Vintage Gibson Guitars!!
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Gibson Guitars are one of the most loved brand name guitars. That makes Gibson Guitars much sought after and prized by many different musicians.
Here are some tips for Vintage Gibson guitar identification.
Early Gibson Guitars may use both a FON ( factory order numbers.) and a serial number. Since Gibson used to make guitars in batches of 40, the FON will even provide what number in the batch of guitars your instrument was - as art print identification does.
The numbers are often on the back of the instrument and seen through the round soundhole.
Code Letter FONs were stopped after 1941. Instruments made during or right after World War II are not marked with FON codes.
In 1949, Gibson used a four digit FON code.
From 1952-61, FON numbers had a letter, batch number, and instrument ranking number.
Lower grade models like the Gibson ES-125, ES-140 etc., or Gibson's which do not have a paper label, will only feature the FON number for identification.
High grade Gibson models such as the Gibson L-5, Super 400, will have both a serial number and a FON.
When both numbers are present on a high grade model, the serial number would be the best indication of the actual date of the guitar.
Body shapes and styling will also help you identify your Gibson guitar.
You will love your vintage and rare Gibson guitar for many years to come. This collector will become a family heirloom.