This section is designed to assist in dating and/or identifying instruments manufactured or distributed by Gibson Guitar Corp. Please note that most of this information relates to serial numbers used from 1975 to present.
From 1975-1977 the number is typically found on a decal on the back of the headstock. This should be an 8 digit number that can be dated by the 1st and 2nd digits as follows:
99 = 1975
1965 Gibson Skylark. The bottom of Gibson’s lap steel line for most of the 1950s was held by the venerable BR-9, a relatively plain instrument that nonetheless shared a pickup with several more expensive models. Although not as eye-catching as its siblings, the BR-9 was still the company’s best-selling steel. Gibson Lap Steel Serial Numbers At one point my collection included the majority of pre and post war Gibson steel models and their house brands. When it came time to make tough decisions the post war models (BR series, Ultratone, Century, EH-500 Skylark, etc.) were the first to go and then the entry level and house brand prewar models (EH-100. The Gibson Serial Number Decoder currently supports 6 formats from 4 Factories. For guitars made prior to 1977 use the extended search function. This new function will try to match the serial number against older formats, details required for an exact match are listed in yellow. Year: 1958 (according to serial number) Manufacturer: Gibson Model: EH-500 Skylark Case: Original Hard Color:Natural Description: 1958 Gibson EH-500 SkylarkSerial # 8 2547. 1958 saw the introduction of some pretty radical design in the Gibson factory. From the Flying 'V' to the Explorer; modernist experimentation flourished. Gibson Skylark Lap Steel 1. Travis Bean T1000 3. Ramirez Acoustic Guitar 1989 3. Steinegger Everly Brothers 12.
00= 1976
06 = 1977
- In 1977, Gibson introduced the serialization method that we primarily use to this day at Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustic, and the Gibson Custom facility in Memphis, TN.
The serial number will be an 8 digit number impressed into the back of the headstock with 'MADE IN USA' below.
The pattern is as follows:
YDDDYRRR
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number.
Prior to 1984 when the Kalamazoo, MI factory was closed, the numbers 001-499 indicated Kalamazoo production. Ranking numbers 500-999 continued to indicate Nashville production through 1989.
Since 1989, all Gibson acoustics are built in Bozeman, MT and all Gibson electrics are built in Nashville or Memphis. Ranking numbers for Bozeman start each day at 001 and the electrics may start as low as the 300s.
Examples: 70108276 means the instrument was produced on Jan. 10, 1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument stamped that day.
82765501 means the instrument was produced on Oct. 3, 1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument stamped that day.
NOTE - Gibson USA goes to a 9 digit serial number in early July 2005.
The sixth number is now a batch number- batch 0 starts at the beginning of the day, and once we stamp 699, the batch number will change to 1. The first 5 numbers remain the same, the last 3 numbers will remain the same. The only difference is the addition of this batch indicator.
There are always exceptions to these rules, the two listed below are worth noting:
Les Paul Classic 1989-2014: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no 'MADE IN USA' (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. There should be a space after the 1st digit with the 4 and 5 digit serial numbers, and no space with the 6 digit numbers.
The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000.
Examples -
9 xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with '9' used only in 1989)
0 xxxx = 1990
9 xxxx = 1999
00xxxx = 2000
05xxxx = 2005
*Note – For Les Paul Classics made in 2007 and later, “MADE IN USA” was added to the back of the headstock
Those beginning with '94':
In 1994, Gibson's Centennial year, many instruments have a serial number that begins with '94' for the year, with the remaining 6 digits indicating the ranking number.
Gibson USA 2014 to present – These serial numbers cannot be dated to a specific day of the year.
The new model year typically launches in the fall as the current model year winds down. It is not uncommon for a new model year model to be produced during the previous model year (example – a 2015 model may have been built in late 2014).
The pattern is as follows:
YYRRRRRRR
YY is the model year
RRRRRRR is the number in product for the model year (starts at 0000001)
1952-1960 Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Futura reissues (since late 1992):
M YRRR or MYRRRR
M is the model year being reissued
Y is the production year
RRR(R) indicates the guitar's place production for that year. NOTE: This number includes all models for a particular reissue year - so, for example, a 1958 Reissue serial number may include '58 Reissue LP Standard and '58 Explorer production.
