Understanding the serial number on your guitar can unlock a wealth of information, from its production date to its model and place in the production sequence. For Gibson and Epiphone guitars, serial numbers are more than just identification tags; they are keys to the instrument’s history and heritage. While Gibson’s Custom Shop models boast intricate serial number systems reflecting their premium status and reissue specifications, Epiphone guitars, while often sharing historical roots with Gibson, utilize distinct serial numbering conventions. This guide will delve into the fascinating world of Gibson Custom Shop serial numbers, shedding light on how to decipher these codes and what they reveal about your instrument. While the focus here is on Gibson Custom Shop, understanding these principles will also aid in appreciating the broader context of guitar serial numbers, including those found on Epiphone instruments.
Gibson Custom Shop Reissue Models (1952-1960 Reissues, Late 1992 Onward)
For reissues of classic models like the Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Futura from the golden era of 1952 to 1960, Gibson employs a specific serial number format: MYRRRR or MYRRRRM.
- M: Represents the model year being reissued.
- Y: Indicates the production year.
- RRR(R): Denotes the guitar’s sequential number within that year’s production run of reissues.
Important Note: This sequential number is not model-specific within the reissue year. It encompasses all reissue models produced in that year. For instance, a 1958 Reissue serial number sequence will include ’58 Reissue Les Paul Standards and ’58 Explorer guitars together.
Example: A serial number like 7 5123 signifies the 123rd 1957 Reissue model produced in the year 2005.
Gibson Custom Shop Reissue Models (1961-1969 Reissues, 1997 Onward)
For reissues from the 1961-1969 period, including Firebirds, Les Pauls, and SGs (introduced in 1997 and later), the format shifts to YYRRRMY.
-
YY: Represents the production year.
-
RRR(R): Indicates the guitar’s sequential production number for that year.
-
M: Denotes the Reissue Model code:
- 1 = SG Custom and Special
- 2 = SG Standard
- 3 = 1963 Firebird I
- 4 = 1964 Firebird III
- 5 = 1965 Firebird V & VII
- 8 = 1968 Les Paul Custom
Examples:
- 050102: This serial number decodes to the 10th reissue of the SG Standard produced in 2005.
- 030084: This signifies the 8th reissue of the 1964 Firebird III, manufactured in 2003.
Historic ES Models (1995 Onward)
Gibson’s Historic ES models, representing iconic semi-hollow guitars, have a serial number format of (A or B)-MYRRR.
- (A or B): Prefix indicating the specific ES model reissue.
- A prefix = 1959 ES-335 (dot inlays)
- B prefix = ES-355
- M: Represents the model year being reissued.
- Y: Indicates the production year.
- RRR: Represents the guitar’s position in the sequence of Historic ES production for that year.
- Reissue Model Codes:
- 2 = ES-295
- 3 = 1963 ES-335 (block inlays)
- 4 = ES-330
- 5 = ES-345
- 9 (with “A” prefix) = 1959 ES-335 (dot inlays)
- 9 (with “B” prefix) = ES-355
Example: A-38005 translates to the 5th 1963 ES-335 reissue produced in 1998.
Carved Top Models (Serial on Orange Label)
For Gibson Custom Shop carved top models, the serial number is found on an orange label and follows the format YDDDYRRR. From 2000 onwards, it became 2YDDDYRRR.
- Y: Production year (the first digit might be ‘2’ from the year 2000).
- DDD: Day of the year (Julian date).
- Y: Last digit of the production year (repeated).
- RRR: Guitar’s sequential position in the carved top production for that specific day.
Examples:
- 91418009: The 9th carved top guitar produced on the 141st day of 1998.
- 20045002: The 2nd carved top guitar stamped on the 4th day of 2005.
Regular Custom Shop Models
Standard Custom Shop models utilize a straightforward serial number format: CSYRRRR.
- CS: Prefix denoting “Custom Shop.”
- Y: Production year.
- RRRR: Guitar’s sequential position in the regular Custom Shop production run.
Example: CS10845 indicates the 845th guitar from the regular Custom Shop production in 2001.
Custom Shop Signature Models
Gibson Custom Shop also produces signature models, often in limited editions, for renowned artists. These models frequently have unique serial numbering schemes. Here are a few examples:
-
Ace Frehley Les Paul:
- 1997 Limited Edition: Numbered sequentially as “ACE xxx”.
- Gibson USA Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul (standard production): Uses a standard 8-digit serial number (not Custom Shop format).
-
Andy Summers ES-335:
- Limited Edition of 50: Numbered sequentially as “AS xxxx”.
-
Dickey Betts 57 Goldtop Les Paul:
- Limited Edition of 114: Numbered sequentially as “DB xxx”.
-
Dickey Betts Red Top 57 Les Paul:
- Numbered sequentially as “DBR xxx”.
-
Gary Rossington Les Paul:
- Limited Edition of 250: Numbered sequentially as “GR xxx”.
-
Gary Rossington SG:
- Limited Edition of 250: Numbered sequentially as “13xxx”.
-
Jimmy Page Les Paul (Three Versions):
- Aged (limited to 25): Hand-numbered 1-25, signed by Jimmy Page, no other serial.
- Limited Edition (150): Numbered sequentially as “PAGE xxx”.
- Custom Authentic (unlimited production): Numbered sequentially as “JPP xxx”.
- Gibson USA Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul (standard production, discontinued): Standard 8-digit serial number.
-
Joe Perry Les Paul (Two Models):
- 1996 Joe Perry Signature Les Paul (Transblack): Numbered sequentially as “JPxxx”.
- Boneyard LP:
- Pilot Run: Ink-stamped number, “Pilot Run” handwritten.
- Standard Production (“BONE xxx”): Numbered sequentially as “BONE xxx”.
- Gibson USA Joe Perry Signature Les Paul (standard production, discontinued): Standard 8-digit serial number.
-
Jonny A.:
- Numbered sequentially as “JA xxx”.
-
Pete Townshend LP Deluxe:
- Limited Edition of 75: Numbered sequentially as “PETE xxx”.
-
Peter Frampton Les Paul (Two Models):
- PF LP Custom: Numbered sequentially as “PF xxx”.
- PF LP Special: Numbered sequentially as “PFYxxx” (Y indicates year).
-
Slash Les Paul (Two Models):
- 1997 Limited Edition (Cranberry finish): Numbered sequentially as “SL xxx”.
- Regular Production Model (introduced 2004): Numbered sequentially as “SL xxx”.
- Epiphone Slash Les Paul (discontinued): Standard Epiphone serial number (distinct from Gibson Custom Shop).
-
Tony Iommi SG:
- Numbered sequentially as “TI xxx”.
-
Zakk Wylde Les Paul:
- Bullseye and “Rough Top”: Numbered sequentially as “ZW xxx”.
- Camo version: Numbered sequentially as “ZPW xxx”.
While this guide provides a detailed overview of Gibson Custom Shop serial numbers, remember that Epiphone guitars typically follow different serial number formats. To identify your Epiphone guitar, you’ll need to consult resources specific to Epiphone serial number decoding. However, understanding the logic behind Gibson’s system lays a solid foundation for appreciating the importance of serial numbers in identifying and dating guitars across various brands. For further assistance or for serial numbers not covered here, contacting Gibson customer service remains a valuable option.
