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Epiphone Serial Number Lookup

Use our free Epiphone serial number decoder to instantly identify your guitar's production year, factory of origin, and country of manufacture. Simply enter your serial number below — works for Epiphone Les Paul, SG, Casino, Sheraton, Dot, ES-335, Hummingbird, Texan, Elite, Elitist, and all other Epiphone models.

Usually found on the back of the headstock or on a label inside the body

How to Read an Epiphone Serial Number

Reading an Epiphone serial number depends on the era and factory. Our Epiphone serial number search tool automates the entire process, but here's the general approach:

1

Find Your Serial Number

Check the back of the headstock for a printed, stamped, or stickered serial number. On acoustics and semi-hollows, also check the label inside the body through the soundhole or F-hole.

2

Enter It Above

Type or paste your Epiphone serial number into the decoder above — spaces and extra characters are handled automatically.

3

Get Instant Results

See the production year, month, factory name, country of origin, production ranking, and possible model identification.

Understanding Epiphone's FYYMMRRRR Serial Number Format

The most common Epiphone serial number format — used from 1993 to 2008 — is the FYYMMRRRR factory-prefix system. Here's a detailed breakdown of how each part works:

S03061234
F __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Factory = S → Samick

1st letter(s) identify the manufacturing factory and country

__ Y Y __ __ __ __ __ __
Year = 03 → 2003

Next 1–2 digits give the production year (2-digit or single digit)

__ __ __ M M __ __ __ __
Month = 06 → June

2-digit month (01–12) or letter code (A–L on some models)

__ __ __ __ __ R R R R
Ranking = 1234

Production ranking number within that month at the factory

This format applies to the majority of Epiphone guitars made between 1993 and 2008, including Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Custom, SG, Casino, Sheraton, Dot, G-400, and Epiphone acoustic models. The factory letter code tells you both where and in which country the guitar was manufactured.

Complete Epiphone Serial Number Format Chart

Epiphone has used many different serial number formats across decades of production in Korea, China, Indonesia, Japan, and the Czech Republic. The format depends on the era, factory, and model line. Below is a comprehensive Epiphone serial number guide covering every known format — use this alongside our Epiphone serial number search engine above.

Post-2008 Numeric

YYMMFFRRRRR (10–11 digits)

All-numeric format introduced ~2008. YY = year, MM = month, FF = factory number code, RRRRR = ranking.

Factory Prefix (1993–2008)

FYYMMRRRR

F/FF = factory letter code, YY = year (sometimes single digit for '90s), MM = month, RRRR = ranking.

Letter-Month

FYYMRRRR

F = factory code, YY = year, M = month as letter (A–L), RRRR = ranking.

Elite/Elitist

FYSSSS or FYYSSSS

F = Fuji-gen, T = Terada (both Japan). Single or double-digit year, then sequential number.

F-Serial (Tribute/LP Std)

F3xxxxx (7 digits)

Used on LP Standard '59/'60 and Tribute models. Made in Qingdao, China. Approximate year by range.

Japan Yamano Gakki (1998+)

[J/T/F]YMMPPP

Optional J/T/F prefix, Y = year, MM = month, PPP = production number. Made in Japan.

Japan Semi-Acoustic (1987–1997)

YCPPP (5 digits)

Y = year, C = model code (1–9), PPP = production. Made by Terada, Japan. Orange label.

Pre-1994 Numeric

All digits (7+ digits, no prefix)

No factory prefix. Common on pre-1994 models. Format is approximately YMMRRRR.

MIRC Refurbished

311xxxx (golden sticker)

Refurbished by MIRC. Original serial defaced. No way to determine original production date.

Epiphone Factory Codes & Country of Origin Guide

The factory code at the beginning of your Epiphone serial number identifies the manufacturer and country of origin. Here's a comprehensive reference of all known Epiphone factory codes:

Letter Factory Codes (Pre-2008)

CodeFactoryCountry
SSamickKorea
SISamick IndonesiaIndonesia
UUnsungKorea
UCUnsung ChinaChina
P / RPeerlessKorea
ISaeinKorea
CCortKorea
CICort IndonesiaIndonesia
EEQingdao (Electric)China
EAQingdao (Acoustic)China
DWDaeWonChina
MCMuseChina
MRMirrChina
SJSaeJunChina
ZZaozhuang SaehanChina
FFuji-gen / QingdaoJapan / China
TTeradaJapan
JTeradaJapan
FN / FCFine Guitars / Global Fine SupplyKorea / China
BBohêmia Musico-DeliciaCzech Republic
KKorea Ins.Korea
LLeader MusicalKorea
NFine GuitarsKorea
OChoiceKorea
SMSamilKorea

