How to date a Gibson Les Paul: Serial numbers, potentiometer codes, and features

Three ways to date a Gibson Les Paul guitar 

Use this guide to quickly and easily date your Gibson Les Paul guitar from any year. Serial number lookups don't work well with Les Pauls since Gibson reused the same numbers multiple times over. The Les Paul has been in production every year since 1952, but Gibson has used over 8 different serial number schemes since then. Use the information on this page identify the style first, then you can use the number to date the guitar. If that doesn't work, then you can also date a Les Paul by potentiometer code, and for 1950s Les Pauls, by features as well. 

Date your Gibson Les Paul in three ways:

1. Date your Les Paul by serial number: Select the matching style first to accurately decode your serial number

2. Date your Les Paul by potentiometer code This can be helpful for dating Les Pauls from the 1970s or guitars with no serial number.

3. Date your 1950s Les Paul by features: Helpful to identify the model (there were 5 different models in the 1950s and 1960s), then to see how each model changed throughout the years. 

How to tell what year your Gibson Les Paul was made: start with the serial number, then check that answer by the potentiometer code, then check the answer again based on the timeline of features for the model.

If you're looking for help dating other vintage Gibson guitars, check out: Gibson Serial Number Lookup.

Appraisals: We work with vintage Gibson guitars from the 1950s and 1960s. If you're looking for help determining the value of your vintage Les Paul then you can contact me here: Appraisal. 

1. How to date a Les Paul by serial number

It is possible to date a Les Paul by serial number, but you'll need to reference the correct chart by first determining the style and number of digits. Use this graphic below to help select the correct chart, then look for the serial number range for your Les Paul: 

1. Ink Stamp serial numbers: Original vintage 1950s Les Pauls, 1980s reissues, "Classics" 1989-1992, and Historic Reissues since 1993

2. Die stamp serial numbers: 3 - 6 digits with no MADE IN USA stamp: vintage 1961-1970 and Gibson Custom Historic Reissues

3. Die Stamp Serial Numbers: 6 digits with MADE IN USA (1970 - 1975)

4. Clear sticker/Gold writing: 8 digits (1975 - 1977)

5. Die Stamp with 8 digits: Standardized serial number scheme from 1977 through 2005

6. Die Stamp with 9 digits: Standardized serial number scheme from 2005 through 2014

Les Pauls with ink stamp serial numbers: 1950s, "Classics", 1980s Pre-Historic, and modern reissues

The original Les Paul guitars from the 1950s had an ink stamped serial number on the back of the headstock, but Gibson has carried over this for different runs from the 1980s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s, to now. Start at step 1 below to be directed to the right decade to decode the serial number: 

1. Check for a "COA": Look in the pocket of the case for a certificate of authenticity. No COA? Go to step 2. If COA is present, here: Historic reissues. 

2. Check for "Classic": Look on the front of the headstock for the word "Classic". No Classic? Go to step 3. If Classic is present, go here: Les Paul Classic 

3. Check size of typeface: Look at the chart below to see if the size of the serial number matches the 1950s or 1980s: 1950s Les Paul serial numbers or 1980s Pre-Historic Reissues.

Gibson has used at least three different schemes for the ink stamp serial numbers, but all of them are based off of the 1950s solid body (primarily Les Paul) serial number scheme. 

1950s Les Paul serial numbers:

1950s Les Paul serial numbers are ink stamped, included a single digit year prefix, then a consecutive number with four (or up to five starting in 1955) digits. 

How to read 1950s Les Paul Serial numbers: The first digit indicates the last digit of the year it was made. E.g.: "5 5146" = 1955. The last four or five digits are a consecutive production number. This scheme is for ink stamped serial numbers on the back of the headstock for 1953 - 1961 only.

We collect all models of 1950s Les Pauls. You can get a great appraisal here: Appraisal

Or contact me if you're thinking about selling:  Sell a Gibson.

Serial number prefix                Year 3 XXXX                                    1953 4 XXXX                                    1954 5 XXXX                                    1955 6 XXXX                                    1956 7(x)XXXX   (5 or 6 digits)        1957 8(x)XXXX   (5 or 6 digits)        1958 9(x)XXXX   (5 or 6 digits)        1959 0(x)XXXX   (5 or 6 digits)        1960 1(x)XXXX   (5 or 6 digits)        1961

We collect all models of 1950s Les Pauls. You can get a great appraisal here: Appraisal Or contact me if you're thinking about selling:  Sell a Gibson.

