Use our free Epiphone serial number lookup tool to decode your guitar instantly. Covers Chinese (Qingdao), Korean, Japanese, and Indonesian models from 1970 to present. Find production year and factory.
Covers China, Korea, Japan, and Indonesia from the 1970s to present.
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An Epiphone serial number lookup is the fastest way to identify when and where your guitar was made. Epiphone has produced guitars in Japan, Korea, China, Indonesia, and even the USA since the 1970s—and each factory used different serial formats. Whether you own a modern Les Paul Standard from the Qingdao factory or a vintage Japanese-made Epiphone, the serial number holds the key.
Use the free Epiphone serial number lookup tool above to instantly decode your serial number. It covers Chinese (Qingdao), Korean (Unsung, Saein, Samick), Japanese (Terada, Matsumoku), and Indonesian models—no sign-up required. Enter your number and get production year, factory location, and era in seconds.
At OwningAFender.com, we're the guitar serial number experts—and that expertise extends well beyond Fender. Our free Epiphone serial number checker covers every major production era and factory.
Before you can run an Epiphone serial number lookup, you need to find the number. Epiphone has used several locations over the decades.
Back of Headstock (Most Common): The vast majority of Epiphone guitars—especially modern models from China and Indonesia—have the serial number printed or stamped on the back of the headstock. Look near the top, often in small text below the "Epiphone" logo. This is the first place to check for any Epiphone made after the mid-1990s.
Label Inside Body (Acoustics and Semi-Hollows): Epiphone acoustic guitars and semi-hollow models (Casino, Sheraton, Dot) often have the serial number on a label inside the soundhole or f-hole. Use a mirror and flashlight to read it clearly.
Neck Joint / Heel: Some older Epiphone models, particularly Japanese production from the 1970s-1980s, have serial numbers or date codes stamped on the neck heel—the part that sits inside the body pocket. You may need to remove the neck to see it.
Pickguard or Control Cavity: In rare cases, particularly on vintage models, additional identification numbers may appear under the pickguard or inside the control cavity.
Pro tip: Serial numbers can be faint, especially on older guitars. Use good lighting and a magnifying glass if needed. On modern Chinese Epiphones, the serial is typically printed in white or silver ink on the back of the headstock.
Photo by Eduardo Andrade on Unsplash
The tool at the top of this page is a free Epiphone serial number checker. Enter your serial number and it instantly returns your guitar's production year, manufacturing location, factory name, and era. No sign-up required—use it as often as you need to verify a single guitar or compare multiple instruments.
What's Next? Now that you know your guitar's year, the next step is setting it up to play its best. Factory specs—action height, pickup height, neck relief—vary between Epiphone eras and models. A 1990s Korean Les Paul needs different measurements than a 2024 Inspired by Gibson. Want to dial in the right specs? Check out our Action Height Guide and Truss Rod Adjustment Guide.
The vast majority of Epiphone guitars sold today are made at the Qingdao factory in China, Gibson's primary Epiphone production facility. These use the F-prefix format.
| Position | Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | Factory identifier (Qingdao / "FuQi") |
| 2-3 | YY | 2-digit year (e.g., 15 = 2015) |
| 4-5 | MM | Month (01-12) |
| 6-11 | RRRRRR | Production number (6 digits) |
Total length: 11 characters (F + 10 digits).
Nearly all current Epiphone models use the F-prefix format, including:
Before the F-prefix era, Epiphone used several letter prefixes for Chinese production.
These single-letter prefixes followed by digits indicate Chinese production from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s.
| Prefix | Factory | Year Range | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Samick China | Late 1990s-2000s | S0312345 |
| R | China (unspecified) | Late 1990s-2000s | R0512345 |
| T | China (unspecified) | Late 1990s-2000s | T0412345 |
Format: Prefix + YY (year) + MM (month) + RRRR (production number).
The EE prefix indicates early Epiphone Chinese production. Format: EE + YY + MM + RRRR.
Example: EE0312345 = 2003, Chinese production.
Korean production was a major chapter in Epiphone's history. Several factories produced Epiphone guitars from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s.
The U prefix is the most common Korean Epiphone serial format. Unsung was one of Epiphone's primary Korean manufacturers.
| Position | Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | U | Unsung factory |
| 2-3 | YY | 2-digit year |
| 4-5 | MM | Month (01-12) |
| 6-9 | RRRR | Production number |
Example: U0312345 = March 2003, Unsung factory, Korea.