Numeric Factory Codes (Post-2008)

CodeFactoryCountry
11Unknown (MIC)China
12DaeWon / UnsungChina
13UnknownChina
15Qingdao (Electric)China
16Qingdao (Acoustic)China
17UnknownChina
18UnknownChina
20DaeWon / UnsungChina
21UnsungKorea
22UnknownKorea
23Samick (SIM)Indonesia

Epiphone Serial Number Lookup by Model

While most Epiphone serial numbers follow the same format for a given era and factory, some models have unique serial number characteristics. Here's a guide for the most popular Epiphone models:

Epiphone Les Paul Serial Number

Epiphone Les Paul Standard, Custom, Studio, and Special models all use the standard Epiphone serial formats for their era. Post-2008 models are typically all-numeric (YYMMFFRRRRR). Pre-2008 models have factory letter prefixes. The Les Paul Standard '59 and '60 and Tribute models may use the special F3xxxxx format (Made in Qingdao). Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro, Les Paul Muse, and Les Paul Modern all follow standard numbering for their production year.

Epiphone SG Serial Number

Epiphone SG Standard, SG Special, SG Custom, SG Muse, and the G-400 (SG-equivalent) all use the standard Epiphone serial format. Korean-made SGs from the 1990s have letter prefixes (S, U, P). Chinese-made SGs from the 2000s onwards use EE, DW, or numeric factory codes. The Epiphone SG Prophecy and SG Inspired by Gibson series follow the same numbering conventions.

Epiphone Casino Serial Number

The iconic Epiphone Casino — favored by The Beatles — has used several serial formats over the years. Japanese-made Casinos (1987–1997) use the 5-digit YCPPP format with model code 5. Korean-made Casinos (Peerless factory, late '90s–2000s) have P or R prefix. Modern Chinese-made Casinos use standard EE or numeric factory codes. Japanese Elitist Casino models have F or T prefix. Check the F-hole label as well as headstock for the serial number.

Epiphone Sheraton Serial Number

The Epiphone Sheraton II and Sheraton has been made in multiple countries. Japanese versions (1987–1997) use the YCPPP format with model code 4. Korean Peerless-made Sheratons have P or R prefix. Modern Sheraton II models from China use standard factory-prefix or numeric formats. The Sheraton II Pro (Probuckers) follows the same conventions as other models from its production era. The semi-hollow body means serial may also appear on the internal label.

Epiphone Dot / ES-335 Serial Number

The Epiphone Dot (ES-335 equivalent) follows standard serial formats. Samick-Korea models have S prefix, Unsung models have U prefix, and Chinese-made Dots use EE, DW, or numeric codes. The Epiphone ES-335 (Inspired by Gibson collection) and ES-339 follow the same numbering. Serial is usually on the back of the headstock, but check the F-hole label too.

Epiphone Acoustic Serial Number

Epiphone acoustic guitars — including the Hummingbird, Texan, Dove, J-45, J-200, DR-series, and EJ-200 — use the standard Epiphone format with factory codes that sometimes differ from electrics. Chinese acoustics from Qingdao use the EA prefix (rather than EE used for electrics). Korean acoustics typically have S, U, or other standard Korea factory codes. The Epiphone Masterbilt series has used G, GG, or standard codes.

Epiphone Country of Origin & Factory History

Epiphone guitars have been manufactured across the globe. Understanding the factory location adds historical context and can affect the instrument's value. The country of origin is encoded in your Epiphone serial number through the factory code prefix.

Korea

~1983–2010s

Korean-made Epiphones were produced at Samick (S), Unsung (U), Peerless (P/R), Saein (I), Cort (C), and several other factories. Korean production dominated from the late 1980s through the 2000s. Peerless-made models (especially semi-hollows) and late-run Samick models are particularly well-regarded. Many Korean factories produced Epiphones simultaneously, each with their own quality characteristics.

China

~2002–Present

Chinese production expanded significantly in the 2000s, eventually becoming Epiphone's primary manufacturing base. The Qingdao Gibson factory (EE for electric, EA for acoustic) is the most prominent, along with DaeWon (DW), Muse (MC), Mirr (MR), and others. Post-2008 numeric factory codes (11–20) primarily indicate Chinese production. The Gibson-owned Qingdao facility produces the current 'Inspired by Gibson' collection.

