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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1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass With Gigbag

Lincoln, Nebraska, 685**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

The 1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass is a highly sought-after electric bass guitar known for its classic design and superior craftsmanship. Made in the United States with a solid mahogany body, this vintage Gibson bass instrument exudes a timeless charm with its rich cherry color and vintage appeal. As a part of Gibson's renowned series of electric bass guitars, the EB-0 model delivers exceptional sound quality and playability, making it a versatile and reliable choice ... more

Original 1962 Gibson EB-O Electric Bass Guitar Cherry Wood Finish SN: 55442

East Palatka, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

Original 1962 Gibson EB-O Electric Bass Guitar Cherry Wood Finish
The cherry finish guitar is in nice original condition includes a soft Fender case. Overall measures 41-1 / 2" long x 13" wide.
SN: 55442
You will receive the item shown in the pictures
Very nice piece!
Check out my shop for other unique and precious items!
... more

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3995

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!. Slotted headstock with original Gibson tuners!! Perfect for the collector!! This bass is in exceptional condition and so is the original case!! You will not find one in better condition!! Simply amazing!! Has new strings and comes with a beautiful vintage ??Made in Mexico?? leather strap!! Everything 100% original!! Thanks for looking!!
... more

1970 or 1971 Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Guitar With Epiphone Case

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 731**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

The 1970 or 1971 Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Guitar is a vintage musical instrument that exudes classic style and timeless appeal. With its solid body and right-handed design, this 4-string bass guitar is perfect for musicians looking to add a touch of vintage flair to their collection. The Gibson brand ensures high quality craftsmanship and exceptional sound, making it a sought-after choice for bass players looking to rock out on a classic instrument. Complete with an Epiphone case, this vintage ... more

Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale 4 String Bass - Cherry - Don Storck Custom

Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Awesome bass. Original electronics and hardware. Still has the string dampener and it works! Great tone. This is a two-owner guitar from Oklahoma City. It was played lovingly by its original owner, Don Storck, from the time that he purchased it new by in 1967 at different gigs over the years. It has earned its wonderful patina from years of playing, and it looks great. It has all the expected finish checking that you would expect to see on a guitar of this vintage. The second pick guard was ... more

1964 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale Bass Cherry, 100% Original w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3400

Up for sale, a 1964 Gibson EB-0 in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body in 1961, boasting a short 30 1 / 2?? scale length
Lightweight at 6lbs 11oz, this EB-0 features solid Honduran mahogany construction and a rosewood fretboard. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup ... more

Gibson EB-O Electric Bass Guitar 1972 Walnut Kalamazoo Short Scale Humbucker

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 089**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

Not Being A Bass Maven, The Specs On This Is The Closest That I Could Find Online So Don??t Hold Me To Every Single Detail. First Off I??ve Had This Bass For A Long Time & Used It Sparingly. It??s Been Kept In A Case & Is In Great Condition. Plays Good, Sounds Awesome, Electronics Are Quiet, No Frets Buzz & Really Has No Issues. Seems Like It??s All Original So Let??s Get Into The Details
Gibson 1972 EB-O Mahogany Body(Walnut Finish), 3 Piece Maple Neck w / 22?? Short Scale 21 ... more

1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

Hackettstown, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Made in 1967 at the Kalamazoo plant this is a Gibson
EB2-C bass in very good condition. Everything original except for strings and brand new truss rod. Very little finish cracking
Works perfectly! Baritone pushbutton switch works!
We minor cosmetic damages shown. There was a chip on the left side of the head when I bought it and when the truss rod was fixed there was some bubbling on the neck and damage to the head stock
Feel free to reach out for any questions!... more