Example: 7 5123 is the 123rd 1957 reissue model produced in 2005.
1961-1969 Firebird, Les Paul, and SG reissues (since 1997):
YYRRRM
Y is the production year
RRR(R) indicates the guitar's place in production for that year.
Lap Steel Fender
M is the model being reissued
Reissue model codes:
1= SG Custom and Special
2= SG Standard
3= 1963 Firebird 1
4= 1964 Firebird III
5= 1965 Firebird V & VII
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Examples: 050102 is the 10th SG Standard reissue produced in 2005.
030084 is the 8th 1964 Firebird III reissue produced in 2003.
Historic ES MODELS (since 1995):
(A or B)-MYRRR
M is the model year being reissued
Y is the production year
RRR indicates the guitar's place in the sequence of Historic ES production for that year.
Reissue model codes:
2= ES-295
3= 1963 ES-335 (block inlays)
4= ES-330
5= ES-345
9 with an 'A' prefix = 1959 ES-335 (dot inlays)
9 with a 'B' prefix= ES-355
Example: A-38005 is the 5th '63 ES-335 Reissue produced in 1998.
Carved Top models (serial number on orange label)
YDDDYRRR
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
RRR indicate the guitar's place in the sequence of carved tops made that day.
NOTE - as of 2000, 1st digit will be a '2'
Examples:
91418009 is the 9th carved top produced on the 141st day of 1998.
20045002 was the 2nd carved top stamped on the 4th day of 2005.
Custom Shop regular production models
CSYRRRR
CS stands for 'Custom Shop'
Y indicates the production year
RRRR indicates the guitar's place in the sequence of production
Example: CS10845 is the 845th reg. production CS model produced in 2001.
CS Signature Models:
The list below is not an exhaustive listing but we have included many of our most popular Signature models. Please contact us at [email protected] should you have any questions.
Ace Frehley Les Paul
- 1997 Limited run, numbered in sequence as 'ACE xxx'
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Andy Summers ES-335
Limited edition of 50. Numbered in sequence as 'AS xxxx'
Dickey Betts '57 goldtop Les Paul
Limited edition of 114. Numbered in sequence as 'DB xxx'
Dickey Betts '57 red top Les Paul
Numbered in sequence as 'DBR xxx'
Gary Rossington Les Paul
Limited edition of 250. Numbered in sequence as 'GR xxx'
Gary Rossington SG
Limited edition of 250. Numbered in sequence as '13xxx'
Jimmy Page Les Paul (3 versions)
-1st 25 aged models were hand numbered 1-25 and signed by Jimmy Page, no other number is on this model.
-Limited run of 150 aged models are numbered in sequence as 'PAGE xxx'
-Unlimited run of Custom Authentic models are numbered in sequence as 'JPP xxx'
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Joe Perry Les Paul (2 models)
- Joe Perry Signature Les Paul from 1996 (trans black finish) - numbered in sequence as 'JPxxx'
- Boneyard LP - Pilot Run models have an inked number and hand written 'Pilot Run'. The production version (no difference in spec) numbered in sequence as 'BONE xxx'
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Joe Perry Signature Les Paul made has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Johnny A.
Numbered in sequence as 'JA xxx'
Pete Townshend LP Deluxe
Limited run of 75, numbered in sequence as 'PETE xxx'
Peter Frampton Les Paul (2 models)
- PF LP Custom - numbered in sequence as 'PF xxx'
- PF LP Special - numbered in sequence as 'PFYxxx' Y indicates the year of production.
Slash Les Paul (2 models)
- 1997 limited edition model, cranberry finish: numbered in sequence as 'SL xxx'
- Regular production model introduced in 2004, also numbered in sequence as 'SL xxx'
Note: The discontinued Epiphone Slash Les Paul made has a standard Epiphone serial number.
