Photo by Jinen Shah on Unsplash

Charvel Serial Number Lookup & Checker: Decode Your Guitar Instantly

A Charvel serial number lookup is the fastest way to identify when and where your Charvel guitar was built. Whether you need a Charvel guitar serial number lookup for a San Dimas original, a So-Cal, or a Pro-Mod, our free tool decodes it in seconds. Charvel was founded in 1974 by Wayne Charvel in Azusa, California—originally a parts and repair shop that evolved into one of the most influential guitar brands of the 1980s. Sold to Grover Jackson in 1978, the company moved to San Dimas and entered its legendary golden era from 1979 to 1986. Today, Charvel is owned by Fender and produces both USA Pro-Mod guitars and import models worldwide.

Use the free Charvel serial number lookup tool above to decode your guitar instantly. It covers original USA San Dimas guitars (1981-1986), Japan imports (1986-1991), modern USA Pro-Mod (Corona, CA), and Japan Charvel (JC prefix) imports. Enter your serial number Charvel and get production year, country, and era in seconds—no sign-up required. Dating Charvel guitars has never been easier. At OwningAFender.com, we're the guitar serial number experts, and our Charvel serial number checker handles every major Charvel format from the past four decades. Looking up Charvel serial numbers? You're in the right place.

Charvel Serial Number Checker

The tool at the top of this page is a free Charvel serial number checker. Enter your serial number exactly as it appears on your guitar—whether it's a 4-digit San Dimas original, a C-prefix Japan import, or a modern 6-digit Pro-Mod—and get instant results. No sign-up required. The decoder identifies production year, country of origin, factory, and era for every major Charvel format.

Pro tip: Once you've decoded your Charvel, you'll want to set it up to play its best. Factory specs—action height, pickup height, neck relief—vary by era and model. Check our Factory Specs Lookup to find the exact setup specifications for your model.

Where to Find Your Charvel Serial Number

Charvel serial numbers appear in different locations depending on the era and model:

• Neck plate (San Dimas, bolt-on models): Original San Dimas guitars (1981-1986) and many bolt-on Charvels have the serial stamped on the metal neck plate where the neck bolts to the body. This is the classic location for vintage Charvels.
• Back of headstock (modern models): USA Pro-Mod and many modern Charvel guitars have the serial number on the back of the headstock, often near the tuning machines.
• Inside neck pocket: Some Charvel guitars have production codes or date stamps inside the neck pocket. Remove the neck to inspect—this is less common for the main serial but can help verify authenticity.

Pro tip: Use good lighting and a magnifying glass for older guitars. San Dimas neck plate stamps can be faint after decades of use.

How to Read Your Charvel Serial Number

Charvel uses four main serial formats. Identifying which format you have is the first step:

1. USA San Dimas (1981-1986): 4-digit sequential number from 1001 to 5491. Example: 2939 = 1984. These are the most collectible Charvel guitars. Serials above 5491 are counterfeit or excess plates; ~750 pre-serial guitars exist from 1979-1981.
2. Japan Import (1986-1991): C prefix + model digit (1-6) + sequential number. Example: C1123456 = Model 1, Japan. The first digit after C indicates the model (Model 1 through Model 6).
3. USA Pro-Mod (modern): 6-digit production number or 4-digit Custom Shop. Example: 001234 = USA production. Contact Charvel/Fender for exact date.
4. Modern Import (Japan Charvel): JC prefix + 2-digit year + sequential. Example: JC18000123 = Japan, 2018. The two digits after JC indicate the year.

Charvel Serial Number Formats: Complete Reference

USA San Dimas Serial Numbers (1981-1986)

The USA San Dimas era is the most important period in Charvel history. These guitars were handcrafted at the original San Dimas, California shop and are highly sought after by collectors. Only approximately 4,500 serialized guitars were produced during this period.

Critical notes: Serials 5492 and above are widely considered counterfeit or from excess neck plates that were never used on authentic San Dimas instruments. Exercise extreme caution if your serial falls in this range. Approximately 750 pre-serial guitars exist from 1979-1981—these are extremely rare and valuable. Reissues from 2002 and 2005 use serial numbers in the 6000+ range; these are legitimate instruments but are not original San Dimas era guitars.

Japan Import Serial Numbers (1986-1991)

When Charvel moved production overseas in 1986, Japanese OEM manufacturers built the Model 1 through Model 6 series. These use a C prefix followed by the model digit and a sequential number.

The C prefix identifies Japanese production. The first digit after C indicates the model. These guitars were built between 1986 and 1991 by skilled Japanese manufacturers.

