Using Fender Guitar Serial Numbers
to determine the date of manufacture.
Fender Serial Numbers, 1950 to 2007 (Identifying the Year).
An inexact science to be sure.
Dating a Fender guitar with the serial number is a hit or miss propisition. It helps narrow things down, but in most cases is an inexact science. Leo Fender never intended for his guitars to become collectors items. He never invisioned a need to pinpoint the manufacturing date of any of his guitars. At least not while he was at Fender Musical Instrument Corporation.
With that said, and with great help from numerous sources including FMIC, George Gruhn's publications, and A. R. Duchossoir the following information should help you but it is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate.
Before 1977 Fender guitars hd a serial number on the bridgeplate or neckplate. Serial numbers are basically chronological, but there is some overlap in some years. Before the later 1970's Fender never expected the guitars to be collectable or for serial numbers to be important. The bridge plate or neckplate were applied to a guitar with no thought to keeping any kind of number sequence. Fender serial numbers were assigned like this:
1. In the factory, there was a large container with serialized items such as neckplates and bridges.
2. A Fender employee simply reached in and grabbed one (or many) and installed them on the instrument(s) as they worked.
As you can see from this over-simplified example, serial number assignment was fairly random. Just keep this in mind. The only truly definitive way to date a pre-CBS fender is to look at all the dates on the instrument (body date, neck date, pot dates). The serial number can only generalized the age of the instrument within a few years.
Fender Esquire, Broadcaster, and Telecaster Serial Numbers 1950 to 1954
(serial number stamped on bridgeplate)
This system of serial numbers is unique to these three models until about the early summer of 1954 (when Fender switched to a universal neck plate serial number system for all models):
Esquire, Broadcaster and Telecaster, Numbers On Bridge Plate
0001 to 0999 = 1950 to 1952
1000 to 5300 = 1952 to 1954
Serial Numbers for all Fender Guitar Models, from summer 1954 to mid 1976
In mid-1954 Fender changed the location of serial numbers to the neckplate. This was probably done as a cost saving measure. Because different companies did the stamping of the serial numbers on neckplates they vary in location and layout. In 1957/1958 some serial numbers started with a minus sign ('-'), or had a '0' prefix before the number. Also in 1959/1960 some serial numbers were at the bottom of the neck plate instead of the usual top. Double stamped serial number plates were also produced (number on both front and back of the neck plate) in late 1957 to early 1959. Unfortunately, there is also some overlap in serial numbers between years -- again due to the fact that neckplates were re-ordered various times from various manufacturers.
4 to 6 digit Neck Plate Serial Numbers
No other letters or markings on the neck plate, except for the rare '-' or '0' prefix, as noted.
0001 to 6000 = 1954
6000 to 9000 = 1955
9000 to 16000 = 1956
16000 to 25000 = 1957 (some numbers with a '0' or '-' prefix)
25000 to 30000 = 1958 (some numbers with a '0' or '-' prefix)
30000 to 40000 = 1959
40000 to 58000 = 1960
55000 to 72000 = 1961
72000 to 93000 = 1962
93000 to 99999 = 1963
L-Series (1963 to late 1965)
Called an 'L Plate,' Fender neckplates started showing up with LXXXXX numbers sometime in 1963. Why the 'L'? It was an error by the company that produced the neckplate stamping for Fender. Fender was using up their neckplates with numbers under 100,000. So, they ordered neckplates that were supposed to have numbers above 100,000. But the stamper misread the order and thought that the number '1' was an 'L' and so instead of plates starting with 100,000 they started with L00,000. Fender demanded corrected neckplates immediately. But it took a while to manufacture and number the plates. So, the company just used the L Plates not wanting to let them go to waste.
Neckplates with an 'L Plate' are considered a Pre-CBS Fender (even though the CBS corporation bought Fender in January 1965). Sometimes an 'L' serial number can be seen as early as late 1962.
L00001 to L20000 = 1963
L20000 to L55000 = 1964
L55000 to L99999 = 1965
F-Series (late 1965 to mid-1976)
After CBS took over Fender changed the neck plates once again. This time, probably in a corporate branding effort, a large Fender script 'F' was added to the neckplate below the serial number. F Series guitars are generally considered CBS Fenders... though most collectors will value all 1965 Fenders similarly to Pre-CBS (the sale was consummated in early February, 1965)
100000 to 110000 = late 1965
110000 to 200000 = 1966
180000 to 210000 = 1967
210000 to 250000 = 1968
250000 to 280000 = 1969
280000 to 300000 = 1970
300000 to 330000 = 1971
330000 to 370000 = 1972
370000 to 520000 = 1973
500000 to 580000 = 1974
580000 to 690000 = 1975
690000 to 750000 = 1976
Serial Number on Peghead Decal.
