• Quick Gibson Guitar Serial Number Guide: 1904-1977
• Quick Gibson Factory Order Number FON Overview: 1902-1961
• More Info on Gibson Factory Order Numbers (FON)
• Gibson Hyphen FON without Letters (First Number Range 1937-1943)
• 1942 - 1951 Factory Order Number FON Info
• Gibson FON with Letters (1935-1961)
• Gibson Non-Hyphen Serial Numbers Last Number (1903-1947)
• Gibson Hollow Body Serial Numbers (1947-1961)
• Gibson Solid Body Model Serial Numbers First Number (1952-1961)
• Gibson Serial Numbers (1961-1977)
• Made in USA Stamp, Volute on Headstock: 1970-1975
• Gibson 8 Digit Pattern 1977-Present
• Gibson 9 Digit Serial Number

Quick Gibson Guitar Serial Number Guide: 1904-1977

Here is a quick list of Gibson serial numbers. These are generally found on the interior label, or on the back of the headstock. More detailed information later on this page.

Made in USA Stamp, Volute on Headstock: 1970-1975

Quick Gibson Factory Order Number FON Overview: 1902-1961

This is a quick Gibson Factory Order Number guide. These are not serial numbers, but more batch numbers. They are generally found on the neck block (inside) or the treble F-hole (inside).

More Info on Gibson Factory Order Numbers (FON)

Factory Order Numbers with Photo Examples

This is an overview list. We will go deeper into this era below. Sometimes they are very clear and readable, other times they are very faint and nearly impossible to read. When the Factory Order Number (FON) is not legible, you can date the guitar by specs and establish a general time period. It's not always possible to get an exact date if the numbers are faint. Feel free to reach out to us if you need help!

Gibson Hyphen FON without Letters (First Number Range 1937-1943)

1942 - 1951 Factory Order Number FON Info

Example 1948 Gibson LG-2 3/4

Gibson FON with Letters (1935-1961)

Example: 1937 with C suffix

More Info on Gibson Serial Numbers:

Gibson Non-Hyphen Serial Numbers Last Number (1903-1947)

Example: 1910 Gibson Style 0 guitar with present, but faint serial number.. If the serial number is illegible, you can also look for a Factory Order Number as a secondary dating reference.

Quick Gibson Hollow Body Serial Numbers (1947-1961)

Example above: 1949 Gibson L-7C with white interior label

Example above: 1957 Gibson ES-350T with orange interior label

Example above: Late 1958 Gibson ES-335TD with orange interior label

Gibson Solid Body Model Serial Numbers First Number (1952-1961)

Example above: 1957 Gibson Les Paul TV Special with inked on serial number

 Example above: 1955 Gibson Les Paul Standard with inked on serial number

 ***  1958 (some LP Juniors/Specials had a four-digit serial number with no leading year digit)

Gibson Serial Numbers (1961-1977)

Example above: 1965 Gibson with stamped serial number

Made in USA Stamp, Volute on Headstock: 1970-1975

Example above: 1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom with Made in USA stamp. Serial number stamps can be very faint (especially on black guitars).

Gibson 8 Digit Pattern 1977-Present

Gibson introduced the serial numbering method that is currently used in 1977 for Gibson USA, Gibson Custom and Gibson Acoustic. Instruments have an 8-digit serial number impressed on the back of the headstock along with “MADE IN USA”. The important year date is from the 1st and 5th numbers. In the examples below, the 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom has a "7" and "8" for the 1st and 5th numbers, respectively. 1978 is the year. In our second example below, the 1981 Gibson ES-175 has an "8" and a "1" for the 1st and 5th numbers, respectively. This signifies 1981 is the year the guitar was made.

Example above: 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Example above: 1981 Gibson ES-175 with factory second stamp

YDDDYRRR

YY = Production Year

DDD = Day of the Year

RRR = Factory Ranking/ Plant Designation Number

001 – 499 = Kalamazoo Production (1977 – 1984)

500 – 999 = Nashville Production (1977 – 1989)

In 1994 (Gibson’s Centennial Year), Gibson has instruments with a serial number beginning with “94” indicating the year. The remaining 6 digits of the serial number indicate the ranking number.

GIBSON’S CENTENNIAL YEAR SERIAL NUMBERS (1994):

In 1994 (Gibson’s Centennial Year), Gibson has instruments with a serial number beginning with “94” indicating the year. The remaining 6 digits of the serial number indicate the ranking number.

Gibson 9 Digit Serial Number

In early July 2005, Gibson went to a 9-digit serial number with the sixth number indicating a batch number and the other serial number digits staying the same. Batch number 0 indicates instruments stamped 0-699, after that the batch number will change to 1.

GIBSON USA PATTERN 2014-PRESENT:

Serial numbers (2014-present) cannot be dated to a specific day of the year. There can also be new models that were produced and built during the previous model year.

YYRRRRRRR

YY = Model Year

RRRRRRR = Number in product for the model year starting at 0000001

How to Spot a FAKE Gibson Guitar: The Ultimate Expert Checklist

• Logo and Inlays: A genuine Gibson logo is typically Mother of Pearl (not a decal) and is well aligned. On fakes, logos may be off-center or use incorrect fonts, sometimes referred to as a "Gibsun".
• Truss Rod Cover: Most authentic Gibsons feature a two-screw truss rod cover. If you see three screws, it is a hallmark of an import or "Chibson".
• Truss Rod Nut: Removing the cover should reveal a 5/16" brass acorn nut. Counterfeits almost always use a recessed Allen key adjustment.
• Headstock Wings: Most real Gibsons utilize a three-piece headstock construction with two small "wings" glued to the sides. Many fakes use a single piece or a visible "scarf joint" where the neck meets the headstock.

• Fret Nibs: On most bound Gibson necks, the plastic binding extends over the ends of the frets, forming what are known as nibs. While some specific years (like 2014) or refretted guitars may lack them, their absence on a "new" guitar is a major red flag.
• Serial Numbers: Genuine serial numbers are stamped into the wood before the finish is applied, making them appear slightly "soft" under the lacquer. Fakes often have serial numbers that are sharply laser-etched after the finish or use common "tell" numbers like those starting with "017".

• The Bridge: A real Gibson uses a bridge with thumbwheels for height adjustment, supported by thin posts. If the bridge posts have large flathead screw slots at the top, it is almost certainly a fake.
• Wiring Cavity: Open the back plate. An authentic Gibson features clean routing and high-quality components like CTS pots and braided shielded wire. Counterfeits typically have messy "spaghetti" wiring with small, unbranded plastic-coated wires.
• Finish Type: Gibson uses a thin Nitrocellulose lacquer that lets the wood breathe and ages naturally. Fakes often use a thick, "plastic-like" polyurethane finish that is excessively glossy and durable.

• Cases: Every standard Gibson ships with a high-quality, branded hard case or gig bag. Be wary of premium models sold without their original case.
• Paperwork: Look for the Gibson Owner's Manual and the Warranty Inspection Card. High-end Custom Shop models should usually include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

If you have a guitar you'd like checked out, feel free to reach out and we will assist.