USA Pro-Mod Serial Numbers (Modern)

Modern USA Charvel guitars are built at the Fender facility in Corona, California. Production models use 6-digit serial numbers. Custom Shop and limited runs may use 4-digit or 5-digit formats. Contact Charvel/Fender customer support with your full serial for exact production date.

Modern Import Serial Numbers

Japan Charvel (JC prefix) guitars use a format that encodes the year: JC + 2-digit year + sequential number. Example: JC18000123 = Japan, 2018. The two digits after JC indicate the calendar year (80 = 1980, 18 = 2018).

Decade-by-Decade Changes: What Your Charvel Serial Number Reveals

Your Charvel serial number places your guitar in history. Each decade brought different ownership, production locations, and model lines.

1970s (Wayne Charvel founding): Charvel was founded in 1974 by Wayne Charvel in Azusa, CA. The company started as a parts and repair shop, building custom guitars and selling parts. Wayne sold the company to Grover Jackson in 1978. Pre-serial guitars from this era (~750 instruments) are extremely rare.

1980s (San Dimas golden era): The move to San Dimas in 1979 marked the beginning of the legendary era. Grover Jackson and his team built handcrafted guitars that defined the "superstrat" sound. Serial numbering began at 1001 in 1981. Production peaked in 1984 with over 1,300 guitars. Jackson Guitars was spun off; Charvel production moved to Japan in 1986. Serials 5304-5491 are the last true San Dimas instruments.

1990s (Japan production): Charvel guitars were built in Japan under license. The C-prefix serials (Model 1-6) date to 1986-1991. Later 1990s Charvels may use different formats. The brand was less prominent during this period.

2000s (Fender acquisition): Fender acquired Charvel in 2002. San Dimas reissues (2002, 2005) use 6000+ serial numbers. These are USA-built reissues, not original San Dimas era guitars. Quality improved under Fender ownership.

2010s-2020s (Pro-Mod revival): The Pro-Mod series revitalized Charvel. USA Pro-Mod guitars are built in Corona, CA. Import models (JC prefix) come from Japan. The brand has regained its reputation for high-performance instruments.

Serial Number Mysteries Solved: Real Case Studies

Real-world serial number puzzles teach valuable lessons. Here are eight case studies from Charvel owners and authenticators.

Case Study 1: The Suspect 5500 Serial

The Mystery: A seller offered a "1986 San Dimas" Charvel with serial 5523. The price was attractive—$2,500 for what should be a $5,000+ guitar. The buyer ran it through our decoder.

The Investigation: Our decoder flagged serials 5492+ as suspect. Authentic San Dimas production ended at 5491 in 1986. Serial 5523 falls in the counterfeit/excess plate range. Physical inspection revealed a neck plate that looked newer than the body, and the font didn't match known authentic examples.

The Solution: The guitar was a counterfeit or had a replacement neck plate. Authentic San Dimas serials never exceed 5491. The buyer walked away.

Takeaway: Serials 5492+ are red flags. Always verify San Dimas authenticity with physical inspection and expert opinion when the serial is in this range.

Case Study 2: The Pre-Serial Charvel

The Mystery: A Charvel with no serial number on the neck plate. The owner believed it was authentic—it had the correct body shape, headstock, and hardware for a late-1970s/early-1980s build.

The Investigation: Approximately 750 Charvel guitars were built before serial numbering began at 1001 in 1981. These "pre-serial" instruments are rare and valuable. Physical inspection: ash body, correct pickup routes, period-correct hardware, San Dimas-style headstock. No signs of serial removal or plate replacement.

The Solution: This was likely a pre-serial Charvel (1979-1981). Authentication by a qualified expert was recommended. Pre-serial Charvels can command $4,000-$10,000+ depending on condition and originality.

Takeaway: Not all authentic Charvels have serial numbers. Pre-serial guitars exist and require expert authentication. Document physical features and seek professional appraisal for high-value instruments.

Case Study 3: The Reissue vs Original Confusion

The Mystery: A Charvel with serial 6123. The seller claimed "1986 San Dimas." The buyer was confused—our decoder said "2002 or 2005 reissue."

The Investigation: Serial numbers 6000+ were used on San Dimas reissues produced in 2002 and 2005. These are legitimate USA-built guitars but are not original San Dimas era (1981-1986). Physical inspection: the guitar had a modern finish, newer hardware, and Fender-era production markings. The neck plate font was consistent with 2000s reissues.