For many reasons, Fender decided to change the serial numbering system and it's location in the mid-1970's. You can imagine that it might have been cheaper to have the serial numbers added to the decals rather than have them machined. But you can also imagine that there were many times for inventory purposes when suppliers, vendors, and etc. wanted to be able to see the serial number, and now, the year of production without turning the guitar over.
So starting in mid-1976 the serial number was moved to a decal on the peghead. Even with the new system, Fender didn't like to throw away a perfectly good serialized decal just because the year code would be incorrect. So, the information on the peghead could be off as much as two years. Generally speaking, a 'S' prefix equals the 1970's (Seventies), 'E' prefix equals the 1980's (Eighties), and 'N' prefix equals the 1990's (Nineties). Also note: 'E' and 'N' prefix serial numbers were also sometimes also Japanese-made.
In March 1985, CBS sold Fender to a group of private investors made up of the management of the corporation at the time. The serial numbers do not reflect this change - Fender continued to make instruments using existing serial number schemes. The new Fender (FMIC) did not acquire any physical assets of the old company, just the name 'Fender' and the rights to all products and trademarks . So, without any factories FMIC moved all guitar production during 1985 and early 1986 to Japan, while FMIC built a new factory in Corona, California. The Japanese-made Fenders do have some slight serial number differences (typically a 'J' serial number prefix).
7600000 ('76' in bold) = 1976-1977
800000s = 1979-1981
1000000 to 8000000 = 1976-1981 (7 digits)
S1 to S5 + 5 Digits = 1979-1982
S6 + 5 digits = 1976
S7 + 5 digits = 1977-1978
S8 + 5 digits = 1977-1978
S9 + 5 digits = 1978-1981
E0 + 5 digits = 1979-1981
E1 + 5 digits = 1980-1981
E1 + 5 digits = 1982
E2 + 5 digits = 1982-1983
E3 + 5 digits = 1982-1984
E4 + 5 digits = 1984-1985, 1987-1988
E8 + 5 digits = 1988-1989
E9 + 5 digits = 1988-1990
N9 + 5 digits = 1990
N0 + 5 digits = 1990-1991
N1 + 5 or 6 digits = 1991-1992
N2 + 5 or 6 digits = 1992-1993
N3 + 5 or 6 digits = 1993-1994
N4 + 5 or 6 digits = 1994-1995
N5 + 5 or 6 digits = 1995-1996
N6 + 5 or 6 digits = 1996-1997
N7 + 5 or 6 digits = 1997-1998
N8 + 5 or 6 digits = 1998-1999
N9 + 5 or 6 digits = 1999-2000
DZ0 or Z0 + 5/6 digits = 2000
DZ1 or Z1 + 5/6 digits = 2001
DZ2 or Z2 + 5/6 digits = 2002
DZ3 or Z3 + 5/6 digits = 2003
DZ4 or Z4 + 5/6 digits = 2004
DZ5 or Z5 + 5/6 digits = 2005
DZ6 or Z6 + 5/6 digits = 2006
Japanese Serial Numbers on Peghead Decal
Due to the popularity of Rock Music in the '70's and '80's electric guitar sales soared. Many Japanese companies started make knock-off versions of US electric guitar designs. Once these guitars started effecting sales of US made guitars, US guitar manufacturers decided to put a stop to the infringement and to join in the process all at the same time. A CBS-Owned Fender selected a Japanese guitar manufacturer to make official 'Fenders' -- but made at a less expensive price -- in Japan. This gave CBS/Fender a chance to have a lower price point in the market while continuing to offer the more expensive US made models. The corporation sometimes put the Fender logo on these guitars and sometimes put the new name Squier on the these models.
Note that the 'E' and 'N' series does sometimes appear on 'Made in Japan' models. Most likely a mistake on Fender's part using the same prefix for both U.S. and Japanese-made guitars (known as MIJ). However, if the back of the guitar neck bears a 'Made in Japan' decal or even 'Crafted in Japan' decal (usually located at the back of the neck down near the neck heel), then that guitar was indeed Made in Japan.
JV + 5 Digits = 1982 to 1984
SQ + 5 Digits = 1983 to 1984
E + 6 Digits = 1984 to 1987
A + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
B + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
C + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
F + 6 Digits = 1986 to 1987
G + 6 Digits = 1987 to 1988
H + 6 Digits = 1988 to 1989
I + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
J + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
K + 6 Digits = 1990 to 1991
L + 6 Digits = 1991 to 1992
M + 6 Digits = 1992 to 1993
N + 6 Digits = 1993 to 1994
O + 6 Digits = 1994 to 1995
P + 6 Digits = 1995 to 1996
Guitars labeled 'Crafted in Japan' Serials.
