If the serial number is hard to read, look at the potentiometers (the knobs) inside the control cavity. They have date codes (e.g., 137YYWW) that can help narrow down the year of the components.

"Patience," Elias warned. "Counterfeiters know everyone looks at the first digit. A stamped number is a good start, but it’s not the verdict."

Starting in 2014, some models moved to a simpler format where the first two digits are the year (e.g., 14xxxxxxx for 2014). 3. Custom Shop and Reissue Numbers

"What does that mean?" Marcus leaned in.

Look inside the soundhole. The number is usually printed on an orange, white, or tan label, or stamped into the wood block at the base of the neck.

Elias handed the guitar to Marcus. "Play the first position. How does the neck feel?"

"Exactly," Elias nodded. "That profile belongs to a '56 or '57. By '59, those necks were significantly thinner. If the serial number says '59, but the neck feels like '56, and the FON inside says '56..."

Yes, verifying a Gibson serial number is a for several reasons:

Since 1970, most Gibsons feature a "Made in USA" stamp directly below the serial number.