Vintage Guitars Info's
Gibson Vintage Guitar General Info, Specs, and Serial Numbers.
Gibson vintage guitars history and collecting. Private vintage guitar collector. Pictures, history for gibson vintage guitars.
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Introduction and "What type of Gibson guitar do I have?"
    Before much can be determined about a Gibson guitar, several things must be identified:
    1. The type of guitar (flattop, archtop, solidbody, lapsteel, etc).
    2. The exact model.
    3. The year it was made (or approximate year/era).
    4. Oringinality (have any of the parts been changed or modified?).

    First Determine the Type of Guitar and the Model.
    Sometimes there is a tag inside the guitar stating the "style" or model. Once this is known, go directly to the section about that model (listed in the blue table of contents text above). Short of that, these are the different types of Gibson guitars made, and their key identifiable features.

    • Acoustic Archtop Gibsons: two "f" hole style sound holes, body 3" to 4.5" thick, slightly arched top, acoustic with no pickups (but sometimes these models have bolt-on pickups added later by players).
    • Electric Archtop Gibsons: two "f" hole style sound holes, pickups and knobs routed into the slightly arched top, body 3" to 4.5" thick.
    • Electric Thinline Archtop Gibsons: two "f" hole style sound holes, pickups and knobs routed into the slightly arched top, body 1.5" to 2.5" thick (the norm is about 1.75" thick, though a few models are slightly thicker).
    • Electric Solid body Gibsons: body is a solid piece of wood (no soundhole cutouts) 1.5" to 2" thick, pickups and knobs routed into the top of the guitar.
    • Flattop Gibsons: single round sound hole under the strings, body 3.5" to 4.5" thick with a flat top, usually not electric.
    • Electric Lapsteel Gibson: a small solidbody guitar that is played in the lap, Hawaiian style, with a metal slide bar, pickup and knob routed into the top.
    Once the type of guitar is determined, figuring out the exact model is MUCH easier! (just go to one of the above six linked webpages that describes your guitar, and compare each model specs to your guitar, until you find the one that matches).

    Next Determine the Year or Approximate Year.
    Gibson guitars usually have a FON (Factory Order Number), a serial number, or both (but sometimes neither!). Various serial number systems were used by Gibson, and often the same serial number could be used in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. See the serial number/FON section for details. Duplicate or no serial/FON number doesn't make things easy, but there are other traits that allow the serial number to make sense (see the General Specs section for more details). Also mid to top end instruments usually have a label inside the guitar with the serial number. Guitars with no label are usually lower end instruments (or are a solidbody guitar!)

    Probably the first thing when trying to determine the year on an old Gibson is whether the guitar was made "pre-WW2", during WW2, or "post-WW2". This is easy to do, as Gibson used different peghead logos for pre-WW2, "wartime", and post-WW2 (see the General Specs section for more details). Knowing the general era of the Gibson guitar will make Gibson's rather complicated serial number/FON systems less tangled.

    Next Determine the Model.
    There are several general questions which can be asked in determining a guitar's model, once the type of guitar (flat top, arch top, etc.) has been determined:

    • What is the color of the top of the guitar? Common top colors include black, natural, "sunburst" (a yellow center that fades to a darker red or brown around the edges), and "cherry red" (a translucent red which shows the wood grain).
    • What is the color of the back of the guitar? Common back colors include translucent dark brown, translucent light brown, sunburst, cherry red, etc.
    • What is the body size? (measure the guitar across the top at the widest point, which is the guitar's "hips"). This is really important for all model types except solidbody electrics.
    • What is the style of fingerboard inlays? (dots, blocks, trapezoids, double parallelagrams, etc.)
    • What is the style of "Gibson" peghead logo? That is, is it white silkscreen, gold silkscreen, or pearl inlay? Also if the logo is pre-WW2, wartime, or post-WW2 (see above). Also fancier models can even have some sort of pearl inlaid decoration (a "crown" or long skinny "diamond") on the peghead just below the "Gibson" logo.
    • What is the style of binding? Binding is the whitish/yellowish/tortoise "band" that goes around the edges of the body. Most Gibsons have some sort of body binding. Often binding is multi-layers (white/black/white, etc). Some guitars also have binding on the neck. The more binding a guitar has, the fancier the model.

    Finally Determine the Originality.
    Originality of an instrument is very important. Modifications (any modifications), are a bad thing in the eyes of a collector. This will greatly influence value. Modifications can often be determined by looking at the model specs for a particular year guitar in this web page (after the approximate year is determined), and compare to your instrument.

Gibson Model Collectibility.

    Vintage Archtop Gibsons Collectibility.

      Gibson invented the archtop guitar as we know it and has remained one of the better makers. The most collectible Gibson archtops are the larger models made from the early 1930's to 1959. The Advance (17" or wider) models from late 1934 onward are of the same construction used in today's archtops. The Lloyd Loar signed L-5's, the pre-war Super 400, and Advanced L-5 archtops are highly collectible. The pre-war cutaway L-5 and cutaway Super 400 are also known as Premier models. Non-cutaway models are not nearly as collectible as cutaway Premier models.

      Cutaway archtop models made from 1946 to 1959 are also very collectible, but are not as much as the pre-war Advance Premier models. Non-cutaway post-war models are interesting but not very collectible. Archtop cutaway models made from 1960 to 1969 are also very good instruments, but are not nearly as collectible as the pre-1960 models and are more utility instruments.

    Vintage Flattop Gibson Collectibility.
      Gibson began to develop professional quality flat top instrument in the 1930's. Many concepts were stolen from Martin, which was the company that invented features such as X-braced tops and large dreadnought body sizes. Gibson then modified Martin's designs and developed its own improvements including adjustable truss rods, adjustable saddle(s), and super jumbo body shapes. Although workmanship on pre-war Gibsons is not as high as pre-war Martins, Gibson flat tops are well designed and constructed so they have excellent tone. Many player (including me) prefer Gibsons of this period to all other flat tops.

      Flat tops of the 1940's and 1950's are also excellent instruments. Since they are much more common, they are also easier and less expensive to obtain.

      Gibson flat tops of the 1960's and 1970's seem to be inferior in tone and construction to the same models of the 1950's. This is generally blamed on adjustable bridges that were standard on all models in the 1960's. Also the end of "sloped" shoulder body styles helped alienate players and collector alike.

    Vintage Electric Arch top Gibson Collectibility.
      Pre-war Gibson electric arch tops are excellent instruments. Since pre-war models are early in the evolution of the electric guitar, they are historically important. The ES-150 and ES-250, both used by Charlie Christian, are very collectible pre-war instruments.

      Postwar full depth, non-cutaway models were generally designed as student models and are not very valuable. Post-war Gison electric archtops with cutaways from the 1950's are considered to be excellent and collectible. The deluxe models, such as the L-5CES, Super 400CES from the 1950's are very collectible. The laminated body models, such as the ES-5, ES-350, ES-175 and ES-295 are not worth as much as the solid wood model, but are valuable.


