Gibson Serial Numbers
In the 1970s, Gibson came up with a serial number system, which is still being used today on all Gibson models inluding the Gibson SG. Usually, it's an eight-digit serial number, engraved on the back of the headstock. The first and fifth number combined show the year the guitar was made. The second, third, and fourth numbers show the day of the year the particular guitar was made listed as the Julian date, which is the days of the year numbered in order from 001 to 365 or 366 on leap year. The sixth number indicates the location where the guitar was made and the last two digits show the "production run" number. The pattern is as follows.
YDDDYRRR
YY- Production Year
DDD- Julian Date
RRR- Factory ranking/plant designation number
As of July 2005, Gibson has switched to a 9-digit serial number. Now, the first and fifth numbers are the year, the 2, third and fourth is the day of the year the guitar was made. The sixth number is the batch number, and the seventh, eighth and ninth numbers represent the location the guitar was made. Today, the pattern is as follows.
YDDDYBRRR
YY- Production Year
DDD- Julian Date
B- Batch Number
RRR- Factory ranking/plant designation number
NOTE: There are some exceptions to these rules, and you can find out more information on the Official Gibson Serial Number Search Page.