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Gibson Serial Number Lookup

Use our free Gibson serial number decoder to instantly identify your guitar's production year, factory of origin, and possible model. Simply enter your serial number below — works for Gibson Les Paul, SG, ES-335, J-45, Hummingbird, Custom Shop, and all other Gibson USA and Gibson Acoustic guitars.

Usually found impressed on the back of the headstock

How to Read a Gibson Serial Number

Reading a Gibson serial number is straightforward once you know the format. Our Gibson serial number search tool automates the entire process, but here's how it works:

1

Find Your Serial Number

Look on the back of your Gibson guitar's headstock. You'll find an impressed (stamped) or ink-stamped number, usually 5–9 digits. Custom Shop models may start with 'CS'.

2

Enter It Above

Type or paste your serial number into the Gibson serial number checker above — spaces, dashes, and extra characters are handled automatically.

3

Get Instant Results

See the production year, exact date, factory location (Kalamazoo, Nashville, or Bozeman), ranking number, batch, and possible model identification.

Understanding Gibson's YDDDYRRR Serial Number Format

The most common Gibson serial number format — used on Gibson USA and Gibson Acoustic guitars from 1977 to present — is the 8-digit YDDDYRRR system. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to decode each part:

82763523
Y __ __ __ Y __ __ __
Year = 83 → 1983

1st & 5th digits combine to form the last two digits of the production year

__ D D D __ __ __ __
Day = 276 → October 3rd

Digits 2–4 represent the day of the year (001 = January 1, 365 = December 31)

__ __ __ __ __ R R R
Ranking = 523 → Nashville

Last 3 digits indicate factory ranking (001–499 = Kalamazoo pre-1984, 500–999 = Nashville)

This format applies to the vast majority of Gibson guitars you'll encounter from 1977 onwards, including Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Studio, Les Paul Traditional, SG Standard, SG Special, Flying V, Explorer, Firebird, and Gibson acoustic models like the J-45, Hummingbird, Dove, J-200, and L-00.

Complete Gibson Serial Number Format Chart

Gibson has used many different serial number formats throughout its history, from 5-digit numbers on vintage Les Paul Classics to modern 9-digit serial numbers on current Gibson USA guitars. The format depends on the era, factory, and model type. Below is a complete Gibson serial number guide covering every known format — use this as a reference alongside our Gibson serial number search engine above.

1975–1977 (Decal)

8 digits (99/00/06 prefix)

Found on decal on back of headstock. 99 = 1975, 00 = 1976, 06 = 1977.

1977–Present (Standard)

YDDDYRRR (8 digits)

Impressed on back of headstock with "MADE IN USA" below. YY = year, DDD = day of year, RRR = ranking/plant number.

2005–2014 (Gibson USA)

YDDDYBRRR (9 digits)

Same as standard but with batch number. 6th digit is batch (0 starts the day, changes to 1 after 699).

2014–Mid 2019 (Gibson USA)

YYRRRRRRR (9 digits)

Does not indicate specific day. YY = year, remaining 7 digits = production number for model year.

Mid 2019–Present (Gibson USA)

YDDDYBRRR (9 digits)

Reverted to 2005-era format. YY = year, DDD = day, B = batch, RRR = ranking.

Les Paul Classic (1989–1999)

Y RRRR (4–5 digits)

Ink-stamped, no 'Made In USA'. Space after 1st digit. Y = last digit of year.

Les Paul Classic (2000–2014)

YYRRRR (6 digits)

YY = last 2 digits of year, RRRR = production ranking.

1994 Centennial

94RRRRRR (8 digits)

Starts with '94' for Gibson's 100th anniversary. Does not indicate day of production.

Custom Shop (Modern)

CSYRRRR

CS prefix, Y = last digit of year, RRRR = production ranking.

Custom Shop (Reissue, ink)

M YRRR or MYRRRR

M = model year being reissued (4–0), Y = last digit of production year.

Custom Shop (Impressed)

YRRRRM (6 digits)

Y = production year, RRRR = ranking, M = reissue model year (1–8).

Custom ES (F-hole label)

A8YRRRR / A9YRRRR

A8 = 1958 ES-335, A9 = 1959 ES models. Ink-stamped on F-hole label only.