The SI and SJ prefixes indicate the Saein factory in Korea.
Example: SI0512345 = 2005, Saein factory, Korea.
The SM prefix indicates the Samick factory in Korea.
Example: SM9812345 = 1998, Samick factory, Korea.
| Prefix | Factory | Year Range | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | Unsung | 1980s-2000s | U0312345 | Most common Korean prefix |
| SI | Saein | 1990s-2000s | SI0512345 | |
| SJ | Saein | 1990s-2000s | SJ0312345 | Later Saein production |
| SM | Samick Korea | 1980s-2000s | SM9812345 | |
| S (single) | Samick Korea | 1980s-1990s | S9512345 | Older Samick format |
Japanese Epiphones from the 1970s and 1980s are among the most sought-after Epiphone guitars ever made. They were built by respected factories including Matsumoku and Terada.
The MR prefix indicates production at the Matsumoku factory in Matsumoto, Japan. Matsumoku produced Epiphone guitars from the early 1970s until the factory closed in 1986.
Example: MR12345 = Matsumoku, Japan (1970-1986).
The J prefix indicates Japanese production, typically at Terada or other Japanese factories.
Example: J123456 = Japan, 1970s-1990s.
Some early Japanese Epiphones used purely numeric serial numbers with 6-7 digits. These are the hardest to date precisely and often require cross-referencing with physical features.
Why Japanese Epiphones Are Collectible: Matsumoku and Terada applied excellent craftsmanship to Epiphone models. Thin finishes, quality hardware, and solid construction make these guitars comparable to much more expensive instruments. The Matsumoku factory's closure in 1986 adds scarcity value.
| Prefix | Factory | Year Range | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR | Matsumoku | 1970-1986 | MR12345 | Highly collectible |
| J | Terada / Japan | 1970s-1990s | J123456 | Various Japanese factories |
| Numeric | Japan (various) | 1970s-1980s | 123456 | Hardest to date precisely |
Indonesia has become a production location for some Epiphone models, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s.
I + factory code + YY + MM + RRRR
Factory codes: S = Samick Indonesia, C = Cort Indonesia.
Example: IS1201234 = 2012, Samick Indonesia.
In rare cases, some Epiphone models have been produced at Gibson's USA facilities (Nashville or Kalamazoo). These use the same 8-digit or 9-digit serial format as Gibson guitars (YDDDYRRR or YDDDYBRRR). If your Epiphone has a numeric-only 8-9 digit serial and says "Made in USA," it may use Gibson's format.
These are uncommon and typically limited to special editions or the Epiphone USA collection launched in recent years.
Complete reference table for all Epiphone serial number prefixes:
| Prefix | Year Range | Country | Factory | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F + 10 digits | 2008-Present | China | Qingdao (Gibson China) | Current production, most common |
| S + digits | Late 1990s-2000s | China | Samick China | Older Chinese format |
| R + digits | Late 1990s-2000s | China | China (unspecified) | |
| T + digits | Late 1990s-2000s | China | China (unspecified) | |
| EE + digits | Late 1990s-2000s | China | China (early Epiphone) | |
| U + digits | 1980s-2000s | Korea | Unsung | Most common Korean prefix |
| SI / SJ + digits | 1990s-2000s | Korea | Saein | |
| SM + digits | 1980s-2000s | Korea | Samick Korea | |
| MR + digits | 1970-1986 | Japan | Matsumoku | Highly collectible |
| J + digits | 1970s-1990s | Japan | Terada / various | |
| Numeric only | 1970s-1980s | Japan | Various | Hardest to date |
| I + code + digits | 2000s-Present | Indonesia | Samick / Cort Indonesia | |
| 8-9 digit numeric | Various | USA | Nashville / Gibson USA | Rare USA-made Epiphone |
Follow this process to decode any Epiphone from the 1970s onward.
Pro tip: If the serial doesn't match any format, the guitar may be a special edition, prototype, or—in rare cases—counterfeit. Check the physical features and consult the troubleshooting guide below.
Many guitar owners wonder about the relationship between Epiphone and Gibson. Understanding this helps you interpret your serial number correctly.
