The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. 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. Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers.
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). The first 5 numbers remain the same, the last 3 numbers will remain the same. 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. 3, 1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument stamped that day. Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument stamped that day. Ranking numbers for Bozeman start each day at 001 and the electrics may start as low as the 300s.Įxamples: 70108276 means the instrument was produced on Jan. Since 1989, all Gibson acoustics are built in Bozeman, MT and all Gibson electrics are built in Nashville or Memphis. Ranking numbers 500-999 continued to indicate Nashville production through 1989. Prior to 1984 when the Kalamazoo, MI factory was closed, the numbers 001-499 indicated Kalamazoo production. The pattern is as follows: YDDDYRRR YY is the production year DDD is the day of the year RRR is the factory rankingplant designation number.
The serial number will be an 8 digit number impressed into the back of the headstock with MADE IN USA below. This should be an 8 digit number that can be dated by the 1st and 2nd digits as follows: 99 1975, 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. Martin Guitars Lookup Serial Numbers UsedĬorrections and additions to this section will be made as necessary.