Most gear has a serial number, either printed on a label inside it or stamped into the headstock or neck plate. Use our dating guides below to figure out when your instrument was made and where it came from. Year old epiphone les paul classic into your gibson les paul classic: mar 2004; the accompanying dating gibson les paul classic. Re: smithtown, i have been gibson by reference of a guide to. Serial number date is the les paul classic cars and original. Epiphone serial decoder Discussion in 'Epiphone Les Pauls' started by VictorLazarus, Feb 15, 2008. Les Paul Classic: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no “MADE IN USA” (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. Is anyone able to date my Epiphone Sheraton? The serial number is 880509595 and it's located on a stick-on strip on the back of the headstock. The front of the headstock has 'Epiphone by Gibson' at the top and the Epiphone logo at the bottom. _____ The Guitar Dater Project Find the date your guitar was made by simply supplying your serial number. The Epiphone serial number decoder currently supports 12 serial number formats from 25 factories. Vintage numbers from 1932 to 1970 are supported. Serial numbers from 70' and 80's era Epiphone guitars made in Japan are not supported.
From 1970-1975 the method of serializing instruments at Gibson became even more random. All numbers
were impressed into the wood and a six digit number assigned, though no particular order was given and
some instruments had a letter prefix. The orange labels inside hollow bodied instruments was discontinued
in 1970 and were replaced by white and orange rectangle labels on the acoustics, and small black, purple
and white rectangle labels were placed on electric models.
In 1970, the words “MADE IN USA” was impressed into the back of instrument headstocks (though a few
instruments from the 1950s also had MADE IN USA impressed into their headstocks as well).
Year(s) Approximate Series Manufacture
1970, 1971, and 1972 100000s, 600000s, 700000s, 900000s
1973 000001s, 100000s, 200000s, 800000s and a few “A” + 6 digit numbers
1974 and 1975 100000s, 200000s, 300000s, 400000s,500000s, 600000s, 800000s
and a few A-B-C-D-E-F + 6 digit numbers
During the period from 1975-1977 Gibson used a transfer that had eight digit numbers, the first two
indicate the year, 99=1975, 00=1976 and 06=1977, the following six digits are in the 100000 to 200000
range. MADE IN USA were also included on the transfer and some models had LIMITED EDITION also
applied. A few bolt on neck instruments had a date ink stamped on the heel area.
In 1977, Gibson first introduced the serialization method that is in practice today. This updated system
utilizes an impressed eight digit numbering scheme that covers both serializing and dating functions. The
pattern is as follows:
YDDDYPPP
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank.
The numbers 001-499 show Kalamazoo production, 500-999 show Nashville production. The Kalamazoo
numbers were discontinued in 1984.
When acoustic production began at the plant built in Bozeman, Montana (in 1989), the series’ numbers
were reorganized. Bozeman instruments began using 001-299 designations and, in 1990, Nashville
instruments began using 300-999 designations. It should also be noted that the Nashville plant has not
reached the 900s since 1977, so these numbers have been reserved for prototypes. Examples:
70108276 means the instrument was produced on Jan.10, 1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th
instrument stamped that day.
82765501 means the instrument was produced on Oct. 3, 1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument
stamped that day.
However, it has come to light recently that the Kalamazoo plant did not directly switch over to the “new” 8
digit serialization method in 1977. When the Nashville Gibson plant was opened in 1974, it was decided
that the bulk of the production of products would be run in the South; the Kalamazoo plant would produce
the higher end (fancier) models in the North. Of course, many of the older guitar builders and craftsmen
were still in Kalamazoo; and if they weren’t ready to change how they built guitars, then they may not have
been ready to change how they numbered them! Certain guitar models built in the late 1970s can be used
to demonstrate the old-style 6 digit serial numbers . It is estimated that Gibson’s Kalamazoo plant
continued to use the 6 digit serial numbers through 1978 and 1979. So double check the serial numbers
on those 1970s L-5s, Super 400s, and Super 5 BJBs!
Gibson’s F O N System
In addition to the above serial number information, Gibson also used Factory Order Numbers (F O N) to
track batches of instruments being produced at the time. In the earlier years at Gibson, guitars were
normally built in batches of 40 instruments. Gibson’s Factory Order Numbers were an internal coding that
followed the group of instruments through the factory. Thus, the older Gibson guitars may have a serial
number and a F O N. The F O N may indicate the year, batch number, and the ranking (order of production
within the batch of 40).