Three exceptions for dating a 1950s Les Paul by serial number:

1. Les Paul Models (Goldtop) made in 1952 do not have a serial number. If you have a goldtop Les Paul with no serial number, a trapeze bridge, and P-90 pickups then it was likely made in 1952

2. Les Paul Customs made in 1953 do not typically have serial numbers.

3. Les Paul Juniors and TVs made in 1958 just after the transition to the double cut body do not have the model year prefix, but still have the consecutive 4 digit number (Ex: 1958 Les Paul Junior)

1980s Pre-Historic Reissues (1983-1992): 

Gibson's first proper reissues of the Les Paul used the same format as the original 1950s Les Pauls: "Y XXXX" where Y = the last digit of the year and X is a consecutive production number for that year.

Format: "Y XXXX"

• Y = last digit of the year of production (ex. "4" = 1984)
• X = consecutive production number

Les Pauls marked "Classic" on the front: 

Gibson reused the ink stamp style for the "Classic" reissues beginning in 1990. The scheme utilized 5 total digits until a 6th digit was added in 2000. The font of the "Classic" Les Pauls is slightly larger than the 1950s fonts. 

1990-1999: "Y XXXX" where Y = last digit of the year and X is a consecutive number

2000-2014: "YYXXXX" where YY = last two digits of the year and X is a consecutive number

Les Paul Historic Reissues 1992:

In 1992, Gibson began a new version of the reissue of the Les Paul it called the Historic Collection and gave it a new serial number scheme which looks identical to the old one. 

How to read Historic Reissue Les Paul serial numbers: M YRRR or MYRRRR

M = model number

Y = last digit of the year of manufacture

R = consecutive production number (4 or 5 digits)

Model codes: 9 = 1959 les Paul Standard, 8 = 1958 Les Paul Standard, 7 = 1957 Les Paul Custom, 6 = 1956 Les Paul (Goldtop), 4 = 1954 Les Paul (Goldtop), 2 = 1952 Les Paul (Goldtop)

Die Stamp (4 to 6 digits) Les Paul Serial numbers:

1961 - 1969 Les Paul die stamped serial numbers

In early 1961, Gibson standardized the serial number system across all instruments and updated the style to a die stamp. The die stamped serials began with only four digits but increased to 6 digits by 1963. The die stamp serial numbers from 1961 to 1970 are exceptionally difficult since Gibson reused the same number sometimes as much as three different times during the decade. Since the Les Paul was discontinued in 1963 and reintroduced in 1968, the answers can be narrowed down easier. 

 How to date Les Pauls with 4 or 5 digit die stamp serial numbers:

How to date Les Pauls with 6 digit die stamped serial numbers (no MADE IN USA stamp):

The following table of serial numbers are helpful for dating Les Paul guitars only. Click here for the full table of 1960s Gibson Serial Numbers. I've culled the irrelevant ranges with no Les Paul guitars to make it easier to read. 

Die stamp with MADE IN USA

By 1970, Gibson continued to reuse the die stamp number system but they added the "MADE IN USA" stamp. We think that the potentiometer code is a better way to date a Les Paul with a 6 digit die stamp serial number and "MADE IN USA" stamp: Date your Les Paul by potentiometer code.

Serial Number Range Year 000000 1973 100000 1970-1975 200000 1973-1975 300000 1974-1975 400000 1974-1975 500000 1974-1975 600000 1970-1972, 1974-1975 700000 1970-1972 800000 1973-1975 900000 1970-1972

Clear sticker with gold (8 digits) mid 1970s Les Paul Serial Numbers:  

Les Pauls made from 1975 until 1977 have a serial number printed in gold on a clear sticker on the back. These are easy to date because of the two digit prefix Gibson used: "99" = 1975, "00" = 1976, and "06" = 1977. Format: YYDDDFCC YY: Year code (99 = 1975, 00 = 1976, 06 = 1977) DDD: Day of the year (001-365) F: 0-4 = Kalamazoo factory, 5-9 = Nashville factory CC: Consecutive production

Die stamp (8 digits) Late 1970s through 2005:  

8 Digit Die Stamped Serial Numbers Finally, in 1977 Gibson standardized the serial number system into an 8 digit die stamped system which indicates the year it was made, the day it was made, the production rank, and the factory it was made in. 8 digit pattern: YDDDYFRR"  Y = last two digits of the year D = day of the year (001-365) F = Factory code (0 - 4 = Kalamazoo, 5 - 9 = Nashville) RR = place in the production line

Die stamp with 9 digits

Standardized serial number scheme since 2005

How to date a Les Paul by potentiometer code:

Since some Les Paul serial numbers were reused multiple different times, the potentiometer codes can often be a better way to find out what year it was made. This is especially helpful for Les Paul guitars made during the early 1970s, but can be helpful for other guitars as well. The potentiometer will have a date code which can be no earlier than the date that the Les Paul guitar was produced. 