Japan

1987–2008

Japanese Epiphones are the most sought-after by collectors. Fuji-gen (F) and Terada (T/J) manufactured the Elite and Elitist series — premium instruments with superior woods, hardware, and electronics. The 1987–1997 semi-acoustic run (Casino, Sheraton, Emperor) made by Terada for Yamano Gakki distribution is particularly prized, as are the early 2000s Elitist models. Japanese Epiphones command premium prices on the used market.

Indonesia

~2004–Present

Indonesian production includes Samick Indonesia (SI), Cort Indonesia (CI), and other factories. These models are identified by their two-letter factory prefix or numeric code 23 on post-2008 models. Indonesian-made Epiphones have gradually increased in quality and now represent a significant portion of current production alongside Chinese-made instruments.

How to Date an Epiphone Guitar by Serial Number

Dating an Epiphone guitar is one of the most common reasons people search for serial number information. Here's a quick reference for determining your Epiphone's production year:

Serial FormatExampleEraHow to Read Year
FYYMMRRRRS0306xxxx1993–2008Digits after factory letter(s) = year (03 → 2003)
FYYMRRRRU05Gxxxx1993–2008Digits after factory letter = year, then month letter (G = July)
YYMMFFRRRRR10061512xx2008+First 2 digits = year (10 → 2010), next 2 = month (06 → June)
FYYSSSSF21234Elite/ElitistF/T prefix = Japan, next 1–2 digits = year (2 → 2002)
F3xxxxxF312345~2009–2015Approximate year by serial range (see F-serial reference)
YCPPP (5 digits)941231987–1997 Japan1st digit = year (9 → 1989 or 1999), 2nd = model code
311xxxx3114567MIRC RefurbNo year info — refurbished serial replaces original

Not sure which format applies? Just enter your serial number in our free Epiphone guitar serial number decoder above and it will automatically detect the correct format and decode it for you.

Epiphone Serial Number FAQ

Common questions about Epiphone serial number lookup, how to read Epiphone serial numbers, dating Epiphone guitars, factory identification, and country of origin.