    Vintage Electric Thinline Archtop Gibson Collectibility.
      There are two styles of Thinline Gibson models. First is the "fully hollowbody" style. These thinline, fully hollow, models are somewhat collectible. The single cutaway Byrdland (a short scale, thin body L-5CES) is excellent in quality, but its short scale length and narrow neck makes it less collectible. The single cutaway ES-350T (a plainer version of the Byrdland), having the same problems, also has limited collectibility mostly due to its scale length. Fully hollow thinlines such as the double cutaway ES-330 never had the appeal or utility of the semi-hollow counterparts such as the ES-335.

      Thinline, semi-hollow electrics from 1958 to 1964 are very cool and wanted by players and collectors. The ES-335, which had the lowest list price of the ES-335/ ES-345/ ES-355 group, is considered to be the most collectible (even though it is the plainest). The Varitone/Stereo system of the ES-345/ES-355 is less desirable than the simple ES-335 design. Also, the stop tailpiece setup of the ES-335 is more collectible than the vibrato or trapeze tailpiece systems.

    Vintage Electric Solid body Gibson Collectibility.
      The Les Paul models from the 1950's along with the Korina Flying V and Explorer are some of the most collectible solidbody production guitars. Les Paul models with Humbucking pickups from the 1950's are the most desired, with the P-90 pickup models selling for significantly less money. Original series Firebirds with full reverse bodies are also very collectible. Other solidbody gibson may have some appeal, but not to the extent of the previously mentioned models.

    Vintage Double neck Gibson Collectibility.

      Double neck models with carved spruce tops are different than any other Gibson design. Because of this they are collectible. Solidbody double neck SG style guitars are not nearly as desirable, though popularized by bands such as Led Zeppelin in the 1970s.

    Vintage Gibson Electric Bass Collectibility.

      Generally speaking, Gibson doesn't have much of a reputation as an electric bass maker. Though the first electric Gibson bass introduced in 1953 (known as the EB-1) is interesting, it's not desirable to the player. The late fifties EB-2 and EB-6 are also interesting, but don't appeal widely to players. Likewise the Thunderbird II and IV basses are nice companions to the Firebird guitars, but again don't appeal to players. Because of this, the collectibility of Gibson basses is somewhat limited, especially when compared to Fender electric basses.

    Vintage Gibosn Ukulele Collectibility.
      Gibson ukes, though not as collectible as Martin ukes, has a certain charm. Although I do not list Gibson uke models here, please email me if you have a Gibson uke you are interested in selling.

    Vintage Gibson LapSteel Collectibility.
      Although lapsteels are considered student model instruments, pre-war models are interesting. This is because they are early examples in the evolution of the electric guitar. Today, the pedal steel has made the lapsteel obsolete.

    Vintage Mandolins by Gibson:
      Gibson mandolins are the standard of the industry. The original 1902 series made by Orville Gibson generally don't sound that good, but are interesting historically. Mandolins from 1904 to 1909 have a better design, but still lack sound. The high end models from 1910 to 1922 are excellent utility mandolins. The F-5 design of the mid 1920's is considered to be high point of mandolin design, and the mandolin by which all others are judged. By the late 1920's, the mandolin boom had pasted and demand feel. Because demand was low, so was production. Hence mandolins from the 1930's are somewhat rare. Until the mandolin became popular in country music after WWII, demand and production for mandolins stayed low.
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Back to the Table of Contents

General Vintage Gibson Specs
    Pegheads
    • "Snakehead" peghead, narrows towards top: 1923-1934. Discontinued all models except L-5 by 1927. Discontinued L-5 1934.
    • Fiber peghead veneer replaces "Holly" wood veneer: 1970 to present. Also "Made in U.S.A." impressed in back of peghead or on decal.
    • Peghead angle is 17 degrees: 1904-1966.
    • Peghead angle is 14 degrees: 1966-1973.
    • Peghead angle is 17 degrees: 1973-present.
    • "Volute" on back of peghead (most models): 1969 to 1981.
    • Thickness of peghead uniform: 1955-present. Prior to 1955 peghead narrows in thickness towards top.

    Fingerboard Woods

      Fingerboards, bridges and other parts made from rosewood are all the Brazilian variety till 1966. Starting in 1966, Gibson changed to Indian rosewood.

    Left: Pre-WW2 pearl script logo. Note no letters drop below the other letters.
    Middle: Post-WW2 pearl 1948-1951 style logo with connecting dot. The "G" and the "n" drop below the other letters, and the open "b" and open "o" (open at the top of the letters) were used in their pearl logos until 1969.
    Right: "Pantograph" logo used from 1969 to 1984. Note the closed "b" and "o".
    logos

    Peghead Logos

      Pre-war Gibson script logo used before 1948. No letters drops below the other letters.

      Pre-war Script Gibson logo, Pearl or White.

      • "The Gibson" slanted or straight (depends on model): 1908-1929.
      • "The Gibson" straight: 1933-1934.
      • "Gibson" logo transition (without "The"), varies by model: 1928-1934.
      • Pearl inlaid, high-end models: 1933-1948
      • White silkscreen, low-end models: 1928-1943.
      • Thicker "Gibson" on Super 400 and other high-end models: mid 1930's.
      • Thicker "Gibson" all models: late 1930's.

      Left: Gold post-war logo on a Les Paul Junior. The "i" dot
      was always attached on all of these post-war gold logos.
      Middle: Pearl post-war logo with detached "i" dot on a
      1957 Les Paul. This style logo with detached "i" dot was used
      from 1951 to 1969, and again from 1985 to present.
      Right: War-time gold script "only a Gibson is Good Enough"
      logo on a Southern Jumbo, as used from 1943 to 1945.
         

      Gold Script Gibson logo.

      • All models made during WW2.
      • Low-end models: 1943-1947
      • "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" gold banner logo: 1943-1945

      Post-war block Gibson logo, Pearl or Gold.
      "Post-war" Gibson block logo used 1948-present. The post-war logo has the "G" and the "N" with a tail that drops below the other letters.

      • Gold logo: silkscreened 1947-1954
      • Gold logo: decal 1954-present
      • Pearl logo: open "b" and "o": 1948-1969
      • Pearl logo: "pantograph" style, closed "b" and "o": 1969-1984
      • Pearl logo: open "b" and "o": 1984-present
      • Pearl logo: Dot on "i" connected to "G": 1948-1951
      • Pearl logo: Dot on "i" free from "G": 1951-present

    Finish.

      Gibson always used nitrocellulose lacquer for all instruments from the 1910's to present. The standard colors for most instruments was Sunburst, Natural, black, white, cherry red, (Les Paul) TV yellow, or (Les Paul) gold. Some other special order custom colors were available.

    A faded sunburst on a 1959 Les Paul Standard.
    With the pickguard removed we can see how much
    brighter the original red was in the sunburst
    under the pickguard. This is particularly noticable
    by the neck pickup pickguard attachment point.

      During the late 1950's, the red ainline used in their sunburst finishes often faded. This problem was fixed by mid-1960, though sometimes you see it on later 1960's models.

Left: Oval white label as used from spring 1947 to January 1955.
Right: Orange label as used from January 1955 to 1964. The 1964 to 1969 orange labels are identical, except for the added text "union made". Note the faint ink stamp along the bottom of the label denoting "STEREO VARITONE".
 