A + 6 DIGITS = 1997-1998
O + 6 DIGITS = 1997-2000
P + 6 DIGITS = 1999-2002
Q + 6 DIGITS = 2002-2004
R + 6 DIGITS = 2004-2005
Dating Mexican Made Fender Guitars
As was stated earlier, when CBS sold Fender in 1985 to an investment group comprised of former Fender Management (FMIC) the company didn't have any factories in the US. So, initially, Fender imported guitars from Japanese manufacturers who had proven their ability to produce affordable, viable and well made instruments. But the company immediately set about construction of Fenders flagship domestic factory in Corona, California. In an effort to produce lower priced products, without having to utilize Fender Japan in the process, Fender built a second modern manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, with the goal of being able to build quality instruments and offer them at more budget-oriented prices.
MN0+ 6 DIGITS = 1990-1991
MN1+ 6 DIGITS = 1991-1992
MN2+ 6 DIGITS = 1992-1993
MN3+ 6 DIGITS = 1993-1994
MN4+ 6 DIGITS = 1994-1995
MN5+ 6 DIGITS = 1995-1996
MN6+ 6 DIGITS = 1996-1997
MN7+ 6 DIGITS = 1997-1998
MN8+ 6 DIGITS = 1998-1999
MN9+ 6 DIGITS = 1999-2000
MZ0+ 6 DIGITS = 2000-2001
MZ1+ 6 DIGITS = 2001-2002
MZ2+ 6 DIGITS = 2002-2003
MZ3+ 6 DIGITS = 2003-2004
MZ4+ 6 DIGITS = 2004-2005
MZ5+ 6 DIGITS = 2005-2006
Other Fender Serial Number Schemes.
In the last 20 years, Fender has introduced many different serial numbers schemes, depending on the country the Fender guitar was made (USA=MIA, Mexico=MIM, Japan=MIJ, Korea=MIK, etc). Not all schemes are covered here. Below are some examples of letter prefixes used in recent serial number schemes.
V + 4 to 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series) = 1982-1988 (neck date=exact year)
V + 5 to 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series) = 1989-present (model dependant)
AMXN + 6 DIGITS = California Series electric guitars and basses, '97 and '98
DN + 6 DIGITS = American Deluxe series instruments, '98 and '99
NC(XXXXXX) = Squier Strat Bullets (dating unclear)
FN(XXXXXX) = US made guitars and basses destined for the export market.
Some may have stayed in the U.S or found their way back
(dating unclear)
I(XXXXXXX) = Limited number of these 'I' series guitars were made in '89/'90.
They were made for the export market and have Made in USA
stamped on neck heel.
LE(XXXXXX) = Blonde Jazzmasters and Jaguars with Gold hardware made in 1994.
Sold as a promotional 3 piece set with a Blonde Deluxe Reverb Amp
CN(XXXXXX) = Korean made Fender/Squier guitars (dating unclear)
VN(XXXXXX) = Korean made Fender/Squier guitars (dating unclear)
CA(XXXXX) = Gold Strat 1981, 82 and 83
CB(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special from 1981, CB(XXXXX) Gold Jazz Bass from 1982
CC(XXXXX) = Walnut Strat 1981-82-83
CE(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special from 1981, Black and Gold Tele from 1981-82
CD(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982
CO(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982
GO(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982, Gold Strat 1982-83
D(XXXXXX) = Jazz Bass from 1982
SE8(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats (dating unclear, check neck date)
SE9(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats (dating unclear, check neck date)
SN0(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats 1990
SN1(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats 1990
SN2(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats 1992
SN3(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats 1993
3 digits of 500 = 35th Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990
G(XXXXXX) = 'STRAT' from about 1980, (Gold hardware, 2 pos. rotary tone switch)
4 digits stamped on bridge plate = 1952 reissue Telecaster 1982-1988
(Check neck date for exact year)
5 digits stamped on bridge plate = 1952 reissue Telecaster 1988-present
(Check neck date for exact year)
Other Odd Fender Serial Numbers
AMXN + 6 DIGITS California Series electric guitars and basses, '97 and '98
DN + 6 DIGITS American Deluxe series instruments, '98 and '99
NC(XXXXXX) Squier Strat Bullets (dating unclear)
FN(XXXXXX) US made guitars and basses destined for the export market. Some may have stayed in the U.S or found their way back (Made to Standard Strat specs, dating unclear)
I(XXXXXXX) A limited number of these 'I' series guitars were made in '89 and '90. They were made for the export market and have Made in USA stamped on the heel of the neck.