Epiphone is owned by Gibson. Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957. Since then, Epiphone has served as Gibson's more affordable brand, producing budget-friendly versions of Gibson's iconic designs (Les Paul, SG, Casino, ES-335).
Different serial systems. Despite being owned by Gibson, Epiphone uses completely different serial number formats. Gibson uses numeric formats (8-digit YDDDYRRR, 9-digit variants). Epiphone uses letter prefixes (F, U, SI, SM, etc.). The only exception: rare USA-made Epiphones may use Gibson's numeric format.
Different factories. Gibson guitars are made in Nashville, TN (electrics) and Bozeman, MT (acoustics). Epiphone guitars are primarily made in Qingdao, China, with historical production in Korea, Japan, and Indonesia.
Quality tiers. Gibson is the premium brand ($1,500-$5,000+ for production models). Epiphone is the affordable alternative ($200-$800 for production models). The "Inspired by Gibson" collection (2020+) narrowed this gap significantly with improved specs.
How this affects serial lookups: If you have a guitar with a Gibson headstock logo and a numeric serial, use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup. If it has an Epiphone logo with a letter prefix, use this page. If you're unsure which brand you have, check the headstock logo carefully.
Once you've decoded your serial number, understanding your Epiphone's model tier helps you assess its value and specs.
The Epiphone Les Paul is the most popular Epiphone model. Several tiers exist:
If you're looking up a serial number, you probably just bought a used guitar—congratulations! The next step is getting it set up properly. Used guitars almost always need a fresh setup after changing hands.
Why used guitars need setup:
Your next steps:
Serial numbers help determine a guitar's age, but condition and playability are what really drive value. A well-setup guitar with proper action and intonation can sell for 10-20% more than one that plays poorly.
Key factors that affect Epiphone value:
If you're selling or just want your guitar playing its best, a proper setup is the highest-ROI improvement you can make.
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Get My Estimate — $4Whether you're buying, selling, or just checking your guitar's condition, these tools help verify setup and authenticity:
Now that you've identified your Epiphone's production year and factory, choose strings that match its era and model. Epiphone guitars share the same 24.75" scale length as Gibson, so string selection follows similar principles:
For Les Paul and SG models (humbuckers): 10-46 is the factory standard. The shorter scale produces a warm, full tone even with lighter gauges.
For Casino and semi-hollow models (P-90s): 10-46 or 11-48 work well. The hollow body naturally adds warmth, so lighter gauges maintain clarity.
For entry-level models (Bullet, Affinity): Quality strings can transform these guitars. Upgrade from factory strings to premium nickel-plated steel for immediate improvement.
For "Inspired by Gibson" models (2020+): These upgraded Epiphones deserve premium strings. Consider coated strings for longer life or pure nickel for vintage warmth.
Epiphone guitars offer excellent value, and proper maintenance keeps them playing their best. After identifying your guitar, consider these maintenance essentials:
String care: Epiphone factory strings are often basic. Fresh strings with regular cleaning extend playability and tone significantly.
Tune-o-Matic bridge: Most Epiphone electrics use Tune-o-Matic bridges. Keep saddles lubricated and check intonation screws for smooth adjustment.
Pickup height: Epiphone pickups benefit from proper height adjustment. Setting them too close to the strings can cause muddiness; too far reduces output.
Hardware upgrades: Many Epiphone players upgrade tuners, bridges, and electronics. Quality upgrades on a well-maintained Epiphone can rival guitars costing twice as much.
Serial numbers are your first line of defense against counterfeits. Fake Epiphones are common, especially for popular models like the Les Paul and Casino.
Red flags:
Verification steps:
The Mystery: An Epiphone Les Paul Standard with serial F2001234567. The owner was confused because the guitar said "Made in China" but they expected Epiphone Les Pauls to be Korean.
The Investigation: The F-prefix indicates Qingdao, China production. Epiphone moved the majority of production to China (Qingdao) starting around 2004-2008.
The Solution: This was a legitimate 2020 Epiphone Les Paul Standard from the Qingdao factory. Since 2008, virtually all standard Epiphone models are made in China. Korean production ended for most models in the mid-2000s.
Takeaway: Modern Epiphones are primarily Chinese-made. Korean Epiphones are from an earlier era (1980s-2000s).
