Decoding Your Ibanez: A Comprehensive Guide to Serial Number Search

Since 1975, Ibanez guitars have incorporated serial numbers, acting as unique identifiers that unlock a wealth of information about your instrument. While some earlier models from 1974 bear serial numbers, these are often untraceable to specific production periods. Ibanez serial numbers typically blend letters and digits, though purely numerical sequences exist. Understanding these serial numbers is key to discovering your guitar’s history, including its origin and manufacturing date.

You can typically find the Ibanez serial number in several locations on the guitar, depending on the model and year of manufacture. For electric guitars, check the back of the headstock. The serial number might be printed on a sticker, directly stamped into the wood, or located on the neck mounting cover plate.

On acoustic guitars, the serial number is usually stamped or written on a label inside the hollow body. Alternatively, it might be stamped on the neck block within the instrument’s body. For vintage Ibanez guitars from the 1970s, serial numbers can be found on the headstock (either stamped or on a sticker) or on the neck mounting cover plate. Acoustic models from the same era may have the serial number on the neck block or an interior label.

Unlocking Ibanez History: Your Serial Number Guide

Ibanez serial numbers are more than just random sequences; they are codes that, when deciphered, reveal fascinating details about your guitar’s past. However, unlike some brands, Ibanez hasn’t always used a consistent, universal format. Production has been outsourced to various factories across different countries, each with its own numbering system. This guide aims to navigate these diverse formats, helping you decode your Ibanez serial number.

The information compiled here is drawn from extensive research across numerous sources, including the comprehensive Ibanez Wiki – Fandom, a valuable community resource for Ibanez enthusiasts.

Decoding Japanese Ibanez Serial Numbers

Japan has been a primary manufacturing hub for Ibanez, and Japanese serial numbers follow several distinct patterns depending on the production era.

Japanese Serial Numbers: 1975–1986 (Letter + 6 Digits)

This format, common for Ibanez guitars manufactured between 1975 and 1986, uses a letter followed by six digits to encode production information.

Example: Consider the serial number G770544.

Letter (G): Represents the month of manufacture. In this system, ‘A’ denotes January, ‘B’ February, and so on, up to ‘L’ for December. Therefore, ‘G’ signifies July.
First 2 Digits (77): Indicate the year of manufacture. ’77’ corresponds to 1977.
Last 4 Digits (0544): Represent the sequential production number for that specific month. ‘0544’ means this was the 544th Ibanez guitar produced in July of 1977.

Therefore, serial number G770544 indicates the 544th Ibanez guitar manufactured in July 1977.

Alt text: Ibanez electric guitar headstock back, highlighting the location of the serial number.

Guitars with this serial number format were predominantly made by FujiGen Gakki and Terada factories in Japan. However, there are exceptions. Ibanez Blazer models were produced by Dyna Gakki, and the Axstar series (including models AX40, AX45, AX48, AXB50, AXB60, AXB65, AX70, and AX75) were manufactured by Chushin Gakki.

Japanese Serial Numbers: 1987–1996 (Letter + 6 Digits)

From 1987 to 1996, Ibanez Japanese serial numbers retained the letter + 6 digit format, but the letter’s meaning shifted to indicate the factory of origin.

Example: Let’s examine serial number F529157.

Letter (F): Denotes the manufacturing factory. During this period, three primary factories were used:
- F: FujiGen Gakki in Nagano (1987–1996)
- I: Iida Gakki in Nagoya (1988–1992)
- H or T: Terada Musical Instrument Co. Ltd. in Nagoya (1988–1996). It’s believed “H” may represent Haruo Terada, the company director at the time.
First Digit (5): Represents the last digit of the manufacturing year. ‘5’ corresponds to 1995.
Last 5 Digits (29157): Indicate the sequential serial number. This sequence increased by approximately 5000 each month, starting at 00001 in January.