The Solution: This was a 2002 or 2005 San Dimas reissue—a fine guitar but not an original. Value: $1,200-$1,800 depending on condition. Original 1986 San Dimas guitars (5304-5491) command $4,000-$8,000+.

Takeaway: Serials 6000+ = reissue, not original. Know the difference before buying. Reissues are great players but not collectible in the same way as originals.

Case Study 4: The Japan Model 3

The Mystery: A Charvel with serial C3054321. The owner couldn't find information about this format.

The Investigation: The C prefix indicates Japanese production. The first digit after C (3) indicates Model 3. These were built between 1986 and 1991 by Japanese OEM manufacturers. The Model 3 was a popular import—HSS configuration, bolt-on neck, Floyd Rose-style tremolo.

The Solution: This was a Charvel Model 3 made in Japan between 1986 and 1991. Value: $400-$800 depending on condition. These are solid players and often undervalued.

Takeaway: C + model digit + sequential = Japan import. The model digit (1-6) identifies the specific model line. Our decoder recognizes this format.

Case Study 5: The 6-Digit USA Pro-Mod

The Mystery: A Charvel with serial 001234. The owner wanted to know the exact production date.

The Investigation: Modern USA Pro-Mod guitars use 6-digit serial numbers. These don't encode the year in the format—they're sequential production numbers. The guitar was built at the Fender facility in Corona, CA. Contacting Charvel/Fender support with the full serial is the only way to get the exact date.

The Solution: The owner contacted Charvel support and received confirmation: built in Corona, CA, March 2019. Our decoder correctly identified it as "Modern USA Pro-Mod" but couldn't provide the exact year without the manufacturer's database.

Takeaway: Modern 6-digit Charvel serials require manufacturer lookup for exact dates. Our decoder identifies the format and factory; Charvel support provides the precise production date.

Case Study 6: The JC Prefix Import

The Mystery: A Charvel with serial JC18000123. The owner thought it might be a Custom Shop guitar.

The Investigation: JC stands for "Japan Charvel"—not Custom Shop. The format is JC + 2-digit year + sequential. JC18 = 2018. This is a modern Japanese-built Charvel import.

The Solution: This was a 2018 Japan Charvel. Value: $300-$700 depending on model and condition. These are well-built instruments at an accessible price.

Takeaway: JC = Japan Charvel, not Custom Shop. The two digits after JC indicate the year. Our decoder handles this format automatically.

Case Study 7: The Serial That Didn't Match the Body

The Mystery: A Charvel with serial 2939 (1984 San Dimas) but the body had a "swimming pool" route—a large rectangular cavity typical of later guitars. Something didn't add up.

The Investigation: Original 1984 San Dimas guitars had individual pickup routes, not a swimming pool. The serial was correct for 1984, but the body routing suggested a different era. Either the body was replaced, or the serial was copied from a real 1984 and applied to a fake.

The Solution: The body was not original. This was likely a counterfeit with a copied serial number. A correctly formatted serial does not guarantee authenticity—physical features must match the era.

Takeaway: Always verify that body routes, hardware, and cosmetics match the era the serial suggests. Serial numbers can be copied onto counterfeit guitars.

Case Study 8: The Faded Neck Plate

The Mystery: A Charvel neck plate with a serial that was barely visible. The owner could make out "4" and "2" but not the full number.

The Investigation: San Dimas neck plate stamps can fade over time. The owner tried different lighting angles, a magnifying glass, and a pencil rubbing (paper over the serial, rub with pencil to reveal impressions). The rubbing revealed "42" and two more digits—likely 4262-4299 (1985 range).

The Solution: With the partial serial visible, the owner narrowed it to 1985. Physical inspection of hardware and body wood (alder) confirmed mid-1980s production. Estimated value: $8,000-$12,000 for a 1985 San Dimas in good condition.

Takeaway: Faded serials can often be recovered with the pencil rubbing technique. Even partial serials can narrow down the year when combined with physical inspection.

Authentication Tips for Charvel Guitars

Authentication is critical for San Dimas era Charvels, which command premium prices. Counterfeits exist—especially serials 5492+ and guitars with copied authentic serials. Here's how to protect yourself.

Neck plate authenticity: Original San Dimas neck plates have a specific font and stamp depth. Plates should be aged consistently with the guitar. Replacement plates or plates with incorrect font are red flags. Compare to known authentic examples.

Body wood: San Dimas guitars typically used ash or alder bodies. Ash has a distinct grain; alder is smoother. Body wood should match the era. Modern wood or incorrect wood types suggest a counterfeit.

