and serial numbers of the form BXXXXXX were used for basses. The two notable exceptions to this
are the "GF" and "BC" serial numbers, used (respectively) for the George Fullerton Signature
Model and the Broadcaster. Beginning in late 1997, G&L employed serial numbers of the
form CLXXXXX, where - as verified by G&L's Dave McLaren - CL stands for
"Clarence Leo" (note that Leo Fender's full name was "Clarence Leo Fender").
This was changed 1-2 years later to the scheme of CLFXXXXX, for all serial numbering.
In February 2011, serial numbering was updated to CLFXXXXXX and the serial number applied onto
a metal plate in place of the waterslide decal on the back of the headstock.
This was started with serial number CLF061000 and numbering was issued in sequence. In addition, the factory included
a "Custom Build Specifications" sheet for each instrument.
Note: Some Special Build and Limited Edition instruments can still be found with the previous water slide serial numbering.
In September 2016, the metal serial number plate was replaced with the waterslide decal on the back of the headstock.
Starting in February 2017, serial numbers are laser-etched on the back of the headstock.
The serial number format was changed to: "CLFYYMMnnn", where YY=last two digits of year, MM=two digit month.
Also laser-etched is "Fullerton, California" which is located below the Serial Number. The build specification sheet name
was changed to the "Specifications" sheet. See: A recent serial numbering change ... .
In January 2018, the G&L Custom Shop was announced. All instruments produced by the Custom Shop will have
the serial number format of "CSYYMMnnn", where YY=last two digits of year, MM=two digit month.
The laser-etched serial number will be located on the back of the headstock. Above the serial number will be
a laser-etched image of the G&L Custom Shop logo. Here is a thumbnail photo of the first one made:
Click here to see full size photo: Photo of a G&L Custom Shop serial number.
To see more detail on the wood Custom Shop Logo insert, see: G&L Custom Shop serial number and logo laser etching ....
Note: The Custom Shop 40th Anniversary instruments will have this special serial numbering format: CS2020###.
The pieces at the NAMM 2020 show were used for photos; they had Serial Numbers from last year CS1912###.
Also in January 2018, the CLF RESEARCH instruments were announced beginning with the CLF RESEARCH L-2000 bass,
followed by the CLF RESEARCH L-1000 bass in June. The serial numbering for the CLF RESEARCH instruments will be
laser-etched same as standard production instruments with the addition of "CLF RESEARCH" laser-etched above the serial number.
Here is a thumbnail photo of one:
Click here to see full size photo: Photo of back of CLF RESEARCH L-2000 bass
Note: The 1991-92 ASAT Classic Commemorative model serial numbering was # of 1000 on the
neckplate and the 1991-92 ASAT Bass Commemorative model serial numbering was # of 150
on the neckplate.
Note: Many 3-bolt guitar neck plates in the range of 52000 to 55000 were mis-stamped with a B-prefix instead of the
usual G-prefix. It was a vendor mistake and the plates were used rather than wasting them.
Note: In 1993, the factory had run out of serialized guitar neck plates, so they built about 40 guitars, mostly Legacy's,
with early (new old stock) serial number stamped DFV bridges.
Note: For some unknown reason, the serial numbers from G044xxx-G045xxx (1995 entries for June 6 thru Dec) were
never registered in the factory log book.
Note: Some L-5500 6-bolt neck plate Serial Numbers have duplicate SN with some L-1000 3-bolt neck plates.
We currently have 3 examples in our G&L Registry [S/N B000508, B000602 and B000978].
Over the years, the location and type of application of the serial number has changed:
From 1980-1983, G&L instruments had the serial number stamped on the bridge.
In 1983, the serial number was relocated and stamp onto the 3-bolt neckplate.
From 1997- January 2011, G&L moved to waterslide decals for the serial numbers and apply them
on the back of the headstock.
From February 2011-August 2016 a metal serial number plate was located on the back of the headstock.
From September 2016-January 2017 the serial number was again applied with a waterslide decal on the back of the headstock.
Beginning in February 2017 the serial number is laser-etched into the back of the headstock.
Again, just to emphasize, the previous schemes prior to February 2017, did not employ a perfectly sequential numbering
scheme - so, for example, GF0025 is most likely not the 25th George Fullerton Signature made; in fact,
it may not even be from "early" Fullerton production.
(See How do I determine an instruments age? question for more details regarding this "serial number scattering".)
Check out our G&L Registry Page for a tabulation of real-life G&L serial numbers (and be sure to add your G&L
to the G&L Registry!).
This information applies to the USA made G&L instruments.