Thus, serial number F529157 signifies the 29,157th instrument manufactured in 1995 by FujiGen Gakki in June. The manufacturing month can be determined using the chart below, which Ibanez reportedly used for warranty claims. While useful, the strictness and accuracy of this monthly numbering method remain somewhat uncertain.

Ibanez Production Month Chart (1987-2004)

Serial Number Range	Production Month
00001–05000	January
05001-10000	February
10001-15000	March
15001-20000	April
20001-25000	May
25001-30000	June
30001-35000	July
35001-40000	August
40001-45000	September
45001-50000	October
50001-55000	November
55001-60000	December

FujiGen Serial Number Quirks in 1987

A point of confusion exists regarding FujiGen serial numbers starting with “F7,” which should indicate 1987 production. However, it appears FujiGen may have had a surplus of these “F7” serial stickers and continued using them into 1988.

To estimate whether an “F7” serial number guitar was made in 1987 or 1988, consider the last five digits. Serial numbers exceeding 45000 are more likely to be 1988 models. Very few “F8” serial numbers have been documented.

Japanese Serial Numbers: 1997 to October 2004 (Letter + 7 Digits)

From 1997 to October 2004, Japanese Ibanez serial numbers expanded to a letter followed by seven digits.

Example: Let’s decode serial number F0414210.

Letter (F): Still indicates the factory, in this case, FujiGen Gakki in Nagano.
First 2 Digits (04): Represent the year. ’04’ denotes 2004.
Last 5 Digits (14210): Sequential serial number for the month.

Using the “Ibanez Production Month” chart above, production number 14210 falls within the 10001-15000 range, indicating March 2004 as the manufacturing month. Therefore, F0414210 represents a guitar built in March 2004 by FujiGen Gakki. As with the previous period, the strictness of this numbering system is not fully confirmed.

Japanese Serial Numbers: 1998–2022 (Letter + 6 Digits)

Between 1998 and 2022, another serial format emerged, using a letter followed by six digits, primarily associated with Terada production.

Example: Consider serial number T990544.

Letter (T): Indicates Terada Musical Instrument in Nagoya as the manufacturer.
First 2 Digits (99): Represent the year, ’99’ signifying 1999.
Last 4 Digits (0544): Consecutive serial number for the year.

Serial number T990544 denotes the 544th instrument built by Terada in 1999.

Japanese Serial Numbers: November 2004 to 2022 (Letter + 7 Digits)

From November 2004 to 2022, a letter followed by seven digits format was used, particularly by FujiGen Gakki.

Example: Let’s examine F1627642.

Letter (F): Indicates FujiGen Gakki in Nagano.
First 2 Digits (16): Represent the year, ’16’ for 2016.
Last 5 Digits (27642): Production number, increasing by approximately 3000 per month, starting at 00001 in November.

Using the chart below, production number 27642 falls within the 27000-29999 range, corresponding to August. Therefore, F1627642 represents a guitar built in August 2016 by FujiGen Gakki.

Ibanez Production Month Chart (2004-2022)

Serial Number Range	Production Month
00001–02999	November
03000-05999	December
06000-08999	January
09000-11999	February
12000-14999	March
15000-17999	April
18000-20999	May
21000-23999	June
24000-26999	July
27000-29999	August
30000-32999	September
33000- ++++	October

Important Note: From November 2004 onwards, the year in the serial number represents the model year, not necessarily the production year. The strictness of this numbering method remains somewhat unclear.

Japanese Serial Numbers: 2005–2022 (Letter + 5 Digits)

Another Japanese serial format from 2005-2022 utilizes a letter followed by only five digits and is thought to be associated with Sugi Musical Instruments Ltd.

Example: Let’s analyze C06256.

Letter (C): Represents the month of manufacture (‘A’ for January, ‘B’ for February, up to ‘L’ for December). ‘C’ indicates March.
First 2 Digits (06): Indicate the year, ’06’ for 2006.
Third Digit (2): Designates the model. In this example, ‘2’ corresponds to the PGMFRM1 model. ‘5’ indicates the UV77RE model. The meaning of other digits is currently unclear or unknown.
Last 2 Digits (56): Sequential serial number for the month.

