Serial number dating / Charvel
Charvel serial number lookup
Find the year a Charvel was built, read from Charvel’s own numbering scheme.
Can't read a digit? Type ? in its place. Looked-up serials are kept, never tied to you. How it works
Type the serial or code from the instrument. We read it as you type.
Cross-check with a pot code
The number stamped on a potentiometer inside the guitar. It dates the part, not the whole instrument.
Example Charvel serials and how they read
Made-up serials in each of Charvel’s formats, read by the dater above.
| Serial | Reads as | Format |
|---|---|---|
| MC231234 | 2023 | Pro-Mod import (Mexico) |
| 123456 | 1986–1996 | Japan Model Series (6-digit) |
| 4123 | 1984 | USA San Dimas neck plate |
| C912345 | 1989 | Japan neck-through (C + year) |
| JDC2512345 | 2025 | MJ Series import (Japan) |
| JC10123456 | 2010 | Pro-Mod import (Japan) |
How Charvel serials date
- MJ Series import (Japan)
- Pro-Mod import (Japan)
- Desolation import (China)
- Pro-Mod import (Mexico)
- Japan neck-through (C + year)
- USA San Dimas neck plate
- Japan Model Series (6-digit)
More on Charvel serial numbers
Where to find the serial
USA bolt-on: the neck plate; Japan neck-through: a headstock decal then the last fret; imports: the back of the headstock.
How sure is it
Every result carries its confidence. Treat the year as a strong guide, not proof: a serial can be replaced, a neck and body can be from different years, and reissues copy old numbering. For anything that matters, confirm the year against the neck date, the pot codes and Charvel's support FAQ.
Other brands
This is one of many brands the serial number dater covers.