Yamaha Guitar Serial Number Lookup Official

Newer models often use longer strings of numbers or a three-letter prefix. YYYMMDDUUU (e.g., 0002180013 ) 00 = 2000, 02 = February, 18 = 18th day.

Best for: Pacifica series, SG series, BB Basses.

Yamaha serial numbers generally follow one of four patterns, depending on where and when they were made. yamaha guitar serial number lookup

If you are trying to date a vintage acoustic and the serial number logic fails you, use the label color. This is the quickest way to identify the era for the famous FG series.

Most often found on the back of the headstock. On some vintage models, you may need to check the neck plate or even the neck pocket. Decoding the Yamaha Serial Number Systems Newer models often use longer strings of numbers

If you have a vintage Taiwan-made FG series acoustic, you might find an internal stamp like . This uses the Republic of China (Minguo) calendar, which started in 1912. To find the Western year, add 1911 to the first two digits (e.g., 62 + 1911 = 1973).

Why this is difficult: There is overlap. A guitar made in late 1975 might have the same prefix as one made in early 1976. Serious collectors use the "FG List" archives to cross-reference specific model features (like the "Red Label" vs "Green Label" vs "Orange Label") to narrow down the year. Yamaha serial numbers generally follow one of four

For an automated search, tools like the Guitar Dater Project or the Gibson App Yamaha Lookup can help decode these complex formats instantly.