Therefore, C06256 is the 56th PGMFRM1 model instrument built in March 2006. While confusion exists with other “F” and “I” prefix schemes, this is the only format with just six characters. It’s generally assumed that Japanese-made models with this format are from Sugi Musical Instruments Ltd.

Japanese Serial Numbers: 2016–2022 (2 Letters + 6 Digits)

From 2016 to 2022, a two-letter prefix followed by six digits identified guitars from the Ibanez Guitar Development Center.

Example: Consider IG161156.

Prefix (IG): Indicates production at the Ibanez Guitar Development Center (IGDC), a facility dedicated to Ibanez guitar research and development.
First 2 Digits (16): Year of manufacture, ’16’ for 2016.
Next 2 Digits (11): Month of manufacture, ’11’ for November.
Last 2 Digits (56): Consecutive serial number for the year.

Serial number IG161156 is the 56th instrument built in November 2016 at the Ibanez Guitar Development Center. These serial numbers are typically handwritten on the back of the headstock.

Decoding Korean Ibanez Serial Numbers

Korea became a significant manufacturing location for Ibanez guitars from 1987 to 2008. Some Korean serial numbers from 1997 may consist only of 7, 8, or 10 digits. Cort factories in Incheon were primary manufacturers (though this is less certain for 8 or 10-digit serials).

Early Korean Artstar models lacked date stamps, resulting in handwritten serial numbers, which can be difficult to read and decipher. Production of these Artstar models ceased in 2003.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1987–1995 (Letter + 6 Digits)

This format, used from 1987 to 1995, employs a letter prefix to denote the Korean factory.

Example: Let’s decode P315821.

Letter (P): Indicates the factory:
- A: Saein Musical Instrument Co. Ltd. in Incheon.
- Y: Yoojin Industrial Co. Ltd. in Yangju (acoustic) or Guangju (electric).
- C: Cort Guitars in Incheon (1987–2007) or Daejeon (1991–2007).
- P: Peerless Korea Co. Ltd. in Pusan (1987–1988).
First Digit (3): Represents the last digit of the year, ‘3’ for 1993.
Last 5 Digits (15821): Sequential serial number for the year.

Therefore, P315821 indicates the 15,821st guitar built in 1993 by Peerless in Pusan.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1987–1995 (Letter + 7 Digits)

Another Korean format from 1987-1995 used a letter followed by seven digits, associated with Sung-Eum Music Co. Ltd.

Example: Consider E1020456.

Letter (E): Indicates Sung-Eum Music Co. Ltd. in Yangju.
First Digit (1): Last digit of the year, ‘1’ for 1991.
Next 2 Digits (02): Month of manufacture, ’02’ for February.
Last 4 Digits (0456): Consecutive serial number for the month.

E1023456 represents the 456th instrument built in February 1991 by Sung-Eum Music in Yangju.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1990–1995 (Letter + 7 Digits)

Samick Musical Instruments Co. Ltd. also used a letter + 7 digit format in Korea from 1990-1995.

Example: Let’s decode S4110076.

Letter (S): Indicates Samick Musical Instruments Co. Ltd. in Incheon.
First Digit (4): Last digit of the year, ‘4’ for 1994.
Next 2 Digits (11): Month of manufacture, ’11’ for November.
Last 4 Digits (0076): Sequential serial number for the month.

S4110076 represents the 76th instrument built in November 1994 by Samick Musical Instruments in Incheon.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1995–1999 (1 or 2 Letters + 8 Digits)

From 1995 to 1999, Korean serials used one or two letter prefixes followed by eight digits.

Example: Examine SQ6050234.

Prefix (SQ): Indicates the factory:
- A: Saein in Incheon.
- C: Cort Guitars in Incheon or Daejeon.
- S: Samick in Incheon.
- SQ: Saehan Guitar Technology.
- Y: Yoojin Industrial in Yangju (acoustic) or Guangju (electric).
First Digit (6): Last digit of the year, ‘6’ for 1996.
Next 2 Digits (05): Month of manufacture, ’05’ for May.
Last 4 Digits (0234): Sequential serial number for the month.