Left: Orange "union made" label as used from 1964 to 1969. Note the "union made" designation to the left of the "Gibson" insignia. When Gibson was bought by Norlin in 1969, thousands of these labels were discarded (and replaced with white and purple "Norlin" labels). These blank unused labels were snatched up by many guitar dealers, and are still available today.
Rigth: White label used from 1908 to 1932. This particular label is from a 1929 L-4 model.
 

Seen through this f-hole is
the "Norlin" white rectangle
label (with purple and black
triangles), used from 1970
to 1984.

    Labels (hollowbody models only).
    • Rectangular label, no serial number or model name on label, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin on label, date sometimes penciled under top: 1902 to 1904.
    • Oval label with serial number, no model name, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin: 1904 to 1909.
    • White label with number and model name, number range 0100 to 99999. Hand ink or penciled (some overlap with previous style): 1908 to 1932.
    • White label with number and model name Ink stamped: 1932 to 1947.
    • White oval label with number preceded by "A-": spring 1947 to January 1955. The first number, A-100, was assigned to an L-7 on 4/28/47. The last white label number was A-18750, used 1/12/55. Note white label numbers A-18751 to A-20000 were not used.
    • Orange oval label with number preceded by an "A": Jan 1955 to 1961. The first orange label number, A20001, was used on a F-5 mandolin 01/13/55. The last orange label "A" number was A36147, used 2/21/61. Note the "-" after the "A" was dropped for the orange labels.
    • Orange oval label with number matching number on back of headstock (number range 100 to 999999): 1961 to 1969.
    • "Union Made" added to orange label: 1964 to 1969 (intermixed).
    • White rectangle "Norlin" label with black and purple triangles: 1970 to 1984.

    Electric Archtop Bodies.
    • Tops: Before WW2, tops on electric archtops are solid spruce. After WW2, all models except the L-5CES, Byrdland, Super 400CES and floating pickup models (like the Johnny Smith) are laminated maple tops to prevent feedback.
    • Back and Sides: Before WW2, back and sides are solid maple. After WW2, all models except the L-5CES, Byrdland, Super 400CES use laminated maple. From 1960 to 1969, all models including the above use laminated maple back and sides.

1970's style neck with a volute.
Also note the "made in USA" stamp.

    Neck Shape (Spanish models).
    • Pre-WW2: Prior to WW2, many models have a distinctive "V" shape.
    • WW2-1959: Known as "baseball bats" due to the large back size. The 1959 necks are considered the best of this era; large and comfortable without being huge.
    • 1960-1962: Thin neck back shape, even compared to today's standards these necks don't have much wood behind the fingerboard and feel very thin.
    • 1963-1964: Larger neck shape, but still smaller than the 1950's "baseball bat" style.
    • 1965-1967: Most models have nut width dramatically reduced making the neck feel very small. Back shape is about the same as the 1963-1964 era, but the narrow nut width makes these necks feel like "pencil necks".
    • 1968-present: Nut width increased and back shape changed to 1963-1964 standards.
    • 1970: Volute added to back of neck behind the nut.

    Bridge, flat top models.
    • 2 pearl dots on bridge: early 1940's-1960's.
    • Retangular bridge, most models: WW2.
    • Martin-type belly bridge, some banner-logo examples: WW2.
    • Upper belly bridge (above bridge pins): early 1950's-1969.
    • Plastic bridge, most models below SJ: 1963-1964.
    • Indian Rosewood used instead of Brazilian: 1966.
    • Lower belly bridge (below bridge pins): 1969-1984.
    • Upper belly bridge (above bridge pins): 1984-present.

      Adjustable bridge saddle:

      • J-160e (from introduction): 1954-1970.
      • Option on J-45, J-50, SJ: 1956-1960.
      • Standard on most models: 1961-1970.

Left: wrap-around "uncompensated" smooth stud bridge/tailpiece unit on a 1960 Les Paul TV Special (note the black covered P-90 "soapbar" pickup). This style bridge/tailpiece was used from 1953 to 1961. In 1961, it changed to a "compensated" style unit with "stairsteps" for each string.
Right: tunematic bridge ("no wire") and stop tailpiece on a 1957 goldtop Les Paul (note the partial shown white covered P-90 "soapbar" pickup at the bottom of the picture). Tunematic bridges started showing up on many Gibson models in 1955.
   

    Bridge/tailpiece, Solidbody and Electric Archtop models.
    • 1952: "Les Paul" stamped trapeze tailpiece. Used on some models (ES-225 and ES-295) until 1958.
    • 1953: Wrap around stud bridge/tailpiece combination unit used on only solidbody models. Used until the 1970's on some models including the SG Junior.
    • 1955: nickel plated Tunematic bridge ("no wire", stamped underneath "ABR-1", metal saddles) and nickel plated stop tailpiece. All mid to upper line solidbody models are converted to this set up. Many electric archtop models also converted to the tunematic bridge. Only the Les Paul Junior and Special (and later Melody Maker) continue to use the previous wraparound stud tailpiece.
    • 1961: Stud wraparound tailpiece unit (as used only on the lower-end models like the SG Junior at this point) now have compensated "stair steps" cast into the unit.
    • 1962: Tunematic bridge "with wire" (still stamped "ABR-1" on bottom). The wire goes over the six saddle screw heads to prevent the saddles from popping out during string changes.
    • 1964: Tunematic bridge uses white nylon saddles
    • 1965: Tunematic bridge now chrome plated, no longer stamped "ABR-1" on bottom (replaced by casted patent number). Stop tailpiece now chrome plated too, and replaced on many models (like the ES-335) with a trapeze tailpiece.
    • 1966: Metal saddles replace the nylon saddles on the tunematic bridge.

Two early "P.A.F." humbucking pickups (with brass
bobbin mounting screws), and the bottom side of a
pre-1965 "ABR-1" tunematic bridge.

Left: Top to bottom: P-90 pickup, Alino pickup,
Humbucking pickup, "double white" humbucking
pickup (with metal cover removed).
Right: P-90 pickup (top) and a P.A.F. humbucking
pickup with a nickel plated cover (bottom).
 

    Pickups.
    • "Charlie Christian" pickup. Single coil black pickup with a blade, V-ends, white binding around the blade and/or outside, large magnets (not visible), 3 mounting screws thru the top of the guitar: 1935-1940
    • Diagonal mounted single coil pickup. Two variations, one almost 6" long extending diagonally from the bridge to almost the neck, the other shorter and more conventional looking and mounted at less of an angle. Both seen on ES-300 model: 1940-1942
    • Finger rest pickup system: First cataloged as a "conversion" pickup. Volume and tone controls and pickup integrated into the pickguard. Available with 1 or 2 pickups. Also known as the "McCarty" pickup system. Available for acoustic archtops such as the L-7, L-5 and Super 400: 1948-1971
    • Fixed pole P-90 pickup. Non-adjustable pole P-90 pickup, single coil, 6 magnet slugs down center, black "dog ear" pickup cover: 1946-1950
    • P-90 pickup. Same as fixed pole P-90, except now has adjustable slot-head poles: 1950-present
    • "Soapbar" P-90 pickup, same as above, but pickup cover has no "ears": 1952-present
    • Alnico V pickup. Looks like a P-90 soapbar pickup, except has "staple" poles with adjusting screws next to the poles. Used on upper line models: 1954-1957.