This system is useful in helping to date and authenticate instruments. There are three separate groupings of
numbers that have been identified and are used for their accuracy. The numbers are usually stamped or
written on the instrument’s back and seen through the lower F hole or round soundhole, or maybe
impressed on the back of the headstock.
1908-1923 Approximate #s
YEAR F O N
1908 259
1909 309
1910 545, 927
1911 1260, 1295
1912 1408, 1593
1913 1811, 1902
1914 1936, 2152
1915 2209, 3207
1916 2667, 3508
YEAR F O N
1917 3246, 11010
1918 9839, 11159
1919 11146, 11212
1920 11329, 11367
1921 11375, 11527
1922 11565, 11729
1923 11973
F O Ns for the years 1935-1941 usually consisted of the batch number, a letter for the year and the
instrument number. Examples are as follows:
722 A 23
465 D 58
863 E 02.
Code Letter and Year
A 1935
B 1936
C 1937
D 1938
E 1939
F 1940
G 1941
Code Letter F O Ns were discontinued after 1941, and any instruments made during or right after World
War II do not bear an F O N codes. In 1949, a four digit F O N was used, but not in conjunction with any
code letter indicating the year.
From 1952-1961, the F O N scheme followed the pattern of a letter, the batch number and an instrument
ranking number (when the guitar was built in the run of 40). The F O N is the only identification number
on Gibson’s lower grade models (like the ES-125, ES-140, J-160E, etc.) which do not feature a paper label.
Higher grade models (such as the Super 400, L-5, J-200, etc.) feature both a serial number and a F O N.
When both numbers are present on a higher grade model, remember that the F O N was assigned at the
beginning of the production run, while the serial number was recorded later (before shipping). The serial
number would properly indicate the actual date of the guitar. F O N examples run thus:
Y 2230 21
V 4867 8
R 6785 15
Code Letter and Year
Z 1952
Y 1953
X 1954
W 1955
V 1956
U 1957
T 1958
S 1959
R 1960
Q 1961
After 1961 the use of FONs was discontinued at Gibson.
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There are still some variances that Gibson uses on some instruments produced today, but for the most part Lanschool windows 10.
the above can be used for identifying instruments. For the most accurate identification you would need to
contact the Gibson Guitar Corporation itself.
The serial number will be an 8 digit number impressed into the back of the headstock with “MADE IN USA” below.
The pattern is as follows: YDDDYRRR YY is the production year DDD is the day of the year RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number. Prior to 1984 when the Kalamazoo, MI factory was closed, the numbers 001-499 indicated Kalamazoo production. Ranking numbers 500-999 continued to indicate Nashville production through 1989.
Since 1989, all Gibson acoustics are built in Bozeman, MT and all Gibson electrics are built in Nashville or Memphis. Ranking numbers for Bozeman start each day at 001 and the electrics may start as low as the 300s.
Examples: 70108276 means the instrument was produced on Jan. 10, 1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument stamped that day.
82765501 means the instrument was produced on Oct. 3, 1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument stamped that day.
NOTE – Gibson USA goes to a 9 digit serial number in early July 2005. The sixth number is now a batch number- batch 0 starts at the beginning of the day, and once we stamp 699, the batch number will change to 1. The first 5 numbers remain the same, the last 3 numbers will remain the same. The only difference is the addition of this batch indicator.
There are always exceptions to these rules, the two listed below are worth noting:
Les Paul Classic: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no “MADE IN USA” (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. There should be a space after the 1st digit with the 4 and 5 digit serial numbers, and no space with the 6 digit numbers.
The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we’ve been using since 2000.
Examples – 9 xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with “9” used only in 1989) 0 xxxx = 1990 9 xxxx = 1999 00xxxx = 2000 05xxxx = 2005
Those beginning with “94”: In 1994, Gibson’s Centennial year, many instruments have a serial number that begins with “94” for the year, with the remaining 6 digits indicating the ranking number.
