About the Log
Before leaving Gibson's factory, a unique serial number was inked on the back of the headstock of each one of these guitars. In the nearly 50 years since then, these Bursts have travelled far and wide from Kalamazoo, played concerts, recorded hit records, become prized collectables, and changed hands many times. The goal of the Burst Serial Log is to "collect" these guitars and bring them back together by compiling serial numbers and photographs into one convenient reference document. That document is published on this site, using publicly available information. The process is a cooperative one, and guitar collectors and enthusiasts worldwide are invited to contribute information and participate in building the most complete serial number log possible.
Sources
The serial numbers logged here come from The Les Paul Forum and several authoritative reference books including Burst Believers, The Beauty Of The Burst, Sunburst Alley, and Burst Gang.
The authenticity of some Bursts has been disputed, as fakes and forgeries do exist. All entries in this database are documented to the best of our ability, but collectors should perform their own due diligence.
This archive is continually updated as new information becomes available. For questions or submissions, please visit the contact page.