Dating a Godin guitar can be a "brain twister" due to the company's evolving numbering systems over the decades. Whether you own a modern Multiac or a vintage 80s model, this guide breaks down the specific formats used for a Godin guitar serial number lookup. Where to Find the Serial Number
Electric Models: Generally engraved or stamped on the back of the headstock.
Acoustic/Older Models: Often found on a label inside the soundhole or stamped on the internal neck block.
Pre-1993: Typically stamped on the soundhole label; post-1993, engraving on the headstock became standard. Decoding by Format 1. Modern 12-Digit System (2005–Present)
Since late 2007, Godin transitioned to a 12-digit system used across all their brands, including Seagull and Norman. Note: Unlike older systems, these do not contain a direct date code.
First 6 Digits: Represent the product/model code and color finish.
7th Digit: Factory/quality code. A '0' indicates standard production, while a '9' identifies a factory second (cosmetic blemish). Last 5 Digits: A sequential production number.
To Date These: You must contact Godin Guitars Support directly with the serial number for a spec sheet. 2. 8-Digit System (Approx. 1995–2005)
This format (YYWWDRRR) is the most helpful for self-dating, though it uses a fiscal year starting August 1st. Godin LGX-SA / LGXT - VGuitar Forums
Godin Guitar Serial Number Lookup: The Ultimate Guide Godin guitars are renowned for their high-quality Canadian craftsmanship across brands like Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Art & Lutherie, and Norman. Understanding your instrument's history often starts with a serial number lookup to determine its production date and origin. Where to Find Your Serial Number
The location of the serial number on a Godin guitar depends primarily on its production year:
Post-1993 Models: Most are engraved on the back of the headstock.
Pre-1993 Models: Often stamped on the label inside the sound hole.
Special Models: Some American-made or high-end models may have the serial number engraved on the last fret or the neck plate. Decoding the Modern 8-Digit Serial Number
Since 1993, Godin has primarily used an 8-digit system that follows a specific "fiscal year" format starting August 1st. Example: 05023217 1 & 2 Production Year 05 = 2005 (Fiscal year starting Aug 2004) 3 & 4 Production Week 02 = 2nd week of the fiscal year 5 Day of the Week 3 = Wednesday (1=Mon, 2=Tue, etc.) 6, 7, 8 Production Rank 217 = 217th guitar built that week
Note: Because the production year starts on August 1st, a guitar with a "05" prefix might actually have been built in late 2004. Decoding Older Serial Number Formats
If your serial number does not have 8 digits, it likely follows an older or brand-specific scheme:
7-Digit Numbers (1990s): Only the first digit typically indicates the production year (e.g., a "3" for 1993).
6 Digits or Less: These older numbers are less standardized. You may need to Email Godin Support directly for a manual lookup.
12-Digit Numbers (Post-2007): Found on some labels (especially Seagull), these contain a product code but often do not encode the production date directly. The Godin Family of Brands
To look up your Godin guitar's production date, you first need to identify the format of your serial number, as the decoding method depends on when the guitar was built. Most modern Godin guitars use an 8-digit system that follows a specific formula based on a production year starting on August 1st. Identifying Serial Number Formats
8-Digit Serial (Post-1993): This is the most common format found on the back of the headstock for electrics or on the sound hole label for older acoustics.
Digits 1–2: Production Year (e.g., "06" is the 2006 model year, which starts August 1, 2005). Digits 3–4: Production Week (Week 01 starts August 1st). Digit 5: Day of the Week (1 = Monday, 2 = Tuesday, etc.). godin guitar serial number lookup
Digits 6–8: Weekly Production Rank (the sequence number of that guitar for that week).
12-Digit Serial (Late 2007–Present): Primarily used for acoustics under the Godin family brands (Seagull, Norman, etc.). These often do not contain date information and instead use product codes and sequential shipping numbers. Digits 1–6: Product code for the specific model.
Digit 7: Quality indicator (0 = first quality; 9 = factory second with cosmetic flaws).
Digits 8–12: Consecutive unit number since the 12-digit system began.
7-Digit Serial (1990s): Only the first digit indicates the production year.
6 Digits or Fewer (Pre-1990s): There is no consistent public formula for these. You must email Godin directly for a manual lookup. Where to Find the Serial Number
Electric Guitars: Typically engraved behind the headstock (post-1993).
Acoustic Guitars: Stamped on the sound hole label for older models or on the neck block (looking up through the sound hole toward the neck) for others.