Pickup routes: Original San Dimas guitars had individual pickup routes—not a swimming pool. A swimming pool route on a "1984" serial is a major red flag. Route shapes vary by model; research the specific model.

Headstock shape: Charvel headstocks evolved over time. San Dimas headstocks have a specific profile. Compare to period-correct examples. Wrong headstock shape indicates a fake or replacement neck.

Serial font: The stamping style, depth, and spacing should match authentic examples. Sloppy, shallow, or printed-looking serials suggest a fake. Serials 5492+ are counterfeit or excess plates—never authentic San Dimas.

Verification steps:

1. Run the serial through our decoder. Does the result match the guitar's apparent age and features?
2. Check the serial range. 1001-5491 = authentic San Dimas. 5492+ = suspect. 6000+ = reissue.
3. Compare body routes, hardware, and headstock to known examples from that year.
4. For high-value guitars, seek professional authentication from a Charvel expert or reputable dealer.

Troubleshooting Guide

Can't decode your Charvel? Follow these five steps.

Step 1: Check All Serial Locations

Before assuming the serial is missing, check every location. Neck plate (San Dimas, bolt-on), back of headstock (modern), and inside the neck pocket (production codes). Use good lighting and a magnifying glass. Older stamps can be faint.

Step 2: Serial Is Unreadable

Faded or worn stamps are common on vintage Charvels. Try different lighting angles—raking light across the surface reveals impressions. Use the pencil rubbing technique: place thin paper over the serial and rub gently with a pencil. Take a high-resolution photo and enhance contrast digitally. Avoid cleaning or rubbing the stamp—you could damage it.

Step 3: Serial Doesn't Match Any Format

Your serial may use a special format. Pre-serial guitars (1979-1981) have no serial. Reissues (6000+) are legitimate but not original San Dimas. Some limited editions or Custom Shop guitars may have non-standard formats. Contact Charvel/Fender support with photos for verification.

Step 4: Serial Is in the Suspect Range (5492-5999)

Serials 5492+ are widely considered counterfeit or excess plates. If your serial falls here, the guitar is not an authentic original San Dimas. It may be a reissue with a wrong plate, a counterfeit, or a parts guitar. Seek expert authentication before buying or selling.

Step 5: Still Can't Identify

If you've exhausted the above, contact Charvel/Fender customer support with clear photos of the serial, headstock, neck plate, and body. Post on Charvel forums (e.g., Charvel.com forums, Jackson/Charvel groups) with photos—experienced members can help. For high-value or pre-serial guitars, consider professional appraisal from a reputable dealer.

Found Your Year? Get Your Charvel's Setup Specs

Once you've decoded your Charvel serial number, the next step is dialing in the right setup. Factory specs—action height, pickup height, neck relief, string gauge—vary by era and model. A 1984 San Dimas has different specs than a 2020 Pro-Mod.

Use our Factory Specs Lookup to find the exact setup specifications for your Charvel model. Enter your model name and get nut width, fretboard radius, recommended action, and more. Proper setup unlocks your guitar's potential—whether it's a vintage San Dimas or a modern Pro-Mod.

Just Got a Used Charvel?

If you're looking up a serial number, you probably just bought a used Charvel—congratulations! The next step is getting it set up properly. Used guitars almost always need a fresh setup after changing hands.

Why used Charvel guitars need setup:

• Climate and humidity changes affect neck relief
• Floyd Rose-style trems (if equipped) need precise setup after shipping
• Previous owner's string gauge and action preferences may not match yours
• Vintage guitars often need fret leveling or dressing

Your next steps:

1. Check Action Height — Charvel players typically prefer low action for fast playing
2. Adjust Truss Rod — Dial in the right neck relief
3. Choose the Right Strings — String gauge affects tremolo balance and tone
4. Check Factory Specs — Find the exact specs for your model
5. Add to My Garage — Track your guitar's serial number, specs, and setup history

What's Your Charvel Worth?

Serial number dating is the first step to valuing your Charvel. Once you know the year and origin, you can estimate market value. These ranges are approximate and vary by condition, originality, and market conditions.

San Dimas originals (1981-1986): $3,000-$15,000+ depending on year, model, and condition. Early 1981-1982 guitars command premiums. 1984-1985 production was highest; good examples run $4,000-$8,000. Mint, all-original guitars can exceed $15,000.

Japan imports (1986-1991): $400-$1,200 depending on model and condition. Model 1-6 series are solid players and often undervalued. Model 6 (with Floyd Rose) tends to command the higher end.