    Top: A late 1959 "P.A.F." humbucking pickup
    bottom showing its "Patent Applied For" decal
    and its steel mounting screws.
    Bottom: A mid-1960's "Patent No." pickup
    bottom showing its patent number decal.

    • Humbucking pickup. two internal coils below a 1.5" x 2.75" metal cover. One row of 6 adjustable slot-head poles off-center: 1957-present. Cover was gold, nickel or (after 1965) chrome plated. Prior to about mid-1962, have small decal on bottom stating "Patent Applied For". These are known as "P.A.F." pickups. Starting in about mid-1962 to early 1963, a "Patent No." decal replaces the P.A.F. decal. Most 1957 humbucking pickups (first year) have no decal, and a more squarish stainless steel cover. Also 1957 to early 1959 P.A.F. pickups have brass screws holding the plastic bobbins to the metal frame. The internal plastic coil bobbins are usually black plastic, but sometimes they are white (this happened mostly in 1959 or early 1960). You can see the color of the wire bobbins by removing the small underside mounting screw (instead of removing the pickup cover). More information and pictures of PAF pickups can be seen here.

The pointed pickguard used on
most Gibson flattops from 1955
to the 1970's. Note this 1955
Southern Jumbo's "double
parallelagram" fingerboard inlays
and the "belly up" style bridge
(opposed to Martin's bridges which
had a belly down towards the endpin).

    Pickguards.
    Most Gibson pickguards prior to the mid-1970's were made from celluloid. This material can deteriote with time (the tortoise colored pickguards especially exhibit this trait).

    Flattop pickguards: from the 1930's to 1955, Gibson flattop pickguards were usually "teardrop" in shaped. But in early 1955, most models changed to a "pointed" pickguard that followed the shape of the guitar (except for the point). The J-200 was an exception to this rule; it's pickguard stayed the same shape, but the material and the designed changed. Prior to 1955, the J-200 has an engraved celluloid pickguard. Starting in 1955, this changed to an injection molded styrene pickguard that was cheaper to make.

    Pickguard Bevels: on Gibsons that used a solid black pickguard, the material was a layered black/white/black/white/black design. The edges were cut beveled to make them look like they had binding. In 1966, the bevel changed from being very wide and flat, to a narrow and steeper cut.

    Top row: on the left is the first Gibson electric knob as used on ES model guitars from 1947 to early 1950 (no numbers). Next to it is the ugliest pre-1970 Gibson knob, known as the "amp" knob, used from late 1966 to the mid-1970's (but not on all models).
    Middle row, left to right: Tall numbered gold knob, used from 1950 to 1952, "speed" knob as used from 1953 to 1955, "bonnet" knob as used from 1955 to 1960, "metal top bonnet" knob as used from 1960 to mid-1970's (on many, but not all models).
    Bottom row, left to right: switch tips used. The left switch tip was used on multiple pickup models from after WW2 to about 1960. This knob is bakelite and very amber in color. Next to it is the 1960 version where the switch tip changed to a plastic material that stayed white, and had a visible seam.
    Bottom row black knobs, left to right: depending on the color of the guitar, some models starting in the early 1950's used black versions of the above gold knobs. These correspond to the same years as the above gold versions.

      Knobs.
      • Smooth rounded top, bumps around top edge, some with arrow across top, 1 black and 1 brown: 1935-1939
      • Smooth top, 8 sided, arrow across top, 1 black and 1 brown: 1936-1942
      • Radio knob. 3 sets of ridges on sides: 1936-1942
      • Barrel knob. 5/8" tall, straight sides, barrel shaped, clear with no numbers: 1946-1949
      • Barrel knob. 5/8" tall, straight sides, barrel shaped, back painted gold, clear with numbers 1 to 10 visible thru knob: 1949-1952
      • Speed knob. 1/2" tall, straight sides, barrel shaped, back painted gold or black, clear with numbers 1 to 10 visible thru knob: 1953-1955
      • Bonnet knob. looks like a hat box, flared base, back painted gold or black, clear with numbers 1 to 10 visible thru knob: 1955-1960
      • Bonnet knob with metal cap. Same as above but now has metal cap with "Volume" or "Tone" printed on cap: 1961 - mid 1970's.
      • Barrel knob. similar to bonnet knobs, but now shaped like a barrel with no metal cap. Back painted gold or black, clear with numbers 1 to 10 visible thru knob: 1968 to present. Note this knob was used primarily on 1968 Les Paul Custom models till the mid 1970's, when most other models got these knobs.
      • Amp knobs. Black knobs with white numbers 1 to 10. Looks like "blackface" Fender amp knobs: late 1966 - mid 1970's. Some models never got these knobs (such as the 1968 and later Les Pauls). Used mostly on the hollowbody and semi-hollow models, such as the ES series.
      • Switch Tips: on guitars with two pickups and a 3-way selector switch, Gibson used an amber-colored bakelite switch tip during the 1950's. Starting in mid-1960, they switched to a much whiter and slightly rounder tip plastic switch tip.

      Metal Hardware.

        Prior to 1965, all metal hardware is either nickel or gold plated. Starting in 1965, all hardware is either chrome or gold plated.

      Left: "3 on a plate" style Kluson tuners, as used on the lower-line Gibson models.
      Right: Kluson Deluxe "tulip" tuners on a 1957 Les Paul. Note this is the "single ring, single line" variety used from 1955 to 1961. The "single ring" refers to the single ring around the plastic button. The "single line" refers to the single line of vertical text saying "Kluson Deluxe". Note the "inked on" serial number.
      3 on a plate 

      Tuners.

        During the 1950's and 1960's, Gibson used Kluson tuners almost exclusively. There were some exceptions; starting in 1959 you could special order Grover tuners instead of Klusons on many mid to upper line models including the Les Paul Custom and J-200 models. By the late 1960's, Gibson starting using tuners with the "Gibson Deluxe" name on them, but these were actually made by Kluson.

        Kluson Deluxe Tuner specs (models including 3-on-a-plate and "tulip" designs):

        • 1947: "Kluson Deluxe" in a single vertical line on the ribbed metal tuner cover. "Pat Pend" stamped on the bottom edge of the cover, and NO outside hole on the ribbed metal cover for the tuner post. Tulip plastic tuners knobs have a single ring around them.
        • 1951: "No name" Kluson tuners with no vertical name marking. "Pat Pend" stamp is gone, and now there is an outside hole in the ribbed metal tuner cover to help support the tuner shaft. Tulip plastic tuners knobs have a single ring around them.
        • 1955: Single line "Kluson Deluxe" in a single vertical line on the ribbed metal tuner cover. Tulip plastic tuners knobs have a single ring around them.
        • 1961: Two plastic rings on the plastic "tulip" tuner knob. "Kluson Deluxe" still in a single vertical row.
        • 1964: "Kluson Deluxe" in TWO vertical lines on the ribbed metal tuner cover.
        • 1968: "Gibson Deluxe" replaces the stamp "Kluson Deluxe".

