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.
- Samick Guitar Serial Number Check Chart
- Samick Guitar Serial Number Check Status
- Samick Guitar Serial Number Search
- Samick Guitar Serial Number Check Blacklist
S, E (“Made in Korea”) S = Samick, E = Young Chang, E letter serial numbers were used on Young Chang's Fenix brand guitars. The S and E serial number prefix Korean Squiers are from the late 1980s/early 1990s. The first number following the prefix is the year. 6 or 7 digit number. Samick Guitars Lookup Series Will Inform First two amounts in the series will inform you when your harmonica was created, while the following numbers signify the serial quantity of the device itself. The beginning of these electric guitars is not really marked anywhere on the instrument, but its pretty simple to determine which stock it came from.
From 1975-1977 the number is typically found on a decal on the back of the headstock. This should be an 8 digit number that can be dated by the 1st and 2nd digits as follows:
99 = 1975
00= 1976
06 = 1977
- In 1977, Gibson introduced the serialization method that we primarily use to this day at Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustic, and the Gibson Custom facility in Memphis, TN.
The serial number will be an 8 digit number impressed into the back of the headstock with 'MADE IN USA' below.
The pattern is as follows:
YDDDYRRR
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number.
Prior to 1984 when the Kalamazoo, MI factory was closed, the numbers 001-499 indicated Kalamazoo production. Ranking numbers 500-999 continued to indicate Nashville production through 1989.
Since 1989, all Gibson acoustics are built in Bozeman, MT and all Gibson electrics are built in Nashville or Memphis. Ranking numbers for Bozeman start each day at 001 and the electrics may start as low as the 300s.
Examples: 70108276 means the instrument was produced on Jan. 10, 1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument stamped that day.
82765501 means the instrument was produced on Oct. 3, 1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument stamped that day.
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. The only difference is the addition of this batch indicator.
There are always exceptions to these rules, the two listed below are worth noting:
Les Paul Classic 1989-2014: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no 'MADE IN USA' (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls). Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers. 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.
The 1st digit indicates the year of manufacture for the 4 & 5 digit serial numbers, these were used from 1989-1999. The 1st and 2nd indicate the year of manufacture for the 6 digit serial numbers which we've been using since 2000.
Examples -
9 xxx = 1989 (4 digit number beginning with '9' used only in 1989)
0 xxxx = 1990
9 xxxx = 1999
00xxxx = 2000
05xxxx = 2005
*Note – For Les Paul Classics made in 2007 and later, “MADE IN USA” was added to the back of the headstock
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.
Gibson USA 2014 to present – These serial numbers cannot be dated to a specific day of the year.
The new model year typically launches in the fall as the current model year winds down. It is not uncommon for a new model year model to be produced during the previous model year (example – a 2015 model may have been built in late 2014).
The pattern is as follows:
YYRRRRRRR
YY is the model year
RRRRRRR is the number in product for the model year (starts at 0000001)
1952-1960 Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Futura reissues (since late 1992):
M YRRR or MYRRRR
M is the model year being reissued
Y is the production year
RRR(R) indicates the guitar's place production for that year. NOTE: This number includes all models for a particular reissue year - so, for example, a 1958 Reissue serial number may include '58 Reissue LP Standard and '58 Explorer production.
Example: 7 5123 is the 123rd 1957 reissue model produced in 2005.
1961-1969 Firebird, Les Paul, and SG reissues (since 1997):
YYRRRM
Y is the production year
RRR(R) indicates the guitar's place in production for that year.
M is the model being reissued
Reissue model codes:
1= SG Custom and Special
2= SG Standard
3= 1963 Firebird 1
4= 1964 Firebird III
5= 1965 Firebird V & VII8= 1968 Les Paul Custom
Examples: 050102 is the 10th SG Standard reissue produced in 2005.
030084 is the 8th 1964 Firebird III reissue produced in 2003.
Historic ES MODELS (since 1995):
(A or B)-MYRRR
M is the model year being reissued
Y is the production year
RRR indicates the guitar's place in the sequence of Historic ES production for that year.
Reissue model codes:
2= ES-295
3= 1963 ES-335 (block inlays)
4= ES-330
5= ES-345
9 with an 'A' prefix = 1959 ES-335 (dot inlays)
9 with a 'B' prefix= ES-355
Example: A-38005 is the 5th '63 ES-335 Reissue produced in 1998.
Carved Top models (serial number on orange label)
YDDDYRRR
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
RRR indicate the guitar's place in the sequence of carved tops made that day.