How do I look up my Epiphone serial number?
Enter your Epiphone serial number in the free lookup tool above. Our Epiphone serial number decoder will instantly analyze the format and tell you the production year, factory location, country of origin, and production ranking. Epiphone serial numbers are typically found on the back of the headstock or on a label inside the body (check through the soundhole on acoustic models). This tool works for all Epiphone electric, acoustic, and semi-hollow instruments.
Where is the serial number on an Epiphone guitar?
On most modern Epiphone guitars, the serial number is located on the back of the headstock — either stamped, printed, or on a sticker. On acoustic and semi-hollow models like the Casino and Sheraton, check the label inside the body visible through the soundhole or F-hole. Some older Epiphone models may have the serial on the neck plate or on a sticker inside the control cavity. MIRC refurbished guitars have a golden sticker with a 311xxxx number.
How do I read an Epiphone serial number?
Epiphone serial numbers vary by era. The most common format (1993–2008) is FYYMMRRRR: the first 1–2 letters identify the factory, followed by a 1–2 digit year, 2-digit month, and a production ranking number. Post-2008 models may use an all-numeric YYMMFFRRRRR format where FF is a factory number code. Some models use letter-month encoding (A=January through L=December). Our decoder handles all formats automatically — just enter your serial number above.
What do the letters at the beginning of an Epiphone serial number mean?
The letter prefix on an Epiphone serial number identifies the factory where the guitar was made. Common codes include: S = Samick (Korea), U = Unsung (Korea), P/R = Peerless (Korea), I = Saein (Korea), SI = Samick (Indonesia), CI = Cort (Indonesia), EE = Qingdao Electric (China), EA = Qingdao Acoustic (China), DW = DaeWon (China), MC = Muse (China), F = Fuji-gen (Japan) or Qingdao (China), and T = Terada (Japan). Two-letter codes generally indicate a specific factory and country combination.
Where are Epiphone guitars made?
Epiphone guitars have been manufactured in many countries over the years. Currently, most Epiphone production happens in China (Qingdao Gibson factory and various contractors) and Indonesia. Historically, Epiphone guitars were also built in Korea (Samick, Unsung, Peerless, Saein), Japan (Fuji-gen, Terada — Elite/Elitist models), and the Czech Republic (Bohêmia Musico-Delicia). The factory location is encoded in the serial number prefix. Korean-made Epiphones from the 1990s and Japanese-made Elitist models are particularly sought after by collectors.
How do I tell if my Epiphone is made in Korea, China, Indonesia, or Japan?
The country of origin is determined by the factory code in your serial number. Korean factories: S (Samick), U (Unsung), P/R (Peerless), I (Saein), C (Cort), K (Korea Ins.), L (Leader). Chinese factories: EE/EA (Qingdao), DW (DaeWon), MC (Muse), MR (Mirr), Z (Zaozhuang), SJ (SaeJun). Indonesian factories: SI (Samick Indonesia), CI (Cort Indonesia). Japanese factories: F (Fuji-gen), T (Terada), J (Terada). Post-2008 numeric codes also indicate country: 21–22 = Korea, 11–20 = China, 23 = Indonesia.
What is an Epiphone Elitist and how can I identify one by serial number?
Epiphone Elitist (and Elite) guitars are premium-quality instruments made in Japan, built to higher specifications than standard production models. Elitist serial numbers start with F (Fuji-gen factory) or T (Terada factory) followed by digits — for example, F21234 or T51234. The format is FYYSSSS: factory letter, 1–2 digit year, then a sequential production number. These Japanese-made Epiphones are highly regarded for their superior build quality, electronics, and hardware.
How do I date an Epiphone guitar by serial number?
Dating an Epiphone depends on the serial number format. For factory-prefix models (FYYMMRRRR), the digits after the factory letter(s) give you the year and month. For post-2008 numeric models (YYMMFFRRRRR), the first two digits are the year and the next two are the month. For letter-month formats (FYYMRRRR), the letter after the year indicates the month (A=Jan, B=Feb... L=Dec). Elite/Elitist models (F or T prefix) encode the year in the digits after the factory letter. Our free decoder handles all these formats automatically.
What does a 311 Epiphone serial number mean?
An Epiphone serial number starting with 311 (like 311xxxx) indicates a MIRC (Musical Instrument Reclamation Center) refurbished guitar. The original serial number has been defaced and replaced with a golden sticker bearing the 311 number. The original warranty is voided. There is no way to determine the original production date, factory, or model year from a MIRC number. Sometimes '2nd' is stamped on the back of the headstock. Specs may differ from the original stock configuration.
Can I tell what model my Epiphone is from the serial number?
Standard Epiphone serial numbers do not directly encode the model name in most cases. However, certain serial formats are associated with specific models. F3xxxxx (F-serial) numbers are used on Les Paul Standard '59/'60 and Tribute models. Japanese 5-digit serials from 1987–1997 include a model code digit identifying semi-acoustics like Casino, Sheraton, Emperor, and Riviera. Elite/Elitist serial formats (F/T prefix) indicate premium Japanese-made models. For most other formats, the serial number identifies the factory, year, and production ranking but not the specific model.
How do I look up an Epiphone Les Paul serial number?
Epiphone Les Paul models use the same serial number format as other Epiphone guitars from the same era and factory. Enter the serial number on the back of the headstock into our lookup tool above. Most modern Epiphone Les Paul Standards, Customs, Studios, and Specials use either the factory-prefix format (FYYMMRRRR) or the post-2008 numeric format (YYMMFFRRRRR). Epiphone Les Paul Standard '59 and '60 models and Tribute models may use the special F3xxxxx format. Our decoder will automatically detect the correct format.
How do I look up an Epiphone Casino or Sheraton serial number?
Epiphone Casino and Sheraton serial numbers can be found on the back of the headstock or on a label inside the body (visible through the F-hole). Modern Casino and Sheraton models follow standard Epiphone serial formats — typically factory-prefix (FYYMMRRRR) or post-2008 numeric. Japanese-made Casinos and Sheratons from 1987–1997 use a special 5-digit YCPPP format where the second digit is a model code: 5 = Casino, 4 = Sheraton. Peerless-made (Korea) models from the late 1990s–2000s typically start with P or R.
Are Epiphone serial numbers unique?
Epiphone serial numbers are generally unique within a given factory and time period, but because Epiphone has used many different factories across multiple countries over the decades, there can theoretically be overlap between serial numbers from different factories. The combination of serial number plus factory code should be unique. If your serial number starts with a letter, that letter identifies the factory and helps ensure uniqueness. Always consider the factory prefix, physical characteristics, and headstock markings alongside the serial number for accurate identification.
How do I verify if my Epiphone is authentic?
An Epiphone serial number lookup is a good starting point but cannot guarantee authenticity on its own. Check that: (1) the serial number decodes to a valid format, (2) the factory code matches the 'Made in...' label on the headstock, (3) the build quality is consistent (clean fretwork, proper binding, correct headstock shape), (4) the truss rod cover says 'Epiphone' in the correct font, (5) the pickups and hardware are genuine Epiphone parts. For definitive verification, contact Epiphone/Gibson customer service at service@gibson.com.

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