Guitar pro 6 serial number Archives

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Guitar Pro 6 Sound Banks

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Find the date your guitar (or bass) was made!

LINKS BELOW WILL TAKE YOU TO THE BRANDS COVERED FURTHER DOWN THIS LONG PAGE:

Dean (UPDATED!) -- Epiphone -- ESP -- Fender -- G&L -- Gibson -- Gretsch -- Guild -- Hagstrom --  Hamer -- 

Ibanez -- Jackson/Charvel (UPDATED!) -- Kramer -- Martin -- Ovation -- Paul Reed Smith (PRS) -- Peavey --

Reverend (NEW!) -- Rickenbacker -- Schecter -- Steinberger -- Taylor -- Washburn -- Yamaha

Please leave comments/ask questions and see a short FAQ at the bottom. If you enjoyed this content--PLEASE take a look at our current used guitars and gear!

Dean (Back to top of page)
Every Dean guitar made in United States comes with a seven digit serial number that is printed on the back of the headstock (some 90s models may be stamped on the fretboard). First two numbers in the sequence are the last two digits of the production year. If you see a seven digit serial number on the back of a Dean guitar, you can be sure that it was produced in United States.

Dean's more affordable line made outside the US may require looking at features and hardware and some knowledge of the line. Though I can't verify the accuracy, it was posted in the Dean online forums that imports after follow a pattern with the initial letter or letters identifying the factory, such that: US = Un Sung Korea, Y = Yoojin China, E = World www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com following two digits indicate year, then two-digit month, then production number. An example given was the serial US (don't let the "US" make you think it's a USA model). Here the serial is decoded as:

US = Un Sung Korean factory

12 =

04 = April

= production number

Epiphone (Back to top of page)
Below appear some of the serial schemes that an Epiphone serial can use. Happy hunting!

YYMMFFRRRRR

YY = year of manufacture
MM = month of manufature
FF = factory ID
RRRRR = ranking number

Example: = / December / factory 15 / unit

Note: Models from and onwards omit the factory ID letter prefix. Pre productions also frequently omit the factory letter codes and appeared as all digits, e.g.



FYYMMRRRR

F/FF = factory ID
Y/YY = year of manufacture
MM = month of manufacture
RRRR = ranking number

Example: = Samick Korea / / February / unit
Example: S = Samick Korea / / February / unit
Example: S = Samick Korea / / February / unit
Example: SI = Samick Indonesia / / February / unit
Example: SI = Samick Indonesia / / February / unit

Note: There may be no factory designator for some and earlier models. A single digit month of manufacture may occur for some and earlier models. The ranking number may consist of any number of digits.



FYYMRRRR

F = factory ID
YY = year of manufacture
M = letter code to corresponding month (A=January, B=February, etc)
RRRR = ranking number

Example: R01B = Peerless Korea / / February / unit




FYYSSSS

(Epiphone Elite/Elitist models)

F = factory ID
Y = single digit year of manufacture (2 = , 3 = , etc.)
YY = double digit year of manufacture (Current)
SSSS = sequential ranking number

Example: F = Fuji-gen Japan / / unit
Example: T = Terada Japan / / unit




F-Serial Numbers on Les Paul Standard '59/'60 Models and Tribute/Plus Models

The latest serial number system used by Epiphone has not yet been completely deciphered. The new "F" models are made in China. The system uses running model numbers rather than a dedicated code for year, month, and place of manufacture.

F = late used on LP Std'59/Std'60/Tribute models
Continued around F~F in spring on Tribute-Plus models
Continued around F in
Continued around F in
Continued around F in
Continued around F in
Continued around F in



Epiphone Japan Serial Numbers

- Current
The Yamano Gakki Epiphone Japan serial numbers from onwards are in a YMMPPP format.

Y = Year of manufacture
MM = Month of manufacture
PPP = Production number

The serial number letters used by the Terada and Fuji-Gen guitar factories are:
J = Terada
T = Terada,
F = Fuji-Gen
No Letter = Fuji-Gen
Example: J = Terada / / February / unit
Example: T = Terada / / February / unit
Example: F = Fuji-Gen / / February / unit
Example: = Fuji-Gen / / February / unit


-
For Yamano Gakki Epiphone Japan semi acoustic models from to approximately , the serial numbers are in a YCPPP format.
They were made by Terada and usually have an Orange Epiphone label.

Y = Year of manufacture
C = Model code
PPP = Production number


Model Codes (C)
1 = NVJ
2 = EMPEROR
3 = RIVIERA
4 = SHERATON
5 = CASINO
6 = Limited Edition
7 = EB-2
8 = ESJ
9 = EMPEROR-J
Example: = / SHERATON / unit
Example: = / ESJ / unit


-
The Aria Epiphone Japan models that were made by Matsumoku from the early s and ending before do not have a reliable serial numbering system but can be approximately dated using their Epiphone label colors.

- Blue label - Early models say "Union Made"
- Tan or white "Lincolnwood" label with Norlin logo
- Brown Label with splotched pattern

ESP (Back to top of page)

pre-year

7 or 8 digits stamped into back of headstock looking something like this: (D)DMMYNNN

DD = day of the month (01 to 31)

MM = month (01 to 12)

Y = last digit of the year

NNN = production number up to (reset each year)

So the serial number "" would indicate a guitar produced the 2nd day of November in OR and was the th guitar off the production line.

Like some other serial schemes, this one may require you to know something about the ESP guitars of the period because the "Y" digit could mean multiple years. For example, an "8" can indicate or Also note, some guitars may omit a leading zero. For example day "02" could be "2," and thus the serial would be only 7 digits long. Last, some older ESPs may have no stamped serial. You can check the neck, neck pocket, or even pickup cavity for a written serial.

to

8 digits stamped on back of headstock. Serial such as: PPYYWWDNN, where:

PP = factory designation

YY = last two digits of year

WW = week of year

D = day of the week (1 = Monday, etc)

NN = production number

For example, serial number "K" would indicate a guitar made at the Kiso Factory in in the 44th week of the year on a Tuesday and being the 99th guitar off the line. Factory designations include:

K = ESP Kiso Factory (Japan) set neck/neck-thru

S = ESP Sado Factory (Japan) bolt-on only

T = ESP Takada Factory (Japan) ESP Custom Shop

SS = ESP Standard Factory -- Signature Series or Standard Series

TH = Technical House

N = Nagano Factory

to present

8 digits stamped on back of headstock. Serial such as: BNNNNYYP, where:

B = Brand

NNNN = ?

