Miyazawa Serial Numbers

| | Starting Serial | Ending Serial | Notes | |----------|---------------------|--------------------|------------| | 1969 | 001 | 050 | No prefix; hand-stamped | | 1970 | 051 | 200 | | | 1971 | 201 | 450 | | | 1972 | 451 | 800 | | | 1973 | 801 | 1,200 | | | 1974 | 1,201 | 1,800 | | | 1975 | 1,801 | 2,500 | | | 1976 | 2,501 | 3,500 | 5-digit system begins | | 1977 | 3,501 | 5,000 | | | 1978 | 5,001 | 7,500 | | | 1979 | 7,501 | 10,000 | | | 1980 | 10001 | 11200 | First two digits "80" would be 1980? No—format changes. Wait—correction: In 1980s, they used 80xxxx format. | | Correction for 1980–1989 | | | | | 1980 | 800001 | 800800 | | | 1981 | 810001 | 810900 | | | 1982 | 820001 | 821000 | | | 1983 | 830001 | 831100 | | | 1984 | 840001 | 841250 | | | 1985 | 850001 | 851400 | | | 1986 | 860001 | 861600 | | | 1987 | 870001 | 871800 | | | 1988 | 880001 | 882000 | | | 1989 | 890001 | 892200 | | | 1990 | 900001 | 902500 | | | 1991 | 910001 | 912800 | | | 1992 | 920001 | 923000 | | | 1993 | 930001 | 933500 | Pinless mechanism introduced | | 1994 | 940001 | 943800 | | | 1995 | 950001 | 954000 | | | 1996 | 960001 | 964500 | | | 1997 | 970001 | 975000 | | | 1998 | 980001 | 985500 | | | 1999 | 990001 | 996000 | | | 2000 | 000001 | 000800 | Y2K format—ambiguity with 1980? No, 1980s used 80xxxx, 2000s use 00xxxx | | 2001 | 010001 | 010900 | | | 2002 | 020001 | 021100 | Brögger system appears mid-year | | 2003 | 030001 | 031300 | | | 2004 | 040001 | 041500 | | | 2005 | 050001 | 051700 | | | 2006 | 060001 | 061900 | | | 2007 | 070001 | 072200 | | | 2008 | 080001 | 082500 | | | 2009 | 090001 | 092800 | | | 2010 | 100001 | 103200 | | | 2011 | 110001 | 113500 | | | 2012 | 120001 | 123800 | | | 2013 | 130001 | 134000 | | | 2014 | 140001 | 144500 | | | 2015 | 150001 | 154800 | | | 2016 | 160001 | 165000 | Laser etching begins | | 2017 | 170001 | 175500 | | | 2018 | 180001 | 186000 | | | 2019 | 190001 | 196500 | | | 2020 | 200001 | 207000 | | | 2021 | 210001 | 217800 | | | 2022 | 220001 | 228500 | | | 2023 | 230001 | 239000 | | | 2024 | 240001 | 249500 | | | 2025 | 250001 | 260000 (est.) | | | 2026 | 260001 | — | In progress |

When most people in the currency-collecting community speak of “Miyazawa serial numbers,” they are talking about a specific and storied type of Japanese banknote from the Year 2000.

The system is excellent for confirming if an instrument was an early handmade model or a modern series like the Cresta or 958 Series . It is particularly helpful for determining the exact silver or gold content (e.g., PCM-300 alloy vs. 958 silver). Key Takeaways

This guide will break down both meanings in detail so you can know what you're looking for, accurately value a find, and understand the historical weight behind these distinctive numbers. Miyazawa Serial Numbers

: On some older models (like the PA-201E), the number may be stamped into the small metal strap at the top that houses the trill keys.

: Some older models or specific builds may have the serial number stamped on the tenon (the part that slides into the body). Back of the Body

Unlike brands with public online databases, Miyazawa typically requires a direct inquiry for exact production dates. However, you can estimate the age based on these milestones: Miyazawa Serial Numbers | | Starting Serial | Ending Serial |

If your serial number falls between , you have a "Modern Miyazawa." This is the era most teachers and players recognize.

: Older models (like the MC-300R) may have the pitch (e.g., "A=442") stamped directly on the rib.

The following table is the most accurate public reconstruction based on verified instruments. | | Correction for 1980–1989 | | |

Look on the body of the flute, near the foot joint end, usually engraved on one of the post fixtures.

Always give your repair technician the before ordering pads or screws.

Unlike some mass-produced instrument manufacturers who use chaotic or repetitive serial codes, Miyazawa has maintained a relatively sequential, logical system. However, the company has also been notoriously secretive about releasing official public ledgers. As a result, the data available to players and collectors comes from decades of cross-referencing sales records, repair shop logs, and owner submissions.