Understanding Gibson Guitar Serial Numbers is crucial for any guitarist, collector, or enthusiast. These numbers are not just random identifiers; they are keys to unlocking the history, model, and production details of your instrument, especially for coveted Gibson Custom Shop guitars. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Gibson Custom Shop serial number formats, providing you with the knowledge to decode these valuable markings and authenticate your guitar.
Gibson Custom Reissue Models (1952–1960):
For reissues of classic models like the Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V, and Futura produced from late 1992 onwards, Gibson employs a specific serial number format:
MYRRRR or MYRRRRM
- M: Represents the model year being reissued.
- Y: Denotes the production year.
- RRR(R): Indicates the guitar’s position in the production sequence for that year’s reissues.
Important Note: This sequence number is cumulative across all reissue models for the same reissue year. For example, a ’58 Reissue serial number will include all ’58 Reissue Les Paul Standards and ’58 Explorer guitars produced within that year in its count.
Example: 7 5123
- 7: Indicates a 1957 Reissue model.
- 5: Shows the guitar was produced in 2005.
- 123: Signifies that this was the 123rd reissue model produced in 2005, across all 1957 Reissue models.
Gibson Custom Reissue Models (1961-1969):
For reissues of Firebird, Les Paul, and SG models produced from 1997 onwards, the serial number format shifts slightly:
YYRRRMY
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YY: Represents the production year.
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RRR(R): Indicates the guitar’s position in the production sequence for that year.
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M: Denotes the specific model reissue using a numerical 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:
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050102
- 05: Production year 2005.
- 010: The 10th reissue produced in 2005.
- 2: Indicates an SG Standard reissue.
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030084
- 03: Production year 2003.
- 008: The 8th reissue produced in 2003.
- 4: Indicates a 1964 Firebird III reissue.
Historic ES-Models (Since 1995):
For Historic ES-models, Gibson utilizes a format that often includes a prefix:
(A or B)-MYRRR
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(A or B): Prefix indicating specific ES model variations.
- A Prefix: 1959 ES-335 (Dot Inlays)
- B Prefix: ES-355
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M: Represents the model year being reissued.
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Y: Denotes the production year.
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RRR: Indicates the guitar’s position in the sequence of Historic ES production for that year.
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Model Reissue Codes:
- 2: ES-295
- 3: 1963 ES-335 (Block Inlays)
- 4: ES-330
- 5: ES-345
- 9: 1959 ES-335 (Dot Inlays) – Confirmed by ‘A’ prefix
- 9: ES-355 – Confirmed by ‘B’ prefix
Example: A-38005
- A: Prefix indicates 1959 ES-335 (Dot Inlays) reissue.
- 3: Indicates a 1963 ES-335 model year reissue (Note: This seems to be a slight inconsistency in the original text, likely referring to ’63 ES-335 reissue but the ‘3’ meant for ’63 ES-335 reissue model code). Based on the provided model codes, ‘3’ should refer to ‘1963 ES-335 (Block Inlays)’. Assuming ‘3’ refers to ’63 ES-335 Reissue as per example description
- 8: Production year 1998.
- 005: The 5th Historic ES model produced in 1998.
Carved Top Models (Serial Number on Orange Label):
Carved Top models feature a serial number on an orange label inside the guitar, following this format:
YDDDYRRR
- YY: Represents the production year.
- DDD: Indicates the day of the year (Julian date).
- RRR: Indicates 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:
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91418009
- 9: Production year 1999.
- 141: The 141st day of 1999.
- 009: The 9th Carved Top guitar stamped on that day.
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20045002
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200: Production year 2000 (First digit ‘2’ indicates 2000s). Correction: ‘2’ as the first digit indicates the 2000s decade, and ’00’ are the last two digits, so year is 2000.
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045: The 45th day of 2000.