Tony Iommi SG
Numbered in sequence as 'TI xxx'
Zakk Wylde Les Paul
Bullseye and the rare 'Rough Top' version numbered in sequence as 'ZW xxx'
Camo version numbered in sequence as 'ZPW xxx'
Earl Scruggs Models
Standard:
Sequential production number, starting at 001
'49 Classic:
YY-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Golden Deluxe:
YY-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Flint Hill Special:
FH-YY-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Special:
ES-YY-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Style 250
250-TT-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Granada
YY-MM-RR
YY = Year
MM = Month
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
RB
RB### = sequential production number
All other models
S(S)-YYMM-RR
S(S) = style (excluding style 250 - see above)
YY = Year
MM = Month
RR = ranking number
Most regular production models since ca. 1993. Many '80s and early '90s serial numbers may follow a similar scheme, but may not include a factory ID code.
FYYMMRRRR
F= Factory code (this can be 2 letters as well)
YY= year of manufacture (this can also be just 1 digit for '90s models)
MM= month of manufacture
R= ranking number (may be more or less digits, not necessarily indicative of total units produced)
Example - S02021234 was issued in Feb. 2002.
Another code used on some current Epiphone models
FYYMRRRR
F= Factory code
YY=Year of manufacture
M= This will be a letter code corresponding to the month (A=January, B=February, etc..)
RRRR= ranking number
Example - R03D0263 was issued in April 2003.
Epiphone Elite/Elitist models
FYSSSS
F= Factory Code (this code will be an 'F' or 'T')
Y= Year of manufacture (2 = 2002, 3 = 2003, etc.)
SSSS= Sequential Serial Number
Example - T41234 is a 2004 Elitist model.
1995-1997
A(A) (#)###YY
A(A) = model code
(#) ### = ranking number
YY = last 2 digits of year
Example - BA xxx 95 dates to 1995
1997-Current
YMMDDRRY
Y = last digit of year
MM = Month
DD = day of month
RR = ranking number
Y (last digit) = decade
Product code/production number/quarter and year made
Example - G-03/207/299
Note that the 'G' is often mistaken for a '6'. This amp was made in the second quarter of 1999.
Gibson Electric powered Steel Electric guitars What started all this Fuel business! Electric powered or lap steel electric guitars not just assist to create my collection but grew to become the primary for the earlier yrs with a amount nearing 100 at one stage. They had been just about everywhere! Under furniture, piled along walls and fairly very much invading every room with the exemption of the bathing rooms. This wasn't only Gibson steels but Rickenbacher, State, Alamo, etc. and a zillion home/catalog brands.
That captured my eyes. Odd wild birds like Hanburt and Volutone were in right now there as well.
It has been a pretty amazing collection and became the vehicle to proceed into classic guitars and amplifiers. What is certainly left is all Gibson ánd those that made an appearance in Andre Duchossoir't, Gibson Electric Steel Electric guitars, launched in 2009. These are usually not participants like the Wéissenborn and Mártin but in the past substantial with extremely limited numbers produced. The exclusion is definitely the Funds steel which is usually my principal player and do not appear in the book.
Gibson Guitar Board: Please help identify the year of this vintage Gibson Lap Steel - Gibson Guitar Board. It's VERY old and has no identifying brands or serial numbers on it and I can't find the term mandolo anywhere. Gibson, EH-150 Lap Steel Guitar. And 'E-150' reflecting the original $150.00 list price of the guitar-amp set. The serial numbers on this.
At one stage my collection incorporated the bulk of pre and posting war Gibson steel versions and their house brand names. When it arrived time to create tough choices the article war versions (BR series, Ultratone, Millennium, EH-500 Skylark, etc.) had been the initial to move and after that the entry degree and house brand name prewar versions (EH-100, EH-125, Kalamazoo, Recording Master, Mastertone, etc.). The EH-275 had been Gibson's best of the line prewar lap steel model. It used the Ha sido-300 pickup truck and offerred high end consultations like a spectacular ugly maple entire body. I was very fortunate to have 3 of the 25 EH-275s developed two of which had been consecutive serial numbers!
