Like the previous format, the sequence went month by month with 03XXXX being February 1981, 04XXXX being March 1981 and so on.

The first two digits are the primary modifier in these codes, starting with 02XXXX at January 1981. The number moved to a sticker inside the battery compartment (under where the battery would sit) and feature a 6 digit code. The second serial number system started around the same time that the batch codes ended. This system continued all the way through to around April, 1981 at 10500 (or sometimes just 0500).Īs these were just batch codes and not specific serial numbers, they are not unique to the pedal and you will often see two of the same (or different) pedals with identical numbers.įor a quick reference, here's where certain years start and finish with this format: The second month (November, 1977) were labelled 6400, the third (December, 1977) were 6500 and so on. The first batch of Boss pedals were made in October, 1977 and featured the code 6300 for the whole month of production. Located above the switch inside the battery compartment, these codes are stamped directly to the enclosure using black ink (or white ink on darker pedals like the SG-1). There are THREE main serial number sequences used for Japanese Boss pedals.

Trying to work out if your Japanese DS-1 is from 1978 or 1985? Looking to sell your 80's CE-2 and want to list it as accurately as possible? Here's our cheat-sheet for understanding your Boss serial number and how some of the systems work!

Roland boss serial number decoder