SQ6050234 indicates the 234th Ibanez built in May 1996 by Saehan Guitar Technology.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1997–2008 (7 Digits)

A 7-digit numeric serial number was used in Korea from 1997-2008, primarily by Cort Guitars.

Example: Consider 8071234.

First Digit (8): Last digit of the year. ‘8’ could represent 1998 or 2008. Context is needed to differentiate between 1997/1998 and 2007/2008.
Next 2 Digits (07): Month of manufacture, ’07’ for July.
Last 4 Digits (1234): Consecutive serial number for the month.

8071234 is the 1234th guitar built in July of either 1998 or 2008 by Cort Guitars in Incheon or Daejeon.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1997–2008 (8 Digits)

An 8-digit numeric format was also used in Korea from 1997-2008, possibly by Cort.

Example: Examine 99004321.

First 2 Digits (99): Last two digits of the year, ’99’ for 1999.
Last 6 Digits (004321): Consecutive serial number for the year.

99004321 is the 4321st Ibanez of 1999, likely built by Cort Guitars in Incheon.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1997–2008 (10 Digits)

A 10-digit numeric serial was also used in Korea from 1997-2008, possibly by Cort.

Example: Consider 0112004524.

First 2 Digits (01): Last two digits of the year, ’01’ for 2001.
Next 2 Digits (12): Month of manufacture, ’12’ for December.
Last 6 Digits (004524): Consecutive serial number for the month.

0112004524 is the 4524th Ibanez of 2001, built in December, likely by Cort Guitars in Incheon.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1999–2008 (Letter(W) + 6 or 7 Digits)

World Musical Instrument Co. in Incheon used a “W” prefix format from 1999-2008.

Example: Let’s decode W962827.

Letter (W): Indicates World Musical Instrument Co. in Incheon.
Second Digit (9): Month of manufacture, ‘1’ to ‘9’ for January to September, ‘X’ for October, ‘Y’ for November, ‘Z’ for December. ‘9’ represents September.
Third Digit (6): Last digit of the year, ‘6’ for 2006.
Last 4 Digits (2827): Sequential serial number for the month.

W962827 is the 2827th guitar of September 2006, built in Incheon.

Korean Serial Numbers: 2000–2008 (Letter + 8 Digits or 2 Letters + 8 Digits)

From 2000 to 2008, Korean serials sometimes used letter prefixes (single or double) followed by eight digits.

Example: Examine A01042941.

Letter (A): Indicates the factory:
- A: Saein Musical Instrument in Incheon.
- C: Cort Guitars in Incheon or Daejeon.
- S or SQ: Saehan Guitar Technology.
- Y: Yoojin Industrial in Yangju (acoustic) or Guangju (electric).
- CP: Factory unclear, possibly Cort Plant or Cort/Peerless joint venture, unlikely Cort Indonesia (as guitars are marked “Made in Korea”).
First 2 Digits (01): Last two digits of the year, ’01’ for 2001.
Next 2 Digits (04): Month of manufacture, ’04’ for April.
Last 4 Digits (2941): Serial number for the month.

A01042941 is the 2941st guitar of April 2001, built by Saein, Incheon, Korea.

Korean Serial Numbers: 1999–2008 (Letters(KR) + 9 Digits)

A “KR” prefix format with 9 digits appeared in Korea from 1999-2008, manufacturer unknown.

Example: Consider KR050602345.

Prefix (KR): Manufacturer unknown.
First 2 Digits (05): Last two digits of the year, ’05’ for 2005.
Next 2 Digits (06): Month of manufacture, ’06’ for June.
Last 5 Digits (02345): Serial number for the month or year.

KR050602345 is the 2345th instrument of 2005, built in June, location unknown.

