Gretsch Serial Number Lookup
Date your vintage Gretsch guitar from the Brooklyn era through the Baldwin years. 6120, White Falcon, and all models covered.
How Gretsch Serial Numbers Work
Gretsch serial numbers are among the most complex of any major guitar manufacturer. Early Gretsch guitars (before 1965) used stamped numbers on a label inside the body, and the ranges are approximate — Gretsch's record-keeping was inconsistent, and many guitars were assembled and sold over extended periods.
From 1967, when Baldwin purchased Gretsch, the serial number system changed significantly. The first one or two digits indicate the year of manufacture in the Baldwin-era system.
For the most accurate dating, cross-reference the serial number with pickup styles, hardware configuration, and other known production changes. The switch from DeArmond to Filtertron pickups, the introduction of the 'thumbnail' inlay, and various hardware changes all serve as date markers.
Gretsch Serial Number Ranges
| Year | Serial Range |
|---|---|
| 1949–1954 | 0001 – 14000 |
| 1949–1954 | 0001 – 14000 |
| 1949–1954 | 0001 – 14000 |
| 1949–1954 | 0001 – 14000 |
| 1949–1954 | 0001 – 14000 |
| 1949–1954 | 0001 – 14000 |
| 1955 | 14000 – 21000 |
| 1955 | 14000 – 21000 |
| 1955 | 14000 – 21000 |
| 1955 | 14000 – 21000 |
| 1955 | 14000 – 21000 |
| 1955 | 14000 – 21000 |
| 1956 | 21000 – 26000 |
| 1956 | 21000 – 26000 |
| 1956 | 21000 – 26000 |
| 1956 | 21000 – 26000 |
| 1956 | 21000 – 26000 |
| 1956 | 21000 – 26000 |
| 1957 | 26000 – 30000 |
| 1957 | 26000 – 30000 |
| 1957 | 26000 – 30000 |
| 1957 | 26000 – 30000 |
| 1957 | 26000 – 30000 |
| 1957 | 26000 – 30000 |
| 1958 | 30000 – 34000 |
| 1958 | 30000 – 34000 |
| 1958 | 30000 – 34000 |
| 1958 | 30000 – 34000 |
| 1958 | 30000 – 34000 |
| 1958 | 30000 – 34000 |
| 1959 | 34000 – 39000 |
| 1959 | 34000 – 39000 |
| 1959 | 34000 – 39000 |
| 1959 | 34000 – 39000 |
| 1959 | 34000 – 39000 |
| 1959 | 34000 – 39000 |
| 1960 | 39000 – 45000 |
| 1960 | 39000 – 45000 |
| 1960 | 39000 – 45000 |
| 1960 | 39000 – 45000 |
| 1960 | 39000 – 45000 |
| 1960 | 39000 – 45000 |
| 1965 | 80000 – 85000 |
| 1965 | 80000 – 85000 |
| 1965 | 80000 – 85000 |
| 1965 | 80000 – 85000 |
| 1965 | 80000 – 85000 |
| 1965 | 80000 – 85000 |
| 1967 | 0001 – 9999 |
| 1967 | 0001 – 9999 |
| 1967 | 0001 – 9999 |
| 1967 | 0001 – 9999 |
| 1967 | 0001 – 9999 |
| 1967 | 0001 – 9999 |
* Ranges are approximate. Serial number dating should be combined with physical inspection and pot code dating for best accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the serial number on a Gretsch guitar?
On most vintage Gretsch guitars, the serial number appears on a paper or plastic label inside the body, visible through the f-holes. Some models have the serial stamped on the headstock.
What is the difference between Brooklyn-era and Baldwin-era Gretsch?
Brooklyn-era Gretsch refers to guitars made at the Gretsch factory in Brooklyn, NY before 1967, when Baldwin purchased the company. Brooklyn-era instruments are generally more collectible and valuable than Baldwin-era guitars (1967–1980), which saw various quality and design changes.
When did Gretsch introduce Filtertron pickups?
Gretsch introduced the Filtertron humbucking pickup in 1957–1958, replacing the DeArmond single-coil pickups used previously. The Filtertron's distinctive bright, twangy sound became the defining Gretsch tone. Earlier DeArmond-equipped Gretsch guitars are also collectible for their different sonic character.