Finding the year of a particular Gibson instrument is usually done by referencing the instrument's serial number or factory order number. The following information applies to all Gibson instruments including guitars, mandolins, lapsteels, basses and others. We have compiled a selection of links for you to check out!
The current system today uses an impressed eight digit number that includes a serial number and a date. Here's how the new system works :
YDDDYPPP
YY is the production year 1 and 5 number
DDD is the day of the year 2-4 numbers
PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank 6-8 numbers
Example:
82765501 = the instrument was produced on Oct. 3, 1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument stamped that day.
For vintage info please check out the links below!
1. http://www.gibson.com/Service/Serial%20Numbers%20Search/
Get it from the source - Gibson.com
2. http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx
This site offers a search option. Just enter your serial number in the box and press send.
3. http://www.provide.net/~cfh/gibson.html
Lots of vintage info to check out! Compiled from these sources: A.R. Duchossior, W. Carter, G. Gruhn, E. Whitford, D. Vinopal, D. Erlewine.