      PegHead Markings other than Serial Numbers ("seconds")

        Gibson often marked inferior quality guitars as "seconds", and sold them at a discount to dealers or employees. These markings were stamped into the wood on the back of the peghead. A "2" stamp is sometimes seen, designating a "second", which had some cosmetic flaw. If there is a serial number on the back of the peghead, the "2" is usually seen centered above or below it. Also sometimes stamped was "CULL", which is another designation of a second. Again, this stamp is seen on the back of the peghead. The worse Gibson reject is the "BGN" stamp, designating that instrument as a "bargin" guitar. These were only sold to employees at substantial discounts. This stamp is also seen on the back of the peghead. Sometimes the "BGN" is stamped vertically with the "N" below the "G" which is below the "B". BGN instruments weren't acceptable to Gibson as sellable to the public.

        All second instruments are usually worth less than the same guitar that is not a second (given condition as the same). BGN instruments are worth less than a second instrument because these tend to have some fairly serious cosmetic flaw.

      A war-time Southern Jumbo that was
      exported to Canada. Note the faint
      "MADE IN THE U.S.A." stamp.

        Exported instruments to Canada or overseas prior to 1970 where often marked "MADE IN THE U.S.A." in very small lettering and all on one line. Note this is a different stamp than the one used from 1970 and later that said "MADE IN U.S.A." on two lines, with no "the" and in same size type as the stamp-on serial number. This is sometimes stamped on the back of the peghead (where a serial number would be on 1961 and later Gibsons). Also it's sometimes seen on the top edge of the peghead.

      An ES-125tc from the 1960's,
      as seen through the bass side
      "f" hole.

      Model Body Markings (non-Artist models).

        After WW2, lower-line Gibson vintage instruments did not have a label to designate the model. Instead, Gibson just ink stamped the model number inside (on hollow body instruments). If the instrument had "f" holes, this number was ink stamped in the bass side "f" hole on the inside back of the instrument. If the instrument was a flat top guitar, this number was ink stamped inside the round soundhole on the inside back of the guitar.


      Gibson Cases

        Mid to high-end model guitars during the 1930's and early 1940's used a black case with a red line around the top edge of the case. The inside is a deep maroon color. Lower models used black rigid cardboard cases. About 1938, mid to high end model started to use a tweed case with a 3 inch wide red "racing stripe" on the tweed. The inside of these cases are also usually a deep maroon. These tweed cases were used up to WW2.

        Post-WW2 (1947-1960), Gibson offered 3 different cases. The "low grade" case was an "alligator" softshell case, essentially made of rigid cardboard with a sparse brown lining. This case also often had a hard thin brown plastic handle that cracked very easily. The "medium grade" case was a wooden case with a smooth brown outside and usually a sparse green lining (though different color interiors are seen). The "best grade" (known as the "faultless" case) was the "California Girl" case, as it is known. This wooden case has a rich brown outside (like a tanned California girl), and a very plush and rich pink inside. The handle on the medium and high grade cases was leather covered metal.

        Note some models (such as the Les Paul) did not have a medium grade case available (either got the 'gator case or the Cal Girl case; but the most desirable Les Paul Cal Girl case is the model with a curved top and *five* latches, instead of the normal four). Most 1950's Gibson cases had a small (1.5" by 1") brass plaque on the outside with "Gibson" and a star stamped in it. This was located on the side of the case by the handle. Note during this period there where three different manufacturers making cases for Gibson, all with the same basic specs, but slightly different shapes (Lifton, Geib, Stone). Geib cases are seen mostly in the early 1950's, and Lifton cases in the mid to late 1950's. Stone cases are seen throughout the 1950's, but not to the extent of the other two manufacturers.

        During the 1960's, the Alligator case was still available for low-end models (SG Juniors, Melody Makers, ES-125, etc.) until 1965. The new low-end case was a black softshell with a plush deep red lining. The medium grade case was dropped entirely and the new high grade case was black on the outside, and yellow on the inside. The black outside changed from smooth to rough during different periods of the 1960's. Also the handle changed from a leather covered metal to a hard molded plastic type about 1963. The small brass Gibson plaque was still used until the later 1960's.

        In the 1970's, the new high-end case was still a wooden case with a black outside, but a deep red inside. Most 1970's cases had "Gibson" silkscreened on the outside of the case in white. Also made during the 1970's is the "protector" case; a huge thing made completely out of molded plastic. This case was very popular for Les Pauls.

        A picture of a mid-1950's Les Paul brown case is here. This is not the most desirable of the Les Paul brown cases, as it has a flat top and four latches (typically this style of brown case was sold with Les Paul Specials and Juniors). Starting about mid to late 1958, the brown Les Paul case changed to a five latch model. This is considered the "Sunburst" case (even though most 1958 models still use the older four latch case).

        Late 1980's and 1990's reissue cases are copies of the 1950's brown/pink Cal Girl case. These newer cases have a tag on the inside pick pocket that says "Made in Canada". Also, these cases have a pink interior satin cover that goes over the top of the guitar before closing the case. And they also have a combination lock on the main exterior latch and a leather handle. There were also some early 1980's brown reissue cases (mostly for Les Pauls and Korina reissues) that are starker versions of the Canadian reissue case. Most recently Gibson has copied the original 1950's Cal Girl case more exactly on their "historic" series reissues.

    Contact the vintage guitar info guy.
    Back to the Table of Contents

    Gibson Serial Numbers and Factory Order Numbers (How to Find the Year).

      The easiest way to find the year of a particular Gibson instrument is usually by referencing the instrument's serial number of factory order number.

      This following information applies to all Gibson instruments including guitars, mandolins, lapsteels, basses and others. This information was compiled from these sources: A.R. Duchossior, W. Carter, G. Gruhn, E. Whitford, D. Vinopal, D. Erlewine.

      From 1902 to 1976, Gibson instruments may have a serial number, a FON (Factory Order Number or code letter), both, or neither. To make things even more interesting, they sometimes wrote the serial number or factory order number with a near-invisible pencil, sometimes ink-stamped it (in disappearing ink it seems), and sometimes pressed it into the wood. And the placement of these serial numbers and FON's (factory order numbers) can be different, depending on the era. Gibson serial number consistency was never given much thought, as Gibson changed serial number system many times. Hence, some serial numbers may be duplicated in different years. This is especially noticable during the 1960's.

      Many people ask, "How can I tell the difference between a serial number and a factory order number?". Sometimes this is difficult, but you have to look at the format of the number, and the general era of the instrument. Does it have a pre-WW2 script "Gibson" logo? If so, then just look at the pre-WW2 serial number and factory order number info. This would be the single biggest question to ask, as pre-WW2 and post-WW2 instruments are numbered quite differently. Also, examine the placement and style of the numbers and make sure it follows the schemes described.

      Another question asked is, "The FON number says the instrument is 1958, yet the serial number says 1959; why are they different?". There is a very logical reason for this. The FON number is stamped on the instrument very early in the manufacturing process. Most times, the serial number is applied as one of the last steps (especially on pre-1961 hollow body instruments) when the instrument is nearly finished. Depending on the demand for the instrument, it could take Gibson up to 6 months to finish the instrument. Hence the FON number could be one year, and the serial number the next year.

      It wasn't till 1977 that Gibson came up with a good serial number system that will last them indefinately. This new serial number system allows determination of the exact date the instrument was stamped with the serial number, and the factory of manufacturer.

      Quick Overview: Serial Number/FON Identification by Era.

