Did you know that every Epiphone guitar has a factory code on it? The factory code may not mean much to most players. But it can actually be quite interesting and provide some valuable information. This is the intent when looking for information about your guitar.
Moreover, these codes can be essential in helping you determine the guitar’s age. Plus the history associated with the instrument. This is very valuable if you’re ever in the market for an Epiphone.
We’ll go through the many Epiphone factory codes in this article, so you can figure out what they signify. We will also give some examples of how to decode these codes. So, if you are interested in learning more about Epiphone guitars, be sure to keep reading!
Other guitar serial numbers:
What are Epiphone Factory Codes?
Most Epiphone guitars have a code consisting of both letters and numbers. These codes are used to indicate the factory where the guitar was made, as well as the year it was manufactured.
For example, a code of SI02060234 has both letters and numbers. This tells us that the guitar was made at the Samick factory in Bogor, Indonesia (SI). The first two digits (02) indicate that it was manufactured in 2002.
Note: The serial number can vary due to the different factories used by Epiphone. For example, The letter count can be either one or two, and the numbers can be 4, 6, 7, 8, or 9 digits long. It’s possible that the code contains no letters at all!
Wondering how to know the factory code if the entire serial number is all numeric? Don’t worry, further down this article you will learn how to identify the factory code, even if it’s all numeric!
Epiphone Numeric/Numbered Factory Codes
| Factory Number | Factory Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | DeaWon or Unsung | China |
| 13 | Unknown | China |
| 15 | Qingdao (electric) | China |
| 16 | Qingdao (acoustic) | China |
| 21 | Unsung | Korea |
| 22 | Unknown | Korea |
| 23 | Samick | Indonesia |
Epiphone Lettered Factory Codes
| Letter | Factory Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| B | Bohemia Musico-Delicia | Czech Republic |
| C | Cort | Korea |
| DW | DaeWon | China |
| EA | QingDao (Acoustic) | China |
| F | Fine Guitars | Korea |
| FC | Fuji-gen (’90) | Japan |
| SI | Samick,Bogor | Indonesia |
| L | Leader Musical Instrument Co Ltd. | Korea |
| J | Terada Gakki Seisakusyo | Japan |
| P | Peerless | Korea |
| QG | Qingdao Gibson | China |
| S | Samick | Korea |
| T | Terada Gakki Seisakusyo | Japan |
| UC | Unsung | China |
It should also be noted that some Elitist models have been given a J letter code. This is because they have been made in Japan.
Other Information From Epiphone Serial Codes
The serial number on an Epiphone can tell you the month, year, and factory code where it was made. Let’s study some interesting cases:
Only Numbered Serial Code
- 1st & 2nd Digit – Manufacturing year.
- 3rd & 4th Digit – Manufacturing month.
- 5th & 6th Digit – Factory Code.
- Last 5 Digits – Sequence Number.
For example, 10061503720 (11 DIGIT SERIAL).
In this case, the guitar is made in June 2010 inside the Qingdao factory located in China.
Lettered and Numbered Serial Code
- First 2 Letters – Factory Code.
- 1st & 2nd Digit – Manufacturing year.
- 3rd & 4th Digit – Manufacturing month.
- Last 4 Digits – Sequence Number.
For example, SI02060234 (2 LETTERS – 8 DIGITS).
In this case, the guitar is made in June 2002 inside the Samick Bogor factory located in Indonesia.
As you can see, the Epiphone serial number can tell you quite a bit about your guitar. The next time you pick up your instrument, be sure to check the code! You might just be surprised at what you find out.
How can you find the Epiphone Factory Code on your guitar?
Many Epiphone electric guitars have a serial code stamped on the back of the headstock. This multiple-digit serial number includes a lettered code. This can be used to identify the factory it was made in. The code should be stamped into the wood, usually near the edge of the headstock.
If you own an acoustic guitar, this code will be found inside the body. Normally on a sticker that can be seen through the sound hole. This is pretty standard with Epiphone acoustic guitars. But should yours not have the sticker, then it just might be on the headstock.
Can I use the factory code to order parts from Epiphone?
Does your Epiphone instrument need repair or restoration work? You may be wondering if you can use the factory code to order parts from the company.
The answer is yes, you can use the code to order parts from Epiphone. Doing so can often be the best way to ensure that you get the right parts for your instrument.
When ordering parts from Epiphone, be sure to have the serial number of your instrument handy. This will help to ensure that you get what you need.
In addition, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified repair person. Well before ordering parts for your instrument. They can provide guidance on what is needed and how to properly install them.
Are there any benefits to knowing your Epiphone Factory Code?
Many guitar enthusiasts enjoy researching the history of their instruments. For Epiphone fans, the Factory Code can be a valuable piece of information. This may not be essential information. But it can actually be quite helpful in dating a vintage Epiphone.
For example, does the code begin with a “B”? Then the guitar was produced at the Epiphone factory in Bohemia Musico-Delicia, Czech Republic.
By knowing the Factory Code, Epiphone fans can get a better sense of their guitar’s place in history. Plus, it’s just a fun bit of trivia to know!
The Bottom Line
As you can see, Epiphone Factory Codes identify the place where your instrument was made. Along with the factory code, the other digits included in the serial number are helpful too. They can tell you the month and year your guitar was produced.
Also, being aware of this information can give you a better understanding of your guitar’s history. It can tell you its place in the world of music.
So the next time you’re playing your Epiphone, take a look at the factory code on the back of the headstock. And see what hidden information it holds!
FAQs
Can you look up an Epiphone guitar by serial number?
If you’re looking for information about a guitar, the serial number can be a helpful place to start. By looking up the serial number, you may be able to find out when and where the guitar was made. There might also be other important details.
What does the letter N mean in Epiphone serial numbers?
The letter N in an Epiphone serial number indicates that the guitar is made in Korea.
How do you read a guitar serial number?
The letters in serial numbers can tell you the country of origin. The numeric digits can give you the month and year. The last four digits often indicate the unit number.
For example, S93021234 or F/YY/MM/NNNN:
- S means – Factory code (Samick Korea).
- 93 means – Year of manufacture (1993).
- 02 means – Month of manufacture (February).
- 1234 means – Unit number.