The Mystery: An Epiphone found at a thrift store for $50 with serial MR23456. The owner thought it was a cheap guitar.
The Investigation: The MR prefix indicates Matsumoku factory, Japan (1970-1986). These are collectible instruments with excellent craftsmanship.
The Solution: The guitar was a 1970s-era Japanese Epiphone worth $400-$1,200+ depending on model and condition. Matsumoku-era Epiphones are well-regarded by collectors and players.
Takeaway: Japanese Epiphones with MR prefix are hidden gems. Always check the serial before dismissing an older Epiphone.
The Mystery: An Epiphone SG with serial S0312345. The owner couldn't determine if it was Korean or Chinese.
The Investigation: The single "S" prefix was used for both Korean Samick (1980s-early 2000s) and Chinese Samick (2000s+). The transition happened around 2001-2002.
The Solution: The "03" year digits and "Made in China" label confirmed this was a 2003 Chinese Samick production. Korean S-prefix guitars are typically from the 1980s-1990s.
Takeaway: The "Made in" label is the tiebreaker when S-prefix serials are ambiguous between Korea and China.
The Mystery: An "Epiphone Casino" listed online for $200 with serial F1801234567. The price seemed too good.
The Investigation: The serial format was correct for 2018 Qingdao production. However, physical inspection revealed ceramic pickups (Casinos use P-90s), a bolt-on neck (Casinos are set-neck), and incorrect headstock binding.
The Solution: The serial was real but applied to a different, cheaper Epiphone body. The seller had swapped the headstock decal or used a serial from a different guitar.
Takeaway: Serial numbers can be transferred or faked. Always verify physical features match the claimed model, especially for premium Epiphone models.
Serial number dating is the first step to valuing your Epiphone. Once you know the year and factory, you can estimate market value.
Japanese Epiphones command the highest prices in the used market.
Korean Epiphones offer excellent value and moderate collectibility.
Modern Chinese Epiphones are the most common and offer the best value for money.
Condition is the most important factor. Mint examples command 20-30% premiums over "good" condition.
Model matters significantly. Casino, Sheraton, and Les Paul Custom hold value better than Standard or Special models.
Country of origin affects collectibility. Japan > Korea > China for collector value, though modern Chinese quality is excellent.
Originality matters for Japanese and Korean models. Original pickups, hardware, and finish add value. Mods on modern Chinese models rarely hurt value.
"Inspired by Gibson" designation (2020+) commands higher used prices due to improved headstock shape, specs, and hardware.
| Decade | Key Models | Production | Typical Value | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Casino, Riviera, Emperor | Japan (Matsumoku) | $400-$1,500+ | Highly collectible; Matsumoku craftsmanship |
| 1980s | Les Paul, SG, Casino | Japan then Korea | $200-$800 | Transition from Japan to Korea mid-decade |
| 1990s | Les Paul Standard, SG | Korea (Unsung, Samick, Saein) | $150-$500 | Korean production peak; solid quality |
| 2000s | Les Paul, SG, Casino | Korea then China | $100-$400 | Transition from Korea to China |
| 2010s | Les Paul, SG, Casino, PRO series | China (Qingdao) | $150-$500 | F-prefix era; quality improved steadily |
| 2020s | Inspired by Gibson collection | China (Qingdao) | $250-$600 | Major quality upgrade; new headstock design |
Check all common locations: back of headstock first, then inside the soundhole (acoustics/semi-hollows), then neck heel. Use good lighting and a magnifying glass. Serial numbers can be small and faint, especially on older guitars.
Modern F-prefix serials are printed in ink and can fade over time. Try different lighting angles. UV light can sometimes reveal faded ink. Take a photo and enhance contrast digitally. Even partial characters can help narrow down the format.
Epiphone serials vary widely by factory and era. If the lookup tool returns "Unknown Format," compare your serial to the prefix tables above. Check for non-standard prefixes. If you suspect it might be a Gibson, try the Gibson Serial Number Lookup.
The "S" prefix was used for both Korean Samick (1980s-early 2000s) and Chinese Samick (2000s+). Check the "Made in" label on the guitar to determine the country. Korean production typically ended by 2002-2003 for most models.
