Gibson Serial Numbers >> FlyGuitars

General Gibson serial number information

Gibson serial numbers are usually on the back of the guitars headstock; either stamped, inked or as a decal. Instruments with f-holes often have the serial number repeated on a label inside the guitar body. A lack of a serial number usually implies an instrument has been refinished.

The current Gibson serial number system

There is no Gibson serial number decoder that can automatically date your pre-1977 Gibson, although after this time, the currently used eight digit system ha been used. Not only can it tell the date, but also the place of production. These details are encoded unambiguosly into the serial number as follows.

YDDDYXXX
where YY is the year, DDD is the day of the year, and it was the XXXth instrument stamped that day. Numbers below 500 signify a Kalamazoo productio, above signifies Nashville.

So for example, 80921089 tells us that this bass was stamped on the 2nd April 1981 (day 092), at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant, and was the 089th instrument stamped that day

Vintage Gibson serial numbers

Gibson used various systems of numbering their instruments, and some records exist that can give a clue to a shipping date. 50s and early 1960s details are fairly straightforward, but later serial numbers (particularly around 65-75) can cause more confusion than clarity. BEFORE you read the Gibson serial number charts, please read the rest of this page!

The serial numbers Gibson used, particularly from 1969-1979 are often very difficult to interpret. The reason being that Gibsons 6 digit serial number system reached 999999 several times; each time they continued from 000001.

So Gibson re-used serial numbers. If you read through the charts for a hypothetical number, say 123456 - we see that it was shipped in 1963, 1970-72, and again in 74-75. Not an ideal situation, but many of the Guitars we see listed for sale as 1960s instruments, are actually newer. It is often not the sellers fault, as they will have looked through the numbers, found it was 1963, and would see no reason to look further in the document.

Dating Gibson guitars without serial numbers

Seeing as the Gibson serial numbers can be ambiguous, and that guitar serial numbers are sometimes removed, how can you be sure of a Gibson guitars vintage?. There are subtle changes in most Gibson guitars over the course of their production runs, and, you can usually date a guitar by physical features. Also, with a little knowledge of potentiometer codes, another approximate date can be read. Most instruments can be dated to within 1-2 years without a serial number.

See the list of serial numbers on the Gibson website

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Gibson EB-5 Bass

West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1050

Gibson EB-5 bass, in new like condition.
Comes with an original Gibson soft gig bag.
Local pick up in West Palm Beach or additional shipping cost will be added.... more

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more

Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This is a rare and collectible 1966 Gibson Classic EBO bass guitar in a stunning red color. With its 4-string configuration, this electric bass guitar is perfect for any musician who wants to make a statement. The Gibson brand is known for its quality and excellence, and this Classic series bass guitar is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar is sure to impress. It's perfect for playing a wide range of musical styles and is ideal for both live ... more

1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Early slab body pick guard . Cut a little to fit replace pickup. Just a shave off it
... more

Vintage Gibson 1961 EB-O bass

Novato, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1650

This vintage Gibson EB-O bass has been refurbished with Schaller chrome roller bridge and Schaller tuning pegs. At the top of the neck there is a replaced new mahogany headstock as can be seen in the photos. All work done by a master guitar craftsman.
Original Mahogany body with cherry lacquer finish Original clean rosewood neck frets in great shape, with original black plastic pickup, original knobs, original hard shell case. Plays great, true EB-O original sound and quality. Length of bass... more

2024 Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Ebony 4 String Bass Guitar With Case

Lewiston, Maine, 042**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1826

This guitar plays very nice and comes with the original strap and hard shell case!!! There are some dings and dents as you can see in the photos of this listing.
Stock # J78010770-NK / 10 13XZ
A New Signature Bass Model From Rex Brown
Multi-instrumentalist Rex Brown is well-known for his work with legendary metal bands Pantera and Down, and his hard-rocking solo album, Smoke on This?? His new Gibson Rex Brown Signature ... more

1967 / 68 / 69 Gibson USA EB Bass Husk - Routed

Garland, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$795

1967 / 68 or 69 GIBSON USA EB bass husk. No parts included. Routed and extra holes for pots and switches as you can see in the pictures. Truss rod turns both ways. Could make a cool project bass. No case. Please review pictures carefully.
Buyer pays $60 shipping and insurance.
Thanks for looking.
... more

Gibson EBO Bass Guitar 1967 solid wood cherry finish made in the US with case

Lebanon, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This Gibson EBO Bass Guitar is a rare gem for any musician. Crafted in the US in 1967, this solid wood guitar features a cherry finish that shines under any lighting. With its 4-string configuration and electric bass type, it's perfect for any right-handed player looking for a high-quality instrument The guitar comes with a case, making it easy to transport and protect while on the go. Its brand, Gibson, is well-known for producing top-of-the-line guitars that are both durable and powerful. This... more