Understanding Godin Guitar Serial Numbers: A Guide to Dating and Identification Godin Guitars
, a renowned family-owned Canadian manufacturer based in Québec, uses several serial number systems that reveal details about an instrument's production date and batch . Because Godin also produces brands like Seagull, Norman, Art & Lutherie, and Simon & Patrick
, these rules generally apply across their entire family of instruments. 1. Locating the Serial Number
The location of the serial number on a Godin instrument has changed over time: Pre-1993 Models
: Typically found on a paper label visible through the sound hole (for acoustics). Post-1993 Models : Usually engraved or stamped on the back of the headstock 2. Decoding the 8-Digit System (Standard Date System)
This system was the standard for years and is the most informative for dating an instrument. Godin’s production year uniquely begins on August 1st Production Year = 2006 Model Year (Starts Aug 1, 2005) Production Week = 5th week of the production year (Sept 2005) Day of the Week = Wednesday (1=Mon, 2=Tue, etc.) Weekly Rank = 168th guitar built that week 3. Decoding the 12-Digit System (Modern System)
Introduced around late 2007, this system moved away from encoding a specific production date and instead focused on model codes and shipment rankings. Digits 1-6 Product Code for the specific model (e.g., for an S6 Cedar Original). : Indicates quality status. A means it is a standard unit, while a denotes a "factory second" (an instrument with a minor cosmetic flaw). Digits 8-12 Production Rank
for that specific model since the switch to the 12-digit system. 4. Special Considerations and Oddities
To look up a Godin guitar serial number, you first need to identify which serial number format your instrument uses. Godin has changed its system several times, and the method for decoding it depends on whether you have a 6, 7, 8, or 12-digit number. Serial Number Formats & Decoding
8-Digit Numbers (Standard from 1993 to late 2007):This is the most common system found on guitars from this era.
First 2 Digits: Production year (Note: Godin's "fiscal year" starts August 1st, so a guitar built in late 2005 may have a "06" prefix).
3rd & 4th Digits: Production week of that fiscal year (1–52). 5th Digit: Day of the week (1 = Monday, 2 = Tuesday, etc.).
Last 3 Digits: Weekly production rank (the order it was built that week).
Example: 05023217 was built in the 2nd week of August 2004, on a Wednesday, and was the 217th unit that week. 7-Digit Numbers (Common in the early 1990s):
1st Digit: Indicates the production year within the 1990s (e.g., "3" for 1993).
The remaining digits follow a similar week/day/rank logic to the 8-digit system but without the first "decade" digit. 12-Digit Numbers (Late 2007 to Present):
These numbers cannot be decoded for a production date using a simple formula.
They consist of a model code and a sequential production number.
Example: 029396-012633. The first six digits (029396) are the product code; the seventh digit (0) indicates it's not a "factory second" (9 would mean it is); and the last five digits (12633) are the sequential unit number. 6 Digits or Fewer (Early/Vintage models):
These typically require contacting Godin directly for identification as there is no consistent public formula. Key Identification Markers
Factory Seconds: If the 7th digit of a 12-digit number is a 9, or if there is an "F" stamped after the serial number, the guitar is a "factory second" with minor cosmetic flaws.
Wood Grade: For some high-end models, a suffix like A, AA, or AAA indicates the quality and "flame" level of the wood used.
Location: The serial number is usually engraved on the back of the headstock for electrics or stamped on the sound hole label for acoustic models. Direct Support
If your serial number doesn't fit these patterns, you can email Godin's support team at info@godinguitars.com with your serial number to receive a full specification sheet and the exact "birth date" of your instrument. Decoding Godin Guitar Serial Numbers - Facebook godin guitar serial number lookup
I saw this on a forum . From 2009. Here's how you determine the year on Godin instruments The Godin 8-digit serial number system ( Facebook·Simon & Patrick Guitar Group Godin LGX-SA / LGXT - VGuitar Forums
Godin guitar serial numbers are primarily used to identify the production date and build order, though the format has evolved significantly over the company's history. Most modern Godin guitars use an 8-digit system that follows a specific fiscal calendar VGuitar Forums Modern 8-Digit Serial Numbers (Post-1993)
For guitars built after 1993, the serial number is typically engraved on the back of the headstock. It follows this pattern: VGuitar Forums Digits 1–2 (Year):
Indicates the production year. Note that Godin's "production year" starts on August 1st of the following year. Digits 3–4 (Week): The production week within that fiscal year. Digit 5 (Day): The day of the week (1 = Monday, 2 = Tuesday, etc.). Digits 6–8 (Rank):
The specific number of that guitar built during that production week. VGuitar Forums Serial number
would be the 217th guitar built on Wednesday (3) during the 2nd week of August 2004. Older Serial Number Formats
Dating older Godin instruments can be more complex as they used several different schemes: 7-Digit Numbers (1990s):
Typically, only the first digit indicates the production year. 6 Digits or Fewer:
These do not follow a set public formula. Owners are generally advised to email Godin Guitars directly for a manual lookup.
