can be a little difficult to decipher, but they are also a very accurate way to date your instrument. They were usually inked for easier reading. Several different methods were used, including disappearing ink.ĭuring the 1960s, Gibson’s serial numbers were especially noticeable. They were first impressed with the wood but soon moved on to stamping. Gibson started using these numbers in 1902. Gibson guitar serial numbers are unique decals that help you to identify the year, model, and factory of your instrument.
#SERIAL NUMBERS SEARCH HOW TO#
Current model year How to Check Gibson Guitar Serial Numbers Factory ranking/plant designation number.Factory ranking/plant designation number.How to Check Gibson Guitar Serial Numbers.