Gibson Serial Number Lookup by Model

Different Gibson guitar models may use distinct serial number formats. Here's how serial numbers work for the most popular Gibson models:

Gibson Les Paul Serial Number

Les Paul Standard, Studio, Traditional, and Tribute models use standard Gibson USA 8 or 9-digit formats. Les Paul Custom guitars from the Custom Shop use CS-prefix numbers. Les Paul Classic (1989–2014) uses unique 4–6 digit ink-stamped numbers without 'Made in USA'. The Les Paul Deluxe, Les Paul Special, and Les Paul Junior all follow standard USA numbering.

Gibson SG Serial Number

SG Standard, SG Special, SG Junior, and SG Custom models all use the standard Gibson USA serial number format. Custom Shop SG reissues have impressed YRRRRM numbers where the last digit indicates the reissue year: 1 = 1961 SG Standard, 2 = 1962 SG Standard/Custom, 3 = 1963 SG models, 4 = 1964 SG Standard.

Gibson ES-335 Serial Number

The ES-335 and other semi-hollow models (ES-345, ES-355, ES-339, ES-175) made at Gibson Memphis use standard Gibson USA tracking. Custom Shop ES reissues have special formats: A8YRRRR for 1958 ES-335 reissues (ink-stamped on F-hole label) and 1YRRRR for 1961/1964 ES reissues (impressed on headstock + F-hole label).

Gibson Acoustic Serial Number

Gibson acoustics built in Bozeman, MT since 1989 — including the J-45, Hummingbird, Dove, J-200/SJ-200, L-00, J-15, and G-45 — use the same YDDDYRRR (8-digit) or YDDDYBRRR (9-digit) formats. Bozeman ranking numbers start at 001 each day. Pre-1989 acoustics were made in Kalamazoo and Nashville.

Gibson Custom Shop Serial Number

Custom Shop instruments use several formats: CSYRRRR (modern, ink-stamped), MYRRR or MYRRRR (reissue, ink-stamped, where M = model year digit), YRRRRM (impressed, where last digit = reissue model year), and YDDDYRRR for carved-top models. The 'CS' prefix always indicates Custom Shop origin.

Gibson Explorer, Flying V & Firebird

Explorer, Flying V, and Firebird models follow standard Gibson USA serial number formats. Custom Shop reissues of these models use special formats: the Korina Flying V and Korina Explorer reissues have the '8' reissue digit (for 1958), and Firebird reissues use '3' (1963) or '5' (1965 Non-Reverse). The Dark Fire and other specialty models may have unique numbering.

Gibson Factory Locations & How to Identify Them

Knowing where your Gibson was manufactured adds historical context and can affect its value. The factory location is encoded in the ranking digits (RRR) of your serial number. Here's a complete guide to Gibson's production facilities:

Kalamazoo, MI

1902–1984

Gibson's original factory and headquarters where every Gibson was built until Nashville opened. On 8-digit serial numbers from 1977–1984, ranking numbers 001–499 indicate Kalamazoo production. Kalamazoo-made Gibsons are highly sought after by collectors for their superior craftsmanship and historical significance. Models include vintage Les Pauls, SGs, ES-335s, and all pre-1984 instruments.

Nashville, TN

1974–Present

Gibson's primary electric guitar production facility and current headquarters. Ranking numbers 500–999 on 1977–1989 serials indicate Nashville. After 1989, Nashville electrics may start ranking in the 300s. Home to the Gibson Custom Shop, which produces reissues, artist models, and limited editions. All current Les Paul, SG, Flying V, Explorer, and Firebird production happens here.

Bozeman, MT

1989–Present

All Gibson acoustic guitars have been handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana since 1989. Daily ranking numbers start at 001. This facility produces the legendary J-45, Hummingbird, Dove, SJ-200, L-00, J-15, G-45, and all Gibson acoustic instruments. Bozeman-made acoustics are renowned for their tone and quality, continuing Gibson's acoustic heritage.