YY = last two digits of year

P = factory

Some other things to note. Serial numbers found under a pickup may conform to an "MMYNN" scheme where MM = month, Y = last digit of year, and NN = production number. Bolt-on guitars may have a 5-digit code stamped on the neck plate but because of materials being used inconsistently at the ESP factories these numbers cannot be trusted. Check the neck and neck pocket for a date.

Fender (Back to top of page)

Fender is notorious for being a little tricky. This is partially due to their production methods, which often involved using parts throughout different models and years, so that tracing the year of one part may not accurately indicate the production year of the instrument. If you're not averse to removing the neck on a guitar, Fender often wrote a date on the heel of the neck, as well as a date in the neck pocket. This method can often clear up a situation where the serial number is inconclusive. Pot codes may also point you to a general date range, but don't expect them to always be accurate. So to get right into it:

- (appears on bridge plate)

Esquires, Broadcasters, and Telecasters

to -

to -

Precision Bass

- -

- -

- -

Stratocaster

0 -

- (on neck plate)

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

- ("L" Series, some late '62 models as well)
0L to L
L to L
L to L


- ("F" Series, CBS era, serial above Fender F on neck plate, overlap between years)
to late
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to

- Present
In Fender moved the serial location to headstock (front or back). In general, an initial letter indicates the decade, with S = 70s, E = 80s, N = 90s, Z = s. A number, usually 5 to 7 digits long, follows the letter and helps to further identify the year. There is known overlap between years, and looking at the date on the neck heel should be more accurate. Note: US Vintage series starting in onward begins with a "V". You must remove neck to accurately date those.

76 + 5 digits     
S6 + 5 digits     
S7 + 5 digits =
S8 + 5 digits =
S9 + 5 digits =
E0 + 5 digits =
E1 + 5 digits =
E2 + 5 digits =
E3 + 5 digits =
E4 + 5 digits = ,
E8 + 5 digits =
E9 + 5 digits =

N9 + 5 digits =       
N0 + 5 digits =       
N1 + 5 or 6 digits =
N2 + 5 or 6 digits =
N3 + 5 or 6 digits =
N4 + 5 or 6 digits =
N5 + 5 or 6 digits =
N6 + 5 or 6 digits =
N7 + 5 or 6 digits =
N8 + 5 or 6 digits =
N9 + 5 or 6 digits =

(Note: "Z" may be replaced by "DZ" for US Deluxe Series)
Z0 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z1 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z2 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z3 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z4 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z5 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z6 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z7 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z8 + 5 or 6 digits      -
Z9 + 5 or 6 digits      -

US10 + 6 digits
US11 + 6 digits
US12 + 6 digits
US13 + 6 digits
US14 + 6 digits
US15 + 6 digits
US16 + 6 digits


Made in Japan Serials (usually appears on back of neck near neck joint)
JV + 5 digits -
SQ + 5 digits -
E + 6 digits -
A + 6 digits -
B + 6 digits -
C + 6 digits -
F + 6 digits -
G + 6 digits -
H + 6 digits -
I + 6 digits -
J + 6 digits -
K + 6 digits -
L + 6 digits -
M + 6 digits -
N + 6 Digits -
O + 6 Digits -
P + 6 digits -
Q + 6 digits -
S + 6 digits -
T + 6 digits -
U + 6 digits -
N + 5 digits -
V + 6 digits -


Crafted in Japan Serials (usually back of neck)
A + 6 digits -
O + 6 digits -
P + 6 digits -
Q + 6 digits -
R + 6 digits -
S + 6 digits -
T + 6 digits -



Made in Mexico Serials (on headstock)
MN0 + 5 or 6 digits
MN1 + 5 or 6 digits
MN2 + 5 or 6 digits
MN3 + 5 or 6 digits
MN4 + 5 or 6 digits
MN5 + 5 or 6 digits
MN6 + 5 or 6 digits
MN7 + 5 or 6 digits
MN8 + 5 or 6 digits
MN9 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ0 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ1 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ2 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ3 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ4 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ5 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ6 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ7 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ8 + 5 or 6 digits
MZ9 + 5 or 6 digits
"10" prefix followed by a space and eight digits Late through approximately March
MX10 + 6 digits
MX11 + 6 digits
MX12 + 6 digits
MX13 + 6 digits
MX14 + 6 digits
MX15 + 6 digits
MX16 + 6 digits
MX17 + 6 digits

NOTES: Mexican Fender Signature Series used other prefixes, such as "MSN"+ 5 digits in the s and "MS" in the s. Other signatures, such as Ritchie Blackmore and Duff McKagan used "MSZ," while still others retained the "MX" designation. Also California Series serials () use an "AMXN" prefix followed by 6 digits, and were jointly made by Fender USA/Mexico.

Made in Korea Serials (may or may not have letter prefix. may/may not be Squier)
6, 7 or 8 Digits only -

"E" serials from Young Chang or Sung-Eum plants:
E1 + 6 Digits in Silver -
E2 + 6 Digits in Silver -
E0 + 6 Digits in Black -
E1 + 6 Digits in Black -
E2 + 6 Digits in Black -
E3 + 6 Digits in Black -

"S" serials from Samick plant:
S9 + 6 Digits -
S0 + 6 Digits -
S1 + 6 Digits -
S2 + 6 Digits -
S3 + 6 Digits -

"CN" (Cort) and "VN" (Sungham) factory serials:
CN0 or VN0 + 5 Digits -
CN1 or VN1 + 5 Digits -
CN2 or VN2 + 5 Digits -
CN3 or VN3 + 5 Digits -
CN4 or VN4 + 5 Digits -
CN5 or VN5 + 5 Digits -
CN6 or VN6 + 5 Digits -

"KC" and up Cort factory serial numbers:
KC97 + 6 Digits -
KC97 + 7 Digits -
KC97 + 8 Digits -
KC98 + 6 Digits -
KC99 + 6 Digits -
KC00 + 6 Digits -
KC01 + 6 Digits -
KC02 + 6 Digits -
KC03 + 6 Digits -
KC04 + 6 Digits -
KC05 + 6 Digits -
KC06 + 6 Digits -
KC07 + 6 Digits -
KC08 + 6 Digits -
KC09 + 6 Digits -
KC10 + 6 Digits -
KC11 + 6 Digits -
KC12 + 6 Digits -
KC13 + 6 Digits -