Gibson Custom
1952-1960 Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Futura reissues (since late 1992): M YRRR or MYRRRR M is the model year being reissued Y is the production year RRR(R) indicates the guitar’s place production for that year. NOTE: This number includes all models for a particular reissue year – so, for example, a 1958 Reissue serial number may include ’58 Reissue LP Standard and ’58 Explorer production.
Example: 7 5123 is the 123rd 1957 reissue model produced in 2005.
1961-1969 Firebird, Les Paul, and SG reissues (since 1997): YYRRRM Y is the production year RRR(R) indicates the guitar’s place in production for that year. M is the model being reissued Reissue model codes: 1= SG Custom and Special 2= SG Standard 3= 1963 Firebird 1 4= 1964 Firebird III 5= 1965 Firebird V & VII 8= 1968 Les Paul Custom
Examples: 050102 is the 10th SG Standard reissue produced in 2005. 030084 is the 8th 1964 Firebird III reissue produced in 2003.
Historic ES MODELS (since 1995): (A or B)-MYRRR M is the model year being reissued Y is the production year RRR indicates the guitar’s place in the sequence of Historic ES production for that year. Reissue model codes: 2= ES-295 3= 1963 ES-335 (block inlays) 4= ES-330 5= ES-345 9 with an “A” prefix = 1959 ES-335 (dot inlays) 9 with a “B” prefix= ES-355
Example: A-38005 is the 5th ’63 ES-335 Reissue produced in 1998. Carved Top models (serial number on orange label) YDDDYRRR YY is the production year DDD is the day of the year RRR indicate the guitar’s place in the sequence of carved tops made that day. NOTE – as of 2000, 1st digit will be a “2”
Examples: 91418009 is the 9th carved top produced on the 141st day of 1998. 20045002 was the 2nd carved top stamped on the 4th day of 2005.
Custom Shop regular production models CSYRRRR CS stands for “Custom Shop” Y indicates the production year RRRR indicates the guitar’s place in the sequence of production
Example: CS10845 is the 845th reg. production CS model produced in 2001.
CS Signature Models: The list below is not an exhaustive listing but we have included many of our most popular Signature models. Please contact us at [email protected] should you have any questions.
Ace Frehley Les Paul – 1997 Limited run, numbered in sequence as “ACE xxx” Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Andy Summers ES-335 Limited edition of 50. Numbered in sequence as “AS xxxx”
Dickey Betts ’57 goldtop Les Paul Limited edition of 114. Numbered in sequence as “DB xxx”
Dickey Betts ’57 red top Les Paul Numbered in sequence as “DBR xxx”
Gary Rossington Les Paul Limited edition of 250. Numbered in sequence as “GR xxx”
Gary Rossington SG Limited edition of 250. Numbered in sequence as “13xxx”
Jimmy Page Les Paul (3 versions) -1st 25 aged models were hand numbered 1-25 and signed by Jimmy Page, no other number is on this model. -Limited run of 150 aged models are numbered in sequence as “PAGE xxx” -Unlimited run of Custom Authentic models are numbered in sequence as “JPP xxx” Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Joe Perry Les Paul (2 models) – Joe Perry Signature Les Paul from 1996 (trans black finish) – numbered in sequence as “JPxxx” – Boneyard LP – Pilot Run models have an inked number and hand written “Pilot Run”. The production version (no difference in spec) numbered in sequence as “BONE xxx” Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Joe Perry Signature Les Paul made has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Johnny A. Numbered in sequence as “JA xxx”
Pete Townshend LP Deluxe Limited run of 75, numbered in sequence as “PETE xxx”
Peter Frampton Les Paul (2 models) – PF LP Custom – numbered in sequence as “PF xxx” – PF LP Special – numbered in sequence as “PFYxxx” Y indicates the year of production.
Slash Les Paul (2 models) – 1997 limited edition model, cranberry finish: numbered in sequence as “SL xxx” – Regular production model introduced in 2004, also numbered in sequence as “SL xxx” Note: The discontinued Epiphone Slash Les Paul made has a standard Epiphone serial number.
