Guild Guitar Serial Number Lookup & Decoder: Complete Guide (2026)

Q: What is a Guild serial number decoder?

A Guild serial number decoder interprets the characters in your serial number to determine production year, factory location, and country of origin. Our decoder covers Hoboken, Westerly, New Hartford, and Cordoba eras from 1952 to present.

Use our free Guild guitar serial number lookup tool to decode your guitar instantly. Covers Hoboken, Westerly, New Hartford, and Cordoba eras from 1952 to present. Find production year, factory, and country of origin.

Enter your serial number below

Find Your Guild Production Year

Covers Hoboken, Westerly, New Hartford, and Cordoba eras from 1952 to present.

What's Next?

Now that you've decoded your Guild guitar, here are the best places to continue:

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Guild Serial Number Lookup: Decode Your Guitar Instantly

Guild is one of the most storied American guitar brands, with a history stretching from the jazz clubs of New Jersey to the folk revival of Rhode Island and the modern workshops of California. Whether you own a vintage Hoboken archtop, a Westerly dreadnought, a New Hartford-era electric, or a current Cordoba-built instrument, the Guild serial number lookup tool above decodes your guitar in seconds. Enter your serial number and get production year, factory location, and country of origin — all free, with no sign-up required.

Our decoder covers all Guild guitars from 1952 to present, including USA-made acoustics and electrics, Korean and Indonesian Newark Street imports, and Chinese-built GAD series models. If you're buying used, authenticating a vintage find, or simply curious about your guitar's history, read on for the complete guide.

Own another guitar? We also have free serial number decoders for Fender, Squier, Gibson, Epiphone, Ibanez, PRS, Yamaha, Taylor, Martin, Jackson, Charvel, Gretsch, ESP, Schecter and Takamine.

Guild acoustic guitar

Part 1: Where Is My Guild Serial Number?

Before you can lookup your Guild, you need to find the number. Location varies by model and era.

Inside the soundhole (acoustics): Most Guild acoustics have the serial number on the label inside the soundhole, visible through the sound opening.
Back of headstock: Some electric Guild models and later acoustics stamp the serial on the back of the headstock.
Neck block: On some vintage Guild acoustics, the serial is stamped on the neck block visible through the soundhole.
Label/sticker: Cordoba-era imports may use a sticker label inside the body with the serial and factory code.

Pro tip: Use a flashlight and angle it inside the soundhole. The label is typically on the back brace or the inside of the back panel. On older guitars, the serial may be stamped (not printed) on the neck block.

Part 2: Hoboken Sequential Format (1952–1965)

Guild's earliest instruments were built in Hoboken, New Jersey. Serial numbers from this era are simple sequential numbers, usually 3–5 digits.

The Format

Serial Range	Year
100–500	1953
501–1000	1954
1001–1500	1955
1501–2500	1956
2501–3500	1957
3501–4500	1958
4501–6500	1959
6501–9500	1960
9501–12500	1961
12501–15500	1962
15501–19500	1963
19501–23500	1964
23501–28000	1965

Worked Examples

5000: Falls in the 4501–6500 range → 1959, Hoboken, New Jersey
20000: Falls in the 19501–23500 range → 1964, Hoboken, New Jersey

Part 3: Westerly 8-Digit Format (1979–1996) — YYMM####

After moving to Westerly, Rhode Island in 1965, Guild eventually adopted an 8-digit format that encodes year, month, and production sequence.

The Format Explained

Position	Digits	Meaning
1–2	YY	2-digit year (79–99 for 1979–1999)
3–4	MM	Month (01–12)
5–8	####	Sequential production number

Worked Example

82061234: Year = 82 (1982), Month = 06 (June), Unit = 1234 → June 1982, Westerly, Rhode Island

Part 4: Westerly Model-Embedded Format (1990–1999)

Some Westerly-era Guilds use a model code embedded in the serial. The first one or two letters indicate the body style, followed by digits.

The Format

Pattern	Meaning
1–2 letters	Model code (D = Dreadnought, etc.)
6–7 digits	Year and production sequence

Worked Example

D153520: Model code "D" (Dreadnought), digits suggest ~1993 → ~1993, Westerly, Rhode Island

Part 5: GAD Series Format (2000s–2015) — GAD-#####

Guild Acoustic Design (GAD) was Fender-era Guild's import acoustic line, built in China.