Modern Pro-Mod USA: $1,000-$2,000 used. These are excellent instruments built in Corona, CA. Pro-Mod So-Cal and San Dimas models hold value well.

Modern import (JC prefix): $300-$700 used. Japan Charvel guitars offer good value. Condition and model affect price within this range.

Reissues (2002, 2005, 6000+ serials): $1,000-$1,800 used. Legitimate USA-built guitars but not original San Dimas. Great players at a lower price than originals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I use the Charvel serial number lookup?

Use the free tool at the top of this page. Enter your serial number exactly as it appears on your guitar (on the neck plate or headstock). Click Decode to get production year, country, factory, and era. No sign-up required. The Charvel serial number lookup tool handles all four formats automatically.

What is a Charvel serial number decoder?

A Charvel serial number decoder is a tool that interprets your serial number to determine production year, country of origin, and era. Our decoder covers USA San Dimas (1981-1986), Japan imports (1986-1991), modern USA Pro-Mod, and Japan Charvel (JC prefix) formats—all free, with no sign-up required.

Where is the Charvel serial number?

Original San Dimas guitars (1981-1986) have the serial on the neck plate. Modern USA Pro-Mod and many modern Charvels have it on the back of the headstock. Some guitars may have production codes inside the neck pocket.

How do I date a Charvel guitar?

For San Dimas originals (1981-1986), match the 4-digit serial to the year range table (1001-1095 = 1981, up to 5304-5491 = 1986). For Japan imports, the C prefix indicates 1986-1991. For JC prefix, the two digits after JC give the year. For modern Pro-Mod, contact Charvel/Fender support. Use our free Charvel serial number lookup tool for instant results.

What do Charvel San Dimas serial numbers mean?

San Dimas serials are 4-digit sequential numbers from 1001 (1981) to 5491 (1986). Each year has a specific range—e.g., 2939-4261 = 1984. Serials 5492+ are counterfeit or excess plates. Approximately 750 pre-serial guitars exist from 1979-1981. The Charvel San Dimas serial number chart above shows the complete year-by-year breakdown.

Is there a free Charvel serial number checker?

Yes. The tool at the top of this page is a free Charvel serial number checker. Enter your serial for instant results—production year, country, factory, and era. No sign-up or payment required. It covers San Dimas, Japan imports, Pro-Mod, and JC formats.

What year is my Charvel?

Use our Charvel serial number lookup tool above, or match your serial format to the reference tables in this guide. For San Dimas (4-digit, 1001-5491), use the year range table. For Japan imports (C prefix), the era is 1986-1991. For JC prefix, the two digits after JC indicate the year. For modern Pro-Mod 6-digit serials, contact Charvel/Fender support.

What year is my Charvel guitar?

Enter your serial number in the free lookup tool at the top of this page. It instantly identifies the production year for all Charvel serial formats—San Dimas, Japan import, Pro-Mod, and JC. If you have a modern 6-digit Pro-Mod serial, contact Charvel/Fender support for the exact date, as this format does not encode the year.

Are Charvel serial numbers above 5491 real?

Serials 5492-5999 are widely considered counterfeit or from excess neck plates that were never used on authentic San Dimas instruments. Serials 6000+ were used on legitimate 2002 and 2005 San Dimas reissues—these are USA-built reissues, not original San Dimas era guitars. Exercise extreme caution with serials in the 5492-5999 range.

What does C mean in a Charvel serial number?

The C prefix indicates Japanese production (1986-1991). The first digit after C (1-6) indicates the model: C1 = Model 1, C2 = Model 2, C3 = Model 3, C4 = Model 4, C5 = Model 5, C6 = Model 6. Example: C3123456 = Model 3, Japan. These were built by skilled Japanese OEM manufacturers.

What does JC mean in a Charvel serial number?

JC stands for Japan Charvel. The format is JC + 2-digit year + sequential number. Example: JC18000123 = Japan, 2018. These are modern Japanese-built Charvel imports—well-built instruments at an accessible price point.

Where is the Charvel San Dimas serial number?

The Charvel San Dimas serial number is stamped on the metal neck plate where the neck bolts to the body. This applies to original San Dimas guitars (1981-1986, serials 1001-5491) and San Dimas reissues (2002, 2005, serials 6000+). Use good lighting and a magnifying glass—vintage neck plate stamps can be faint after decades of use.

Where is the Charvel So-Cal serial number?