B-Series (Norman): Models built between 1980 and 1988 often have a "B" prefix. Summary Table for 8-Digit Deciding Serial Position Example (06053168) First 2 Digits Production Year 06 = 2006 Model Year 3rd & 4th Digits Production Week 05 = 5th week since Aug 1st (Sept) 5th Digit Production Day 3 = Wednesday Last 3 Digits Weekly Rank 168 = 168th guitar that week
For a definitive spec sheet or if your number doesn't fit these patterns, reviewers and owners on VGuitar Forums and Facebook recommend contacting the manufacturer directly at info@godinguitars.com. What is the serial number you are trying to decode?
Introduction
Godin Guitars is a renowned Canadian guitar manufacturer known for producing high-quality instruments. If you're a Godin guitar owner or enthusiast, you might be interested in learning more about your instrument's history, specifications, or authenticity. One way to do this is by decoding the serial number on your Godin guitar. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform a Godin guitar serial number lookup.
Understanding Godin Guitar Serial Numbers
Godin guitars have a unique serial number system that provides valuable information about the instrument. The serial number is usually printed on a label or engraved on the guitar's body, often in one of the following locations:
The Godin guitar serial number format typically consists of a combination of letters and numbers, which can be broken down into several sections:
Decoding Godin Guitar Serial Numbers
To perform a Godin guitar serial number lookup, you'll need to decode the prefix, serial number, and suffix. Here's a general guide to help you get started:
Godin Guitar Serial Number Lookup
To perform a Godin guitar serial number lookup, follow these steps:
Example Godin Guitar Serial Number
Let's say your Godin guitar has the following serial number: "G051234C"
Conclusion
Performing a Godin guitar serial number lookup can provide valuable information about your instrument's history, specifications, and authenticity. By understanding the prefix, serial number, and suffix, you can gain insight into your guitar's production details. If you're unable to find the information you need, don't hesitate to contact Godin Guitars directly or seek help from online resources.
Additional Resources
Understanding Godin Guitar Serial Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide
Identifying the production history of a Godin guitar—including those under sub-brands like Seagull, Norman, Art & Lutherie, Simon & Patrick, and La Patrie—requires understanding several distinct serial number systems used over the decades. 1. The Modern 8-Digit System (Post-1993/1995 to 2007)
This is the most common system found on Godin instruments produced during the late 90s and early 2000s. These serial numbers are typically engraved on the back of the headstock. Format: YYWWDRRR YY (First 2 Digits):
The "production year." Importantly, Godin's production year begins on August 1st
A serial beginning with "05" could be built in late 2004 (August–December) or early 2005 (January–July). WW (3rd and 4th Digits): The production week (01 to 52). D (5th Digit): The day of the week (1 = Monday, 2 = Tuesday, etc.). RRR (Last 3 Digits):
The weekly production rank (the number of the unit built that week). 2. The 12-Digit System (Late 2007 to Present)
Around late 2007, Godin transitioned to a 12-digit format. This change coincided with structural shifts in some models, such as moving from bolt-on to set necks. Format: PPPPPP Y RRRRR Digits 1–6: Product model code.
Quality indicator. A '9' often indicates a "factory second" with a minor cosmetic flaw, while a '0' is standard. Digits 8–12:
The production rank (e.g., the 1,528th unit of that specific model produced). 3. Early and Vintage Systems (Pre-1993)
Dating older Godin guitars is more complex as the company used several shorter schemes. Godin guitar serial number date
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?
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 Dating a Godin guitar can be a "brain
, 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
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
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
The location depends on the type of guitar:
Unlike some major guitar manufacturers that offer a public database where you can type in a serial number and get an instant "birth certificate," Godin does not currently have a public-facing serial number decoder.
However, you can accurately date and identify your Godin guitar by understanding their numbering systems. Godin has used two primary formats over the years: the Modern 8-Digit System and the Legacy "Handwritten" System.
Here is how to decipher your Godin serial number.
Many Godin acoustics have a UPC barcode sticker next to the serial number. That barcode is for the retailer (price scanning). Do not try to decode the barcode; it is not the serial number.
| Serial Number | Year | Day (Julian) | Actual Date |
|---------------|------|--------------|--------------|
| 04051234 | 2004 | 051 | Feb 20, 2004 |
| 15300123 | 2015 | 300 | Oct 27, 2015 |
| 22001001 | 2022 | 001 | Jan 1, 2022 |