Made in Indonesia Serials
IC08 + 6 digits
IC09 + 6 digits
ICF09 + 6 digits
IC10 + 6 digits
ICF10 + 6 digits
ICF11 + 6 digits


Special cases
For Fender acoustics, please see this page on the Fender website:


NUMBER DESCRIPTION
C(XXXXXX) Collectors Series up to
CA(XXXXX) Gold Strat , 82 and 83
CB(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special and Gold Jazz Bass
CC(XXXXX) Walnut Strat
CD or CO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from
CE(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from , Black and Gold Tele from
CN, R or V US Custom Shop (may also include CZ)
D(XXXXXX) Jazz Bass
DN(XXXXXX) American Deluxe Series,
DZ+6 or 7 digits American Deluxe Series to present
EJ(XXXXX) Eric Johnson Signature Stratocasters
EE(XXXXXX) Some US made instruments from the mid to late '80s made for export to Europe had an EE prefix
FN(XXXXXX) US made guitars and basses made for export
G(XXXXXX) "THE STRAT"
GO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from , Gold Strat
H,I or K(XXXXXXX) USA guitars for export stamped USA on heel, serial on headstock,
LE(XXXXXX) Blonde Jazzmasters and Jaguars with Gold hardware made in Promotional set with Blonde Deluxe Reverb Amp
NC(XXXXXX) Squier Strat Bullets (dating unclear)
SE(XXXXXX) Signature Series SE8(XXXXX)='88, SE9(XXXXX)='89
SN(XXXXXX) Signature Series SN0(XXXXX)='90, SN1(XXXXX)='91, SN2(XXXXX)='92, etc.
SZ(XXXXXX) Signature Series SZ0(XXXXX)='00, SZ1(XXXXX)='01, SZ2(XXXXX)='02, etc.
T(XXXXXX) Tribute Series (check neck heel)
V+4,5,6 digits Vintage Series (check neck heel)
XN(XXXXX) FRS and Telecaster '52 (XN prefix may not appear on instrument)
(XXX) OF 35TH Anniversary Strat from
(XXXX) STAMPED ON BRIDGE PLATE U.S. '52 Vintage Telecaster (Check neck date for exact year)
(XXXXX) STAMPED ON BRIDGE PLATE U.S. '52 Vintage Telecaster present (Check neck date for exact year)



G&L(Back to top of page)

It seems there is no sure-fire way to get the year on a G&L. Below are random tidbits that may help you date yours.

-
First recorded serial numbers for guitars and bass by year:

YEAR / GUITAR / BASS
G B
G B
G B
G B
G B
G B
G B
G B
G B
G
G B
G B
G B

GF and BC prefixes were used for the George Fullerton Signature Model and the Broadcaster, respectively. In , the prefix CL (Clarence Leo) began use, and a couple years later it was changed to CLF.

Perhaps the best way to date your G&L is to take the neck off. You should find two stamped dates--one in the neck pocket and one of the butt of the neck. The one on the neck is supposedly a good ballpark of the guitar's manufacture date, but due to the nature of G&L assembly it is not necessarily an exact science.

Starting in early all G&L serials should be in sequence with the serial located on a metal plate on the back of the headstock. In Sept. , the metal plate was replaced with a waterslide decal. Then in Feb. , the serial numbers were laser-etched on the back of headstock. The serial number format is now: "CLFYYMMnnn", where YY=last two digits of year, MM=two digit month.

The G&L Tribute models have a different serial numbering scheme. All the Tribute Models have the build year and month coded in the serial number.

Tribute serial number formats are:

YYMXXXX or YMMXXXX (e.g., - Made In Japan Tribute Models only)
YYMMXXXX (e.g., - Made In Korea Tribute Models only)
YYMMXXXXX (e.g., - Made In Indonesia Tribute Models only)
LYYMMXXXX (e.g., L - Made In China Tribute Models only)

The www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com website has a G&L registry where you can see what other G&L owners have recorded about specific models they own. (www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com?registry_id=1)

Gibson(Back to top of page)

NOTE: Detailed info appears below on early Gibsons, but to save you time, the paragraph in bold below covers most Gibsons dated to present:

In , Gibson began a steady and reliable numbering scheme, in which, the first and fifth digits of the serial indicate the last two digits of the production year. For example, , means production year In , Gibson changed it so the FIRST TWO digits indicate the year (though I've seen some guitars use the old system too).

Early Gibson models can be identified by either a Factory Order Number (FON) or a serial number. The FONs appear below followed by serial numbers.

to FON Overview

NOTE: From to the FON may include a one- or two-letter suffix.


Gibson Serial Numbers
Acoustic and electric archtops

Year / Last Serial Number (of that year)
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
- 
--
--


-
After number in , Gibson started over with an "A" prefix.

Year / Last Numbers
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A
-- A

- Gibson solid body electrics 
This period had the serial stamped on the back of the headstock. The first number designates the production year (5 = , etc).

-
First we present a simplified table that may get you in the ballpark. After that, a much more complex table from that may take you further. Note, this is one of the most convoluted Gibson periods, and your serial may indicate more than one possible year. At that point, observing your model's features and comparing to other examples will be helpful. (Note: Read the detailed table carefully. You will find that some years appear several times with various serial number ranges.)

(basic)
-
-
-
-
-



(detailed)
Year / Approx Serial Range














,

,

,

,

,







,





,
,
,






,
,
















,


,

,

,


,











,


,


,















-
This period remains confusing and serial numbers from the 60s and 70s may repeat. However, two design changes make it fairly easy to pinpoint a post Gibson. After you'll see a "volute" on the back of the neck where it meets the headstock. It's basically a little bump of extra wood to help prevent headstocks from snapping off the neck. Second, starting in , "Made in USA" is stamped on the back of the headstock below the serial. General serial ranges from this period are:

Number / Year
S
S
S
S
S
S
S , , , ,
S , ,
S , ,
S , ,



Number / Year
99XXXXXX
00XXXXXX
06XXXXXX

-
Finally, in , Gibson began a steady and reliable numbering scheme, which many are familiar with. Basically the first and fifth digits of the serial will indicate the year. For example, , means production year The Gibson website explains the new system in more detail, thus:

The pattern is as follows:
YDDDYRRR
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
RRR is the factory ranking/plant designation number

NOTE - Gibson USA goes to a 9 digit serial number in early July

- Present
The pattern is as follows:
YYRRRRRRR
YY is the model year
RRRRRRR is the number in product for the model year (starts at )



Gretsch(Back to top of page)
-

to Pre-war
10xx to 20xx Approximately
20xxxx Approximately
30xx to 40xx Approximately
40xx to 50xx Approximately
50xx to 70xx Approximately
70xx to 90xx
90xx to xx
xx to xx
xx to xx
xx to xx Note: serial numbers from were misplaced and later turned up, with original 'style labels, in
xx to xx
xx to xx
xx to xx
xx to xx
xx to xx
xx to xx
xx to xx
xx to xx

Note: the misplaced serial numbers, as well as some odd four-digit serial numbers, show up in , during the transition to the date-coded system in mid-'

Notes on early era: - serials will be written in pencil inside guitar body. May be faded or illegible. - serials may be handwritten in pencil until with a transition to labels. Dates are approximations, perhaps +/- one year. In one thousand serial no. labels were lost and re-used in This known anomaly can be solved by observing attributes of the given year.