      • 1902-1908: Often no serial number or model name on label, picture of Orville Gibson and lyre mandolin, date sometimes penciled under the top (must be seen with a mirror). Or serial number and model name on white paper label, number range from 0100 to 99999, hand inked or penciled 1908 to 1932, ink stamped serial number 1932 to 1947.
      • 1908-1930: Factory Order Numbers stamped on neck block inside body.
      • 1927-mid 1930s: Some low end models with no numbers. Some models with an ink stamped 3 digit number on neck block.
      • 1935-1941: Factory Order Numbers and Letter Codes, containing the letters A to G, ink stamped on the inside back or on the neck block (flattops), or on the label.
      • 1938-1941: Factory Order Numbers beginning with the letter D to H pressed into the back of the peghead.
      • 1942-1947: Factory Order Numbers with 3 or 4 digits, followed by a hyphen, followed by 1 or 2 more digits, ink stamped on neck block (flattops) or on the inside back,
      • 1947-1952: Factory Order Numbers of 3 or 4 digits, followed by a hyphen, followed by by 1 or 2 more digits, ink stamped on the inside back.
      • 1952-1961: Factory Order Numbers beginning with the letter Q to Z, ink stamped on inside back, all hollowbody models.
      • 1947-early 1955: "A" series serial numbers on a white label, on many models.
      • early 1955-1961: "A" series serial numbers on a orange label, on many models.
      • 1953-1961: Unique solidbody electric guitar "inked" serial numbers.
      • 1961-1969: 4,5 or 6 digit peghead stamped serial number for all models, no MADE IN USA stamped below.
      • 1969-1975: 6 digit peghead stamped serial number, MADE IN USA stamped below.
      • 1975-1977: tagged (decal) serial number, MADE IN USA below.
      • 1977-present: 8 digit stamped serial number, MADE IN USA stamped below.
      • 1982-present: Reissue and custom shop serial numbers in various formats.

      Factory Order Numbers
        Factory Order Number Configuration and Placement.
        • 1908-1930: Factory Order Numbers stamped on neck block inside body.
        • 1927-mid 1930s: Some low end models with no numbers. Some models with an ink stamped 3 digit number on neck block.
        • 1935-1941: Factory Order Numbers and Letter Codes, containing the letters A to G, ink stamped on the inside back or on the neck block (flattops), or on the label.
        • 1938-1941: Factory Order Numbers beginning with the letter D to H pressed into the back of the peghead.
        • 1942-1947: Factory Order Numbers with 3 or 4 digits, followed by a hyphen, followed by 1 or 2 more digits, ink stamped on neck block (flattops) or on the inside back,
        • 1947-1952: Factory Order Numbers of 3 or 4 digits, followed by a hyphen, followed by by 1 or 2 more digits, ink stamped on the inside back.
        • 1952-1961: Factory Order Numbers beginning with the letter Q to Z, ink stamped on inside back, all hollowbody models.

        Factory Order Numbers, 1908 to 1923.

          The Factory Order Number (FON) consists of a 3, 4 or 5 digit batch number followed by a 1 or 2 digit sequence number (from 1 to 40). The following are examples (compiled by Roger Siminoff) of the batch number portion of the FON. Sorry, I do not have a range of FON's numbers for this era. 
          Year    Batch Number
----    ------------
1908    259
1909    309
1910    545, 927
1911    1260, 1295
1912    1408, 1593
1913    1811, 1902
1914    1936, 2152
1915    2209, 3207
1916    2667, 3508
1917    3246, 11010
1918    9839, 11159
1919    11146, 11212
1920    11329, 11367
1921    11375, 11527
1922    11565, 11729
1923    11973
        Factory Order Numbers with a Letter, 1935 to 1941.
          Many instruments from 1935 to 1941 have a letter designating the year within the Factory Order Number (FON).
          • The FON consists of a batch number, usually 4 digits. Then there is a letter (and sometimes a space), followed by a 1 or 2 digit sequence (ranking) number.
          • 1935-1937: Letter is between the batch number and the sequence number. Code is ink stamped on the inside back.
          • 1938-1941: two or three letters before sequence number. Code is either ink stamped onto the label or impressed into the back of the peghead (for lap steels, impressed into the back of the body). First letter, indicates the year. Second letter, if there is one, indicates the brand of the instrument: G=Gibson, K=Kalamazoo, W=Recording King (Montgomery Wards). Third letter, if there is one, is "E" for Electric.
          • Exceptions: Some high-end models and lapsteels from 1939 to 1940 have the letter A added to the prefixes D, E, or F. This includes the letters DA, EA, FA, followed by 4 digits. Examples include L-5's and Super 400's which have an EA prefix (suggestiong 1939), in addition to a separate paper label indicating 1940 or 1941. In this case the later serial number is the one to believe, as the instrument was probably started and completed in different years. 
          Year    1st Letter
----    ----------
1935    A
1936    B
1937    C
1938    D, DA
1939    Ex (where 'x' is any other letter)
1940    F, FA
1941    E (with NO other following letter)
1941    G
1942    H
        Hyphen Factory Order Number with NO Letters, 1936 to 1943.
          Pre-WW2 hyphen Factory Order Numbers are used mostly on lap steels. The format consists of a three or four digit number, a hyphen, then a one or two digit batch number. Only the first number (before the hyphen) determines the year. 
          1st Number range        Year
-----------------       ----
200-xx  to 399-xx       1937
400-xx  to 599-xx       1936, 1937
500-xx  to 599-xx       1936 to 1938
600-xx  to 799-xx       1936, 1938
800-xx  to 999-xx       1936
1000-xx to 1599-xx      1937
1600-xx to 2999-xx      1938 to 1940
3000-xx to 5999-xx      1941
6000-xx to 6999-xx      1942
7000-xx to 7999-xx      1943
        The FON ink stamped on the neck block of a banner
        logo 1944 J-45. Note the red pencil mark after the FON
        is missing or has faded.

        Factory Order Numbers, 1942 to 1951.

          Serial numbers are seldon found on instruments made during WW2. But most (not all) have Factory Order Numbers (FON). These contain a four digit batch number stamped in ink, followed by a two digit sequence number written in red pencil (during WW2 only). After the war, the red pencil wasn't used (and on instruments made during the war, sometimes it's really hard to see the red penciled sequence number). Usually there is no more than 46 instruments (sequence numbers) per batch. Also no batch number with a "1" as the first digit was used during WW2. The FON is usually located on the neck block. The war-time list that follows are examples only, as I don't have a definative range of FON's during this period. 
          Year    Factory Order Number 
----    --------------------
1942    910-3
1942    923-45
1942    2004-1
1943    2224-14
1943    2426-39
1944    2558-46
1945    n/a
1946    n/a
1947    700s to 1000s
1948    1100s to 3700s
1949    2000s
1950    3000s to 5000s
1951    6000s to 9000s
        Factory order number on a
        1959 EB-2 Bass, in the treble
        side "f" hole. The "S" prefix
        denotes 1959.
          Factory Order Numbers with a Letter, 1952 to 1961.
          This letter preceeds the batch number within the Factory Order Number (FON), and denotes the year of manufacturer. Remember, the batch number is the first 4 digits of the FON, followed by a 1 or 2 digit sequence number (within the batch). This letter should be before the FON batch number. This was used on archtop models (ink stamped inside treble F-hole) and on flat top models (ink stamped on the neck block), from 1952 to 1961: 
          Year    Letter
----    ------
1952    Z
1953    Y
1954    X
1955    W
1956    V
1957    U
1958    T
1959    S
1960    R
1961    Q
      Serial Numbers
        Serial Number Configuration and Placement:
        • 1902 to 1908: Rectangular label, no serial number or model name on label, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin on label, date sometimes penciled under top.
        • 1904 to 1909: Oval label with serial number, no model name, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin: 1904 to 1909.
        • 1902 to April 1947: Number and model name on white paper label, number range 1000 to 99999:
        • 1908 to 1932: Hand ink or penciled (some overlap with previous style):
        • 1932 to 1947: Ink stamped, not penciled.
        • 1927 and later: Low end models with no serial number.

