Gibson serial numbers

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By tru April 3, in Gibson Acoustic. Is there some place where a serial number will not only identify the year, but also the EXACT name, as well as the name of the color that Gibson uses? I see a lot of guitars out there for sale and the whole Standard, Vintage, Honeyburst, Sunburst, Tobaccoburst, Cherrburst, all seem to be used quite haphazardly? I've never known the serial number of a Gibson acoustic to give any more info than the date the body and neck were mated note I didn't say that was when the guitar was completed , where it was made, and the sequential unit number what number it was "that day". If you're looking to sell a guitar and you don't know exactly what the finish might be called, for example, I would just leave it generic and let the photos speak for themselves. That way people will be less likely to be pedantic. It is Gibson's model numbers that give all that detail.

Gibson serial numbers

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. Factory order numbers were typically written or stamped in ink inside the body of the instrument. From , 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. 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 and their corresponding years are as follows:. From , 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.

And they also have a combination lock on the main exterior latch and a leather handle.

Knowing how to date Gibson Les Paul serial numbers is a study of its own. Gibson's serial number scheme changed in the s, s, and s, so a simple Les Paul serial number lookup isn't often very helpful. Never fear! This page is intended to clear up some some of the inconsistencies of dating Gibson guitars. If you're looking for "How old is my Gibson Les Paul guitar? The serial number is one of the first places to start for how to date a Gibson Les Paul guitar.

The best methods of identifying them is by using a combination of the serial number, the factory order number and any features that are particular to a specific time that changes may have occurred in instrument design i. There have been 6 different serial number styles used to date on Gibson instruments. The first serialization started in and ran until The serial numbers started with number and go to All numbers are approximates. In most cases, only the upper end instruments were assigned identification numbers.

Gibson serial numbers

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. Factory order numbers were typically written or stamped in ink inside the body of the instrument. From , 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. If not, it can at least be used as a guide to approximate the era in which the instrument was built.

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Note the "inked on" serial number. If you're looking to sell a guitar and you don't know exactly what the finish might be called, for example, I would just leave it generic and let the photos speak for themselves. Thank you! Vinopal, D. This style logo with detached "i" dot was used from to , and again from to present. If the Gibson Les Paul serial number is six digits or less then your guitar may be older than Gibson didn't make the Les Paul line from until , but these serial number ranges will work for the SG guitars made in the s as well. The FON number is stamped on the instrument very early in the manufacturing process. These tweed cases were used up to WW2. This following information applies to all Gibson instruments including guitars, mandolins, lapsteels, basses and others. Pretty much sequentially ordered. Like the Gibson crawler? Gold logo: silkscreened Gold logo: decal present Pearl logo: open "b" and "o": Pearl logo: "pantograph" style, closed "b" and "o": Pearl logo: open "b" and "o": present Pearl logo: Dot on "i" connected to "G": Pearl logo: Dot on "i" free from "G": present Finish.

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Black knobs with white numbers 1 to Note the red pencil mark after the FON is missing or has faded. Desert burst 9? The exterior "PAT. Two early "P. The 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 or , when serial numbers went to six digits. If the model is hollow, look on the inside for any tags and made note of any ink stamps sometimes the model is ink stamped inside the guitar. Fabulous information BK! Next to it is the ugliest pre Gibson knob, known as the "amp" knob, used from late to the mid's but not on all models. Starting about mid to late , the brown Les Paul case changed to a five latch model. My les Paul custom This style logo with detached "i" dot was used from to , and again from to present. Martin-type belly bridge, some banner-logo examples: WW2. What is the color of the back of the guitar? First was used from mid to the end of , and have a shallow post hole as viewed from the side.