Gibson serial number lookup

Manufacturer

8 digit number on the back of the headstock.

Serial Number

Try an example: 82765501

Model Number

How it works

Choose a brand, type the serial number exactly as it appears (spaces and dashes are ignored) and we'll estimate when the instrument was built. Serial numbers are usually on the neck block, headstock or neck plate.

Supported brands

Martin Guitar, Martin Mandolin, Martin Little Martin (LX), Martin Backpacker, Martin Ukulele (Solid Wood), Martin Ukulele (HPL), Martin Ukulele (SO), Gibson, Fender, Epiphone, Taylor, Ibanez, Takamine, Breedlove, Guild

How to date a Gibson guitar by serial number

Gibson makes iconic electric and acoustic guitars such as the Les Paul and J-45.

Where to find the serial number

8 digit number on the back of the headstock.

Serial number format

Gibson serial formats: 1902-1947 paper label numbers; A prefix labels 1947-1961; 5 digit solidbody ink stamps 1953-1961; 1961-1969 die stamped numbers (blocks were reused, so several years can match); 1970-1975 MADE IN USA numbers (A-F prefixes, LE limited editions); 8 digit gold decals 1975-1977 (99, 00, 06); 1977-2005 YDDDYRRR (digits 1 and 5 are the year, 2-4 the day of the year); 2005 and later YDDDYBRRR; 2014 to mid 2019 Gibson USA used YYRRRRRRR (model year, no day). Custom Shop, Historic and reissue serials copy vintage formats and need the certificate of authenticity.

Example Gibson serial number: 82765501. Enter it above to see how the lookup works. Results are estimates, so confirm them against other features of the instrument.

How to find the model of your Gibson guitar

A serial number mainly tells you when an instrument was made. These markings help identify the model.

Electric guitars usually show the model name on the headstock or truss rod cover.
Acoustic guitars usually have a label inside the body, visible through the soundhole, that shows the model name.
The serial number is separate from the model, so use it for the year and the markings above for the model.
Body shape, pickups, hardware and binding help confirm the model, especially on vintage instruments.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find the year of my Gibson guitar from its serial number?

8 digit number on the back of the headstock. Enter the serial number on guitarsdater.com to get the estimated year of manufacture. Example: 82765501.

What does a Gibson serial number look like?

About Gibson

Gibson makes iconic electric and acoustic guitars such as the Les Paul and J-45. Official website: Gibson.

Founded: 1902, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Gibson serial formats changed several times; pre-1970s numbers are often ambiguous, so check the model, pickups and hardware as well.

Gibson dating tips

Early paper-label serials (1902 to 1947) are sequential, and A-prefix labels run from 1947 to 1961.
Die-stamped numbers from 1961 to 1969 were reused in blocks, so several years can match one serial. Check pots, tuners and the neck profile.
From 1977 to 2005 the serial is YDDDYRRR: digits 1 and 5 are the year and digits 2 to 4 are the day of the year.
Custom Shop, Historic and reissue guitars copy vintage serial formats, so the certificate of authenticity is the reliable source for their date.

Other guitar brands we can date

Disclaimer:
GuitarsDater.com and guitarsdater.com don't make any guarantee as to the accuracy or validity of the dating information provided. Our results are presented as a best effort to be correct and missing or incorrect dating information, application bugs, user data errors, etc. can all affect results. Visitors who use this website and rely on any information do so at their own risk.