          Hollowbody instruments 1947 to 1961:
          • "Artist" serial numbers used on mid to upper line guitars. No serial number used on lower line instruments (date by Factory Order Number). Instruments with an "Artist" serial number should also have a Factory Order Number by which a date can be cross-referenced.
          • Number preceded by an "A-" on white oval label: 4/28/47 to 1/12/55. The first number, A-100, was assigned to an L-7 on 4/28/47. The last white label number was A-18750, used 1/12/55. Note white label numbers A-18751 to A-20000 were not used.
          • Number preceded by an "A" on orange oval label: 1/13/55 to 2/21/61. The first orange label number, A20001, was used on a F-5 mandolin 01/13/55. The last orange label "A" number was A36147, used 2/21/61. Note the "-" after the "A" was dropped for the orange labels.

          Solidbody instruments 1952 to 1960:

          • No number: 1952 to early 1953
          • ink stamped numbers in back top of peghead. First number denotes last digit of year, followed by a space and 4 digits, or no space and 5 digits. No space and 5 digits following the year only occured in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960. In 1955 Gibson forgot to reset their serial number back to #5 0001. Instead they continued the 1954 series, just changing the first digit to a "5" for 1955. For this reason the serial numbers exceeded "5 9999", hence 5 digits and no space following the year had to be used. Apparently production was high enough in 1956 to exceed "6 9999". 1959 & 1960 production was also very high, exceeding "9 9999" and going to "932000" or higher.

          All models, NO "made in U.S.A." stamped on peghead, 1961 to 1969:

          • 4 or 5 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1961 to 1964.
          • 6 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1963 to 1969.

          All models, "made in U.S.A." stamped-on the peghead, 1970 to present.
          Stamped on the back of the peghead. The "U.S.A." is below the "Made in", which is below the stamped-on serial number. All stamps in the same size type. Used from 1970 to present:

          • 6 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1970 to 1975.
          • Letter followed by 3 digits, custom shop or limited edition models only: 1971 to present.
          • Number on decal: 1975 to 1977.
          • 8 digits impressed in back top of peghead: 1977 to present.

      White label as used from 1908 to 1932.
      This label is from a 1929 L-4 model.

        Non-Hyphen Serial Numbers, 1902 to 1947.
          Series starts with 1000. Note the format of these serial numbers has NO HYPHEN and NO LETTERS. For a number list with a hyphen and/or a letter, see the previous section under Factory Order Numbers. 
          Year    Last Number
----    -----------
1903    1500
1904    2500
1905    3500
1906    5500
1907    8300
1908    9700
1909    10100
1910    10600
1911    10850
1912    13350
1913    16100
1914    20150
1915    25150
1916    32000
1917    39500
1918    47900
1919    53800
1920    63650
1921    69300
1922    71400
1923    74900
1924    81200
1925    82700
1926    83600
1927    85400
1928    87300
1929    89750
1930    90200
1931    90450
1932    90700
1933    91400
1934    92300
1935    92800
1936    94100
1937    95200
1938    95750
1939    96050
1940    96600
1941    97400
1942    97700
1943    97850
1944    98250
1945    98650
1946    99300
1947    99999 (April 28, 1947)
    "A" style serial numbers as used from 1947 to 1961.
    Left: Oval white label as used from spring 1947 to January 1955.
    Right: Orange label as used from January 1955 to 1964. The 1964 to 1969 orange labels are identical, except for the added text "union made".
     

        Serial Numbers for Hollow bodies, 1947 to 1961.
          "A" series, number on interior label, 1947 to 1961 hollow body models. This "Artist" series serial numbers were only used on mid to upper end instruments. 
          Year    Number
----    ------
1947    A-100  (Apr 28)
        A-411  (Jul 2)
        A-1146 (Dec 1)
        A-1304
1948    A-1305 (Jan 8)
        A-1849 (Jul 2)
        A-2613 (Dec 8)
        A-2665
1949    A-2666 (Jan 5)
        A-3353 (Jul 1)
        A-4209 (Dec 1)
        A-4413
1950    A-4414 (Jan 3)
        A-5456 (Jul 3)
        A-6312 (Dec 4)
        A-6597
1951    A-6598 (Jan 4)
        A-8030 (Jul 2)
        A-9194 (Dec 3)
        A-9419
1952    A-9420  (Jan 2)
        A-11057 (Jul 1)
        A-12202 (Dec 1)
        A-12462
1953    A-12463 (Jan 8)
        A-14332 (Jul 1)
        A-15883 (Dec 2)
        A-16101
1954    A-16102 (Jan 5)
        A-17435 (Jul 1)
        A-18496 (Dec 1)
        A-18667 
1955    A-18668 (Jan 6)
        A-18750 (Jan 12, last white label. 
                 Note A-18751 to A-19999 not used)
        A 20001 (Jan 13, First orange label)
        A 20991 (Jul 1)
        A 21745 (Dec 1)
        A 21909
1956    A 21910 (Jan 6)
        A 23387 (Jul 3)
        A 24567 (Dec 1)
        A 24755
1957    A 24756 (Jan 3)
        A 25899 (Jul 3)
        A 26695 (Dec 3)
        A 26819
1958    A 26820 (Jan 6)
        A 27816 (Jul 1)
        A 28576 (Dec 1)
        A 28880
1959    A 28881 (Jan 9)
        A 30569 (Jul 13)
        A 31844 (Dec 2)
        A 32284
1960    A 32285 (Jan 4)
        A 34068 (Jul 1)
        A 35252 (Dec 1)
        A 35645
1961    A 35646 (Jan 3)
        A 35943 (Feb 1)
        A 36147 (Feb 21, Last "A" number)
        Left: The "inked on" serial number on a 1955 Les Paul standard solidbody guitar. This style serial number was used on all 1953 to 1960 solidbody Gibson guitars.
        Right: The "inked on" serial number on this 1959 Les Paul Junior has no space between the "9" digit (year) and the rest of the numbers. This happened only in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960 when production required a number above "9999", thus occupying the space.
         

        Serial Numbers, 1952 to 1960, solid body models.

