Where to Find the Serial Number on a Gretsch Guitar
Modern FMIC-era Gretsch guitars have the serial number printed on the back of the headstock, often accompanied by "Made in Japan/Korea/China" and the Gretsch logo.
Vintage and hollowbody models carry an orange or white paper label visible through the F-hole, stating model number, serial number, and Gretsch Brooklyn or Booneville origin.
Some vintage solidbody models (Duo Jet, Silver Jet) and Baldwin-era guitars have the serial stamped on the rear neck plate.
Gretsch Serial Number Formats & Historical Dating Cheat-Sheet
| Production Era | Serial Format | Decoding Rule / Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMIC Japan Terada (2002–Present) | JT + YY + MMXXXX (e.g. JT21054567) | JT = Terada Musical Instrument Co. in Nagoya, Japan. YY = year, followed by production month and sequence. | JT21054567 -> Terada Japan (2021) |
| FMIC China Electromatic/Streamliner (2005–Present) | CY + YY + XXXXXX (e.g. CY19041234) | CY = Yako/Cor-Tek Guangzhou, China. CYGC = Streamliner series at Guangzhou Cor-Tek. | CY19041234 -> China Electromatic (2019) |
| FMIC Korea (2002–2014) | KS + YY + XXXXXX (e.g. KS12045678) | KS = Samick/SPG Korea. KP = Peerless Korea. | KS12045678 -> Korea Samick (2012) |
| Vintage Brooklyn Sequential (1939–1967) | 1 to 5 digit sequential number | Sequential production numbers from the legendary Gretsch factory at 60 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York. | #35000 -> Approximately 1960–1962 |
| Baldwin Era (1967–1981) | 5-6 digit sequential | Continued sequential numbering during Baldwin Piano Company ownership, with production moved to Booneville, Arkansas. | #95000 -> Approximately 1970–1971 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Dating & Authenticating Gretsch
Where are modern Gretsch guitars made?
Professional Collection and Players Edition models are handcrafted at the Terada factory in Nagoya, Japan. Electromatic models come from Korea or China. Custom Shop instruments are built in Corona, California alongside the Fender Custom Shop.
What do Gretsch serial prefixes JT, CY, and KS mean?
JT = Japan Terada (flagship Professional Collection), CY = China Yako/Cor-Tek (Electromatic & Streamliner), KS = Korea Samick (older Electromatic), US = USA Custom Shop.
Why are vintage Brooklyn-era Gretsch guitars so valuable?
Gretsch guitars built at 60 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY (1939–1967) are legendary — the White Falcon, Country Gentleman, and 6120 models from this era are closely associated with Chet Atkins, George Harrison, and Eddie Cochran, commanding $5,000 to $50,000+.
How do I tell if my Gretsch is Japanese or Chinese?
Check the serial prefix: JT/JD = Japan (Terada/Dyna), CY/CYGC = China, KS = Korea. Japanese Professional Collection models feature TV Jones pickups, nitrocellulose finishes, and Bigsby B6GP vibratos.
Explore Gretsch Market Prices & Buying Advice
Knowing your guitar's build year is the first step in determining its resale value. Read our comprehensive 2026 buying guide and valuation tables to see current market trends for Gretsch.