-

Gretsch began date-coding serial numbers in August Date-coded serial numbers are typically found stamped on the back or top of the headstock, and "Made in USA" is stamped next to the number starting in June

The first digit or first 2 digits = month ().
The next digit = last digit of the year ( to 6,7,8,9,0,1,2).
The remaining digits = most likely a production number.

Example 1: should be February (2), (7) and the th instrument made that month.
Example 2: would indicate a guitar made in November (11) of (8) that was the th made that month.

-

Same as the era, except now has a hyphen or space between month and year. For example, would be March (3), (8) and the 94th guitar made that month.

- (modern pre-Fender era)

Serial numbers have six numbers, with a three digit suffix:

The first two digits are the year of manufacture.
The next digit is the month ().
The next three digits are the model number, without the 6 at the beginning.
The final numbers are the sequential order of the model made during the lifespan of the model (not that year).
Example: A serial number of tells us this guitar was made in during the month of August (8) and is a G model (), the th to be produced during the Revival Era.

Pre-Fender Korean (Electromatic/Synchromatic/Historic)

Starting in , Gretsch began producing budget-level Electromatic, Synchromatic and Historic Series guitars in Korea. Unfortunately, these guitars followed no clear numbering system and appeared on a sticker on the back of the headstock and were often lost. Some believe that the first digit may denote the year, but this pertains only to pre-Fender Korean-made guitars. The Fender-era 51xx guitars follow the normal Fender numbering scheme.

- Present (Fender era)

Contemporary Gretsch serial numbers have a two letter prefix indicating the location of manufacture, followed by a two-digit year, a two-digit month and a four-digit production number relating to that specific factory for the given year.

Example: A serial number of JT tells us the guitar was made at the Japan Terada factory (JT) in (04) during the month of February (02) as the 1,th Gretsch guitar made at the factory that year.

The two-letter factory code prefixes include:

CS: US, Custom Shop
CY: China, Yako
KP: Korea, Peerless
KS: Korea, Samick/SPG
JD: Japan, Dyna Gakki
JF: Japan, Fuji-Gen Gakki
JT: Japan, Terada
IS: Indonesia, Samick




Guild(Back to top of page)
The Guild company has an amazing amount of serial number info, mostly because for many years of production they used a different serial scheme for each of their different models. Below we outline a simple way to narrow down the date range of an acoustic Guild. If you need to go further and more exactly pinpoint the year, go to the following page on the Guild website and scroll through the pages of data: www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com


The easy way to narrow down the period your Guild acoustic was produced is by the label, which is located inside the soundhole and should have both the model and serial number. From to Guild used a label that showed a white guitar body on a black background. From to , the label is known as the "ghost label" due to its image of a ghost-like character wearing a bowtie and playing a guitar. From to , the "Oval G-Shield" label is oval, tan colored and says "Guarantee" in large letters. Likewise, from to , the label is oval shaped, but has "Guild" printed in large script lettering at the top. It may also say "Guarantee" up till , but the large "Guild" clearly separates it from the Oval G-Shield label.

Hagstrom(Back to top of page)

Not a lot is known about Hagstrom serial numbers. From different sources I've read that they are often six digits with the first three numbers indicating the production run and the last three the number in that run. The production run can narrow down the year produced but only if you have the mythical Hagstrom book that apparently Hagstrom does not allow to be reproduced. Later Hagstrom instruments added the prefix "53" to their serial numbers, but the final six digits still have the same information. So serial number: , indicates production run and the th instrument produced in that run. If the serial was , it would still indicate the same information. There is a gentleman on the Canadian Guitar Forum who seems to have the Hagstrom book and as of late was still answering posters questions about their vintage Hagstroms. Here is a link the the ongoing discussion thread: www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com?threads/hagstrom-serial-number/page-4

These guys (www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com) say if you email them at www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com, and include a picture of your instrument and its serial number they will provide you with the production year. All this serial number information pertains to Hagstroms built in Sweden between and the early 80s. Re-issues after that time will be different and we've seen no info on their serials.

Hamer(Back to top of page)
The Hamerfanclub website is a great resource that includes info on all the models ever produced. Early Hamer guitars (starting in ) employed a 4-digit serial number impressed into the wood on the rear of the headstock. The 4-digit numbers ran from to the early s and were reserved for early Standard models, basses and other custom instruments.

Starting in  with the "Sunburst" models, Hamer used a different system using five or six digits for "production" instruments. These serial numbers were stamped in black ink (yellow ink was used for dark/black finishes) on the back of the headstock. There was a space between the first and second digits until some point in The first digit indicates the last digit of the year it was built, with the final numbers indicating sequentially the order of production. For example, serial number: 7 was the second guitar built in Serial 0 is a built guitar and the th built. By , serial numbers were again being impressed into the wood of the headstock.

Serial numbering sequence by decade (approximate):
s: 7 - 9
s: 0 - 9
s: 0 - 9
0 - 4

Looking at the table above you'll note that in every decade the initial digit is going to repeat (i.e., an 8 could mean , , or ). This might seem problematic until you realize Hamer kept the production numbers following the initial digit sequential throughout the entire period. So if there are only four digits following the 8, it is certainly a (by  production would certainly have hit five-digit numbers). If the digits following the 8 are higher than 51, then it must be a , and so on. 

Notes: Every USA Hamer left the factory with a serial number. If it lacks one, it was likely either refinished or stolen and altered. All serials used numbers, except for Johnny Ramone's white Sunburst, which had characters in place of numbers. The above information applies to USA made Hamers only. Later, Korean, Indonesian and Chinese serial numbers are different and are probably worthless for dating an instrument. Big thanks to the Hamerfanclub forum administrator "cmatthes" for help with this information.

