Gibson used several different methods of serialization to date their instruments. The methods of serialization varied over the years and are detailed in this serial number guide. While serial numbers & factory order numbers are not the most foolproof way to date a Gibson guitar, they can often be fairly accurate, especially on later model instruments. If you need help dating or selling a vintage Gibson, please don’t hesitate to contact me! For a more detailed evaluation, consider our free appraisal services to accurately assess the value of your Gibson guitar.
While not every vintage Gibson guitar has a serial number, nearly every Gibson acoustic and hollow body instrument has a “factory order number”. Factory order numbers were typically written or stamped in ink inside the body of the instrument.
From 1902-1945, Gibson used a sequential factory order number which consisted of a 3, 4, or 5-digit number sometimes followed by one or two other numbers. Only the first 3, 4, or 5 digit number is used in dating the instrument, the second set of numbers do not aid in dating the instrument.
FONs (factory order numbers) were reused for certain years, so they are not 100% accurate by themselves, but when combining them with an instrument’s features, it is possible to ascertain the production year. If not, it can at least be used as a guide to approximate the era in which the instrument was built. A suffix was sometimes included when reusing serial numbers during these years, but this is not always the case.
Below is an example of a Gibson ink stamp factory order number. Stamp locations vary inside of the body of the guitar. If you need help with serial numbers or have a Gibson you would like to sell, please contact me!
FONs from 1902-1945 and their corresponding years are as follows:
From 1935-1942, factory order numbers often included an alphabetical suffix (a letter at the end of the number). These suffixes can help us find the year of manufacture. Many FONs from this era have several letters in the suffix. The FIRST number in the alphabetical suffix indicates the year. Subsequent letters indicate model and manufacturing specifications and are NOT used in dating the instrument. Please get in touch with me if you would like to sell your Gibson guitar to a passionate collector and player.
Letter suffixes from 1935-1942 and their corresponding years are as follows:
FONs from 1942-1951 were very inconsistent and many guitars didn’t even have FONs. That being said, there are many guitars from this era that can be dated by their FON. If you need help with serial numbers or have a Gibson you would like to sell, please contact me!
FONS from 1942-1951 and their corresponding years are as follows:
Thankfully, from 1952-1961 FONs became much more reliable and consistent. Gibson used an alphabetical PREFIX during this time (a letter before the number). These can be used to date the instrument very reliably. Please get in touch with me if you would like to sell your Gibson guitar!
FON Prefixes from 1952-1961 and their corresponding years are as follows:
Gibson serial numbers are located on the back of the headstock (the part with the tuners on it.) or on a label inside of the guitar. Many older Gibson instruments do not have serial numbers.
Below are examples of Gibson serial numbers on the back of the headstock and on the inside label. Serial numbers on the back of the headstock can be stamped into the wood, or stamped with ink.
Note: The numbers that correspond to each year are the LAST serial number for that given year. Please get in touch with me if you would like to sell your Gibson guitar to a passionate collector and player.
Solid body electrics made between 1952 and 1961 received a stamp on the back of the headstock. For these years only, the first number indicates the year of manufacture. (For example, a serial number that reads “65341” would indicate a guitar manufactured in 1956. Here are a few examples to help you get the hang of it! If you have a Gibson solid body guitar with this serial number format you’d like to sell, please contact me!
Starting in 1961, Gibson began a new method of serialization. These serial numbers are unfortunately some of the least reliable Gibson ever used, especially from the mid 1960s onwards. While a guitar’s serial number from this time period can give you a general idea of the approximate year, it is necessary to date guitars from this era by their features. Contact me if you need help dating, valuing or selling a guitar from this time period.
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Gibson continued to use the unreliable 6-digit serial number system in 1970 on through to 1975. Guitars from this era are immediately distinguishable because of the “Made in USA” stamped on the back of their headstock as seen in the photo below. Gibson began stamping made in USA on guitars in 1970. If your guitar says “made in USA” on the back of the headstock, it was DEFINITELY made in 1970 or later. Please get in touch with me if you would like to sell your Gibson guitar to a passionate collector and player.
Serial numbers for guitars from 1970-1975 are as follows: (Note, once again, rather unreliable)
| Number | Year |
| 1973 |
| 1970-1975 |
| 1973-1975 |
| 1974-1975 |
| 1974-1975 |
| 1974-1975 |
| 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975 |
| 1970, 1971, 1972 |
| 1973, 1974, 1975 |
| 1970, 1971, 1972 |
| Number | Year |
| 1975 |
| 1976 |
| 1977 |
Starting in 1977 and continuing on until present day, Gibson began using a standardized and easy to read serial number system. This system was and is very reliable and will always give you a correct year on your guitar. The year of the guitar is determined by the FIRST and FIFTH digit of the number. These two digits represent the last two digits of the year. For example:
The Gibson website also has a handy serial number search that is free to access and use.
Want to learn more about the history and value of your guitar? Contact Joe’s Vintage Guitars for a friendly and easy discussion regarding your guitar’s history and value! Join the thousands of people who have unlocked the history of their treasured instruments.
Joe’s Vintage Guitars
47 N Fraser Dr E
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: (602) 900-6635
Email: joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com
Written by Joe Dampt
“Driven by a love for classic tunes, I specialize in buying, selling, and appraising vintage guitars, bringing music and history together.”
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