Many of these unique instruments pop-up today and don’t fit any clear category. Ukuleles, taropatches, tiples and Hawaiian guitars were introducedĪfter workers at the Nazareth factory had been employed for a period of years they were permitted to fashion an instrument for themselves at the plant. Some pre-1898 guitars have the date penciled on the top just inside the sound hole.īefore 1929, the model size and style designation was generally written on a paper label and glued inside the top of the instrument case. Model numbers were marked on the neck block, inside the body. Zoebisch & Sons” (Zoebisch was the sole distributor of Martin at the time). The original instruments had a paper label that read: “Martin and Coupa” 1833 to 1867 Prior to serial numbers, the different instruments were identified by the Martin brand which was stamped into the back of the headstock, the upper portion of the back or on the back binding strut visible through the soundhole (the eased blocking reinforcing the center joint between the 2 back pieces). The COA is sometimes in a small black book.Martin began producing instruments in 1833. Reissue custom shop models and Vintage Old Specification (VOS) follow the normal serial rules but come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) and sometimes a special stamp on the back of the neck. production CS model produced in 2001.Įxample in the photo above: CS 204247 indicates a Nashville CS guitar RRRR indicates the guitar’s place in the sequence of productionĮxample: CS10845 is the 845th reg. X – When present indicates the factory (5 = Memphis 0 = Nashville)
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. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which have been used since 2000.ĩ xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with “9” used only in 1989) The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. 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. Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. Les Paul Classic: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no “MADE IN USA” (just as used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). There are always exceptions to these rules, the two listed below are worth noting: The 2014 Model Year introduces a new numbering system, the model year indicated by the first 2 digits. NOTE – Not all 2014 models have the new system. Nashville use it, Memphis may do later. 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 they 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.
10, 1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument stamped that day.Ĩ2765501 means the instrument was produced on Oct. Ranking numbers for Bozeman start each day at 001 and the electrics may start as low as the 300s.Įxamples: 70108276 means the instrument was produced on Jan. Since 1989, all Gibson acoustics are built in Bozeman, MT and all Gibson electrics are built in Nashville or Memphis. Ranking numbers 500-999 continued to indicate Nashville production through 1989. Prior to 1984 when the Kalamazoo, MI factory was closed, the numbers 001-499 indicated Kalamazoo production. RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number. The serial number will be an 8 digit number impressed into the back of the headstock with “MADE IN USA” below. This should be an 8 digit number that can be dated by the 1st and 2nd digits as follows:Įarlier models had an ink stamped serial number or no serial number at all, these are much more difficult to date.Īround 1977, Gibson introduced the serialization method that they primarily use to this day at Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustic, and the Gibson Custom facility in Memphis, TN. See our Dating a USA Gibson page for more info.įrom 1975-1977 the number is typically found on a decal on the back of the headstock. Serial numbers are not the only thing that will give you a year for your Gibson.