Ibanez(Back to top of page)
(non Acoustic)

Japanese Ibanez Serial Numbers

and after (CE logo designation)

F = FujiGen
YYXXXXX format
YY = year (98=)
XXXXX = production number




F = FujiGen
H = Terada
I = Ida Gakki (Iida)
YXXXXX format
Y = year (2=)
XXXXX = production number




MYYXXXX format
M = Month (A = January to L = December)
YY = year (82=)
XXXX = production number
Most Ibanez models with this serial number format were made by FujiGen Gakki. Exceptions are the Ibanez Blazer models which were made by Dyna Gakki and the Axstar by Ibanez models AX40, AX45, AX48, AXB50, AXB60, AXB65, AX70, AX75 which were made by Chushin Gakki. The Ibanez Axstar AXB model was made by FujiGen Gakki.[4]


Korean Ibanez Serial Numbers

The serials below should start with one or two letters to indicate the manufacturer, then follow with one of the several possible number schemes below having somewhere between 6 and 10 digits.

C = Cor-Tek (Cort), S = Samick(–), S/SQ = Saehan(Sunghan), P = Peerless (Iida), Y = Yoojin, A = Sae-In.

YYMMXXXX format
YY = year (03=)
MM = month (01=January=December)
XXXX = production number

E = Sung-Eum

YMMXXXX format
Y = year (9=)
MM = month (01=January=December)
XXXX = production number

W = World

MYXXXX format
M=month (1=January=September, X=OctoberZ=December)
Y=year (3=)
XXXX = production number


Indonesian Ibanez Serial Numbers

I = Cor-Tek (Cort) Indonesia, K = KWO

YYMMXXXXX format
YY = year (03=)
MM = month (01=January=December)
XXXXX = production number


Chinese Ibanez Serial Numbers

Z = Yeou Chern, J=Sejung

YYMMXXXXX format
YY = year (03=)
MM = month (01=January=December)
XXXXX = production number


Odd Ibanez Serial Numbers

Acoustic
2 = Cor-Tek (Cort) Taejan
YYXXXX format
YY = year (94=)
XXXX = production number
Ibanez Ghostrider model numbers GR=Cor-Tek (Cort), MGR=Samick


Older Acoustic

YYMM (Kato)
YY = year (82=)
MM = month (01=January=December)

Silver Cadet model

Z = Woo-sin



Jackson/Charvel(Back to top of page)
Charvel USA Made
(check out www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com for lots of good info too) About San Dimas Charvels were built without serial numbers from '79 until 11/9/ For the San Dimas Charvels, # began the numbered series in late 81'. began with #, '83 with #, '84 with #, '85 with #, and '86 with # Warning: Someone sold the leftover, excess numbered neckplates on the black market, so if you find a guitar with a San Dimas neckplate numbered or higher, it was not made by Charvel/Jackson!

To help you identify your Jackson / Charvel, use the following information: If you have a San Dimas California or Ontario California neckplate and, or have a "MADE IN USA" logo on the headstock, you have a USA MADE guitar. If you have a www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com Texas neckplate, or you have a neckplate that simply says Jackson / Charvel, you do NOT have a USA MADE guitar.

Charvel Imports
Year of manufacture, Charvel Model 1 - 4
A quick and dirty way of determining the year of manufacture for the bolt-on Model Series 1 - 4, is to look at the combination of trademark symbols used on both the headstock and the neckplate. Furthermore, the presence or absense of a neckplate gasket will also help you find the year. The serial on these guitars can't be used directly to find the year. Study the following table to determine the year.

Charvel Model 1 - 4
MODEL
1 - 4 / NECKPLATE GASKET / NECKPLATE SYMBOL / HEADSTOCK SYMBOL / SERIAL START (APPROXIMATE)
    No   TM   TM   
   Yes   TM   ®   
   Yes   ®   ®   

Charvel Model 5 and 6
The Charvel Model 5 and 6 have a neck-through design and unlike the Model 1 - 4, their serial number directly reveal the build year. The serial syntax is CXXXXXX. For example, C is built in the year of C would be When the Charvel Model 5 and 6 were introduced in , the serial number was found on the back of the headstock under the clear coat, in the form of a plastic decal. Later on, around mid , the factory abandoned the decal on the headstock and began stamping the serial number into the last, blind fret of the fingerboard.

Charvel Pro Mod
These are made in Mexico though they may say San Dimas on the neck plate. Serial may appear on back of headstock or neck plate, and from what I've seen if it starts "MCXX," the first two digits indicate last two of year. So, MC19xxxxx would be a

Charvel Basses
The year of the Model series bass guitars (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) can be determined using the same method as for the guitars described above. The only neck-thru version of the basses were the Model 3B.

Jackson
ALL Jackson neck-thru guitars had a serial # on the fretboard's last fret. Most of these will be 4 digit #'s. Some will have letters also before the # like RR for Randy Rhoads, or PCS for players choice series, and all archtops will start with JA and then the 4 digits. You might see one letter like J or U and then the 4 digits also. All San Dimas Jackson and Charvel bolt-on guitars will have a 4 digit serial # on the neckplate. Ontario bolt-on Jacksons will have 4 or 6 digit serial #'. All Jackson's that have the Professional logo on the headstock are Japanese made! 

Below is some info found on the Jackson enthusiast website www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com Thanks to user Mudlark for contributing this information:

Japan 6 Digits Neck Thru Stamped On Fret Board
J0xxxxx- J5xxxxx Date coded Professional headstock logo
00xxxx- 11xxxx Date coded No Professional Logo

Japan 6 Digits Bolt On/Neck Plate
90xxxxxxxx Date Coded
0xxxxx-8xxxxx Date Coded
Both formats were used at varying times on various Professional models

Japan 6 digits Headstock Stickers
J0xxxxx-J1xxxxx- Mid '90s models such as some Kellys that had no neck plate.
Not date coded. If the neck pocket contains no stamps, you'll need to check the mid-'90s catalogues and get an idea of which years the model was released. Narrowing the exact year may not be possible without neck pocket stamps.

7 Digits Japan Bolt On/Neck Plate
93xxxxxxxxxx Date Coded
Used usually on the '94 Concept models

96xxxxx, 97xxxxx, 98xxxxx Professional Headstock Logo
This format was date coded, but it wasn't used often. If you have a Professional logo with these numbers, check the ''98 catalogues to find your model. If it isn't there, you probably have the sequential serial format and possibly a 's model.