LE(XXXXXX) Blonde Jazzmasters and Jaguars with Gold hardware made in 1994. Sold as a promotional 3 piece set with a Blonde Deluxe Reverb Amp
CN(XXXXXX) VN(XXXXXX) Korean made Fender/Squier guitars (dating unclear)
CA(XXXXX) Gold Strat 1981, 82 and 83
CB(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from 1981, CB(XXXXX) Gold Jazz Bass from 1982
CC(XXXXX) Walnut Strat 1981-82-83
CE(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from 1981, Black and Gold Tele from 1981-82
CD(XXXXX) CO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982
GO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982, Gold Strat 1982-83
D(XXXXXX) Jazz Bass from 1982
SE(XXXXXX) SN(XXXXXX) SZ(XXXXXX) Signature Series Instruments SE8(XXXXX)-'88, SE9(XXXXX)-'89 SN0(XXXXX)-'90, SN1(XXXXX)-'90, SN2(XXXXX)-'92, etc. SZ0(XXXXX)-'00, SZ1(XXXXX)-'01, SZ2(XXXXX)-'02, etc.
3 DIGITS OF 500 35TH Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990
G(XXXXXX) 'STRAT' from about 1980, (Gold hardware, 2 position rotary tone switch)
4 DIGITS STAMPED ON BRIDGE PLATE U.S. '52 Vintage Telecaster 1982-1988 (Check neck date for specific year)
5 DIGITS STAMPED ON BRIDGE PLATE U.S. '52 Vintage Telecaster 1988-present (Check neck date for specific year)
T(XXXXXX) Tribute series instruments
C(XXXXXX) Collectors Series
XN(XXXXX) FSRs and '52 Teles
How to date Japanese, Mexican, USA, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian and Indian Squiers
Pre-1996 dating is approximate.
Japanese Squiers:
For Japanese serial number dating see Fenders site.
The Japanese MIJ Squiers were made by FujiGen up to 1997 and the Japanese CIJ Squiers were made by Tokai and Dyna from 1997.
Mexican Squiers:
M stands for Mexico, the second character refers to the decade: N represents Nineties (1990's). And the first number following is the year. So, for example 'MN8' = made by Fender at Ensenada Mexico in 1998.
USA Squiers:
USA Squires are very rare and usually have a E serial number and were made for less than a year spanning 1989 and 1990.
Korean Squiers:
C refers to Cort, V refers to Saehan(Sunghan), S was already taken by Samick so Saehan(Sunghan) used V instead (Saehan(Sunghan) made the Vester guitars). Those made by Cort are the most desirable. The second character refers to the decade: N represents Nineties (1990's). And the first number following is the year. So, for example 'CN6' = made by Cort in 1996 and 'VN6' = made by Saehan(Sunghan) in 1996.
Exceptions:
Pro-Tone Series (solid ash bodies) had serial numbers with either a) no preceding letters and 7 digits, with the first number being the year, or b) starting with KC for Korean Cort, followed by 2-digit year.
Stagemaster Deluxe (neck-thru maple necks with basswood wings), and the Double Fat Tele Deluxe (all solid mahogany with set necks), with serial numbers starting with KC for Korean Cort, followed by 2-digit year.
There were also some KV (Korean Saehan(Sunghan)) serial numbers followed by 2-digit year.
The KC and KV forms are apparently associated with the change to Crafted in Korea. So, post-1996 models only would have this form of serial number.
Six-digit serial numbers with no preceding letters, with the first number being the year.
Squier II's could not possibly have been assembled before 1987/88, as these represent the transition to Indian and then Korean production, and all the ramifications of such (the serial numbers can be off by years for these particular axes, and neck dates may also be misleading).
The S and E Squires seem to be from the late 1980's/early 1990's and don't seem to have a reliable serial number system for dating.
Some Squier II's were made in India around 1989-1990.
A lot of the Squier II's had a plywood body.
Chinese Squiers:
YN: Y = Yako (Taiwan). The second character refers to the decade N = Nineties (1990's). And the first number following is the year. So, for example 'YN6' = 1996. This form is associated with Made in China Affinitys (with the standard body thickness of 45mm/1.75).
CY: Y = Yako (Taiwan) C = China. CY is followed by 2-digit year. CY appears on most models produced in China, and is by far the most common form. These forms are apparently associated with the change to Crafted in China, so post-1996 models only would have this form of serial number.
Some Chinese Gretsch's use a CY serial number.