Tony Iommi SG Numbered in sequence as “TI xxx”
Zakk Wylde Les Paul Bullseye and the rare “Rough Top” version numbered in sequence as “ZW xxx” Camo version numbered in sequence as “ZPW xxx”
Earl Scruggs Models Standard: Sequential production number, starting at 001
’49 Classic: YY-RR YY = Year of manufacture RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Golden Deluxe: YY-RR YY = Year of manufacture RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Flint Hill Special: FH-YY-RR YY = Year of manufacture RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Special: ES-YY-RR YY = Year of manufacture RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Style 250 250-TT-RR YY = Year of manufacture RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Granada YY-MM-RR YY = Year MM = Month RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
RB RB### = sequential production number
All other models S(S)-YYMM-RR S(S) = style (excluding style 250 – see above) YY = Year MM = Month RR = ranking number
Most regular production models since ca. 1993. Many ’80s and early ’90s serial numbers may follow a similar scheme, but may not include a factory ID code. FYYMMRRRR F= Factory code (this can be 2 letters as well) YY= year of manufacture (this can also be just 1 digit for ’90s models) MM= month of manufacture R= ranking number (may be more or less digits, not necessarily indicative of total units produced) Example – S02021234 was issued in Feb. 2002.
Another code used on some current Epiphone models FYYMRRRR F= Factory code YY=Year of manufacture M= This will be a letter code corresponding to the month (A=January, B=February, etc…) RRRR= ranking number Example – R03D0263 was issued in April 2003.
Epiphone Elite/Elitist models FYSSSS F= Factory Code (this code will be an “F” or “T”) Y= Year of manufacture (2 = 2002, 3 = 2003, etc.) SSSS= Sequential Serial Number Example – T41234 is a 2004 Elitist model.
1995-1997 A(A) (#)###YY A(A) = model code (#) ### = ranking number YY = last 2 digits of year Example – BA xxx 95 dates to 1995
1997-Current YMMDDRRY Y = last digit of year MM = Month DD = day of month RR = ranking number Y (last digit) = decade
Product code/production number/quarter and year made
Example – G-03/207/299
Note that the “‘G” is often mistaken for a “6”. This amp was made in the second quarter of 1999.
General Gibson serial number information
Gibson serial numbers are usually on the back of the guitars headstock; either stamped, inked or as a decal. Instruments with f-holes often have the serial number repeated on a label inside the guitar body. A lack of a serial number usually implies an instrument has been refinished.
The current Gibson serial number system
There is no Gibson serial number decoder that can automatically date your pre-1977 Gibson, although after this time, the currently used eight digit system ha been used. Not only can it tell the date, but also the place of production. These details are encoded unambiguosly into the serial number as follows.
YDDDYXXX where YY is the year, DDD is the day of the year, and it was the XXXth instrument stamped that day. Numbers below 500 signify a Kalamazoo productio, above signifies Nashville.
So for example, 80921089 tells us that this bass was stamped on the 2nd April 1981 (day 092), at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant, and was the 089th instrument stamped that day
Vintage Gibson serial numbers
Gibson used various systems of numbering their instruments, and some records exist that can give a clue to a shipping date. 50s and early 1960s details are fairly straightforward, but later serial numbers (particularly around 65-75) can cause more confusion than clarity. BEFORE you read the Gibson serial number charts, please read the rest of this page!
The serial numbers Gibson used, particularly from 1969-1979 are often very difficult to interpret. The reason being that Gibsons 6 digit serial number system reached 999999 several times; each time they continued from 000001.
So Gibson re-used serial numbers. If you read through the charts for a hypothetical number, say 123456 - we see that it was shipped in 1963, 1970-72, and again in 74-75. Not an ideal situation, but many of the Guitars we see listed for sale as 1960s instruments, are actually newer. It is often not the sellers fault, as they will have looked through the numbers, found it was 1963, and would see no reason to look further in the document.
Dating Gibson guitars without serial numbers
Seeing as the Gibson serial numbers can be ambiguous, and that guitar serial numbers are sometimes removed, how can you be sure of a Gibson guitars vintage?. There are subtle changes in most Gibson guitars over the course of their production runs, and, you can usually date a guitar by physical features. Also, with a little knowledge of potentiometer codes, another approximate date can be read. Most instruments can be dated to within 1-2 years without a serial number.
See the list of serial numbers on the Gibson website
Epiphone Les Paul Standard Serial Number Lookup
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Epiphone Les Paul Serial Number Lookup
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