Typically ink-stamped on the headstock. The first digit usually represents the last digit of the year (e.g., 7 xxxx is 1957). Where to Find the Numbers Gibson Serial Number Lookup - True Vintage Guitar
Example: 90119001 →
Following 99999, Gibson started a new series featuring an "A" prefix for hollow-body and acoustic guitars. A+5 digits (e.g., A-1304 = 1947, A-36147 = 1961).
No standardized system. Serial numbers were often stamped inconsistently, sometimes repeated across models.
Let’s stop confusion. (per Gibson): YDDDYNNN where
For a short period, serial numbers were placed on a decal on the back of the headstock.
6-digit numbers. Due to overlap with the 60s, these are best verified by the "Made in USA" stamp and specific 70s construction features like the "pancake" body or neck volute. 6. The Decal Era (1975–1977)
Factory Order Numbers, often accompanied by a letter (A-H), were also used. For example, a 4-digit number ending in 'H' indicates 1942. 2. The "A" Prefix Era (1947–1961)
| Years | Format | Notes | |---------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------| | 1952–1975 | Inconsistent | Check pot codes / FON | | 1975–1977 | 6 or 9 digits | First two digits = year (75,76,77) | | 1977–2005 | YDDDYNNN | 1st & 5th digits = year digit | | 2005–2014 | YDDDYNRR | N=0 (Nashville), 1 (Memphis) | | 2014–2019 | YYDDDNRRR | First two digits = year | | 2019–present | YYDDDNRRR | Same as above, plant=0/1/2 |