Potentiometers are variable resistors which allow the player to adjust the volume and tone of the signal being sent from the guitar to the amplifier. The knobs on the front of the guitar are affixed to a shaft which goes into the control cavity accessed from the back of the guitar. The back of the potentiometer typically has a model date code, model code, maximum resistance, and taper style mark. It's important to be sure you're ready the correct code to date the Les Paul.

How to read your 1950s Potentiometer Code

If your 1950s Les Paul serial number is difficult to read because of a smudge or a refinish, you may wish to check the potentiometer code for help with how to date it. The majority of 1950s Les Pauls potentiometers were made by Centralab and have a 6 digit date code in the following format:

"MMM_YWW"

M = Manufacturer code (134 = Centralab)

Y = last digit of the year during the 1950s decade

W = week of the year out of 52

How to read your 1960s Potentiometer Code

Centralab updated the potentiometer code style in 1961 to include the decade digit. In order to date a 1960s Les Paul, the 7 digit code can be read as follows:

"MMMYYWW"

How to read your 1970s Potentiometer Code

Since Gibson's serial number scheme in the 1970s is inconsistent, I often recommend checking the potentiometer code to determine exact year it was made. Gibson typically used CTS potentiometers (Chicago Telephone Supply) with a 7 digit date often. The codes can sometimes be covered by solder, so you may have to piece together the code from more than one potentiometer.

"MMMYYWW"

How to date a Les Paul by features (1950s Les Pauls)

It's also possible to determine what year your vintage Gibson Les Paul guitar was made based on its features. Gibson made five different Les Paul models from the introduction of the range in 1952 until the entire line was discontinued in 1963. This section is helpful to confirm the year of Les Paul and to see how the different models changed throughout the initial run. 

1. Identify the exact model (there were 5 Les Paul models in the 1950s)

Use the chart below to help identify exactly what model Gibson Les Paul you have:

Select your model below to date your Gibson via its features:

1. Les Paul Junior - red or Sunburst
2. Les Paul TV - Limed Mahogany (yellow, 1 pickup)
3. Les Paul Special - red or yellow, two pickups
4. Les Paul Model/Standard - Gold or Sunburst, two pickups
5. Les Paul Custom - black, two or three pickups

2. Track how the models changed over time

A. Les Paul Junior:

The most budget friendly Les Paul made during the 1950s and 1960s was the Les Paul Junior. Introduced in 1954, the Junior was intended to satisfy the entry level market with a solid body electric guitar. The Junior always has one P-90 style single coil pickup placed right next to the bridge.

We love vintage Gibson Les Paul Juniors: Sell a Gibson. We can help with an appraisal of value, identification, and how to sell.

1954 - 1956: Single cutaway Mahogany body with flat top, Sunburst finish only, black bonnet shaped volume and tone knobs, pickup is placed very close to the bridge.

1956 - 1958: Pickup placement shifts away from the bridge and longer bridge post bushings are used to avoid bridge post lean. 

1958 - 1961: Double cutaway Les Paul body shape, Cherry Red finish only, black knobs until 1960, then reflector knobs

1961 - 1963: SG body style (but still named Les Paul), Cherry Red finish only, reflector knobs, offset wrap tail bridge with no compensation

1962 - 1963: SG Body, Cherry Red only, introduction of the compensated "lightning bar" bridge. Renamed the SG Junior during 1963. 

 B. Les Paul TV: 

The Les Paul TV Model was introduced in 1955 and is often referred to as a "TV Yellow Junior", but it's an entirely different model than the Junior. The TV was listed separately in the price list and catalog. It's identical to the Junior, but offered only in Limed Mahogany finish (referred to as TV Yellow today).

We love vintage Gibson Les Paul TV Models: Sell a Gibson. We can help with an appraisal of value, identification, and how to sell.

1955: Single cutaway Mahogany body with flat top, "Limed Oak" finish (often referred to as "wheat" color finish) or Limed Mahogany (what we call TV Yellow), single P-90 pickup, black bonnet shaped knobs

1956-1958: Pickup placement shifts away from the bridge and longer bridge post bushings are used to avoid bridge post lean. Limed Oak ("wheat") finish dropped. 

1958 - 1959: Double cutaway Les Paul body shape, Limed Mahogany (what we call TV Yellow) finish, "Les Paul" signature dropped from name and headstock in November 1959 (some with signature in 1960 as well). 

