If you own a Gibson guitar or are thinking about buying one, performing a Gibson serial number lookup is a great way to learn more about it.
Gibson serial numbers can tell you when and where your guitar was made, which model it is, and even some details about its production.
Understanding your guitar’s serial number helps you appreciate its history and value.
Gibson Serial Number Format
Gibson has used different serial number formats over the years, so decoding them depends on when your guitar was made. For guitars from 1975 onward, the serial number is usually an 8 or 9-digit code pressed into the back of the headstock, often with “MADE IN USA” underneath.
The format breaks down into parts that show the year, the day of the year it was made, and its production number for that day.
For example, a serial number like 82765501 means the guitar was made on October 3, 1985, in Nashville, and it was the first one stamped that day 1.
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Older Gibson Models
Older Gibsons, especially those made before 1975, can be a bit trickier. Some have ink-stamped numbers, while others use Factory Order Numbers (FONs) instead of traditional serial numbers.
If your guitar is from the 1950s or early 1960s, the serial number might be a simple 5 or 6-digit code. For instance, a number like 6 1234 would mean it was made in 1956 4.
One interesting exception is the Les Paul Classic, made between 1989 and 2014.
These guitars have ink-stamped serial numbers without the “MADE IN USA” stamp. The first digit tells you the year—like 9 xxx for 1989 or 05xxxx for 2005 1. If the serial number starts with “94,” it was made in 1994, Gibson’s 100th anniversary year 1.
Gibson Custom Shop
Gibson Les Paul
Gibson Custom Shop models have their own serial number system. Reissues of classic 1950s and 1960s guitars often follow a pattern like M YRRR, where M is the model year being recreated, Y is the production year, and RRR is the production number.
For example, 7 5123 means it’s a 1957 reissue made in 2005, and it was the 123rd one built that year 1.
Gibson Acoustic Models
If you’re looking up a Gibson acoustic, most made after 1989 come from Bozeman, Montana. Their serial numbers start fresh each day, beginning at 001. Electric guitars, on the other hand, are made in Nashville or Memphis, and their numbers might start in the 300s 1.
Why does this matter? Knowing your guitar’s serial number helps verify its authenticity, estimate its value, and even track its history if it’s a rare or collectible model. It’s also just fun to learn when and where your guitar was born.
Help on Official Website
If you’re not sure how to decode your serial number, Gibson’s official website has a helpful guide, and there are online tools that can break it down for you 7. Some vintage guitar dealers also offer lookup services if you need extra help.
Gibson guitars are known for their quality and craftsmanship, whether it’s a Les Paul, an SG, or an acoustic model. The serial number is like a fingerprint—unique to your instrument and full of little details that make it special. So next time you pick up your Gibson, take a look at that number on the headstock.
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