The serial number is often found on the sound hole label rather than the headstock. 12-Digit Numbers: Introduced around
for certain sub-brands like Seagull, these often require using manufacturer-specific lookup tools or direct contact to decode fully. VGuitar Forums Special Indicators
Some serial numbers may include letter suffixes that provide additional build details: Wood Quality: Suffixes like A, AA, AAA, or AAAAA
can indicate the grade of wood used, specifically for flame or quilt tops. Model Specifics:
at the end might indicate a specific factory promotional model. godinguitars.ru
If you have a 12-digit number or a vintage model that doesn't fit these rules, you can reach out to the manufacturer with your serial number for a full spec sheet. you have on hand? Godin LGX-SA / LGXT - VGuitar Forums
Deciphering a Godin guitar serial number can feel like a "brain twister" due to the brand's frequent changes to its numbering schemes over the decades. While there is no single automated lookup tool on the official website, the manual decoding process is generally reliable for instruments made between 1993 and 2007. The Decoding Experience
Ease of Use: For 8-digit serials, the system is highly transparent. You can often determine the exact day and even the rank of your guitar in that week's production.
Information Depth: Unlike some brands that only show the year, Godin's older 8-digit system identifies the fiscal year (starting August 1st), production week, and day of the week.
Consistency Issues: Reviewers note that information online is often "conflicting and wrong" because Godin has used 5, 7, 8, and 12-digit systems at various times. System breakdown by Era
The reliability of a "lookup" depends heavily on which era your guitar belongs to: Serial Length Primary Era Lookup Reliability 5-6 Digits
Low. These were often stamped on sound hole labels that may have fallen out. You must usually email Godin for a manual check. 7 Digits Early 1990s
Moderate. Only the first digit typically indicates the production year. 8 Digits 1995 – 2007
High. Highly decodable: First 2 digits = Year, 3rd/4th = Week, 5th = Day. 12 Digits 2008 – Present Understanding Godin Guitar Serial Numbers: A Guide to
Low (for dating). These provide a product code and production rank but no direct date information. Contacting Godin is required for a "birthdate". Expert Tips for Users
Deciphering a Godin guitar serial number typically requires identifying which of several systems was used during its production. While newer 12-digit numbers are less transparent, older 8-digit versions follow a highly specific pattern . 8-Digit Serial Numbers (Most Common Post-1993)
Used for Godin and its sub-brands (Seagull, Norman, Art & Lutherie, Simon & Patrick, LaPatrie), this system reveals the exact production day . Digits 1-2 (Year): The production year .
Digits 3-4 (Week): The week of the production year (starting August 1st) .
Digit 5 (Day): The day of that week (e.g., 1 = Monday, 3 = Wednesday) .
Digits 6-8 (Rank): The unit number built during that week .
Important: Godin's "production year" begins on August 1st . For example, a serial starting with 0605 was built in September 2005 (the 5th week of the 2006 model year) . Other Serial Number Formats
12 Digits: Introduced around late 2007, these numbers generally do not provide an easily decodable date . They typically include model codes and sequential shipping numbers .
7 Digits (1990s): Only the first digit indicates the production year .
6 Digits or Fewer: These are from early production periods and often require contacting Godin Customer Support directly for lookup . Where to Find the Serial Number Post-1993 Guitars: Engraved on the back of the headstock . Pre-1993 Guitars: Stamped on the soundhole label .
Acoustic Models: Sometimes located on the neck block inside the soundhole .
For definitive specs or to verify 12-digit codes, you can email your serial number to info@godinguitars.com to receive a full specification sheet . Decoding Godin Guitar Serial Numbers - Facebook
For Godin guitar owners and collectors, the serial number is more than just a string of digits; it is a "birth certificate" that reveals the specific day, week, and year the instrument was crafted. Unlike many major manufacturers with a single linear system, Godin has used several schemes depending on the era, often revolving around a specialized "production year" that begins on August 1st. Identifying Your Serial Number's Era
The first step in any lookup is determining which format your guitar uses based on the total number of digits:
8-Digit Serial Numbers (Modern Standard): This is the most common system for newer Godin, Seagull, and Simon & Patrick models. First 2 digits: The production year. 3rd & 4th digits: The production week. 5th digit: The production day (1=Monday, 2=Tuesday, etc.).
