The Serial Number Database of vintage Ibanez Mandolins continues to grow, thanks to submissions, from visitors around the globe. Ibanez mandolins are a truly global instrument, with musicians from New Zealand, Scotland, Canada, Norway, Portugal, and many other countries writing in to share pictures and information.

The database now features over 200 images in 35 albums, the largest collection of Ibanez mandolin pictures on the internet. There are many more to be added, so keep checking back as the galleries grow.

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to send in pictures and information, and for being patient with the time needed to process the images and add them to the site. Hopefully we can start to establish trends and batches by serial number and model as more mandolins are added.

Steve has written in from the UK to share details of his original owner 523 model. Pictures are now in the serial number database. Here is what he has to say about his particular 1976 mandolin:

I have owned, since new a 523 serial no. J768023 in sunburst with the bug ( I think) headstock inlay , the truss rod cover is sharp. It does not have an inside label at all and the case interior was blue (case now long gone). I bought it new from Ivor Mairantes Music shop,London, in the early eighties but cannot remember how much it cost me. Originally I used a Barcus Berry bug on it but had a Fishman pick up fitted in Nashville in 1990. I play with The Kursaal Flyers and their Country Rock alter egos The Ugly Guy’s and now use a Breedlove, having retired the Ibanez a year or so ago. I had my portrait painted by Kursaal’s front man Paul Shuttleworth a few years back and it features me with my Ibanez.

You can find out more about Steve’s music by visiting The Ugly Guys and Kursaal Flyers.

A single picture of Bill Monroe’s A778085 mandolin has been added to the serial number database. This is the 527 that was auctioned in 2001. More pictures are needed and we are seeking contributions.

Serial Number: H778014
Model Number: 524
Finish Color: Standard Sunburst
Headstock Inlay: Flowers
Truss Rod Cover: angled corners
Signed Label: Kosakabe
Case interior color: Blue

Our first entry into the serial number database, made in August of 1977. Thanks Dan!

We are starting up a database of serial numbers and features to find trends in the dating and manufacturing of Ibanez Mandolins.

Submit your mandolin to be included in the database. Please add as much of the information below as you can:

• Serial Number
• Model Number
• Finish Color
• Headstock Inlay (torch, bug, flowers, fern…)
• Truss rod cover (Gibson Bell Shape or Sharp-cornered
• Signed Label? If yes, who signed it?
• Case interior color (blue, yellow, red, green)

Any pictures of the mandolin would be helpful as well. You can email info/pics to 527@ibanezmandolin.com.