NOTE - as of 2000, 1st digit will be a '2'
Examples:
91418009 is the 9th carved top produced on the 141st day of 1998.
20045002 was the 2nd carved top stamped on the 4th day of 2005.
Custom Shop regular production models
CSYRRRR
CS stands for 'Custom Shop'
Y indicates the production year
RRRR indicates the guitar's place in the sequence of production
Example: CS10845 is the 845th reg. production CS model produced in 2001.
CS Signature Models:
The list below is not an exhaustive listing but we have included many of our most popular Signature models. Please contact us at service@gibson.com should you have any questions.
Ace Frehley Les Paul
- 1997 Limited run, numbered in sequence as 'ACE xxx'
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Andy Summers ES-335
Limited edition of 50. Numbered in sequence as 'AS xxxx'
Dickey Betts '57 goldtop Les Paul
Limited edition of 114. Numbered in sequence as 'DB xxx'
Dickey Betts '57 red top Les Paul
Numbered in sequence as 'DBR xxx'
Gary Rossington Les Paul
Limited edition of 250. Numbered in sequence as 'GR xxx'
Gary Rossington SGLimited edition of 250. Numbered in sequence as '13xxx'
Jimmy Page Les Paul (3 versions)
-1st 25 aged models were hand numbered 1-25 and signed by Jimmy Page, no other number is on this model.
-Limited run of 150 aged models are numbered in sequence as 'PAGE xxx'
-Unlimited run of Custom Authentic models are numbered in sequence as 'JPP xxx'
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Joe Perry Les Paul (2 models)
- Joe Perry Signature Les Paul from 1996 (trans black finish) - numbered in sequence as 'JPxxx'
- Boneyard LP - Pilot Run models have an inked number and hand written 'Pilot Run'. The production version (no difference in spec) numbered in sequence as 'BONE xxx'
Note: The discontinued Gibson USA Joe Perry Signature Les Paul made has a standard 8 digit serial number.
Johnny A.
Numbered in sequence as 'JA xxx'
Pete Townshend LP Deluxe
Limited run of 75, numbered in sequence as 'PETE xxx'
Peter Frampton Les Paul (2 models)
- PF LP Custom - numbered in sequence as 'PF xxx'
- PF LP Special - numbered in sequence as 'PFYxxx' Y indicates the year of production.
Slash Les Paul (2 models)
- 1997 limited edition model, cranberry finish: numbered in sequence as 'SL xxx'
- Regular production model introduced in 2004, also numbered in sequence as 'SL xxx'
Note: The discontinued Epiphone Slash Les Paul made has a standard Epiphone serial number.
Tony Iommi SG
Numbered in sequence as 'TI xxx'
Zakk Wylde Les Paul
Bullseye and the rare 'Rough Top' version numbered in sequence as 'ZW xxx'
Camo version numbered in sequence as 'ZPW xxx'
Earl Scruggs Models
Standard:
Sequential production number, starting at 001
'49 Classic:
YY-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Golden Deluxe:
YY-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Flint Hill Special:
FH-YY-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Special:
ES-YY-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Style 250
250-TT-RR
YY = Year of manufacture
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
Granada
YY-MM-RR
YY = Year
MM = Month
RR = ranking number (starts at 01)
RB
RB### = sequential production number
All other models
S(S)-YYMM-RR
S(S) = style (excluding style 250 - see above)
YY = Year
MM = Month
RR = ranking number
Most regular production models since ca. 1993. Many '80s and early '90s serial numbers may follow a similar scheme, but may not include a factory ID code.
FYYMMRRRR
F= Factory code (this can be 2 letters as well)
YY= year of manufacture (this can also be just 1 digit for '90s models)
MM= month of manufacture
R= ranking number (may be more or less digits, not necessarily indicative of total units produced)
Example - S02021234 was issued in Feb. 2002.
Another code used on some current Epiphone models
FYYMRRRR
F= Factory code
YY=Year of manufacture
M= This will be a letter code corresponding to the month (A=January, B=February, etc...)
RRRR= ranking number
Example - R03D0263 was issued in April 2003.
Epiphone Elite/Elitist models
FYSSSS
F= Factory Code (this code will be an 'F' or 'T')
Y= Year of manufacture (2 = 2002, 3 = 2003, etc.)
SSSS= Sequential Serial Number
Example - T41234 is a 2004 Elitist model.
1995-1997
A(A) (#)###YY
A(A) = model code
(#) ### = ranking number
YY = last 2 digits of year
Example - BA xxx 95 dates to 1995
1997-Current
YMMDDRRY
Y = last digit of year
MM = Month
DD = day of month
RR = ranking number
Y (last digit) = decade
Product code/production number/quarter and year made
Example - G-03/207/299
Note that the 'G' is often mistaken for a '6'. This amp was made in the second quarter of 1999.