Vintage Gibson Serial Numbers (Pre-1975)

Gibson serial numbers prior to 1975 followed less standardized formats that varied significantly across different eras. Vintage Gibson serial number lookup requires understanding these older systems:

1902–1947: Early Gibson Era

Early Gibson instruments used a variety of numbering systems. Many were simple sequential numbers. Mandolins, banjos, and guitars each had their own numbering sequences. Some instruments from this period have no serial number at all. Factory Order Numbers (FON) were also used internally and can sometimes help date instruments.

1947–1961: Post-War Numbering

Gibson used a roughly sequential numbering system, but numbers were reused and inconsistencies are common. The ink-stamped numbers were typically 5–6 digits on the back of the headstock. Cross-referencing with Factory Order Numbers and model features is often necessary for accurate dating of this era.

1961–1975: Transition Era

Serial numbers during this period were often inconsistent, with numbers reused across different years. From 1970–1975, various stamping methods were used. Impressed numbers, ink-stamped numbers, and decals all appeared during this transitional time. The 1975–1977 decal format (8 digits starting with 99, 00, or 06) began the move toward standardization.

For pre-1975 Gibson guitar identification and dating, we recommend contacting Gibson directly at service@gibson.com or consulting a qualified vintage guitar expert. Our tool currently supports Gibson serial numbers from 1975 onwards, covering the standardized era. We plan to add vintage Gibson serial number decoding in a future update.

How to Date a Gibson Guitar by Serial Number

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

Serial Number LengthLikely FormatEraYear From
4–5 digitsLes Paul Classic / Custom Shop Reissue1989–19991st digit = last digit of year
6 digitsLes Paul Classic / Custom Impressed2000–2014First 2 digits = year (LP Classic) or 1st digit (Custom)
5–7 digits (CS prefix)Gibson Custom Shop1993–presentDigit after CS = last digit of year
8 digits (YDDDYRRR)Gibson USA / Acoustic standard1977–present1st + 5th digits = last 2 digits of year
8 digits (94xxxxxx)1994 Centennial1994Always 1994
8 digits (99/00/06 prefix)1975–1977 Decal1975–197799 = 1975, 00 = 1976, 06 = 1977
9 digits (YDDDYBRRR)Gibson USA with batch2005–2014, 2019+1st + 5th digits = year
9 digits (YYRRRRRRR)Gibson USA production#2014–2019First 2 digits = year

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

Gibson Serial Number FAQ

Common questions about Gibson serial number lookup, how to read Gibson serial numbers, dating Gibson guitars, and verifying authenticity.

