#Gibson lap steel guitar serial numbers how to
#Gibson lap steel guitar serial numbers serial numbers
#Gibson lap steel guitar serial numbers serial number

Gibson Custom 1952-1960 Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Futura reissues (since late 1992):

#Gibson lap steel guitar serial numbers serial number

Those beginning with '94': In 1994, Gibson's Centennial year, many instruments have a serial number that begins with '94' for the year, with the remaining 6 digits indicating the ranking number. 9 xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with '9' used only in 1989).

#Gibson lap steel guitar serial numbers serial numbers

The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000. 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.В The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. 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:В Les Paul Classic: 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 only difference is the addition of this batch indicator.

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. NOTE - Gibson USA goes to a 9 digit serial number in early July 2005. 3, 1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument stamped that day.

82765501 means the instrument was produced on Oct.

10, 1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument stamped that day.

70108276 means the instrument was produced on Jan.

Ranking numbers for Bozeman start each day at 001 and the electrics may start as low as the 300s. Ranking numbers 500-999 continued to indicate Nashville production through 1989.В Since 1989, all Gibson acoustics are built in Bozeman, MT and all Gibson electrics are built in Nashville or Memphis. Prior to 1984 when the Kalamazoo, MI factory was closed, the numbers 001-499 indicated Kalamazoo production. There you have it! There are many exceptions, and of course many other brands out there, but now you can tell how old most Fenders or Gibsons are within seconds.RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number.

A serial number ending in 501 could be the first instrument made at factory #5 that day, or it could be the 501 st instrument of the day.

The remaining characters (RRR) can indicate the order of instruments created that day, as well as which factory the instrument was made in.

00027xxx for the 2 nd day of the year of 2007 (January 2, 2007).

Gibsons have this pattern stamped onto the back of their headstocks: YDDDYRRR.

Gibson serial numbers are even more interesting, because you can find out the specific date that your instrument was completed! Here's how:.

Serial number coding for Mexican-made instruments is largely the same, except they will start with an M.

The remaining digits are important for product identification, but the first few characters are all you need to determine the instruments age.

The second character will usually be a number.

For US instruments, the serial number will start with a letter.

Serial dating is easiest for instruments made in the USA or Mexico, but is also possible for those made in Japan, Korea, China, and Indonesia.

First, narrow it down by the country of origin.

#Gibson lap steel guitar serial numbers how to

Here's a brief rundown of how to do it, plus resources for more information. Well, good news it's very easy to figure out the age of Fender and Gibson instruments from the last 30 years. Ever wonder exactly when your favorite guitar was made? You sort of remember when you got it, but you want to really know its history, especially if you're not the first owner.