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how do i tell what year my gibson les paul is

by Mr. Brock Mertz Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The first digit of this style serial number indicates the last digit of the year it was manufactured. For example, this Les Paul's serial number is "7_6227" so it was made in 1957.May 20, 2021

Full Answer

How old is my Gibson Les Paul serial number?

If the Gibson Les Paul serial number is six digits or less then your guitar may be older than 1975. Gibson reused this serial number scheme for reissue guitars starting in the 1990s, so check the picture below to compare vintage versus reissue serial numbers. Is your serial number ink stamped like the 1959 Gibson Les Paul on the left?

How can I tell what year my Gibson Guitar is?

This section is designed to assist in dating and/or identifying instruments manufactured or distributed by Gibson Guitar Corp. Please note that most of this information relates to serial numbers used from 1975 to present. From 1975-1977 the number is typically found on a decal on the back of the headstock.

Where was the Gibson Les Paul made in 1970?

It was made in Kalamazoo MI. It says "Made in USA" below the s/n and it has a wooden bridge, so it had to be made in 1970 or later. There's a dot over the i in Gibson, so it was presumably not made in 1970 or 1971.

What does the Gibson logo look like?

The original logo featured the words "The Gibson" inlaid in pearl at a slant, with an almost hand-written cursive font. This is sometimes referred to as the slanted script logo. Some earlier specimens from 1903 to 1907 did not slant the logo, or went without a logo entirely.

How do I identify my Gibson Les Paul?

Where to Find the Serial Number on Your Gibson Guitar?On electrics, they are almost always on the back of the headstock, at the top.On acoustic guitars, they're usually in the soundhole.

How do you decode a Gibson serial number?

These serial numbers are preceded by 2 digits. 99 = 1975, 00 = 1976 and 06 = 1977. Gibson's most sustainable numbering system was launched in 1977, an eight-digit number....Gibson serial numbers, from February 1961 until 1970.Serial numberPRODUCTION YEAR311000 - 3201491965320150 - 3206991967320700 - 329179196577 more rows

How do you date a Gibson?

The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000. 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.

How do I identify my vintage Gibson guitar?

The best method of identifying them is to use a combination of the serial number, the factory order number and any features that are particular to a specific time (i.e. logo design change, headstock volutes, etc).

How old is my guitar by serial number?

For US instruments, the serial number will start with a letter. That letter indicates the decade. The second character will usually be a number. That number indicates the specific year.

How do you read a Gibson 9 digit serial number?

NOTE - Gibson USA goes to a 9 digit serial number in early July 2005.. 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. The first 5 numbers remain the same, the last 3 numbers will remain the same.

How do I read my Gibson model number?

1:4013:46Gibson (Guitars), serial, model, numbers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can see this is a 2019. Model it was made the 12th of July. In 2018 because Gibson starts theMoreWe can see this is a 2019. Model it was made the 12th of July. In 2018 because Gibson starts the next year model line of the de summer break.

Can you look up guitars by serial number?

You can look up a serial number either in Gruhn's Guide or run the number in the manufacturer's database. The serial number itself will give you date information and the database will have a description of the guitar so you can check the specs of the guitar in question.

How much is my Les Paul worth?

The values for each model range wildly from $4,000 up to $400,000 depending on which model 1950s Les Paul you have. Some of the Gibson Les Paul models will have the name underneath the Les Paul signature on the headstock of the guitar (Junior, TV, Special, and Standard (but is written Model instead of standard).

How can I find out how much my guitar is worth?

Check the Blue Book of Guitar Values. The Blue Book is one of several respected pricing guides that can help you determine the general value of your guitar, depending on its overall condition and playability. You can find the Blue Book online and search it for free at bluebookofguitarvalues.com.

Where is the serial number on a Gibson Les Paul?

It should be on the back of the neck at the top just between and above the tuning machines. Take a look- if your serial number is more than 6 digits then your guitar is no earlier than 1976.

When did Gibson change their serial number?

Gibson's serial number scheme changed in the 1950s, 1960s , and 1970s, so a simple 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.

When did Gibson guitars have 6 digit serial numbers?

Gibson used the 6 digits or less impressed serial number style from 1961 until 1975. Gibson guitars with "MADE IN USA" impressed below the serial were made from 1969 and on. If your guitar has 6 digits impressed on the headstock and a "MADE IN USA" underneath then it was likely made between 1969 and 1975. Gibson reused serial numbers ...

What is the serial number of Gibson?

For example, the serial number 90237XXX corresponds to a production date of 1/23/97.

When did Gibson start serial numbering?

Whereas Martin guitars have been using a single, consistent numbering system since the 19th century, Gibson has used several different serial number formats since its inception in 1902, meaning that some formats and numbers overlap across decades.

What is a FON serial number?

A FON usually consisted of a 3-, 4-, or 5-digit batch number followed by one or two other numbers in most cases.

What is the Gibson logo?

The original logo featured the words "The Gibson" inlaid in pearl at a slant, with an almost hand-written cursive font. This is sometimes referred to as the slanted script logo.

When were Gibson headstocks thinner?

The thickness of the headstock, however, is not as vulnerable to modification or replacement. Before mid-1950, most Gibson headstocks were thinner at the top when looked at from a side profile. After 1950, headstocks had uniform thickness.

When did Gibson drop the "The"?

By 1933 Gibson had dropped the "The" from all of their logos while retaining the script "Gibson." The original thin script was replaced with a thicker font on higher-end models in the mid-’30s, and across the entire lineup by the end of the decade.

When did the block logo come out?

The block logo debuted after WWII and remains the face of the company. There were minute changes to which letters were connected in the font between 1961 to 1981, but the main logo had the same look.

Where Do You Find Your Gibson Guitar Serial Number?

Unlike other brands of guitars, Gibson keeps it simple. Electric guitars having the serial number on the back of the headstock and acoustics are punched inside the soundhole on a sticker.

Need Accessories?

There are many accessories and extras guitarists need from time to time. Some out of necessity, or maybe we just fancy something fresh and new to play with. Here are all your guitar essentials.

Gibson Serial Number Lookup Decoder

Authority Guitar Top Tip: If you find your serial number doesn’t yield any results, press ‘crtl & f’ and enter the beginning of your serial number. This page will then be highlighted in all the results starting with the numbers/letters you’ve entered.

Gibson Guitar History

In 1845 a gentleman by the name of Orville Gibson was working in his wood store. He produced the very first instrument, which would eventually lead to becoming the largest guitar manufacturer in the world.

Gibson Serial Number Lookup – Manual Checklist

Here is a summary of the serial number, model, and year. To gain the best results use our decoder above.

1977- July 2005

Finally during the late seventies right up to 2005 Gibson gave us by far the best method of working out our serial number.

July 2005-Early 2014

July 2005 saw the 8 digit serial system replaced by another digit. The extra digit slots in the 6th position and is responsible for the ‘batch lot’ number of the guitar produced that day.

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