The Format

Pattern	Meaning
GAD + digits	Guild Acoustic Design
4–6 digits	Production sequence

Worked Example

GAD-25225: GAD Series, serial 25225 → China, ~2000s–2015

Part 6: New Hartford Julian Format (2005–2014) — T/N + Letter +

When Guild production moved to New Hartford, Connecticut, some guitars used a Julian-style format with a location letter and a year letter.

The Format Explained

Position	Characters	Meaning
1	T or N	Tacoma or New Hartford
2	Letter	Year code (I=2005, J=2006, etc.)
3–8	######	Unit number

Year Letter Map

Letter	Year
I	2005
J	2006
K	2007
L	2008
M	2009
N	2010
O	2011
P	2012
Q	2013
R	2014

Worked Examples

TK123456: T = Tacoma, K = 2007 → 2007, Tacoma, Washington
NR654321: N = New Hartford, R = 2014 → 2014, New Hartford, Connecticut

Part 7: Cordoba Era — Oxnard and Newark Street (2014–Present)

After Cordoba Music Group acquired Guild in 2014, production of USA Collection guitars moved to Oxnard, California. Newark Street reissues are built by partner factories in Korea, Indonesia, and China.

Oxnard / USA Collection Format — G + 1/2 +

Pattern	Meaning
G1 + 6–7 digits	Newark Street reissue line
G2 + 6–7 digits	USA Collection, Oxnard CA

Newark Street Factory Prefixes

Prefix	Country	Factory
KWM	Korea	World Musical Instruments
KSG	Korea	SPG Korea
ISG	Indonesia	Samick Indonesia
GY	China	Yako China
IC	Indonesia	Cort Indonesia

Worked Examples

G1123456: G1 prefix → Newark Street reissue, 2015+
G2123456: G2 prefix → USA Collection, Oxnard, California
KWM001234: KWM prefix → Korea, World Musical Instruments

Part 8: Guild Factory Locations

Hoboken, New Jersey (1952–1965)

Guild's original factory. Hoboken-built instruments are highly prized by collectors, especially early archtops and flattops. Serials from this era are simple sequential numbers.

Westerly, Rhode Island (1965–1995)

Guild's longest-running USA factory. Westerly-built Guilds are legendary among acoustic players, particularly the D-25, D-40, D-50, F-30, F-50, and JF-30 models. Serials from this era include 8-digit YYMM#### and model-embedded formats.

Tacoma, Washington (1995–2005)

During Fender ownership, some Guild acoustics were built in Tacoma, Washington. The Julian format with "T" prefix indicates Tacoma production.

New Hartford, Connecticut (2005–2014)

Guild's premium USA factory under Fender ownership. High-end USA models and some custom shop work came from New Hartford. Julian format serials with "N" prefix indicate New Hartford production.

Oxnard, California (2014–Present)

Cordoba-era USA Collection guitars are hand-built in Oxnard, California. These represent the modern flagship of Guild's acoustic lineup.

Import Factories

Newark Street reissues and GAD series guitars are built by partner factories in Korea, Indonesia, and China. Factory prefixes like KWM, KSG, ISG, IC, and GY identify the specific manufacturer.

Part 9: Era-by-Era Changes

1950s–1960s: The Hoboken Era

Serials: Sequential 3–5 digit numbers
Key Models: M-20, D-25 predecessors, archtops
Production: ~1,000–5,000 per year
Notable: Founded in 1952 by Alfred Dronge in Hoboken, New Jersey

1965–1995: The Westerly Era

Serials: 8-digit YYMM####, model-embedded formats
Key Models: D-25, D-40, D-50, F-30, F-50, JF-30, S-100, S-300
Production: ~10,000–30,000 per year at peak
Notable: Considered the golden era for Guild acoustics

1995–2005: Fender / Tacoma Era

Serials: Julian T-prefix, GAD series
Key Models: D-55, F-50R, GAD series imports
Production: ~5,000–15,000 per year (USA)
Notable: Fender acquires Guild; some production moves to Tacoma

2005–2014: New Hartford Era

Serials: Julian N-prefix format
Key Models: USA-made acoustics and electrics
Production: ~5,000–15,000 per year
Notable: Premium USA production under Fender

