Les Paul Guitar Serial Number Lookup Official

This is the easiest system to read. In July 1977, Gibson standardized an 8-digit numbering system that identifies the year, day, and rank of production.

| Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1 | Locate serial number (back of headstock, sometimes under finish or on control cavity label). | | 2 | Note format length and any prefix letters (CS, M, etc.). | | 3 | Identify era using the tables above. | | 4 | Use online decoders (see Section 7) as a first pass. | | 5 | For pre-1975, email Gibson customer service with photos (serial, headstock front/back, body). | | 6 | Cross-check with known counterfeit indicators (e.g., incorrect font, serial misalignment, missing “MADE IN USA”). | les paul guitar serial number lookup

To get the exact date for your specific guitar, use these resources: This is the easiest system to read