Use the free tool at the top of this page. Enter your serial number exactly as it appears on your guitar. Click Decode to get production year, factory, and era. No sign-up required.
An Epiphone serial number decoder is a tool that interprets the characters in your serial number to determine production year, factory location, and country of origin. Our decoder covers Chinese (Qingdao), Korean, Japanese, and Indonesian formats from the 1970s to present.
On most Epiphones, the serial number is on the back of the headstock. Acoustic and semi-hollow models may have it on a label inside the soundhole or f-hole. Some vintage Japanese models have it on the neck heel.
For modern Epiphones (2008+), use our lookup tool—the F-prefix format directly encodes year and month. For older models, match your serial prefix to the reference tables in this guide. Korean models use U, SI, SJ, or SM prefixes; Japanese models use MR, J, or numeric-only formats.
Yes. The tool at the top of this page is a free Epiphone serial number checker. Enter your serial for instant results—production year, factory, and era. No sign-up or payment required. It covers China, Korea, Japan, and Indonesia models.
The "F" stands for the Qingdao factory in China (historically referred to as the "FuQi" factory). This is Gibson's primary Epiphone production facility and has been the main source of Epiphone guitars since approximately 2008.
Quality has improved significantly at the Qingdao factory, especially with the "Inspired by Gibson" collection (2020+). Late 1990s Korean Epiphones are well-regarded, but modern Chinese Epiphones offer excellent value and consistent quality. The gap has narrowed considerably.
Value depends on model, year, condition, and country of origin. Japanese Epiphones (1970s-1986) range from $400-$1,500+. Korean models (1980s-2000s) range from $100-$500. Modern Chinese models (2008+) range from $150-$600 used. The "Inspired by Gibson" collection holds value best among modern models. For a complete breakdown of the factors that affect guitar prices, see our complete guide to guitar valuation.
The two digits after "F" indicate the year. F15 = 2015, F20 = 2020, F24 = 2024. The next two digits indicate the month (01-12). Use our decoder above for instant results.
Yes. Japanese Epiphones from the 1970s-1980s (Matsumoku and Terada factories) are collectible and can sell for $400-$1,500+. Korean Epiphones from the 1990s have moderate collectibility. Even modern Epiphones hold value well for their price point.
Epiphone and Gibson use completely different serial formats. Epiphone uses letter prefixes (F, U, SI, SM, etc.) while Gibson uses numeric formats (8-digit YDDDYRRR, 9-digit variants). A rare exception: USA-made Epiphones may use Gibson's numeric format. Check the headstock logo to confirm which brand you have.
Check that the serial format matches the "Made in" label (F-prefix = China, U = Korea, MR/J = Japan). Verify the headstock logo, hardware, and pickups match the claimed model. Compare to official Epiphone product photos. For high-value models, consider professional authentication.
Launched in 2020, the "Inspired by Gibson" collection features improved specs including the Gibson-style open-book headstock, better pickups, and upgraded hardware. These models use F-prefix serials (F20+ onwards) and represent the best value in the current Epiphone lineup.
Yes. Potentiometer codes can help verify serial number dating. The format typically includes manufacturer code + year + week. Remove the control cavity cover to inspect. If the pot date matches the serial year, you have additional confirmation.
Epiphone/Gibson offers limited serial lookup through their customer service, but no comprehensive public tool. Our decoder provides detailed results including factory identification, month of production, and era classification—all for free.
Now that you know your guitar's production year, you can choose strings that suit its era and construction. Epiphone guitars—whether Les Paul, SG, or Casino—typically use 10-46 gauge strings from the factory.
For Les Paul and SG models (humbuckers): 10-46 is the standard. If you play heavier styles, consider 11-48 for fuller tone and better tuning stability with the shorter 24.75" scale length.
For Casino and semi-hollow models: 10-46 or 11-48 work well. The hollow body amplifies string vibration, so lighter gauges can still produce full tone.
For acoustic models (Hummingbird, J-45): 12-53 light gauge phosphor bronze is standard. Some players prefer 11-52 custom light for easier playability.
Learn more about choosing the right gauge in our String Gauge Guide or use the String Gauge Recommendation Tool.
We're the guitar serial number experts—and we cover more than Epiphone. If you own multiple brands, these tools will help:
Whether you're dating a Les Paul, a Strat, or an RG, we've got you covered.