96xxxxx, 97xxxxx, 98xxxxx Jackson Logo Only
These numbers started circa ' at , hit circa , circa and ended in late around xxxx. This is the most common format seen.

7 Digit Neck Thru Stamped On Fret Board
11xxxxxxxxxx Date Coded
Seen on early Indian SLX models. These models had Made in India stickers to my knowledge. They moved to Indonesia in and had no India sticker, nor stamped board serial, but instead a headstock stickered serial.
There's a bit of mystery during the change from India to Indonesia. If anyone has a fret board stamped serial and an Indonesian sticker, let us know.

7 Digit Korean/Japanese Performers
0xxxxxx-1xxxxxx Korea ''97ish. Not date coded, and the move to Japan year is still uncertain. By '98 they were Japanese with a 96xxxxx serial.
96xxxxx- Japan ''98 to

7/8 Digits Headstock Sticker 6xxxxxx
6xxxxxxxxxxxx Probably not date coded, though they were used mid '90s on Taiwanese made Jacksons. I can't narrow it down beyond ''

7/8+ Digits Bolt On India
98xxxxxxxxxxxx Date Coded Used on most JS series and some early X Series models.
There was a time in the mid's where the whole year was shown: Ex; xxxx
Later in the 's they added the NHJ09xxxxx prefix up until Indian production stopped

Headstock Stickers and Neck Plate
Cxx12xxxxx-Cxx17xxxxx Date Coded China
Ixx12xxxxx-Ixx17xxxxx Date Coded Indonesia
Mxx12xxxxx-Mxx17xxxxx Date Coded Mexico

96xxxxx, 97xxxxx and 98xxxxx serials oftentimes don't indicate '96, '97 and '

Kramer(Back to top of page)
Kramer guitar owners seem to be some of the more dedicated fans out there. Much of the research online is centered around whether the Kramer in question was made in the USA, mostly because those are of much higher quality and worth some real money. And one thing to keep in mind is neck plates that say Neptune, NJ, do not always indicate a USA Kramer. When it comes to dating a Kramer, there is little in the way of good information. However, we suggest you check this page (www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com). It's the best resource we've seen. Good luck.



Martin(Back to top of page)
One of the few manufacturers who kept a sequential series of numbers through nearly their entire lifetime, as far back as , dating a Martin is simply a matter of finding where your serial falls in the sequence below. Serials are usually found inside the body near the neck joint. Look through the sound hole toward the head of the guitar. (You may need to use a flashlight.)

Year / Last Serial Number
























































































































Notes: Solidbody electrics like the E18 model from the '70s do not conform to the above. Numbers to were used for a short run of Sigma-made Martin models from to so do not appear on Martin models. Martin Mandolins from before use a different sequence than guitars (see Martin website).

Ovation(Back to top of page)
THREE DIGIT SERIES
Number Range / YEAR MADE / Comment

Three digits in red ink
(Feb-Nov) New Hartford; three digits in red ink
(Nov) (July) Four digits in black ink, no letter prefix
(Feb) (May) Five digits, no letter prefix
A+3 Digits (July-Nov)
B+3 Digits (Nov) (Feb)
B+5 Digits Magnum solid body basses
C+3 Digits (Feb-Sept)
D+3 Digits (Sept) (Feb)
E+4 Digits (Jan) (Feb) Solidbodies
E+5 Digits (Feb) Solidbodies
E+6 Digits (late) Some UK IIs (does not reflect production)
F,G prefix (July) (Feb)
H,I,J,L prefix Electric Storm Series


FOUR DIGIT SERIES
(First digit is always 1)
Second digit is type of guitar:
1 Acoustic roundbacks (also semi-hollowbody electrics)
2 Solidbody and semi-hollowbody electrics
3 Ultra acoustics
4 Solidbody
5 Acoustic electric cutaway Adamas and II/Elite/Ultra electric
6 Acoustic electric roundbacks
7 Deep
8 Shallow

Third digit denotes bowl depth on acoustic and acoustic electrics:
1 Standard bowl, 5 13/16" deep
2 Artist bowl, 5 1/8" deep
3 Elite/Matrix electric deep bowl
4 Matrix shallow bowl
5 Custom Balladeer, Legend, Legend 12, Custom Legend 12, Anniversary
6 Cutaway electric, deep bowl
7 Cutaway electric, shallow bowl
8 Adamas, 6 1/16" deep

Fourth digit denotes mode, for the first eight acoustic models:
1 Balladeer
2 Deluxe Baladeer
3 Classic
4 Josh White
5 String
6 Contemporary Folk Classic
7 Glen Campbell Artist Balladeer
8 Glen Campbell String

SIX DIGIT SERIES
Present (Except Adamas)

Number range YEAR MADE
(May-Dec)



(Jan-Sept)
(Sept) (Apr)
(Apr-Dec)





Elites Only
Balladeers Only
































ADAMAS SERIES
Series starts with in September

Number range YEAR MADE

See this page on the www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com website for an extensive Ovation database.

Paul Reed Smith (PRS)(Back to top of page)
To date a PRS guitar, look at the one- or two-digit prefix, which indicates the final one or two digits of the production year. So "08" indicates "09" is , etc. The only complication occurs with years that have the same final digit. Thus, "0" prefix can indicate or A "5" can indicate , or You can narrow these down by the numbers that come after the prefix, which are sequential production numbers. Lower numbers indicate earlier years. This first table lays out graphically the PRS prefix scheme described and is followed by tables for production numbers of various models.

