Gibson sg serial number dating

Since all the instruments using this serial number pattern were acoustic or semi-hollow the labels were located inside the instrument body.Gibson introduced a new pattern when they began producing solid body guitars.In the first 45 years of production the number system was pretty cut and dry.

Les Paul Classic: This model features an ink stamped serial number with no “MADE IN USA” (just as we used on the original 1952-1960 Les Pauls).

Most will be 5 to 6 digits in length, but the earliest examples feature 4 digit serial numbers.

There should be a space after the 1st digit with the 4 and 5 digit serial numbers, and no space with the 6 digit numbers.

From 1975-1976 a transfer was used for the serial numbers.

The transfer contained an eight digit serial number as well as "MADE IN USA". There also were some bolt on models with a date ink stamped on the heel.