Last 3 digits: The weekly production rank (the number of units made that week).
Example: Serial 05023217 means the guitar was built in the 2nd week of August 2004, on a Wednesday, and was the 217th unit of that week.
7-Digit Serial Numbers (1990s): Typically used for guitars built throughout the 1990s. In this system, only the first digit indicates the specific production year within that decade.
6 Digits or Fewer (Early/Vintage): These older models do not follow a fixed public decoding pattern. Owners are encouraged to Email Godin Official Support directly for a manual lookup in their archives. Physical Location of the Serial Number
To begin your lookup, you must first locate the number on the instrument:
Acoustic Models: Usually stamped on a label visible through the sound hole.
Electric Models (Post-1993): Generally engraved on the back of the headstock.
Electric Models (Pre-1993): Often found on a label inside the body or stamped on the neck plate. Manufacturing Origins Format 1: The Stamped Number on the Back
Godin is a family-owned Canadian company with a unique cross-border manufacturing process. Most Godin instruments are hand-crafted in Quebec, Canada, and many electric models are assembled in New Hampshire, USA. This dual heritage is often stamped directly onto the headstock alongside the serial number. Standard 8-Digit Format Year Start August 1st Week Digits 3-4 Day Digit 5 (1=Mon) Factory Location Quebec, Canada or New Hampshire, USA Godin LGX-SA / LGXT - VGuitar Forums
Characteristics: 5 to 7 digits, stamped vertically or horizontally. No letters. Usually found on early Godin electrics like the Radiator, LG, or SD.
865123Decoding Rules:
8 = 19889 = 19890 = 19901 = 19912 = 1992Lookup result for
865123: This guitar was likely made in 1988 (#65,123th produced that fiscal year? Not exactly—Godin’s early records are spotty. More reliably: 1988).
Limitation: These early numbers are often inconsistent. If you have a pre-1995 Godin, the serial is best used to confirm the model’s era, not a precise month.
During your lookup, you might see letters like HD or F preceding the numbers on the label inside an acoustic.
If your acoustic label says HD 9805123, the 98 is the year, 05 is the week. The HD is a quality tier, not a date code.
Before decoding the number, identify which brand you have. Godin manufactures guitars under several names, but the serial number logic is generally consistent across them:
Many 1990–1999: first digit = year (e.g., 5xxxxx = 1995).
2000–2009: first two digits = year (e.g., 02xxxx = 2002).
2010–present: first two digits = year (e.g., 17xxxx = 2017).
Caution: This is approximate. Godin sometimes reuses sequences across different factories.
Some models (especially Seagull or specific Godin electric series) use a letter at the start.
Performing a Godin guitar serial number lookup is not as simple as typing into a web form, but it is absolutely possible—and often more accurate—using the Julian decoding method or direct contact with Godin.
Once you decode yours, you’ll know exactly when your guitar was born. That’s a pretty cool thing to know about a handcrafted instrument.
Have a Godin serial you can’t crack? Drop it in the comments below (no personal info), and I’ll help you decode it.
Enjoyed this guide? Share it with a fellow Godin owner. And check out our deep dive on Godin’s pickup systems next.
Godin guitar serial numbers are typically found engraved behind the headstock for models made after 1993 , while older models may have them stamped on the soundhole label
The decoding process varies depending on the number of digits and the year of manufacture: 8-Digit Serial Numbers (Approx. 1994–2007)
This system provides specific production details based on a fiscal year that starts on August 1st First 2 Digits:
Production year (e.g., "05" refers to the 2004–2005 production year). 3rd & 4th Digits: Production week. 5th Digit: Day of the week (1 = Monday, 2 = Tuesday, etc.). Last 3 Digits: The unit's rank in that week's production. Older and Alternative Formats 7-Digit Numbers (1990s): Typically, only the first digit indicates the production year. 12-Digit Numbers (Post-2007/2008):
These newer formats are often sequential and do not always follow a date-decipherable pattern like the 8-digit system. 6 Digits or Fewer:
These are generally older or specific limited runs. For these, it is best to contact Godin directly. How to Verify Your Guitar
If your serial number does not fit these patterns or you need a full spec sheet, you can contact Godin Guitars info@godinguitars.com service@godinguitars.com
. They can often provide the exact shipping date and original specifications for your instrument. you have on hand?
Before the 9-digit style became standard, Godin used simpler sequential numbers.
Example: A12345