Martin Serial Number Decoder Guide
Our summary of the maker official system - not a replacement for it. Serials can be inconsistent, reused, or faked; for valuable instruments confirm with the maker.
Martin official Serial Number Lookup is a year chart: find the last serial number issued for each year (through 2025 on the page checked) - your guitar year is the first year whose last-serial is at or above your number. The serial and model are etched on the neck block, visible through the soundhole toward the neck. Pre-1898 instruments with no serial can only be identified by measurements/appointments - Martin invites photos via its contact form.