Gibson Serial Numbers

I am about to buy a (second hand) Gibson Les Paul Classic. The current owner can say nothing about the history of the guitar, not even how old it is. However, there is a serial number(?) on the back of the headstock, which is:

3 2573

My investigations (via the Gibson web site) have thus far failed to shed any light on the possible history/authenticty of the guitar.

Can anyone help with identifying Gibson Serial Numbers?

Hi Ellis,

I have the 'The Gibson Les Paul Book' by Tony Bacon & Paul Day, and there is, not surprisingly, a chapter covering the dating of the various models.

The Classic series seems to have been introduced in 1990 and suggests that this model is no more than 12 years old. The word 'Classic' was stamped on the truss rod cover, and the pick guard had a '1960' logo.

The serial number you quote may be a red herring, as this style was only used during the years 1953 to 1960, and has perhaps been included as part of a vintage reissue series.

Hope this helps.

It might not be a Classic at all, as they should have the standard YDDDYNNN 8-digit serial stamped in the back of the headstock along with 'MADE IN USA'. The later Classics (after '92) have a 'Les Paul Classic' decal on the front, rather then 'Les Paul Model' All classics also have the thin taper 60s neck profile.

Is the serial inked or stamped? The current reissues have the serial inked in this manner and the first single digit denotes the model, e.g a 7 for the '57 reissue, an 8 for the '58 reissue, but what a 3 denotes I don't know. Could it be an earlier reissue? You can email Gibson here: http://www.gibson.com/relations/mailform.html and they should be able to tell you what you need to know.

Good luck,

Although having read 'THE PROPER WAY TO STRING YOUR INSTRUMENT' at http://www.gibson.com/reference/infoguides/9.html I do wonder!

'The lower end of the instrument is strung . Different instruments are strung according to the bridge and string type. The bridge end is always strung before the string posts at the neck.'

Wise words indeed!