2014–Present: Cordoba Era

Serials: G-prefix Oxnard/Newark Street, factory prefixes
Key Models: USA Collection, Newark Street reissues
Production: ~1,000–5,000 per year (USA); imports higher
Notable: Cordoba Music Group revives Guild with California manufacturing

Summary: Quick Reference Table

Format	Pattern	Era	Example
Hoboken sequential	3–5 digits	1952–1965	5000 = 1959
Westerly 8-digit	YYMM####	1979–1996	82061234 = June 1982
Westerly model-embedded	1–2 letters + 6–7 digits	1990–1999	D153520 = ~1993
GAD Series	GAD-#####	2000s–2015	GAD-25225 = China
New Hartford Julian	N + letter + ######	2005–2014	NR654321 = 2014
Tacoma Julian	T + letter + ######	2005–2014	TK123456 = 2007
Oxnard / Newark Street	G1/G2 + 6–7 digits	2014+	G1123456 = Newark Street
Newark Street prefixes	KWM/KSG/ISG/GY/IC + digits	2014+	KWM001234 = Korea

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the Guild serial number lookup?

Use the free tool at the top of this page. Enter your serial number exactly as it appears on your guitar. Click Lookup to get production year, factory, and era. No sign-up required.

What is a Guild serial number decoder?

A Guild 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 Hoboken, Westerly, New Hartford, and Cordoba eras from 1952 to present.

How do I date a Guild guitar?

For most Guild guitars made after 1952, use our lookup tool or the reference tables above. Vintage Hoboken guitars use sequential serial ranges; Westerly guitars use 8-digit or model-embedded formats; Cordoba-era guitars use G-prefix or factory-prefix formats.

Where is the Guild acoustic serial number?

Most Guild acoustics have the serial number on the label inside the soundhole. Some vintage models stamp it on the neck block visible through the soundhole. Cordoba-era imports may use an interior sticker.

Where is the Guild electric guitar serial number?

Guild electrics typically have the serial number stamped on the back of the headstock. Some vintage models may use the neck plate or control cavity.

What year is my Guild?

Use our lookup tool above, or match your serial format to the quick reference table. Hoboken sequential numbers, Westerly 8-digit YYMM#### serials, and Cordoba G-prefix serials all decode to specific years or ranges.

How do I read a Guild Westerly serial number?

Westerly 8-digit serials use the format YYMM####. The first two digits are the year, the next two are the month, and the last four are the production sequence. Example: 82061234 = June 1982.

What's the difference between Guild Hoboken and Westerly guitars?

Hoboken (1952–1965) was Guild's original New Jersey factory. Westerly (1965–1995) was the Rhode Island factory that produced many of Guild's most celebrated acoustic guitars. Hoboken serials are 3–5 digit sequential numbers; Westerly serials are typically 8 digits or model-embedded.

Is there a free Guild serial number checker?

Yes. The tool at the top of this page is a free Guild serial number checker. Enter your serial for instant results — production year, factory, and era. No sign-up or payment required.

What does GAD mean on a Guild guitar?

GAD stands for Guild Acoustic Design. It was Fender-era Guild's import acoustic line, built in China from the 2000s through 2015. GAD serials use the format GAD-#####.

What is the Guild Newark Street series?

Newark Street is Cordoba-era Guild's reissue line, made in Korea, Indonesia, and China. These guitars revive classic Guild designs at more accessible prices. Serials use factory prefixes like KWM, KSG, ISG, IC, and GY.

Where are Guild guitars made today?

Current Guild USA Collection guitars are made in Oxnard, California. Newark Street reissues are made by partner factories in Korea, Indonesia, and China.

How much is my Guild guitar worth?

Value depends on model, year, condition, and originality. Vintage Hoboken and Westerly acoustics often command premiums, especially all-solid models like the D-50 and F-50. Cordoba-era USA Collection guitars hold strong resale. Condition is the most important factor — mint condition commands 20–40% more than "good" condition.

Can I date a Guild by the label inside the guitar?

Yes. The interior label often includes the model name, serial number, and sometimes the country of origin. Cross-reference the serial format with the tables above to determine the production year and factory.

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