Decoding Indonesian Ibanez Serial Numbers

Indonesia became another significant production location for Ibanez, with serial formats starting around 2001.

Indonesian Serial Numbers: 2001–2022 (Letter + 9 Digits)

A letter prefix followed by 9 digits is common for Indonesian Ibanez guitars from 2001-2022.

Example: Let’s decode K160600221.

Letter (K): Indicates the factory:
- I: Cort Guitars (Cor-Tek factory in Indonesia).
- K: Kwo Hsiao Co., Ltd.
- J: Sejung.
First 2 Digits (16): Last two digits of the year, ’16’ for 2016.
Next 2 Digits (06): Month of manufacture, ’06’ for June.
Last 5 Digits (00221): Sequential serial number for the month.

K160600221 is the 221st guitar of June 2016, built by Kwo Hsiao.

Indonesian Serial Numbers: 2004–2007 (2 Letters + 9 Digits)

A two-letter prefix format with 9 digits appeared in Indonesia from 2004-2007.

Example: Examine PR051112345.

Prefix (PR): Manufacturer and location unknown. “PR” and “PW” prefixes are unclear.
First 2 Digits (05): Last two digits of the year, ’05’ for 2005.
Next 2 Digits (11): Month of manufacture, ’11’ for November.
Last 5 Digits (12345): Sequential serial number for the year.

PR051112345 is the 12345th instrument of 2005, built in November, location unknown.

Indonesian Serial Numbers: 2007–2009 (Letter + 7 Digits)

Cort Guitars in Indonesia used a letter + 7 digit format from 2007-2009.

Example: Consider I7100262.

Letter (I): Indicates Cort Guitars (Cor-Tek factory in Indonesia).
First Digit (7): Last digit of the year, ‘7’ for 2007.
Next 2 Digits (10): Month of manufacture, ’10’ for October.
Last 4 Digits (00262): Serial number for the month.

I7100262 is the 262nd Ibanez of October 2007, built by Cor-Tek, Indonesia.

Indonesian Serial Numbers: 2010-2011 (5 Digits + Letter)

For Premium Line Indonesian guitars from November 2010 to December 2011, a 5-digit number followed by a letter was used. Month of manufacture is not encoded.

Example: Let’s decode 10701B.

First 5 Digits (10701): Consecutive serial number for the production year.
Letter (B): Year indicator, ‘A’ for 2010, ‘B’ for 2011.

10701B is the 10701st Ibanez of 2011 from the Premium Line, location unknown.

Indonesian Serial Numbers: November 2011 to 2015 (Letter + 4 Digits + Letter)

From November 2011 to 2015, Premium Line Indonesian guitars used a letter-digit-letter format.

Example: Examine J0321D.

First Letter (J): Month of manufacture, ‘A’ for January to ‘L’ for December. ‘J’ is October.
Next 4 Digits (0321): Sequential serial number for the month.
Last Letter (D): Year indicator, ‘B’ for 2011 to ‘F’ for 2015. ‘D’ is 2013.

J0321D is the 321st instrument of October 2013 from the Premium Line, location unknown.

Decoding Chinese Ibanez Serial Numbers

China has also been a manufacturing site for Ibanez, with serial formats starting around 1999.

Chinese Serial Numbers: 1999-2006 (Letter Z + 6 or 7 Digits)

A “Z” prefix format was used in China from 1999-2006, associated with Yeou Chern Enterprises Instrument Co. Ltd.

Example: Let’s decode Z190234.

Letter (Z): Indicates Yeou Chern Enterprises Instrument Co. Ltd. in Guangdong.
Second Digit (1): Month of manufacture, ‘1’ to ‘9’ for January to September, ‘X’ for October, ‘Y’ for November, ‘Z’ for December. ‘1’ represents January.
Third Digit (9): Last digit of the year, ‘9’ for 1999.
Last 4 Digits (0234): Sequential serial number for the month.

Z190234 is the 234th guitar of January 1999, built by Yeou Chern in Guangdong.