          Ink stamped number on back top of peghead. The first year of Gibson solidbodies was 1952, and Gibson didn't use any serial number in 1952. Starting in 1953, the first number is the last number of the year. If the ink stamped number consists of 5 digits, there will be a space between the first and second numbers (separating the last digit of the year from the actual serial number). If there is a 6 digit ink stamped number, there is no embedded space as the serial number has exceeded 9999 and now occupies the place where the space existed in numbers 9999 and lower. No space and 5 digits following the year only occured in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960. In 1955 Gibson forgot to reset their serial number back to #5 0001. Instead they continued the 1954 series, just changing the first digit to a "5" for 1955. For this reason the serial numbers exceeded "5 9999", hence 5 digits and no space following the year had to be used. Apparently production was high enough in 1956 to exceed "6 9999". Production in 1959 and 1960 was also very high, exceeding "9 9999" and going to "932000" or higher: 
          Year    First Number
----    ------------
1952    none
1953    3
1954    4
1955    5
1956    6
1957    7
1958    8
1959    9
1960    0
    Stamped in serial numbers, used from 1961 to 1969. The 1964 number on the left is still a "pressed in" number, though gibson has inked the impression to make it more readable (they started doing this about 1963 or 1964, when serial numbers went to six digits). The number in the middle is from 1964 (on an ES-335), and the number in the right is from 1961 (on an Les Paul TV Special). Note the lack of "Made in USA", thus denoting these are pre-1970 guitars.
       

        Serial Numbers, Feb 1961 to 1970.

          All models, stamped in back top of peghead. No "MADE IN USA" stamp below serial number! Note many serial numbers are duplicated from 1963-1969. In these cases, to figure out which is the exact year for a guitar, see the General Specs section for more details. ALSO note: It is easy to confuse 5 digit and 6 digit serial numbers from this era, and hence get the wrong year for a guitar. That is, 55555 is not the same number as 555555 (but when reading the number off the back of a Gibson peghead, these two numbers do look very similar!) 
          Range              Year
-----              ----
0100   to 42440    1961
42441  to 61180    1962
61450  to 64222    1963
64240  to 71040    1964
71041  to 96600    1962, a few from 1963/1964
96601  to 99999    1963
000001 to 099999   1967  (all 6 digit numbers 
                          starting with "0" are 1967)
100000 to 106099   1963 or 1967
106100 to 106899   1963
109000 to 109999   1963 or 1967
110000 to 111549   1963
111550 to 115799   1963 or 1967
115800 to 118299   1963
118300 to 120999   1963 or 1967
121000 to 139999   1963
140000 to 140100   1963 or 1967
140101 to 144304   1963
144305 to 144380   1964
144381 to 149864   1963
149865 to 149891   1964
149892 to 152989   1963
152990 to 174222   1964
174223 to 176643   1964 or 1965
176644 to 250335   1964
250336 to 305983   1965
306000 to 310999   1965 or 1967
311000 to 320149   1965
320150 to 320699   1967
320700 to 329179   1965
329180 to 330199   1965 or 1967
330200 to 332240   1965, 1967 or 1968
332241 to 348092   1965
348093 to 349100   1966
349121 to 368638   1965
368640 to 369890   1966
370000 to 370999   1967
380000 to 385309   1966
390000 to 390998   1967
400001 to 406666   1966
406667 to 409670   1966 to 1968
409671 to 410900   1966
410901 to 419999   unknown
420000 to 429193   1966
500000 to 500999   1965, 1966, 1968, or 1969
501009 to 501600   1965
501601 to 501702   1968
501703 to 502706   1965 or 1968
503010 to 503109   1968
503405 to 520955   1965 or 1968
520956 to 530056   1968
530061 to 530850   1966, 1968, or 1969
530851 to 530993   1968 or 1969
530994 to 539999   1969
540000 to 540795   1966 or 1969
540796 to 545009   1969
555000 to 557999   1966
558000 to 567400   1969
570087 to 570643   1966
570645 to 570755   1966 or 1967
570857 to 570964   1966
580000 to 580080   1969
580086 to 580999   1966, 1967 or 1969
600000 to 600998   low end models, 1966, 1967, or 1968
600000 to 606090   high end models, 1969
700000 to 700799   1966, 1967 or 1969
750000 to 750999   1968 or 1969
800000 to 800999   1966, 1967, 1968 or 1969
801000 to 812838   1966 or 1969
812900 to 819999   1969
820000 to 820087   1966 or 1969
820088 to 823830   1966
824000 to 824999   1969
828002 to 847488   1966 or 1969
847499 to 858999   1966 or 1969
859001 to 895038   1967
895039 to 896999   1968
897000 to 898999   1967 or 1969
899000 to 899999   1968
900000 to 901999   1970
910000 to 999999   1968
        1970's style stamped serial
        number with a "MADE IN U.S.A."
        stamp. Notice the volute.

        Serial Numbers, early to mid 1970's.

          All models, stamped in back top of headstock. "MADE IN U.S.A." stamped below the serial number in back top of peghead, in the same size type, and on two lines with "U.S.A." below the "MADE IN": 
          Number          Year
------          ----
6 digits + A    1970
000000's        1973
100000's        1970-1975
200000's        1973-1975
300000's        1974-1975
400000's        1974-1975
500000's        1974-1975
600000's        1970-1972, 1974-1975
700000's        1970-1972
800000's        1973-1975
900000's        1970-1972
A + 6 digits    1973-1975
B + 6 digits    1974-1975
C + 6 digits    1974-1975
D + 6 digits    1974-1975
E + 6 digits    1974-1975
F + 6 digits    1974-1975
        Left: 1977 Gibson decal serial number for an ES-335,
        that was never applied.
        Right: 1977 Gibson decal serial number applied on a
        Les Paul Artisan.
         

        Serial Numbers, 1975-1977.

          All models, decal, 2 digit prefix followed by 6 digits. The decal can also states the model name/number. 
          Prefix  Year
------  ----
99      1975
00      1976
06      1977
        Serial Numbers, 1977 to present.
          All models, 8 digit number impressed in back top of peghead in the following format: 
          YY (1st and 5th digit) = year
DDD (digits 2-4) = day of the year, 
                   001=Jan 1st, 365=Dec 31st.
NNN (digits 6-8) = rank of instrument for that day.
Example: 80012005 = 5th instrument made in Kalamazoo
                    on the first day of 1982.
          Note all Kalamazoo made instruments (1977-1984) and Bozeman (1989-present) are numbered beginning with 001 each day. Instruments made at Nashville are numbered beginning with 500 each day.

          Exceptions to the 1977 and later 8 digit serial numbers.
          Vintage reissue and custom shop models use a different serial number format.

            1970s Les Paul Spotlight Special
            Numbered YY nnnn (with YY being the year, nnnn is the ranking).

            1994 Electric Gibsons.
            In 1994 only, the Nashville Gibson factory numbered all instruments with a 94xxxxxx style number. The final 6 digits ranked the instruments over the whole year's production.

            1994 Centennial Electric Models.
            Inked on serial number in a YYYY-MM format. This funky formatting keys the YYYY number to a ranking of the model according to the years of centenial (1894 corresponds to #1, 1994 corresponds to #101, etc). The MM was the month of the model within the series, ranging from 1 to 14 (but only 12 models were actually produced, plus 2 prototypes).

            Les Paul Classic, 1990-present.
            The LP Classic have a 1950s style inked serial number with the first digit decoding to the last digit of the year.

            Vintage Reissues and Custom Shop Models, 1982 to present.
            These models have their own serial number system, and are not covered in this document.

    Contact the vintage guitar info guy.
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