The Charvel So-Cal serial number is typically on the back of the headstock for modern USA Pro-Mod So-Cal models (6-digit format). Japan Charvel So-Cal models use the JC prefix format. The serial location and format tell you whether your So-Cal is USA-made (Corona, CA) or a Japanese import.

Where is the Charvel Pro-Mod serial number?

The Charvel Pro-Mod serial number is on the back of the headstock. USA Pro-Mod guitars use a 6-digit sequential format and are built in Corona, CA. Contact Charvel/Fender support with the full serial for the exact production date, as the 6-digit format does not encode the year.

How much is my Charvel worth?

Value depends on era, origin, and condition. San Dimas originals (1981-1986): $3,000-$15,000+. Japan imports (1986-1991): $400-$1,200. Modern Pro-Mod USA: $1,000-$2,000. Modern import (JC prefix): $300-$700. Reissues (6000+ serials): $1,000-$1,800. Condition and originality are the most important factors.

What is the difference between San Dimas and Pro-Mod Charvel?

San Dimas refers to original guitars built in San Dimas, CA from 1981-1986 (serials 1001-5491). Pro-Mod refers to modern USA Charvel guitars built at the Fender facility in Corona, CA. Pro-Mod guitars are excellent instruments but not the collectible originals. San Dimas originals command $3,000-$15,000+; Pro-Mod runs $1,000-$2,000 used.

How do I authenticate a Charvel San Dimas?

Verify the serial is 1001-5491. Check neck plate font and stamp depth against known authentic examples. Confirm body wood (ash or alder), pickup routes (individual, not swimming pool), and headstock shape match the era. Serials 5492+ are red flags. For high-value guitars, seek professional authentication from a Charvel expert.

Do pre-serial Charvel guitars exist?

Yes. Approximately 750 Charvel guitars were built before serial numbering began at 1001 in 1981. These pre-serial instruments (1979-1981) are extremely rare and valuable—$4,000-$10,000+ depending on condition. Authentication by a qualified expert is recommended. Document physical features and seek professional appraisal.

What is a Charvel Model 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6?

These are Japanese-built Charvel imports from 1986-1991. The C prefix serial format uses the first digit after C to indicate the model: C1 = Model 1, C2 = Model 2, etc. Model 6 typically had a Floyd Rose; others varied in pickup configuration and hardware. These are solid players, typically $400-$1,200 used.

Where were Charvel guitars made?

Original San Dimas guitars (1981-1986) were made in San Dimas, CA. Japan imports (1986-1991) were made in Japan by OEM manufacturers. Modern USA Pro-Mod guitars are made in Corona, CA at the Fender facility. Japan Charvel (JC prefix) imports are made in Japan. The serial format identifies the origin.

Does Charvel have an official serial number lookup?

Charvel/Fender offers limited serial lookup through customer support. Our free Charvel serial number decoder provides instant results for all major formats—San Dimas, Japan imports, Pro-Mod, and JC—with year ranges and authentication guidance. No sign-up required. Contact Charvel support directly for exact production dates on modern 6-digit serials.

What is a Charvel serial number chart?

A Charvel serial number chart is a reference table that maps serial number ranges to production years. This page includes the complete San Dimas chart (1001-5491 broken down by year), Japan C-prefix model identification, JC prefix year decoding, and Pro-Mod format details. Use the tables above or the free lookup tool for instant decoding.

Other Brand Serial Number Decoders

We're the guitar serial number experts—and we cover more than Charvel. If you own multiple brands, these tools will help:

• Fender Serial Number Lookup -- Decode USA, Mexico, Japan, and Indonesia Fender guitars from 1950 to present
• Squier Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Squier guitars from Indonesia, China, Korea, and Japan
• Gibson Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Gibson guitars from Nashville, Kalamazoo, and Bozeman
• Epiphone Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Epiphone guitars from China, Korea, Indonesia, and Japan
• Ibanez Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Ibanez guitars from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and China
• PRS Serial Number Lookup -- Decode PRS guitars from USA, Korea, Indonesia, and China
• Yamaha Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Yamaha guitars from Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia
• Taylor Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Taylor guitars from El Cajon and Tecate factories
• Martin Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Martin guitars from 1898 to present with complete serial chart
• Jackson Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Jackson guitars from USA, Japan, Indonesia, and Korea
• Gretsch Serial Number Lookup -- Decode Gretsch guitars from USA Custom Shop, Japan, Korea, and China
• Factory Specs Lookup -- Find factory setup specifications for any guitar

Tags

• Charvel
• Guitar Setup
• Buyer's Guide