Gibson Serial Number Lookup
Date your vintage Gibson guitar using serial number ranges from the Kalamazoo and Nashville factories. Free tool — all models covered.
How Gibson Serial Numbers Work
Gibson used a batch letter system from 1952 through 1976. The letter prefix (A, B, etc.) indicates the production batch, and the numbers indicate position within that batch. Because Gibson assigned numbers in batches rather than sequentially, a serial number alone gives only an approximate year range — pot codes (the stamped date codes on potentiometers inside the guitar) are the most reliable way to date a pre-1977 Gibson.
In 1977, Gibson switched to an 8-digit serial number system still used today. In this system: digits 2–4 represent the day of the year (001–365), and digit 8 represents the last digit of the production year. Digits 1, 5, 6, and 7 form the production number.
FON (Factory Order Number) stamps, found inked on the inside back of the body, appear on pre-1961 instruments and provide additional dating detail. Many pre-war and early post-war Gibsons have both an FON and a separate serial number.
Gibson Serial Number Ranges
| Year | Serial Range |
|---|---|
| 1952 | A 3000 – A 4999 |
| 1952 | A 3000 – A 4999 |
| 1952 | A 3000 – A 4999 |
| 1952 | A 3000 – A 4999 |
| 1952 | A 3000 – A 4999 |
| 1952 | A 3000 – A 4999 |
| 1953 | A 5000 – A 9999 |
| 1953 | A 5000 – A 9999 |
| 1953 | A 5000 – A 9999 |
| 1953 | A 5000 – A 9999 |
| 1953 | A 5000 – A 9999 |
| 1953 | A 5000 – A 9999 |
| 1954 | A 10000 – A 16599 |
| 1954 | A 10000 – A 16599 |
| 1954 | A 10000 – A 16599 |
| 1954 | A 10000 – A 16599 |
| 1954 | A 10000 – A 16599 |
| 1954 | A 10000 – A 16599 |
| 1955 | A 16600 – A 18800 |
| 1955 | A 16600 – A 18800 |
| 1955 | A 16600 – A 18800 |
| 1955 | A 16600 – A 18800 |
| 1955 | A 16600 – A 18800 |
| 1955 | A 16600 – A 18800 |
| 1956 | A 18801 – A 22399 |
| 1956 | A 18801 – A 22399 |
| 1956 | A 18801 – A 22399 |
| 1956 | A 18801 – A 22399 |
| 1956 | A 18801 – A 22399 |
| 1956 | A 18801 – A 22399 |
| 1957 | A 22400 – A 26999 |
| 1957 | A 22400 – A 26999 |
| 1957 | A 22400 – A 26999 |
| 1957 | A 22400 – A 26999 |
| 1957 | A 22400 – A 26999 |
| 1957 | A 22400 – A 26999 |
| 1958 | A 27000 – A 29999 |
| 1958 | A 27000 – A 29999 |
| 1958 | A 27000 – A 29999 |
| 1958 | A 27000 – A 29999 |
| 1958 | A 27000 – A 29999 |
| 1958 | A 27000 – A 29999 |
| 1959 | A 30000 – A 34999 |
| 1959 | A 30000 – A 34999 |
| 1959 | A 30000 – A 34999 |
| 1959 | A 30000 – A 34999 |
| 1959 | A 30000 – A 34999 |
| 1959 | A 30000 – A 34999 |
| 1960 | A 35000 – A 39999 |
| 1960 | A 35000 – A 39999 |
| 1960 | A 35000 – A 39999 |
| 1960 | A 35000 – A 39999 |
| 1960 | A 35000 – A 39999 |
| 1960 | A 35000 – A 39999 |
| 1961 | A 40000 – A 44999 |
| 1961 | A 40000 – A 44999 |
| 1961 | A 40000 – A 44999 |
| 1961 | A 40000 – A 44999 |
| 1961 | A 40000 – A 44999 |
| 1961 | A 40000 – A 44999 |
| 1962 | A 45000 – A 49999 |
| 1962 | A 45000 – A 49999 |
| 1962 | A 45000 – A 49999 |
| 1962 | A 45000 – A 49999 |
| 1962 | A 45000 – A 49999 |
| 1962 | A 45000 – A 49999 |
| 1963 | A 50000 – A 54999 |
| 1963 | A 50000 – A 54999 |
| 1963 | A 50000 – A 54999 |
| 1963 | A 50000 – A 54999 |
| 1963 | A 50000 – A 54999 |
| 1963 | A 50000 – A 54999 |
| 1964 | A 55000 – A 59999 |
| 1964 | A 55000 – A 59999 |
| 1964 | A 55000 – A 59999 |
| 1964 | A 55000 – A 59999 |
| 1964 | A 55000 – A 59999 |
| 1964 | A 55000 – A 59999 |
| 1965 | A 60000 – A 64999 |
| 1965 | A 60000 – A 64999 |
| 1965 | A 60000 – A 64999 |
| 1965 | A 60000 – A 64999 |
| 1965 | A 60000 – A 64999 |
| 1965 | A 60000 – A 64999 |
| 1966 | A 65000 – A 69999 |
| 1966 | A 65000 – A 69999 |
| 1966 | A 65000 – A 69999 |
| 1966 | A 65000 – A 69999 |
| 1966 | A 65000 – A 69999 |
| 1966 | A 65000 – A 69999 |
| 1967 | A 70000 – A 79999 |
| 1967 | A 70000 – A 79999 |
| 1967 | A 70000 – A 79999 |
| 1967 | A 70000 – A 79999 |
| 1967 | A 70000 – A 79999 |
| 1967 | A 70000 – A 79999 |
| 1968 | A 80000 – A 99999 |
| 1968 | A 80000 – A 99999 |
| 1968 | A 80000 – A 99999 |
| 1968 | A 80000 – A 99999 |
| 1968 | A 80000 – A 99999 |
| 1968 | A 80000 – A 99999 |
| 1977 | 99000000 – 99999999 |
| 1977 | 99000000 – 99999999 |
| 1977 | 99000000 – 99999999 |
| 1977 | 99000000 – 99999999 |
| 1977 | 99000000 – 99999999 |
| 1977 | 99000000 – 99999999 |
| 1978 | — |
| 1978 | — |
| 1978 | — |
| 1978 | — |
| 1978 | — |
| 1978 | — |
* Ranges are approximate. Serial number dating should be combined with physical inspection and pot code dating for best accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the serial number on my Gibson?
On most Gibsons, the serial number is stamped or inked on the back of the headstock. On some archtops and semi-hollows, it may be on a paper label visible through the f-hole. Very early Gibsons (pre-1920s) may have a serial number on the back brace.
Why does my Gibson serial number match multiple years?
Pre-1977 Gibson used batch-letter serial systems where numbers were not strictly sequential and ranges overlapped between years. It's normal to see a serial match 1958 and 1959, for example. Use pot codes and FON stamps for more precise dating.
What is a Gibson FON number?
FON stands for Factory Order Number — an internal production tracking code stamped in ink inside the body, visible through the f-holes or soundhole. FON numbers appear on guitars made approximately 1935–1961 and often provide a more specific production date than the serial number alone.