One now lives with writer Andre Duchossoir ánd another with á Belgium extractor, Bruce Bherman, who is certainly a good buddy. The keeper had been the second one to come into my ownership. Besides the Funds labeled to follow, this is usually the only prewar Gibson left in my collection. Between the two it gives me both of Gibson'h most significant prewar pick-up designs, The initial edge or 'Charlie Orlando' and the ES-300 with its ajustable post pieces. I preserve two additional uncommon Gisbon electric powered steel guitars from the 1950s. The 1st is usually a early Hundred years (v.1) with just 2 handle knobs rather of the standard three. This has been an move model rubber-stamped, 'Produced In USA' on the back of the headstock and bought from a Canadian vendor on eBay back in 2001.
The One hundred year (and Ultratone) designs had taken Gibson't lap steel series in a brand-new direction posting battle. Unlike prewar models, Gibson used a solid slab for these devices reducing cost and creation time. They also provided their latest pickup designs like the G90 and even the small humbucker in the final version of this design. The only additional steel that provides made it this significantly is definitely the 2nd edition (v.2) of the Royaltone with its mustard yellowish finish. Just 67 were shipped making it another rarely noticed steel.
With a more conventional guitar shaped body than the unique edition (v.1) launched previously in the 1950s, it fit right in my Gibson'beds 'Television finish' period. It has been chosen as a history image for two pages in Gibson Elecric Metal Guitars simply because properly as a highlighted device.
I count number myself extremely blessed to have got been inquired by observed author, A new.Ur. Duchossoir, to contribute pictures of specific parts of my collection for his book. It not really only authenticated my H.A.H.
but furthermore allowed me to to quit the vintage entire world with a true feeling of achievement. As the almost all comprehensive resource of its kind, it can be must have for the Gibson extractor or anyone who can be fascinated in earlier electric musical instruments. Although the Gibson house brands grew to become 'sacrificial lambs' earlier on, there had been one that I felt should be preserved for the lengthy phrase. A lesser known house brand, Funds, distributed by L.W.
Jenkins Sons Music Company bewteen 1936-38. They were a Kansas Town mail order home which transported Gibson made flat shirts, archtops and a several electric tools however in very limited amounts. The EJ-H had been their only lap steel design. It offers high end appointments like a pearl script logo design, Grover tuners, gorgeous quilted maple body and Gibson's cutter pickup truck which used the smooth bar magnets. You can read even more about her ás the for Aug 2009.
The Primary Gibson Amp After buying the full collection of prewar Gibsón amplifiers with thé exemption of the elusive EH-250, the staying amp was not maintained for its color but instead the traditional worth. It furthermore made Gibson Electric powered Steel Guitars as the illustration of Gibson's i9000 early amp offerings. Contemplating the quantity of amazing post battle amps that furthermore transferred through my selection it's hard to think just one can be remaining. It arrived down to what I use on a every day base and its not classic. The Gibsons had been nice, seemed great but just sat empty for the many part.
Between my 6L6 powered GF5 (Guitar Energy) and 6V6 Marshall Recording studio 15, I possess my shade so there was no feeling keeping all the vintage types. Of training course parting was challenging as there were some incredible items (discover the G.A.H. Galleries and museums) but ideally they all of proceeded to go to houses had been they are being utilized regularly.
The 1935 Elizabeth-150 does not also tolerate the Gibson logo and uses the Edison-type blend. Acquired to end up being one of the first off the range! Designed and manufactured by Lyon Healy of Chi town for Gibson, this is definitely as ancient as it will get with no controls and 2 advices. Simple, straight ahead and greatest of all, she still works! Quite low volume, of training course, but she's still lovely and comfy. A true item of American musical instrument amplification history!
The continued advancement of the design created the almost all recognizable edition by late 1937 with its curved cabinet design. Gibson furthermore provided an expansion speaker cabinet for this edition so the player could place two in the room for maximum 'faithfulness.
