Information on Vintage Gibson Guitar and Bass Serial Numbers
Gibson Electric Guitar anbd Bass Serial Number Date Code Information
Serial numbers show approximate date of manufacture. For all dates, you will need to look at the construction technique and components used to get a more precise date of manufacture. Gibson Solid Body Serial Numbers Gibson Serial numbers are located on the back of the headstock Years 1953-1961 Use the first number of the 5 or 6 digit serial number. For example 55395 = 1955 920874 = 1959
1977 Forward - finally a standard serial number was used. The first and fifth numbers are the year, for example 8997653 = 8997653 or 1986
Gibson Hollow Body Serial Numbers Gibson Prefix and Suffix Model Codes
ES (Electric Spanish - hollow body with fixed pickup(s)
T - Thinline
D Double - 2 Pickups
C Cutaway or Cherry Finish
3/4 - 3/4 side and short scale
SV - Stereo and Veritone wiring option
Please keep in mind that Serial numbers show approximate date of manufacture. For all dates, you will need to look at the construction technique and components used to get a more precise date of manufacture.