How do I look up my Gibson serial number?
Enter your Gibson serial number in the free lookup tool above. Our Gibson serial number decoder will instantly analyze the format and tell you the production year, factory location, ranking number, and possible model. Gibson serial numbers are typically found impressed or ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. This tool works for all Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustic, Gibson Custom Shop, and Gibson Memphis instruments.
Where is the serial number on a Gibson guitar?
On most Gibson guitars made after 1977, the serial number is impressed (stamped) into the back of the headstock, with "MADE IN USA" stamped below it. On Gibson Custom Shop models, the serial number is often ink-stamped rather than impressed. Some vintage ES models (like the ES-335, ES-345, and ES-175) have the serial number on a label inside the F-hole. Gibson acoustics built in Bozeman, MT since 1989 follow the same headstock placement. Pre-1977 Gibsons may have serial numbers on the back of the headstock as a decal, inside the body cavity, or on the neck joint. If you can't find your serial number, check all these locations.
How do I read an 8-digit Gibson serial number?
An 8-digit Gibson serial number (used from 1977 to present) follows the format YDDDYRRR. The 1st and 5th digits combined give you the last two digits of the production year. Digits 2–4 represent the day of the year (001–365). The last three digits (RRR) are the factory ranking/plant designation number. For example, 82761523 decodes to: year 1983 (digits 8 and 3), day 276 (October 3rd), ranking 523 (Nashville production, since 500+ indicates Nashville). Before 1984, ranking 001–499 meant Kalamazoo, MI production, while 500–999 meant Nashville, TN.
How do I read a 9-digit Gibson serial number?
A 9-digit Gibson serial number can follow two different formats depending on the era. From July 2005–2014 and mid-2019 onward, the format is YDDDYBRRR — the 1st and 5th digits form the year, DDD is the day of the year, B is the batch number (starts at 0 each day, increments to 1 after #699), and RRR is the daily ranking starting at 001. From 2014 to mid-2019, Gibson used the format YYRRRRRRR — the first 2 digits are the year and the remaining 7 digits are the production number for that model year. This later format does not indicate a specific day of production.
How do I read a 6-digit Gibson serial number?
A 6-digit Gibson serial number typically indicates either a Les Paul Classic (2000–2014) or a Gibson Custom Shop impressed model. For Les Paul Classic guitars, the format is YYRRRR: the first 2 digits are the last two digits of the production year (e.g., 07 = 2007), and the last 4 digits are the production ranking. For Custom Shop impressed models, the format is YRRRRM: the first digit is the last digit of the production year, the middle 4 digits are the ranking, and the last digit indicates the reissue model year (e.g., 8 = 1968 LP Custom/Standard reissue).
How do I read a 5-digit Gibson serial number?
A 5-digit Gibson serial number is most commonly found on Les Paul Classic guitars made between 1989 and 1999. The format is Y RRRR (with a space after the first digit): the first digit is the last digit of the production year, and the remaining 4 digits indicate the guitar's place in production for that year. These are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock with no 'Made In USA' stamp. Gibson Custom Shop reissue models can also have 5-digit serial numbers in the format MYRRR, where M is the model year being reissued and Y is the last digit of the actual production year.
Can I tell what model my Gibson is from the serial number?
Standard Gibson USA serial numbers (8 or 9 digits) do not directly encode the model name. However, certain serial number formats are exclusive to specific models and can help with Gibson guitar identification. Custom Shop numbers starting with 'CS' indicate a Custom Shop model. Les Paul Classic guitars (1989–2014) have distinctive 4–6 digit ink-stamped numbers. Custom reissue formats indicate the year being reissued — for example, a last digit of '8' points to a 1968 LP Custom or LP Standard reissue, while '9' indicates a 1959 LP Standard reissue. Our Gibson serial number search tool will automatically identify possible models when the format allows.
How do I verify if my Gibson guitar is authentic?
A Gibson serial number check is a good first step, but serial number verification alone cannot guarantee authenticity — counterfeit guitars may use copied serial numbers. Our tool validates that your serial number follows a legitimate Gibson format and consistency checks. For definitive Gibson serial number authentication, contact Gibson directly at service@gibson.com or call 1-800-4GIBSON. Also check for: consistent build quality, correct headstock shape (open-book or crown inlay), proper binding, real Gibson pickups, correct truss rod cover shape, and weight consistency. Comparing against known production numbers for your year and model can also help identify fakes.
What do Gibson serial numbers starting with 94 mean?
Gibson serial numbers beginning with '94' indicate a 1994 production — Gibson's centennial (100th anniversary) year. These 8-digit numbers use the special format 94RRRRRR, where '94' represents the year and the remaining 6 digits are the production ranking number. Unlike standard 8-digit Gibson serials, centennial serial numbers do NOT encode the day of production. Many special centennial models were produced this year with gold medallions and unique features, making them collectible.