PRS Prefix indicators
0 = or
1 = or
2 = or
3 = or
4 = or
5 = , , or
6 = , , or
7 = , , or
8 = , , or
9 = , , or
10 =
11 =
12 =
13 =
14 =
15 =
16 =
17 =
18 =


Set Neck Models (back of headstock)
After the year prefix:

Serial Number / Year
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


S2 Models (back of headstock)
After the year prefix:

Serial Number / Year
S – S
S – S
S – S
S –

CE Models ( and Later) (neck plate)
Prefix Number / Year
16
17

CE Models ( - ) (neck plate)
Serial Number / Year
7 –
7 –
7 –
7 –
7 –
7 –
7 –
7 –
7 –
7 –
7 – (prefix may be CE)
CE –
CE –
CE –
CE –
CE –
CE –
CE –
CE -
CE -
CE -

EG Models (neck plate)
Serial Number / Year
5 or EG –
5 or EG –
5 or EG –
5 or EG –
5 or EG –
5 or EG -

Swamp Ash Special Models (neck plate)
Serial Number / Year
8 –
8 or SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –
SA –

Bolt-On Bass (neck plate)
After the year prefix:

Serial Number / Year
4 –
4 –
4 –

Set-Neck Bass (back of headstock)
After the year prefix:

Serial Number / Year
9 – /87
9 –
9 –
9 –
9 –

Electric Bass (back of headstock)
After the year prefix:

Serial Number / Year
EB –
EB –
EB –
EB –
EB –

SE Models (back of headstock)
Prefix Letter / Year
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O

Acoustic Serial Numbers
The serial number of an acoustic is located on the label inside the sound hole of the guitar. All acoustic serial numbers begin with the letter "A" and are followed by the two digit year prefix.

Peavey(Back to top of page)

Serial numbers correlate to shipping dates of US models only. to Imports designated by EX, EXP, or BXP are not serialized by year. For more recent US serial numbers, please contact Peavey Customer Service.
• 8Mxxxxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx t/m xxxx
• xxxx >>

Reverend(Back to top of page)

Reverend is the brand made famous by owner Joe Naylor. Early models up till were made in the USA and since then they have been made in South Korea. If the front of the headstock of your Reverend says "Made in USA," "Eastpointe, MI, USA" or "Reverend USA," it is a made in USA Reverend. Korean models on back of headstock sometimes say "Designed & Setup by Reverend Guitars, USA. Proudly Crafted by Mirr Music Limited Korea." BUT not all Korean models say this. You need to look at the serial number and determine if it was produced before or after

All Reverends should have a serial number on the back of the headstock along with the initials of the person who set up and inspected the guitar or bass. The first inspector was Naylor himself so if your instrument has the initials "JFN" you probably have an early Reverend and it may be worth a bit more.

Other initials you'll see are SDS (Scott Schaffer) and ZSG (Zack Green). The initials and serials usually appear in a black sharpie or silver pen. These can get rubbed off, which can make dating one very hard.

One website you may want to check out is www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com It's not kept updated but still has some relevant info, especially about how many units were produced of certain guitars, and can give you an idea of how rare (or not) your Reverend might be. Reverend's website has a serial number database where you can type in your serial to get info (www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com). The table below should tell you the year of your Reverend. The last USA Reverend was serial number and was produced in May Anything newer than that will be Korean made.

YEAR    SERIAL NUMBERS
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –
      –


Rickenbacker(Back to top of page)

-
First digits are model. First letter is type of instrument. Number right after the letter is last digit of year. Last three digits are production number. For example, 4C = Series Combo from Serial number in this era will appear on the jackplate or on the bridge. There are some deviations, such as no number before the letter, however, first number after the letter still indicates the year.

-
The year is the first letter, the month is the second letter. Located on jackplate. So if "SG" appear near the output jack, S = , and G = July.

The 26 letters of the alphabet indicate the year thus:

Letter / Year
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J (or )
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Here are the letters (A-L) used to indicate the month:

Letter / Month
A January
B February
C March
D April
E May
F June
G July
H August
I September
J October
K November
L December


-
Similar to the last scheme. Also appears on jackplate. Also a two-character code, but this time the first letter indicates the month (same scheme as above) and the second character is a digit that indicates the year, thus:

Number / Year
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

- Present
Easiest of all, this two-digit scheme uses the last two digits of the year to show the year of production. (10 = , 11 = , etc).


Schecter(Back to top of page)
For Diamond Series instruments, it's simple: The first two numerical digits of the serial number (found on the back of the headstock) will tell you what year the instrument was made. For example, for serial number , the "02" indicates that the guitar was made in ; for serial number W, the "10" indicates that the guitar was made in

Schecter began as a parts manufacturer and eventually began making their own complete guitars, so from the late 70s to around , when the Diamond Series was introduced there are a lot of guitars that don't follow the first two digits rule. For those you can try contacting Schecter from this page:
www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com


Steinberger(Back to top of page)
Sorry, not much info out there. The now defunct steinbergerworld website used to suggest contacting Gibson with questions ( or service@www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com). Some other resources: a serial number database that may help you date your Steinberger: www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com And a graphic illustration that gives a serial number production timeline: www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com


Taylor(Back to top of page)

SERIAL NUMBERS / YEAR
[didn't use serial numbers!]
to
to
to [–]
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to

Digit Serial Numbers

The current digit serial numbering format that started in November of identifies where the guitar was built, the start date, and the assigned number of the guitar on that day's production schedule. For example, the serial number for the first guitar built in the El Cajon (USA) factory on July 6, is See the explanation below:

First digit indicates where it was made. (1 = El Cajon, California, USA; 2 = Tecate, Baja California, Mexico)

2nd & 7th digits indicate the two-digit year - '14 ()

3rd & 4th digits indicate the two-digit month - 07 (July)

5th & 6th digits indicate the day - 06 (the 6th)

Last three numbers indicate the guitar's position in that day's production sequence.

9-Digit Serial Numbers

From until the end of , each Taylor guitar featured a nine-digit serial number that pinpoints when work began on that guitar, along with its series and production position. See the explanation for serial number below:

First two digits indicate the year - 98 ()

3rd & 4th digits indicate the two-digit month - 03 (March)

5th & 6th digit indicate the day - 11 (the 11th)

7th digit is a series code number - 0 for or Series, 1 for through Presentation Series, 2 for Series, 3 for a Baby, 4 for a Big Baby, 5 for a T5, 7 for Nylon Series, 8 for Series, and 9 for SolidBody Series. This example is number 3, a Baby.

Last two digits indicate the guitar's position in that day's production sequence.

Digit Serial Numbers

January - October , the serial number expanded from 9 to 11 digits to accommodate the four-digit year designation. Other than the first four digits noting the year, it's decoded the same as the 9-digit serial numbers. See the explanation for serial number below:

First four digits indicate the year -

5th & 6th digits indicate the two-digit month - 03 (March)

7th & 8th digits indicate the day - 11 (the 11th)

9th digit is a series code number - 0 for or Series, 1 for thru Presentation Series, 2 for Series, 3 for a Baby, 4 for a Big Baby, 5 for T5, 7 for Nylon Series, 8 for Series, and 9 for SolidBody Series. This example is number 3, a Baby.

Last two digits indicate the guitar's position in that day's production sequence.