1960-1961: Renamed "SG Special", retains double cutaway body style until 1961. 

C. Les Paul Special: 

The Les Paul Special was introduced in 1955 as a professional model at the most modest price point. Upgraded features include two P-90 pickups, pearl "Gibson" logo inlay, and neck binding. 

We love vintage Gibson Les Paul Specials: Sell a Gibson. We can help with an appraisal of value, identification, and how to sell.

1955 - 1956: Single cutaway solid Mahogany body with flat top, two P-90 pickups, Limed Mahogany (what many call TV Yellow) finish only, offset uncompensated wrap tail bridge/tailpiece, and black bonnet shaped knobs. Pickup is placed very close to the bridge.

1956 - 1958: Single cutaway Mahogany body with flat top, Limed Mahogany (what we call TV Yellow) finish, single P-90 pickup, black bonnet shaped knobs

1958 - 1959: Double cutaway Les Paul body shape, Cherry Red or Limed Mahogany (what we call TV Yellow) finish available, "Les Paul" signature dropped from name and headstock in November 1959 (some with signature in 1960 as well). 

1960-1961: Renamed "SG Special", retains double cutaway body style until 1961. 

D. Les Paul Model and Standard:

The original and flagship Les Paul guitar was introduced as the "Les Paul Model" in 1952. Common collector names for this model are the Goldtop or the Burst, depending on on the year and finish. 

We love vintage Gibson Les Paul Standards: Sell a Gibson. We can help with an appraisal of value, identification, and how to sell.

1952: Single cutaway Mahogany body with carved Maple cap, Gold finish only, two P-90 single coil pickups, trapeze style bridge, very low neck pitch, no neck binding, two diagonal screws on the neck pickup, and no serial number. 

Mid 1952: Neck binding added to the model. The neck pickup no longer has diagonal screws.

1953 - 1955: Serial numbers introduced on the back of the peghead, wrap tail bridge introduced, but the neck pitch isn't increased until later in the year (typically above serial number 3_2xxx).

1955 - 1957: Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece introduced, knob style changes from speed knobs to amber bonnet shaped knobs

1957 - 1958: Humbucking pickups replaced P-90 pickups. The pearl "Gibson" inlay shifts upward closer to the top of the headstock.

1958: Cherry Sunburst finish introduced. 

1959: The fret size increases to standard wide frets, the neck profile decreases slightly to a medium fatness.

1960: The neck profile decreases all the way to a slim taper profile. Reflector knobs are introduced. 

1961: "SG" body style introduced, but the model retains the Les Paul name and signature until 1963. The stop bar tailpiece is replaced by the side pull vibrato tailpiece. Cherry Red finish only. 

1963: The "Les Paul" model name and signature are dropped. The side pull vibrato tailpiece is replaced by the Gibson Deluxe Vibrola (Maestro) tailpiece. 

E. Les Paul Custom:

The very top of the Les Paul line was the Custom introduced in 1953. Hiding under the standard Ebony finish is a solid carved one piece Mahogany body, as opposed to the Maple cap on the Standard. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece are introduced on this model. The Custom utilized a special fret size/shape that Gibson called "Fretless Wonder" which are low and flat when new. 

We love vintage Gibson Les Paul Customs: Sell a Gibson. We can help with an appraisal of value, identification, and how to sell.

1953: No serial number, but some with an identification number etched into the neck heel. Single cutaway solid carved one piece Mahogany body with layered binding, Ebony fretboard, large pearl position markers, "Custom" pearl inlay on the headstock. One AlNiCo V (staple) pickup in the neck position and one P-90 pickup in the bridge position.

1954 - 1955: Serial numbers introduced on the back of the peghead. Black speed knobs.

1955 - 1957: Black bonnet shaped knobs introduced

1957 - 1961: Humbucking pickups introduced and a third pickup added. The switch pattern is: Neck (switch up), Middle and Bridge pickups out of phase (switch middle), and Bridge pickup (switch down).

1961 - 1963: The thinner "SG" body style and White finish replaces the single cutaway with Ebony finish. 

Frequently asked questions about dating vintage Les Paul guitars

1. How old is the Les Paul Model? The first Les Paul Models shipped in 1952. Gibson Les Paul Model guitars from the first year of production have no serial number.

2. If my serial number was used in multiple years, how do I know the exact year of manufacture? You'll need to read the potentiometer code. The pot code will indicate a week and year that the part was made, so if it's original to your guitar, then it's safe to estimate that it was made within a year of the potentiometer code.