The information we’re providing here should help you with dating your vintage Gretsch guitar, but if you have any questions please call or email us directly.

Gretsch guitars, like those from virtually every other manufacturer, are hard to date with unquestionable precision, and an approximate age should be regarded as a safe and satisfying compromise. Serial numbers can offer an indication of the production period, if not always a specific year. Using serial numbers as the sole method of dating is not advisable: numbering systems tend to be inconsistent or incomplete and can include confusing duplication or repetition. Such vagaries afflict the serial number schemes employed by most guitar makers, and Gretsch is certainly no exception. Other clues should wherever possible be used to confirm the age of a Gretsch guitar.

Gretsch Serial Numbers 1949-65 (USA)

Prior to 1949 Gretsch numbering was haphazard, with a series starting at 001 applied to only some of a predominantly acoustic range. In 1949 a new system began for most models and remained in use until 1965. Although on paper it appears straightforward, the numbers were not always applied in strict sequence or chronological order, and anachronistic anomalies can and do occur. Most of these serial numbers appear either on the label found inside the sound hole or F hole or are impressed into the top of the headstock (see photos). In some cases the serial number is inside the control cavity on the back of the guitar, as is evidenced with Duo Jets & Jet Fire Birds (see photos).

Number Series Approx Period

3000s 1949-50

4000s to 5000s 1951

5000s to 6000s 1952

6000s to 8000s 1953

9000s to 13,000s 1954

12,000s to 16,000s 1955

17,000s to 21,000s 1956

21,000s to 26,000s 1957

26,000s to 30,000s 1958

30,000s to 34,000s 1959

34,000s to 39,000s 1960

39,000s to 45,000s 1961

46,000s to 52,000s 1962

53,000s to 63,000s 1963

63,000s to 78,000s 1964

78,000s to 85,000s 1965

Gretsch Serial Numbers 1965-72 (USA)

In 1965 the previous system was replaced by a new method that incorporated the date of manufacture. The number of digits used could vary from three to six: the first or first and second digit(s) indicate(s) production month (from 1 to 12); the next digit denotes the last number of the relevant year (from 1965 to 1972); and any remaining digits refer to the model itself.

For example:

592 suggests May (5) 1969 (9)

7820 suggests July (7) 1968 (8)

96220 suggests Sept (9) 1966 (6)

271376 suggests Feb (2) 1967 (7)

These serial numbers are typically inked into the back of the headstock (see photos). However, it should be noted that certain combinations can cause confusion about the date. Months 10, 11 and 12 (Oct, Nov and Dec respectively) could also indicate month 1 (Jan) and years 0,1 and 2 (1970, 1971 and 1972 respectively). In these instances other dating pointers must be used to confirm the guitar's true age.

Gretsch Serial Numbers 1972-81 (USA)

The previous numbering scheme continued in operation until 1981, but from about 1972 the month digits were frequently separated from the rest of the serial number by a hyphen, or a dot, or a space. This small difference helps to prevent any confusion about the year digit, which otherwise could often apply to both the 1965-72 and 1972-81 production periods. The visible presence of hyphen, dot or space within the number usually confirms that it relates to 1972-81.

For example:

3-8094 suggests March (3) 1978 (8)

5.5125 suggests May (5) 1975 (5)

4 2126 suggests April (4) 1972 (2)

These serial numbers are also most likely inked into the back of the headstock (see photos), but there are certain models, such as the Super Axe, where the serial number can be found inside the guitar by removing the battery control plate (see photos).

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