Understanding the serial number on your Gibson Custom Shop guitar is key to unlocking its history, production year, and even model specifics. For guitar enthusiasts and owners alike, being able to decipher these codes is an invaluable skill. While many guitar players are also interested in resources for an “Epiphone Guitar Serial Lookup”, this guide focuses specifically on the intricacies of Gibson Custom Shop serial numbers, providing a detailed breakdown to help you identify your instrument.
Decoding Reissue Models (1952-1960)
For reissues of classic Gibson models like the Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Futura produced from the late 1992 onwards, the serial numbers follow a specific format:
MYRRRR or MYRRRRM
- M: Represents the model year being reissued.
- Y: Indicates the production year.
- RRR(R): This number specifies the guitar’s position in the production sequence for that particular year.
Important Note: This sequence number is cumulative across all reissue models for the same reissue year. For example, a ’58 Reissue serial number will count both ’58 Reissue Les Paul Standards and ’58 Explorer guitars within the same production count.
Example: 7 5123
- This serial number decodes to the 123rd ‘1957 Reissue’ model produced in the year 2005.
Decoding Reissue Models (1961-1969)
For reissues of Firebird, Les Paul, and SG models manufactured from 1997 onwards, the serial number format changes slightly:
YYRRRMY
- YY: Represents the production year.
- RRR(R): Indicates the guitar’s position in the production sequence for that year.
- M: Denotes the model reissue code.
Model Reissue Codes:
- 1: SG Custom and Special
- 2: SG Standard
- 3: 1963 Firebird 1
- 4: 1964 Firebird III
- 5: 1965 Firebird V & VII
- 8: 1968 Les Paul Custom
Examples:
- 050102: This is the 10th SG Standard reissue produced in 2005.
- 030084: This serial number identifies the 8th 1964 Firebird III reissue manufactured in 2003.
Decoding Historic ES Models (Since 1995)
Historic ES models, such as the iconic ES-335, utilize a serial number format that includes a prefix:
(A or B)-MYRRR
- (A or B): Prefix letters indicating specific models. “A” generally denotes a 1959 ES-335 reissue (dot inlays), while “B” signifies an ES-355.
- M: Represents the model year being reissued.
- Y: Indicates the production year.
- RRR: This number shows the guitar’s position in the historic ES production sequence 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
- This serial number identifies the 5th ’63 ES-335 reissue produced in 1998.
Decoding Carved Top Models
Carved top models feature a serial number typically found on an orange label inside the instrument, following this structure:
YDDDYRRRYY
- YY: Represents the production year.
- DDD: Indicates the day of the year (Julian date).
- RRR: Specifies the guitar’s position in the carved top production sequence for that day.
Note: From the year 2000 onwards, the first digit of the year will be “2”.
Examples:
- 91418009: This serial number denotes the 9th carved top guitar manufactured on the 141st day of 1998.
- 20045002: This is the 2nd carved top guitar stamped on the 4th day of 2005.
Decoding Regular Custom Shop Models
Standard Custom Shop models typically have serial numbers starting with “CS”:
CSYRRRR
- CS: Prefix indicating “Custom Shop” production.
- Y: Represents the production year.
- RRRR: Indicates the guitar’s position in the overall Custom Shop production run.
Example: CS10845
- This serial number identifies the 845th guitar from the regular CS production in 2001.
Decoding CS Signature Models
Gibson Custom Shop also produces signature models for various artists. These often have unique serial number formats, frequently incorporating the artist’s initials or a specific series identifier. While a comprehensive list is extensive, here are examples of some popular signature models and their serial number patterns:
- Ace Frehley Les Paul: Limited Edition models from 1997 are sequentially numbered as “ACE xxx”. (Note: Gibson USA Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul models use a standard 8-digit serial).
- Andy Summers ES-335: Limited Edition of 50, sequentially numbered “AS xxxx”.
- Dickey Betts 57 Goldtop Les Paul: Limited Edition of 114, sequentially numbered “DB xxx”.
- Dickey Betts Red Top 57 Les Paul: Numbered “DBR xxx”.
- Gary Rossington Les Paul: Limited Edition of 250, sequentially numbered “GR xxx”.
- Gary Rossington SG: Limited Edition of 250, sequentially numbered “13xxx”.
- Jimmy Page Les Paul (3 versions):
- Aged models (25): Hand-numbered 1-25, signed by Jimmy Page (no other numbers).
- Limited Edition (150): Sequentially numbered “PAGE xxx”.
- Custom Authentic (Unlimited): Sequentially numbered “JPP xxx”. (Note: Gibson USA Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul uses a standard 8-digit serial).
- Joe Perry Les Paul (2 models):
- 1996 Signature Les Paul (Transblack): Sequentially numbered “JPxxx”.
- Boneyard LP: “Pilot Run” models have ink-stamped numbers and “Pilot Run” handwritten. Standard production (no spec difference) sequentially numbered “BONE xxx”. (Note: Gibson USA Joe Perry Signature Les Paul uses a standard 8-digit serial).
- Jonny A.: Numbered “JA xxx”.
- Pete Townshend LP Deluxe: Limited Edition of 75, sequentially numbered “PETE xxx”.
- Peter Frampton Les Paul (2 models):
- PF LP Custom: Sequentially numbered “PF xxx”.
- PF LP Special: Sequentially numbered “PFYxxx” (Y indicates production year).
- Slash Les Paul (2 models):
- 1997 Limited Edition (Cranberry): Sequentially numbered “SL xxx”.
- Regular Production (2004 onwards): Sequentially numbered “SL xxx”. (Note: Epiphone Slash Les Paul models use a standard Epiphone serial number format).
- Tony Iommi SG: Numbered “TI xxx”.
- Zakk Wylde Les Paul: Bullseye and “Rough Top” versions sequentially numbered “ZW xxx”. Camo version sequentially numbered “ZPW xxx”.
Conclusion
Decoding your Gibson Custom Shop serial number provides valuable insights into your instrument’s origins and specifications. While this guide offers a comprehensive overview, specific nuances may exist, especially with limited edition or custom-order guitars. For further clarification or for serial numbers not covered here, consulting official Gibson resources or authorized dealers is always recommended. Understanding these serial formats empowers you to connect more deeply with your Gibson guitar and appreciate its unique story.