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002: The 2nd Carved Top guitar stamped on that day. Correction: As per the original text example, it should be 4th day of the year 2005 and 2nd guitar, example was likely showing year 2005 not 2000.
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Corrected Example Interpretation based on original text example: 20045002
- 2005: Production year 2005.
- 004: The 4th day of 2005.
- 002: The 2nd Carved Top guitar stamped on that day.
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Regular Custom Shop Models:
Standard Custom Shop models typically use a straightforward serial number format:
CSYRRRR
- CS: Prefix indicating “Custom Shop”.
- Y: Denotes the production year.
- RRRR: Indicates the guitar’s position in the overall Custom Shop production run for that year.
Example: CS10845
- CS: Custom Shop designation.
- 1: Production year 2001.
- 0845: The 845th guitar from the regular Custom Shop production in 2001.
CS Signature Models:
Gibson Custom Shop Signature models often employ unique serial number formats, frequently incorporating the artist’s initials or name. Here are some examples of popular Signature models and their serial number patterns (this is not an exhaustive list):
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Ace Frehley Les Paul:
- 1997 Limited Edition: Numbered sequentially as “ACE xxx”.
- Note: Gibson USA Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul models (non-Custom Shop) use a standard 8-digit serial number.
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Andy Summers ES-335:
- Limited Edition of 50: Numbered sequentially as “AS xxxx”.
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Dickey Betts 57 Goldtop Les Paul:
- Limited Edition of 114: Numbered sequentially as “DB xxx”.
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Dickey Betts Red Top 57 Les Paul:
- Numbered as “DBR xxx”.
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Gary Rossington Les Paul:
- Limited Edition of 250: Numbered sequentially as “GR xxx”.
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Gary Rossington SG:
- Limited Edition of 250: Numbered sequentially as “GRS xxx”. Correction: Based on original text, it’s “1 3xxx” – Limited Edition of 250: Numbered sequentially as “1 3xxx”. Note: ‘1’ and ‘3’ are part of sequence, not model code.
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Jimmy Page Les Paul (Three Versions):
- Aged Version (Limited to 25): Hand-numbered 1-25 and signed by Jimmy Page. No other serial number format.
- Limited Edition (150 models): Numbered sequentially as “PAGE xxx”.
- Custom Authentic (Unlimited Production): Numbered sequentially as “JPP xxx”.
- Note: Discontinued Gibson USA Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul models (non-Custom Shop) used a standard 8-digit serial number.
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Joe Perry Les Paul (Two Models):
- 1996 Joe Perry Signature Les Paul (Transblack finish): Numbered sequentially as “JP xxx”.
- Boneyard LP:
- Pilot Run: Ink-stamped number and handwritten “Pilot Run”.
- Standard Production (no spec difference): Numbered sequentially as “BONE xxx”.
- Note: Discontinued Gibson USA Joe Perry Signature Les Paul models (non-Custom Shop) used a standard 8-digit serial number.
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Jonny A.:
- Numbered as “JA xxx”.
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Pete Townshend LP Deluxe:
- Limited Edition of 75: Numbered sequentially as “PETE xxx”.
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Peter Frampton Les Paul (Two Models):
- PF LP Custom: Numbered sequentially as “PF xxx”.
- PF LP Special: Numbered sequentially as “PFYxxx” where “Y” is the production year.
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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”.
- Note: Discontinued Epiphone Slash Les Paul models (non-Custom Shop) use standard Epiphone serial numbers.
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Tony Iommi SG:
- Numbered as “TI xxx”.
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Zakk Wylde Les Paul:
- Bullseye and “Rough Top” versions: Numbered sequentially as “ZW xxx”.
- Camo version: Numbered sequentially as “ZPW xxx”.
Decoding your Gibson guitar serial number provides valuable insights into its origin and specifications. While this guide covers many Custom Shop formats, for definitive identification, especially for vintage instruments or unique cases, consulting with Gibson directly or a reputable vintage guitar expert is always recommended.
