How to Read Gibson Serial Numbers (2024)

Round sound hole acoustic guitars

Round sound hole labels for flat top acoustic guitars made before 1961 have either a Factory Order Number (FON) or a proper serial number.

If your Gibson flat top acoustic has a paper label serial number beginning with "A", please contact me.
Since Gibson used multiple styles of both serial numbers and factory order numbers, you'll need to select the photo below which best describes the label presence, color, and style of identification number in order to be directed to the correct chart.

Please click on the photo that matches your label to view serial numbers

Gibson ink stamped serial numbers on the neck:
Solid body electric guitars 1953 - 1961

How to read 6 digit die stamp numbers: Make sure the headstock does not have the "MADE IN USA" stamp (scroll down for charts with stamp). Read the number carefully, (especially the first 3 digits), then check the chart below to see where your number falls in the range of first to last known numbers for that year.

Note: Gibson reused 6 digit serial numbers sometimes more than once in the 1960s. these are just a starting point for identifying the year of manufacture. If you would like more info about your vintage Gibson, please click here to contact me.

I am looking for the nicest examples of Gibson guitars made in the 1960s.
If you own an ES-335 or SG from this era and would like to sell it, please contact me to sell your vintage Gibson

How to read serial numbers with "MADE IN USA" stamp underneath: Gibson reused this range once again, but this time, they jumped all over the place. The potentiometer codes will be more helpful to find the age of an early 1970s Gibson guitar.

How to read 8 digit die stamped Gibson serial numbers: The first and fifth digit will indicated the last two digits of the year it was made. The second, third, and fourth digit indicate the day of the year. The last three digits indicate in which factory it was produced (<500 = Kalamazoo, >500 = Nashville)

Example: 8xxx2xxx = 1982

Sample: 70928001 = 92nd day of the year

70928001 = 001 (first) guitar of the day in the Kalamazoo factory

How to read 9 digit die stamp Gibson serial numbers: The first and fifth digits still indicate the last two digits of the year it was made.

Example: 0xxx5xxxx = 2005

Gibson serial numbers inside hollow body guitar - white label: 1910 - 1946

The following table is for Gibson serial numbers located only on a white paper label.

The following table is a reference guide for three to five digit ink stamp numbers stamped directly onto the wood with no letter prefix.

These are called Factory Order Numbers (or FONs) which is a number for a batch of guitars.

Until 1961, Gibson's low to middle grade models had FONs only in lieu of an actual serial number.

Look for the FON that is closest to yours on the following table.

In true Gibson fashion, the company began reusing the same FON number range over again from 1947 to 1951.

This range is still a bit inconsistent but should be helpful to establish a ballpark year of manufacture.

Gibsons from this time period should have tapered headstocks.

Gibson Factory Order Numbers - letter prefix ink stamped inside the body

Look for your corresponding letter below in the list of Factory Order Numbers.
These can be found in "F" hole guitars, and inside round hole flattops

In lieu of serial numbers, low to middle grade Gibson guitars until 1961 had an FON instead of a specific serial number.

FON prefixes were discontinued until 1952, but resumed in a reverse pattern beginning with "Z":

The Factory Order Number system was made obsolete in 1961 when all proceeding Gibson guitars received individual serial numbers.