Disclaimer

What this reference provides

Check My Guitar reads serial numbers against documented manufacturer formats and reports what those formats say. A result describes the number you entered — that it is consistent with a particular format and a particular production period. It does not describe the instrument the number is stamped on, which we have not seen.

What it does not provide

• Authentication. We cannot and do not confirm that an instrument is genuine. That requires physical examination by someone qualified to carry it out.
• Valuation. We do not estimate what an instrument is worth, and no result should be used as the basis of a price.
• Model identification. A serial number identifies when an instrument was numbered, not what it is.
• Confirmation that parts are original. Nothing in a serial establishes whether the finish, electronics, hardware, neck or body are original to the instrument, or that they left the factory together.
• Legal or professional advice of any kind, including in a dispute, an insurance claim or a sale.

Accuracy

The information here is compiled from manufacturer documentation and, where that does not exist, from credible specialist and community references. Every rule is sourced, tested and dated, and our methodology is published in full so you can judge it.

It will still contain errors. Manufacturer records are incomplete, instruments were numbered inconsistently, exceptions exist that no published table records, and sources sometimes contradict each other. The information is provided as-is, without warranty of any kind, express or implied.

You rely on it at your own risk. Where an instrument matters to you — because of what it costs, or because you are buying, selling or insuring it — get it examined by a qualified appraiser or an established dealer. No online lookup, including this one, is a substitute for that.

Trademarks and independence

Check My Guitar is an independent reference. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or connected to Gibson Brands, Epiphone, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Squier, C.F. Martin & Co. or any other manufacturer.

Manufacturer names, model names and trademarks referenced on this site remain the property of their respective owners and are used nominatively — that is, solely to identify the instruments those companies made, which is the only way to write about them at all. No manufacturer logo, headstock decal or other trademark artwork is reproduced anywhere on this site.

External links

We link to manufacturer documentation and other references so you can check our reading against the original. We do not control those sites, are not responsible for their content, and linking to them is not an endorsement.

Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Check My Guitar and its operators accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from use of this site or reliance on anything published here, including financial loss on the purchase or sale of an instrument.

Getting in touch

If something here is wrong, report it — that is the fastest route and reports are reviewed by a person. For anything else, see the contact page.