Washburn(Back to top of page)
Washburn has used many serial number formats over the years, ranging from characters long. The year of manufacture can be deduced from the first few numerical characters in the serial number.

Either the first 2 digits, or the first digit, are typically used to identify the year of manufacture.

For example, indicate the instrument was made in , , or  The Washburn catalog page may help you further pinpoint the year.

Instruments with serial numbers that have 5 or more characters are from the late 's's

Instruments with serial numbers that have 5 characters or less are typically from the 's.

Instruments with serial numbers that have 4 characters are from the 's and early 's.

For instruments produced after , usually the first 4 digits can indicate the year of manufacture.

There is no serial number information or tracking capability for pre models.

Yamaha(Back to top of page)

Acoustic/Classical
Saving one of the best for last, Yamaha probably has the most confusing serial system I've come across. I will state some of the basics here and then give links to sites with more detail. To start with, especially for acoustics (not always for electrics), the Yamaha system uses two letters to designate year and month of manufacture. The first letter tells the year, starting: H=1, I=2, J=3, etc., and goes all the way to Q=0. Second letter tells month. Here H=January alphabetically to Z=December.

Now before you say, that's not too bad. One caveat to this system is Yamaha recycles its numbers every 10 years, so let's use an example serial: MM The first M=BUT that 6 can indicate your guitar was made in , , , , , or So you need to have some idea of your guitar's era for it to help much.

Continuing with this example, the second M would stand for June. The first two digits, 15, are the day of the month, and the final three digits, , are the number off the production line for that day.

Electrics/Bass
Now, for electrics, archtops and basses, from (SG, SX and BB series), you can throw all that out the window. They follow a sequential numbering system outlined in the table below:

Year Serial Number Sequence










(SG, SX)
(SG)
(SG)
(SG)
(SG)
(BB)
(BB)
(SG)
(SG)
(BB)
(BB)
(SG)
(SG)
(BB)
(BB)
(through July) (SG)
(SG)
(through December)



(through July)

Electrics and basses after , the system becomes increasingly complex. Most have letters and numbers and the letters often designate month/year, but not always the same way. Below are more signposts for Yamaha serial identification.

Made in Japan,
Letter-letter-letter-letter-###. Four letters and a number, like so: LJQH
The first letter is the year; The second letter is the month; March. The third and fourth letters are the date; QH= The three numbers at the end are the unit number.

Made in Japan,
Letter-letter-####. Two letters, four numbers, like so: MI
The first number is the year; The second number is the month; February. The four numbers are the unit number;

Made in Japan,
#-letter-#####. 5I
The first number is an internal code. The letter is the month; February (see chart). The next two numbers are the date; 4th. The last three numbers are the unit number; There is no indication of year in this configuration–just "sometime between '86 and '

Made in Japan,
######. Six numbers, like so:
The first number is the year; The next two numbers are the month; 10=October. The final three numbers are the unit number;

Made in Japan,
#-letter-letter-###. Like so: 7FM
The first number is the year; The letter (2nd position) is an internal code. The next letter (3rd position) is the month; in this case M=June (see chart.) The final three numbers are the unit number.

Made in Japan,
#-letter-letter-####, like so: 8FJ
The first number is the year; The letter (2nd position) is an internal code. the letter (3rd position) is the month; March (see chart.) The final four numbers are the unit number;

Made in Japan,
Letter-letter-letter-letter-###, like so: SMQI
The first letter is an internal code. The second letter is the month; June. The third and fourth letters are the date; QI= So, June 2nd, The three numbers are the unit number;

Made in Japan,
Letter-letter-letter-letter-###, like so: SKJL
The first letter is an internal code (both I and S were used). The second letter is the month; K=April. The third letter is an internal code for Japan. The fourth letter is the year; L= The three numbers at the end are the unit number.

Made in Japan,
Letter-letter-letter-###-letter, like so: QJME.
The first and second letters are the year; QJ= The third letter is the month; M=June. The three numbers are the unit number; The final letter is an internal code (could be E, F, I, or S.)

Made in Taiwan,
Letter-letter-#####, like so: PH
The first letter is the year; P= The second letter is the month; H=January. The first two numbers (07 in this example) are the day; 7th. The final three numbers are the unit number;

Made in Taiwan,
Letter-letter-letter-######, like so: QJM
The first two letters are the year; QJ= The third letter is the month; M=June. The two numbers that follow are the day; 12th. The final four numbers are the unit number; (13).

Made in Korea and Made in China,
Letter-letter-letter-####-letter, like so: QKJY.
The first two letters are the year; QK=04 (see chart.) The third letter is the month; J=March. The four numbers that follow are the unit number; (00) The last number is an internal code (could be D, R, U, or Y.)



Above are really only some vague signposts to begin to help you with a Yamaha serial. Most sources, including Yamaha, say there are other serials not covered here and some Yamahas that follow no system. Some places you can visit to try to decipher your Yamaha serial are:

The Guitar Dater Project website:
www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com

www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com:
www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com

www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com:
www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com

www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com (goes to the source, but a bit confusing):
Acoustic/classical: www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com

Electrics/archtop/bass
www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com 

FAQ (Back to top of page)

Q: Who are you and where did you get this serial number information?

A: I own a used guitar website called www.spearpointsecuritygroup.com I found myself always scouring the Web to find production years for my guitars. I thought I would save some time by compiling a database of the many manufacturers in one document. I thought I might as well share the info with everyone on the web.

Q: Why should I trust your serial number info?

A: Well no reason really. I don't claim to be a serial number guru. In fact, I still use the Guitar Dater Project website myself for quick look-ups, but they only cover certain brands. My list goes into more detail and covers more. But it's really just a compilation of the data you'll find on many separate sites around the Internet. In some cases I've merged info from 3 or 4 different sources to try and give a more complete picture. But my database may include inaccuracies. My hope is it will save you some time by providing one place you can go for most serial lookups.

Q: Can you tell me the date of my guitar or can I request other manufacturers?

A: I have helped people in the past but I've found most times the info was out there with some quick Google searching, so please do your own research. I'll help if I can, but odds are your searching will uncover the same stuff I'd find. Feel free to ask me to cover different brands in the comments section or make suggestions if you see inaccuracies. Thanks.

V. Wade Contreras has been the owner of Still Kickin Music since He played for years in bands in the LA area. Now that he has a wife and kid and needs to eat more than Ramen once in a while he makes a living buying and selling really cool used guitars.