Before diving into serial numbers, it’s helpful to know a bit about the company. Cort was founded in 1973 in South Korea as the Yoo-Ah company. Initially, they were a significant OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplier, building instruments for other well-known brands before releasing their first Cort-branded guitars in 1982.
Older or rare factory models may be worth more.
: Instruments designated as factory seconds occasionally had their serial numbers intentionally defaced, stamped over, or removed before initial retail sale. To help decode your specific guitar, tell me: What is the exact serial number ? Where is the serial number located on the guitar? Is it an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar?
A serial number starting with 0604... indicates a guitar made in April 2006 . Similarly, 1510... indicates October 2015 . 2. The YYMMXXXXX Format (Post-2005) Cort Serial Number Checker -UPD-
Cort also operates manufacturing facilities in China, primarily focused on entry-level acoustic and electric models. The Format : 1 Letter + 9 Digits (e.g., CC220812345 ) How to Decode It Prefix : Usually CC (China Cort). First Two Digits : Year of manufacture. Next Two Digits : Month of manufacture. Final Digits : Sequence number. 4. Vintage Cort Guitars (Pre-1990s)
: The first two digits usually represent the year of production. : A serial number starting with was produced in 2000; one starting with was made in 2025. Month Identification
Now that you've found your serial number and identified its likely format, here is the updated process for 2026: Before diving into serial numbers, it’s helpful to
Instruments manufactured before the mid-1990s often lack a standardized format. These serial numbers may be randomly generated or follow localized factory patterns that are harder to decode. Cort Guitars 1970s & 1980s : Often featured "W.O." prefixes on stickers. Pre-Mid 1990s
For most modern Cort instruments (post-mid-1990s), the serial number is a direct indicator of the production date:
Since the year 2000, Cort has utilized a relatively standardized alphanumeric system. These numbers generally identify the production date rather than the specific model name. 1. The Standard 8 or 9-Digit System General FAQ - Cort Guitars Older or rare factory models may be worth more
From the year 2000, Cort standardized an 8-digit system: YYMMXXXX .
Since around 2000, Cort has generally used an eight-digit format: . YY (First two digits): The year of production. MM (Third and fourth digits): The month of production. XXXX (Remaining digits): The production number.
Cort's serial number system is not a one-size-fits-all formula and has changed multiple times throughout its history. This guide will help you navigate the different eras.
Which do you want next?
Authentic Cort guitars use proprietary hardware or trusted third-party components like EMG, Seymour Duncan, or Fishman pickups, and Wilkinson or Floyd Rose tremolos. Low-quality, unbranded hardware on a "premium" Cort model is a major red flag. 💻 Online Tools and Databases