Gibson serial numbérs in 1935 - The Metal Guitar Discussion board Gibson serial numbers in 1935 Author Subject: Gibson serial numbérs in 1935 basilh Associate From: United Empire submitted 06 February 2003 06:26 Was The serial # óf my EH 150 Metalbody is definitely 207. Today this is definitely very strange, the one fróm e-bay is certainly 170, Jack port's was 118. How does this relate tó the 98 that they produced. Do the serial numbers relate to date of produce or bill or what? Just for enjoyment the three guitars would become numbers 8, 9 and 10.
IF you added the numbers óf the serial number collectively. But the notion of 30 days numbers or 7 days numbers doesn'testosterone levels appear to match with the numbers we possess. Baz - quote: Metal players do it without fretting Russ Young Member From: Seattle, Washington, USA posted 06 February 2003 06:34 Are Basil: Gruhn's Tutorial wasn'capital t much assist on this oné, although it raises a few of queries: Is certainly there a notice prefix before the amount? Is the amount ink-stamped on the content label? Pressed into the back again of the entire body? Russ Youthful Associate From: Seattle, Washington, USA published 06 February 2003 06:37 Feel Oops.
I simply understood that you're also talking about that wonderful metal-body guitár of yóurs! (Gruhn refers to it as an Elizabeth-150.) So I doubt right now there's a label on which tó ink-stamp á quantity. But where can be the quantity?
This message was edited by Russ Teen on 06 Feb 2003 at 06:39 AM. basilh Associate From: United Kingdom submitted 06 February 2003 06:43 Have always been Rubber-stamped on the back heel where the neck of the guitar meets the entire body. Except it doésn't it's all one piece. Baz Examine out this Russ Small Member From: Seattle, Wa, USA submitted 06 February 2003 07:09 Are Basil - The standard Gibson numbering practice has been to use the stock order number, preceded by a letter: 1935 was 'A' and 1936 had been 'N'.
It would appear that the Y-150s didn't fall into that structure. But Gruhn'h Guide is definitely my just resource of information.
Basilh Member From: United Kingdom published 06 Feb 2003 10:51 Have always been If we possess a issue re also Fender, there's generally Jody. He has been there.
Is usually there no 1 on the discussion board that is certainly familiar with what Gibson did in regard of the seriaI numbers. I indicate it's just 67 decades back, I believed the average forumite was older than that.
Baz Jack Klein Member From: Alpena, MI, Us posted 06 February 2003 10:53 Have always been my #118 has been rubber-stamped below where throat meets body on back again. Jack Jack port Klein Associate From: Alpena, MI, USA submitted 06 Feb 2003 10:56 Feel modification- stamped on high heel of neck as pictured. Jack port basilh Member From: United Kingdom published 06 Feb 2003 11:04 AM Michael Miller provides could have damaged it he says quote: Could it become they began with 150 and ran up to 248?
Might create feeling for a design 150. Seems most reasonable. Except how do you describe ser # 118? Any some other ideas? Baz This information was edited by basilh on 06 February 2003 at 01:19 PM.
basilh Associate From: United Kingdom published 06 Feb 2003 11:07 AM How about somé of you whó have the EH 150 wooden bodied a single, giving you serial numbers to compare? Baz chas smith Associate From: Encino, California, USA posted 06 February 2003 11:25 Have always been I possess a 10-chain from, I think, 1938 and it's N1969-1. This message was edited by chas smith on 06 Feb 2003 at 11:29 AM. basilh Associate From: United Kingdom posted 06 Feb 2003 11:53 Are That'h a BEAUTIFUL guitár and thére's no Prizes for speculating what tuning this child was set up for. Báz Harry Dietrich Member From: Robesonia, Pa, USA posted 06 February 2003 05:00 PM Baz I have # 1319-38 stamped on the back again óf my EH-150.
What perform you think of the sound of your new 'baby?' Harry: basilh Member From: United Kingdom posted 06 February 2003 05:16 Evening Hello Harry.