Japan Squiers
The Japanese MIJ (Made in Japan) Squiers were made by FujiGen up to 1997 and the Japanese CIJ (Crafted in Japan) Squiers were made by Tokai and Dyna from 1997.
“Made In Japan” (1982-1987)
| JV+ 5 digits 1982-1984 | L + 6 digits 1991-1992 |
| SQ + 5 digits 1983-1984 | M + 6 digits 1992-1993 |
| A + 6 digits 1985-1986 | N + 6 digits 1993-1994 |
| B + 6 digits 1985-1986 | O + 6 digits 1993-1994 |
| C + 6 digits 1985-1986 | P + 6 digits 1993-1994 |
| E + 6 digits 1984-1987 | Q + 6 digits 1993-1994 |
| F + 6 digits 1986-1987 | S + 6 digits 1994-1995 |
| G + 6 digits 1987-1988 | T + 6 digits 1994-1995 |
| H + 6 digits 1988-1989 | U + 6 digits 1995-1996 |
| I + 6 digits 1989-1990 | N + 5 digits 1995-1996 |
| J + 6 digits 1989-1990 | V + 6 digits 1996-1997 |
| K + 6 digits 1990-1991 | |
Crafted In Japan” (1995-2008)
Samick Guitar Serial Number Check Chart
| A + 6 digits 1997-1998 | Q + 6 digits 2002-2004 |
| B + 6 digits 1998-1999 | R + 6 digits 2004-2006 |
| N + 5 digits 1995-1996 | S + 6 digits 2006-2008 |
| O + 6 digits 1997-2000 | T + 6 digits 2007-2008 |
| P + 6 digits 1999-2002 |
“Made In Japan” (2007-)
| T + 6 digits 2006-2008 | U + 6 digits 2007-2008 |
Mexican Squiers
MN - M = Mexico, N = Nineties (1990s), the first number following the serial number prefix is the year.
MZ - M = Mexico, Z = 2000's, the first number following the serial number prefix is the year.
For example:
- 'MN8' indicates that it was made at Ensenada, Mexico in 1998-1999.
- 'MZ1' indicates that is was made at Ensenada, Mexico in 2001-2002
USA Squiers
E(“Made in USA”) – E = Eighties (1980s), The first number following the prefix is the year. 6 or 7 digit number.
Example: E9xxxxxx = 1988
N(“Made in USA”)– N = Nineties (1990s), The first number following the prefix is the year. 6 or 7 digit number.
Example: N0xxxxx = 1990
No Prefix(“Made in USA”) - Some USA made Squiers also had a 000XXX serial stamp on the neckplate with no letter prefix and no serial number on the headstock. 6-digit number
Korean Squiers
CN(“Made in Korea”, “Crafted in Korea”) - C = Cor-Tek , N – Nineties (1990s), The first digit following the prefix is the year. 6-digit number.
Example: CN5xxxxx = 1995 made by Cor-Tek/Cort
VN(“Made in Korea”) - V = Saehan(Sunghan), S was already taken by Samick so Saehan(Sunghan) used V instead (Saehan(Sunghan) made the Vester guitars), N = Nineties (1990s), the first number following the prefix is the year. 6 or 7-digit number
Examples: VN7xxxxxx = 1997 made by Saehan/Sunghan.
KC, KV(“Made in Korea”, “Crafted in Korea”) - KC (Korean Cor-Tek (Cort)) and KV (Korean Saehan(Sunghan)), the prefix is followed by a 2 number year. 8-digit number.
Examples:
KC97 = made by Cor-Tek (Cort) in 1997
KV97 = made by Saehan(Sunghan) in 1997
S, E(“Made in Korea”) S = Samick, E = Young Chang, E letter serial numbers were used on Young Chang's Fenix brand guitars. The S and E serial number prefix Korean Squiers are from the late 1980s/early 1990s. The first number following the prefix is the year. 6 or 7 digit number. The first guitars made in Korea are those with serial number written in silver E1 + 6 digits
Examples:
E1 + 6 digits with silver serial = made by Samick in 1987-88
S9 = made by Samick in 1989
E0 = made by Sung-Eum in 1990
E1 with black serial = made by Sung-Eum in 1991.
M(“Made in Korea”) – The first number following the prefix is the year. 7-digit number. Used in early 90's, featured the a high gloss maple neck with a slimmer 40mm body made from plywood.