Where were Gibson guitars made?
Gibson has operated several factories throughout its history: Kalamazoo, Michigan (the original factory from 1902, closed in 1984), Nashville, Tennessee (opened 1974, primary electric guitar production facility to this day, also home to Gibson Custom Shop), and Bozeman, Montana (all Gibson acoustic guitars since 1989, including the J-45, Hummingbird, Dove, and SJ-200). Gibson Memphis produced semi-hollow models like the ES-335 in Memphis, Tennessee until 2019, when production moved to Nashville. On 8-digit serial numbers from 1977–1984, ranking numbers 001–499 indicate Kalamazoo production and 500–999 indicate Nashville.
How do I look up a Gibson Les Paul serial number?
To look up a Gibson Les Paul serial number, enter it in the search tool above. Most Les Paul Standards, Studios, and Tributes use the standard Gibson USA formats: 8-digit YDDDYRRR (1977–2004) or 9-digit YDDDYBRRR (2005–2014, mid-2019–present) or YYRRRRRRR (2014–2019). Les Paul Custom guitars from the Gibson Custom Shop use CS-prefix numbers (CSYRRRR). Les Paul Classic models (1989–2014) are a special case — they use ink-stamped 4–6 digit numbers without a 'Made in USA' stamp. Our decoder handles all Les Paul serial number formats automatically.
How do I look up a Gibson SG serial number?
Gibson SG serial numbers follow the same standard Gibson USA format as other electric guitars. SG Standards, Specials, and Juniors made from 1977 onwards use the 8-digit YDDDYRRR format or the 9-digit formats for newer models. Gibson Custom Shop SG reissues have their own format — impressed YRRRRM numbers where the last digit indicates the reissue year (e.g., '1' = 1961 SG Standard, '2' = 1962 SG Standard/Custom, '3' = 1963 SG models). Enter your SG serial number above to get a full date and factory decode.
How do I decode a Gibson Custom Shop serial number?
Gibson Custom Shop serial numbers come in several formats. Modern Custom Shop models use ink-stamped CSYRRRR format: 'CS' prefix, followed by the last digit of the production year and 4–5 digit ranking. Reissue models use MYRRR or MYRRRR: the first digit represents the model year being reissued (e.g., 9 = 1959 reissue), followed by the production year digit and ranking. Impressed Custom Shop serials use YRRRRM format where the last digit indicates the reissue model. Custom carved-top models use the standard YDDDYRRR format. Our tool identifies all Custom Shop serial number formats automatically.
How do I look up a Gibson acoustic guitar serial number?
Gibson acoustic guitars built since 1989 in Bozeman, Montana use the same serial number format as Gibson USA electrics — either the 8-digit YDDDYRRR format or the 9-digit YDDDYBRRR format. The serial is impressed on the back of the headstock. The key difference is in the ranking numbers: Bozeman acoustic production rankings start at 001 each day, while Nashville electric rankings may start in the 300s. Models include the J-45, Hummingbird, Dove, J-200, L-00, and more. Enter your Gibson acoustic serial number above for a complete decode.
How do I date a Gibson guitar by serial number?
Dating a Gibson guitar by serial number depends on the era. For guitars from 1977 onward with 8-digit numbers (YDDDYRRR), combine the 1st and 5th digits to get the year, and digits 2–4 give you the exact day. For 9-digit numbers from 2005+ (YDDDYBRRR), the same logic applies with an added batch digit. For the 2014–2019 era (YYRRRRRRR), only the year is encoded, not the exact date. Pre-1977 dating requires different approaches: 1975–1977 decal numbers use prefix codes (99=1975, 00=1976, 06=1977). Our Gibson serial number dater tool above handles all eras automatically.
What is the Gibson serial number format for different eras?
Gibson has used these main serial number formats: 1975–1977: 8-digit decal (99/00/06 prefix). 1977–2004: 8-digit impressed YDDDYRRR. 2005–2014: 9-digit YDDDYBRRR (added batch number). 2014–mid 2019: 9-digit YYRRRRRRR (no day encoding). Mid 2019–present: back to 9-digit YDDDYBRRR. Plus special formats for Custom Shop (CS prefix or MYRRR), Les Paul Classic (4–6 digit ink-stamped), 1994 Centennial (94 prefix), and various banjo formats. See the complete Gibson serial number chart in the format reference section above.
Do all Gibson guitars have a serial number?
Nearly all Gibson guitars produced since the mid-1970s have a serial number impressed or ink-stamped on the headstock. However, some very early Gibson guitars (pre-1920s) and certain special models may lack serial numbers. Some prototype guitars, factory seconds, or employee models may also not have standard serial numbers. If your Gibson has no visible serial number, it could be a very early vintage instrument, a prototype, or unfortunately a counterfeit. Contact Gibson at service@gibson.com for help identifying guitars without serial numbers.

Need Official Gibson Serial Number Verification?

Our free Gibson serial number checker tool provides instant decoding based on official Gibson serial number formats. For official serial number authentication, registration, or if your serial number doesn't match any known format, contact Gibson directly at service@gibson.com or call 1-800-4GIBSON. You can also visit gibson.com for more information about Gibson guitars, warranty registration, and support.