The guitar has the common 30't overall tone to it. Quite longer sustain and a tone that will take modifying with no issues. You don't possess to research for the sound, simply taylor it to your specific taste.
If I has been to determine it'beds 'timbre' I'd state VERY near to the audio of Iona's Carefree. I have got a Gibson that provides the metallic plate all across the top of it ánd a 'Charlie Orlando' pick-up, I wear't understand the design quantity but I believe it'beds from 1939.I believed that this guitar acquired the best overall tone, I has been incorrect, th EH 150 Metalbody is usually far exceptional. Baz (Now if just I could play as nicely as him i'd end up being getting somewhere) This information was edited by basilh on 06 Feb 2003 at 05:17 PM. Ron Whitfield Associate From: Kaaawa, Hawaii islands, USA published 06 Feb 2003 05:16 PM Yeah, the sound, how does it sound? I've heard they are usually really great tone sensible. OOPS, you defeat me to it! - This message was modified by Ron Whitfield on 06 February 2003 at 05:18 PM.
basilh Member From: United Kingdom published 06 Feb 2003 05:20 PM Aloha Ron, It offers 'The Audio' if you understand what I indicate. What I'll perform is to get some pictures of myself enjoying it and also some mpegs and mp3's and blog post them on my web web site over the weekend break.
Baz BTW Ron, My educated sources tell me that Bobby Nichols never played steel with Hawaii islands Calls. Therefore I figure that he must have been enjoying standard guitar when he had been noticed with the present, like you suggested. This message was modified by basilh on 06 February 2003 at 05:26 PM. Bob Billings Member From: Northfield Center, Ohio, Us posted 09 Feb 2003 08:38 Are What a beautiful guitar. 10 string Charlie'beds! I possess a Grande gaming console with 2 7-line CC'h that possess flexible polepieces.
You never ever knew what Gibson was gonna do back again after that! Russ Younger Member From: Seattle, Washington, USA published 09 Feb 2003 09:09 AM Baz - The guitár that you explain noises like it might end up being an EH185: a empty entire body of ugly maple w/ sunburst or natural finish; a CC pickup; and a one-piece steel plate that expands from the (sIotted) peghead to thé link, under a rosewood fingerboard. A gloss-black plate is possibly 1939; a crinkle-brown finish would end up being 1940. Harry Dietrich Member From: Robesonia, Pa, USA published 09 Feb 2003 12:00 PM Baz Can'capital t wait around to hear it!!
Harry: basilh Member From: United Empire submitted 17 Feb 2003 06:30 Feel Right here (at final) are the pictures Up for selling shortly. Baz - quotation: Steel players do it without fretting This information was modified by basilh on 17 February 2003 at 06:33 AM. This message was edited by basilh on 17 Aug 2005 at 06:30 PM.
basilh Member From: United Kingdom submitted 18 February 2003 12:37 Evening ^ All moments are Pacific cycles (Us all) Administrative Choices: Hop to.
New to this forum, new to Vintage Gibson ownership. Just selected up my late 40'h BR-9 nowadays. Awesome sounding guitar. I understand these were made from '47-'59 and that in '50 they started using flexible pole pieces in the pick-ups. Thinking if anyone understands how to body out what 12 months it is certainly. No visilble sn#, it has a P-90 pick up, and primary hardshell case.
Gibson Skylark Lap Steel Guitar
Regarding to man I bought it from it is fundamentally a one proprietor, he remembers his mom purchasing it around '48 or '49. Also asking yourself what info will be out generally there on these points, like how several made, etc. Thanks, and I will test and blog post pictures this weekend. I am searching for replacing parts for a GIBS0N BR-9.
New to this community forum, fresh to Vintage Gibson ownership. Just experienced a late 40'h/early 20's BR-9 arrive from Memphis today. I understand these had been produced from '47-'59 but there is no serial amount on what I have (that I can find anyhow). I need essentially everything to create it work.
Gibson Skylark Lap Steel
Tuners, nut, bridge, connection cover, pickups and consumer electronics. If anyone can help or at minimum help point me in the correct path to find what I require I would be very pleased.