Understanding Gretsch guitar serial numbers

Gretsch used several different serial number schemes through the years. Each of them
can be used to accurately pinpoint the age of a guitar, if you have the correct
information.

Unfortunately, correct information can be very difficult to come by.

The Gretsch-GEAR database exists to get it right: to document the actual serial
numbers and determine once and for all what was built and when. You can see the
changes in serial numbers and guitars in our serial number charts.

For additional reading on Gretsch serial numbers, we highly recommend Ed Ball's

excellent "Gretsch 6120: The History of a legendary guitar." Ball was one of the key
researchers who have determined the actual dates, years and features Gretsch serial
numbers correspond to.

Note that when attempting to data a guitar by features that the specs may have been
altered. Bridges, tailpieces, pickguards and other pieces have often been changed over
the years.

Sequential numbering: 1930s-1966

From the beginning of guitar production until 1966, Gretsch guitars were sequentially
numbered and can be used to reliably date the guitar. However, it is important to note
several key points:

1/. Gretsch annual changes corresponded to model years, like automakers, not
necessarily calendar year. Just as a '57 Chevy may have been built in late '56 to hit the
showrooms in the fall, a '57 6120 may have been constructed in '56. Nevertheless, if it
has all the typical '57 features, it is not considered a '56 model.

2/. Gretsch guitars were built in batches, typically of 100, but sometimes 50. Guitars
typically did not change much within a batch -- with some exceptions -- but they often
changed from batch to batch. So two examples from the same year could have different
features, depending on which batch they came from. See Charting the Changes.

3/. Numbers restarted after World War II, which can lead to considerable confusion on
very old Gretsches. If it has a "light bulb" headstock, it's probably pre-war.

4/. The numbers here are generally considered the most accurate numbers publicly
available at the time. However, research has indicated that they could be substantially
off. If you have questions, ask on the forum. One of our resident Gretsch-sperts will be
able to help.
Gretsch began numbering guitars sequentially, probably in 1939 but possibly earlier.
Originally, the number was just written inside the guitar in pencil These pencilled-in
numbers often fade and become illegible, or even disappear.

After World War II, some guitars had a serial number embossed on the head, but
reliable numbers didn't really appear until the advent of the first labels, around 1949.
Hollowbody labels should be visible through the f-hole, while solidbody labels are
usually inside the control cavity.

The numbers, by model year

Less than 1000: Pre-war
10xx to 20xx: Approximately 1945-1947
20xx-30xx: Approximately 1948-1949
0xx to 40xx: Approximately 1950
40xx to 50xx: Approximately 1951
50xx to 70xx: Approximately 1952
70xx to 90xx: 1953
90xx to 130xx: 1954
130xx to 180xx: 1955
180xx to 210xx: 1956
210xx to 260xx: 1957 Note: 1000 serial numbers from 1957 were misplaced and
later turned up, with original '57-style labels, in 1965.
260xx to 300xx: 1958
300xx to 340xx: 1959
340xx to 390xx: 1960
390xx to 450xx: 1961
451xx to 530xx: 1962
530xx to 630xx: 1963
630xx to 770xx: 1964
770xx to 840xx: 1965 Note: the misplaced 1957 serial numbers, as well as some
odd four-digit serial numbers, show up in 1965-1966, during the transition to the
date-coded system in mid-'66.

1966 to 1972 date-coded serial numbers

Gretsch began date-coding serial numbers in August 1966. Date-coded serial numbers
are typically found stamped on the back or top of the headstock, and "Made in USA" is
stamped next to the number starting in June 1967.
The first digit or first 2 digits = month (1-12).
The next digit = last digit of the year (1966 to 1972: 6,7,8,9,0,1,2).
The remaining digits = number of individual instrument, probably.
For example, 27136 should be February (2), 1967 (7) and the 136th instrument made
that year.
1972 to 1981 date-coded serial numbers
A hyphenated number was embossed into the back of headstock.
The digits before hyphen = month (1-12).
The first digit after hyphen = last digit of year. (i.e., 1974 would be 4)
Last 3 digits = number of the instrument.
For example, 3-8094 would be March (3), 1978 (8) and the 94th guitar made that
month.

Finding your serial number

Beginning in the late 1940's, Gretsches have labels with a printed serial number and a
handwritten model number. On hollowbodies, the label is usually visible through the f-
hole. On other models such as solidbodies, it should be inside a control cavity. From
about 1949 to 1957 watch for a white rectangular label that reads:

Fred Gretsch Mfg. Co.

60 Broadway, Brooklyn 11, N.Y.
Model ________
Serial No.__________
Musical Instrument Makers Since 1883

The serial number will probably be printed in red, and the model number written in blue
or black. The label has a fairly ornate border around it, but the "Gretsch" is usually
printed in a plain font. However, some have "Gretsch" printed as the familiar logo.

The serial number will probably be printed in red, and the model number written in blue
or black. The label has a fairly ornate border around it, but the "Gretsch" is usually
printed in a plain font. However, some have "Gretsch" printed as the familiar logo.

Beginning in about 1957 a new label was introduced, which lasted until about 1965. On
this one, "The Fred Gretsch Mfg. Co." was printed in black on an orange shape that
vaguely resembles a musical note. This was superimposed on a gray over white label.
On the white part, the serial number is printed, and the model number should be
handwritten. This label should be on all guitars after number 25000.

This would be a good time to note that some models, particularly 1962 -'65 models, had
the serial number embossed on the headstock in lieu of a label.

Beginning in 1965, the model number was printed either on top or on the back of the
headstock or engraved in the metal model plate on the headstock, and no label was
fitted.
In the late '60s the labels returned on most models. For a brief period rarely found labels
were used that look like the second-generation labels, except "That Great Gretsch
Sound" is printed across the bottom.

Finally, sometime around 1972 a plain black and white label was introduced. With
"Gretsch Guitars" in a logo-type font across the top. These labels list model and serial
numbers and along the bottom reads "Made in U.S.A."