THE COLLECTOR’S WORKBENCH
Date your
vintage guitar.
Fender, Gibson or Epiphone: combine the serial number with the markings you can actually see.
YOUR RESULT
The details make
the difference.
Select a brand to reveal the relevant questions.
Why ask about markings?
Similar numbers can belong to different production systems. The result keeps alternative dates visible and explains which observation is needed next. It does not turn uncertain evidence into an exact manufacturing date.
Supported formats
- Fender: selected original-era USA numbers and Made in Japan / Crafted in Japan formats.
- Gibson: selected early solidbody ink formats; 1960s and early 1970s impressed ranges, with or without the two-line USA stamp; 1975–1977 decals; standard eight-digit 1977–2005 numbers.
- Epiphone: NY acoustic and selected electric estimates; Kalamazoo hollowbody A-labels, early solidbody ink numbers and 1960s impressed ranges; selected 1993–2008 letter-prefix imports.
Unsupported formats, unusual models, ambiguous marks and gaps in historical records require photographs and individual research. A serial match does not prove authenticity, condition or original components.
Dating references
- Fender USA and Fender Japan
- Gibson manufacturer reference
- GuitarHQ: historical Gibson ranges and vintage Epiphone numbering
- NY Epiphone Registry: original dating research
References checked 16 September 2026. Independent tool; not affiliated with the manufacturers or Guitar Dater Project.
Prepare an appraisal brief →