Chinese Serial Numbers: 2002–2022 (Letter S + 8 Digits)

An “S” prefix format with 8 digits has been used in China from 2002-2022, manufacturer unknown.

Example: Consider S05030941.

Letter (S): Factory unknown.
First 2 Digits (05): Last two digits of the year, ’05’ for 2005.
Next 2 Digits (03): Month of manufacture, ’03’ for March.
Last 4 Digits (0941): Serial number for the month.

S05030941 is the 941st instrument of March 2005, factory and location in China unknown.

Chinese Serial Numbers: 2004–2012 (Letter J + 9 Digits)

A “J” prefix format with 9 digits was used in China from 2004-2012, possibly by Sejung Musical Instrument Manufacturing.

Example: Examine J111214321.

Letter (J): Possibly Sejung Musical Instrument Manufacturing in Qingdao.
First 2 Digits (11): Last two digits of the year, ’11’ for 2011.
Next 2 Digits (12): Month of manufacture, ’12’ for December.
Last 5 Digits (14321): Sequential serial number for the year.

J111214321 is guitar number 14321, manufactured in 2011, possibly by Sejung in Qingdao.

Chinese Serial Numbers: 2005–2022 (Letter A + 8 Digits)

An “A” prefix format with 8 digits has been used in China from 2005-2022, manufacturer unknown.

Example: Let’s decode A15060177.

Letter (A): Factory unknown.
First 2 Digits (15): Last two digits of the year, ’15’ for 2015.
Next 2 Digits (06): Month of manufacture, ’06’ for June.
Last 4 Digits (0177): Serial number for the month.

A15060177 is the 177th Ibanez of June 2015, factory and location in China unknown.

Chinese Serial Numbers: 2007–2022 (Letters GS + 9 Digits)

A “GS” prefix format with 9 digits has been used in China from 2007-2022, possibly indicating GIO series guitars, manufacturer unknown.

Example: Consider GS090301145.

Prefix (GS): Possibly indicates GIO series, factory and location in China unknown.
First 2 Digits (09): Last two digits of the year, ’09’ for 2009.
Next 2 Digits (03): Month of manufacture, ’03’ for March.
Last 5 Digits (01145): Sequential serial number for the year.

GS090301145 is the 1145th instrument of 2009, built in March, factory and location in China unknown.

Chinese Serial Numbers: 2010–2022 (Letters SS + 8 Digits)

An “SS” prefix format with 8 digits has been used in China from 2010-2022, manufacturer unknown.

Example: Examine SS11020221.

Prefix (SS): Factory unknown.
First 2 Digits (11): Last two digits of the year, ’11’ for 2011.
Next 2 Digits (02): Month of manufacture, ’02’ for February.
Last 4 Digits (0221): Serial number for the month.

SS11020221 is the 221st Ibanez of February 2011, factory and location in China unknown.

Chinese Serial Numbers: 2000s (Digit 4 + Letter L + 9 Digits)

A “4L” prefix format with 9 digits appeared in China in the 2000s, exact period and manufacturer unknown.

Example: Let’s decode 4L080500889.

Prefix (4L): Meaning and manufacturer unknown.
Next 2 Digits (08): Last two digits of the year, ’08’ for 2008.
Next 2 Digits (05): Month of manufacture, ’05’ for May.
Last 5 Digits (00889): Sequential serial number for the year or month.

4L080500889 could be the 889th Ibanez of May 2008, factory and location in China unknown.

9-Digit Chinese Serials (Approx. 2005 onwards):

From approximately 2005, some Chinese Ibanez guitars feature only 9-digit serial numbers. The supplier and factory for these models are unclear, and these numbers do not readily reveal date or location information.

Alt text: Close-up of an Ibanez guitar headstock back, showing a stamped serial number.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of Ibanez serial number formats across different countries and eras. While complexities and uncertainties exist, especially with newer and Chinese-made models, this information serves as a valuable tool for understanding your Ibanez guitar’s origins.

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