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Ibanez Serial Number Lookup
Decode manufacturing year, factory location, and series specs directly from serial codes & neck stamps.
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Where to Find the Serial Number on a Ibanez Guitar
1Rear of Headstock
Printed in silver or black font beneath the tuners, accompanied by country of origin.
2Neck Joint Plate (Bolt-on Models)
Vintage 70s and 80s bolt-on models often stamp the serial on the metal neck mounting plate.
Ibanez Serial Number Formats & Historical Dating Cheat-Sheet
| Production Era | Serial Format | Decoding Rule / Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fujigen Japan Modern (1997–Present) | F + YY + 5 digits | F stands for Fujigen Gakki, followed by the 2-digit year. | F2104512 -> Fujigen Japan (2021) |
| Indonesian Production (2008–Present) | I + YYMM + 4-5 digits | I indicates PT Cort Indonesia facility, followed by year and month. | I19041234 -> Indonesia (April 2019) |
| Korean Production (1988–2008) | C, S, W, CP + YYMMXXXX | C=Cort, S=Samick, W=World Musical Instruments. | C02051234 -> Cort Korea (May 2002) |
Frequently Asked Questions: Dating & Authenticating Ibanez
What does the "F" prefix on an Ibanez serial mean?
"F" stands for the world-renowned Fujigen Gakki factory in Nagano, Japan, home to Ibanez Prestige, J-Custom, and vintage Genesis series.
Are Japanese Ibanez guitars better than Indonesian ones?
Japanese Prestige models feature hand-finished fret edges, Gotoh hardware, and premium pickups, while Indonesian Premium/Standard lines offer exceptional performance at more accessible price points.
Guitar Price Guide 2026 Resource
Explore Ibanez 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 Ibanez.