Example: M1xxxxxx = 1991
No prefix(“Crafted in Korea”) – The first number following the prefix is the year. 6 or 7-digit number.
Example: 7xxxxx = 1997
Chinese & Taiwanese Squiers
CA (“Made in China”, “Crafted in China”) - The first number following the serial number prefix is the year.
CAE ('Made in China' - may not be on all models) - The first 2 numbers following the prefix Is the year. 10-digit number.
Samick Guitar Serial Number Check Status
Example: CAE-08xxxxxxxx = made in 2008
YN(“Made in China”) - Y = Yako (Taiwan), N = Nineties (1990s), the first numbers following the prefix is the year. 6-digit number.
Example: YN5xxxxx = made by Yako in 1995.
CY(“Crafted in China”) - C = China, Y = Yako (Taiwan), the first number following the prefix is the year. 8-digit number.
Example: CY2xxxxxxx = made by Yako in 2002-03
COS(“Crafted in China”) – The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 8-digit number.
Example: COS10xxxxxx = 2010
COB(“Crafted in China”) – The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 9-digit number. The plant from which the COB serial number prefix models originate remains a mystery. No documentation, or comment from the manufacturer has resolved the question of which plant produced them.
Example: COB09xxxxxxx
CD, CT, CJ(“Made in China”, “Crafted in China”) - C = China, the first number following the prefix is the year. Probably made by Yako (Taiwan).
NC(“Made in China”) – The first number following the prefix is the year. 6-digit number.
Example: NC8xxxxx = 2008
CXS(Crafted in China) – X = Axl, The first number following the prefix is the year. 9-digit number.
Example CXS07xxxxxxx = 2007
CGRL(“Crafted in China”) – The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 8-digit number.
Example: CGRL09xxxxxx = 2009
CGS(“Crafted in China”) – The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 7 or 8- digit number.
Example: CGS10xxxxxx = 2010
Indonesian Squiers
IC(“Crafted in Indonesia”) - I = Indonesia, C = Cor-Tek (Cort), The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 8 or 9-digit number.
Example: IC09xxxxxx = 2009
ICS(“Crafted in Indonesia”) – The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 8 or 9-digit number. In 2009-10 some Indonesian Squier's had the prefix ICS09XXXXX and ICS10XXXXX. Usually the S in ICS designates a Factory Special Run or FSR guitar manufactured by Cor-Tek in Indonesia.
Example: ICS10xxxxxx = 2010
IS(“Crafted in Indonesia”) – I = Indonesia, S = Samick, The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 8 or 9-digit number.
Example: IC02xxxxxxx = 2002
ISS(“Crafted in Indonesia”) - I = Indonesia, SS = ??, The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 6-digit number.
Example: ISS19xxxx = 2019
SI(“Crafted in Indonesia”) – The first 2 numbers following the prefix is the year. 8 or 9-digit number.
Example: SI08xxxxxxx = 2008
India Squiers
Samick Guitar Serial Number Search
Some Squier IIs were made in India around 1989-1990. The head stock is marked 'MADE IN INDIA'. Made in India Squier IIs seem to follow the made in USA serial numbering scheme. For example, a 1990 made in India Squier II serial number would start with N0 plus 5 digits. The serial number is printed on a sticker located on the back of the neck, close to where the neck attaches to the body. Because the number was placed on a sticker it is fairly common for the serial number to be missing.
Some more recent Squiers, including the Vintage Modified series (serial numbers starting with SH), were introduced in 2007. The VM series is marked 'Crafted in India' on the rear of the head stock, and the serial numbers are not stickers, but printed and sealed on the rear of the head stock.
Samick Guitar Serial Number Check Blacklist
| CS07 + 6 digits = 2007-08 | NSHI09 + 6 digits = 2009-10 |
| NHS10 + 6 digits = 2010-11 | NSHJ08 + 6 digits = 2008-09 |
| NHS11 + 5 digits = 2011-12 | NSHJ09 + 6 digits = 2009-10 |
| NSHA09 + 6 digits = 2009-10 | NSHK09 + 6 digits =2009-10 |
| NSHD09 + 6 digits = 2009-10 | SH07 + 6 digits = 2007-08 |
| NSHE09 + 6 digits = 2009-10 | SH08 + 6 digits = 2008-09 |
| NSHF09 + 6 digits = 2009-10 | ZSSH07 + 6 digits = 2007-08 |
| NHSG09 + 6 digits = 2009=10 | ZSSH08 + 6 digits = 2008-09 |
| NSHH09 + 6 digits = 2009-10 | |