YN is associated with 'made in china' rather than 'crafted in china' and 1996 was the year they swapped to 'crafted in china' and mostly CY prefixes.
Miscellaneous Chinese serials: CD, CT, CJ, NC: C = China, the first number following the serial number prefix is the year.
Probably made by Yako (Taiwan).
Squier serial numbers beginning with CA are made by Axl China.
Indonesian Squiers:
IC = Made in Indonesia by Cort (solid agathis from 1998), followed by 2-digit year.
IS = Made in Indonesia by Samick. Bullet Series (plywood), followed by 2-digit year.
Indian Squiers:
Some Squier II's were made in India around 1989-1990.
Some recent Squiers are being made in India.
Reference Materials to Help Date Your Guitar
If you are unable to place the approximate year of manufacture of your instrument using the above charts, there are a few great books available, which have invaluable information on the history of Fender instruments. If you have serious interest in learning about the history of Fender instruments, or if you just want to try to establish the year of production of your own axe, we would highly recommend that you pick up one or more of the following books. They are detailed reference resources with a wealth of information for helping to either establish the vintage of your guitar or bass or for just learning more about Fender history in general. These books are the same resources we refer to here at Fender, when trying to research answers to these same history and dating questions. (See picture inset or separate 'Telecaster Books.jpg' image file)
You may want to consider ordering one or more of the following reference books:
(See picture inset or separate 'Telecaster Books.jpg' image file)
DATING YOUR U.S. MADE FENDER STRINGED INSTRUMENT
For the majority of Fender's U.S. instrument production history, production dates have been applied to various components. Most notably, production dates have been penciled or stamped on the butt end of the heel of the neck of most guitars and basses. There were periods of time when this was not consistently done, (between 1973 and 1981), and there are certainly other examples of short periods of time, and individual pieces, where the dating was simply omitted.
While this neck dating is useful in roughly determining the age of a guitar, it is certainly not definitive. The neck date simply refers to the date that the individual component was produced. Given the modular nature of Fender's production techniques, an individual neck may have been produced in a given year, placed in the manufacturing warehouse and remained in stock for a period of time, and then subsequently paired with a body to create a complete guitar in the following year. So, obviously a neck date, while being helpful in providing a date range of production, it cannot be a definitive reference.
Unlike the auto industry which has specific model years for their products, most specifications for a given Fender instrument model, change little if any, through the lifetime of the model. While there have been periods where dramatic changes have occurred, for example: the transition periods between Leo's Fender and the CBS years, as well as the transition between CBS' Fender and the current ownership, generally speaking, most models are feature specific and do not change from year to year.
Serial numbers are also helpful in determining the year of production of a given instrument.
Serial numbers have been used in various locations on Fender instruments through the years. They have been placed at the top of the neck plate, on the front of the headstock, on the back of the headstock, and on the back of the neck near where the neck bolts onto the body. They were stamped on the back vibrato cover plate (early '50s Strats), and on the bridge plate between the pickup and the saddles on some Telecasters. But once again, due to the modular nature of Fender's production methods, and the fact that most serial numbers schemes are not sequential and usually overlap from between 2 to 4 years, (from the early days of Fender, through to the mid 1980s), dating by the serial number is not an exact science.
Establishing the Value of Your Vintage Guitar
Fender/Guild, as a manufacturer and distributor of new instruments, has no direct involvement in either the used, collectors, or 'Vintage' instruments markets and therefore they are unable to offer you the current value of your instrument. These used, 'Vintage' and collectors markets operate completely dependently from the new instrument market.
If you have interest in establishing a relative value for your instrument,it might be helpful to contact any of the used or vintage instrument dealers in your area. If you have an older 'vintage' instrument, you may want to pick up a copy of Vintage Guitar magazine, or visit their website at http://www.vguitar.com. Vintage Guitar magazine is a great resource for people who buy, sell and trade vintage instruments and should be quite helpful.
You might also want to check with one of the many instrument dealers who offer appraisals of vintage instruments such as: Elderly Instruments, at: http://www.elderly.com, Gruhn Guitars at: http://www.gruhn.com, or Norman's Rare Guitars, at: http://www.normansrareguitars.com.
Other resources would be to check with your local library for a copy of the 'Orion Blue Book' or the 'Blue Book of Guitar Values'. You can also check with your local pawnshops, as most refer to this book, or one like it, to establish the values or used instruments. Lastly, one of the best measures of value may be completed Ebay Auctions for similar guitars. All of these are excellent resources for researching the fair market value of your instrument.
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The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and Squier and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. (FMIC) 1987 - 2007 All rights reserved.