Gibson Serial Guide

Complete Identification Reference

1. Early Eras (1902–1945)

In the early days, Gibson used Serial Numbers for the instrument's identity and Factory Order Numbers (FON) to track production batches.

Year RangeSerial Number Range
1902–19080 – 8500
1909–19128501 – 13000
1913–191713001 – 40000
1918–192240001 – 69000
1923–192969001 – 90000
1930–193990001 – 96000
1940–194596001 – 99999
Note: Wartime production (1942–1945) often lacks serial numbers entirely or uses only a FON stamped on the neck block.

2. The Golden Era (1947–1961)

This era used the "A" prefix for hollow bodies (found on the orange label) and "Ink Stamps" for solid bodies.

White/Orange Label (Hollow Bodies)

YearA-Prefix Range
1947A-100 – A-1304
1950A-4414 – A-6594
1953A-12463 – A-17434
1956A-21910 – A-24754
1959A-28881 – A-32285
1961A-35646 – A-36149

The Ink Stamp (1952–1960 Les Pauls)

Y XXXX

The first digit indicates the last digit of the year. Example: 7 4231 is a 1957 model.

3. 1961–1970 (The Overlap Era)

Warning: This is the most confusing period. Gibson repeated serial ranges multiple times. You must cross-reference hardware (potentiometer codes).
Serial RangePrimary Year(s)
0100 – 424401961
42441 – 611801962
61450 – 642221963
100000 – 1443041963, 1967
250000 – 2999991965, 1969
500000 – 5999991965, 1968, 1969
800000 – 8999991966, 1967, 1969
900000 – 9999991970

4. 1970–1977 (Norlin Era)

Look for the "MADE IN USA" stamp on the back of the headstock. These numbers were often stamped into the wood or used as decals.

5. 1977–Present (Standardized)

Gibson moved to an 8-digit (now 9-digit) system that is very easy to read.

Y D D D Y B R R R

How to decode 82504561:

The 2014-2019 Exception:
For these years, the first two digits are simply the year (e.g., 15xxxxxxx = 2015).

6. Custom Shop / Reissue

Historic reissues use different numbering to mimic original vintage styles.

Prefix/StyleMeaning
CS + DigitsModern Custom Shop
5 + Digit1955 Reissue
9 + Digit1959 Reissue
0 + Digit1960 Reissue