Every brand we can read, and how far back
Six brands, the years each one covers, and what stops us where it stops. If your instrument is not here, we can't currently date it from the number.
- Martin1898–2025
- Taylor1993–present
- PRS1985–present
- Squier1982–2012
- FenderEarlier Fender serials can't be dated from the number alone.1976–present
- GibsonThe 1961–75 numbers repeat; the guide explains what separates them.1977–present
Where each brand's numbering changes
Martin
Taylor
PRS
- Acoustic instruments with an A prefix, 2009 onward2009–present2 formats
- Set-neck Core electrics, 2008 onward2008–present1 format
- Set-neck Core and Standard electrics, leading digit 5 (1985, 1995 or 2005)1985, 1995, 20051 format
- Set-neck Core and Standard electrics, leading digit 6 (1986, 1996 or 2006)1986, 1996, 20061 format
- Set-neck Core and Standard electrics, leading digit 7 (1987, 1997 or 2007)1987, 1997, 20071 format
- Set-neck Core and Standard electrics, leading digit 8 (1988 or 1998)1988, 19981 format
- Set-neck Core and Standard electrics, leading digit 9 (1989 or 1999)1989, 19991 format
- Set-neck Core and Standard electrics, leading digit 0 (1990 or 2000)1990, 20001 format
- All 12 eras