Instrument Manufacturers |
Amplifier Manufacturers |
Tech Tips |
Schematics |
Desktop Pictures |
Music Education |
Guitar Serials |
Part Store |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Fender Serials | Gibson Serials | Martin Serials | Gretsch Serials | Guild Serials | Rickenbacker Serials |
(Fender Acoustic Dating available here)
Pre-1977 Fender guitars have a serial number on the bridgeplate or neckplate. Serial numbers are basically chronological, but there is some overlap amoung years. Fender serial numbers were assigned like this: bin with serialized plates/bridges. Assembler reached in and grabbed one (or many). Put them on the instrument(s). As you can see from this over-simplified example, serial number assignment was fairly random. Just keep this in mind. The only truely 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.
Esquires, Broadcasters, Telecasters 1950 to 1954 (number 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):
Telecaster, Numbers On Bridge Plate 0001 to 0999 = 1950 to 1952 1000 to 5300 = 1952 to 1954Precision Basses 1951 to 1955 (number on bridgeplate). Note there is some overlap. This system of serial numbers is unique to this model until about 1955 (even though Fender went to a universal neckplate serial number system on all instruments in 1954, some old style Precision Bass serialized bridges were still left over and used until 1955.)
Pbass, Numbers on Bridge Plate 100 to 400 = 1951 to 1952 0001 to 0999 = 1952 to 1954 1000 to 2000 = 1953 to 1955
All Models, summer 1954 to mid 1976 (serial number on neckplate). 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. As a good example of all four of these serial number oddities, click here. This shows a "double stamped" neck plate, one number with a "-" prefix and stamped on the bottom of the plate, and the other number with a "0" prefix! And yes there is some overlap in serial numbers between years.
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 = late 1963 to mid 1963L-Series (late 1962 to late 1965) (serial number on neckplate preceded with an "L"):
L00001 to L20000 = late 1962 to late 1963 L20000 to L55000 = 1964 L55000 to L99999 = 1965F-Series (late 1965 to mid-1976) (big script "F" on neckplate below serial number):
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 = 1976Serial Number on Peghead Decal.
7600000 ("76" in bold) = 1976-1977
800000s = 1979-1981
1000000 to 8000000 = 1976-1981 (7 digits)
S100000's-S600000's = 1979-1982
S700000's to S770000's = 1977
S740000's to S800000's = 1978
S810000's to S870000's = 1979
S880000's to S980000's = 1980
S950000's to S990000's = 1981
E000000's to E100000's = 1979-1982
E200000's = 1982
E300000's to E310000's = 1983
E320000's to E390000's = 1984-1985
E400000's = 1984, 1985, 1987
E800000's = 1988-1989
E900000's = 1989-1990
N900000's = 1990
N000000's = 1990-1991
N100000's = 1991
N200000's = 1992
N300000's = 1993
N400000's = 1994
N500000's = 1995
N600000's = 1996
N700000's = 1997
N800000's = 1998
N900000's = 1999
Japanese Serial NumbersJV+ 5 digits 1982-1984 SQ + 5 digits 1983-1984 E + 6 digits 1984-1987 A + 6 digits 1985-1986 B + 6 digits 1985-1986 C + 6 digits 1985-1986 F + 6 digits 1986-1987 G + 6 digits 1987-1988 H + 6 digits 1988-1989 I + 6 digits 1989-1990 J + 6 digits 1989-1990 K + 6 digits 1990-1991 L + 6 digits 1991-1992 M + 6 digits 1992-1993 N + 6 digits 1993-1994 O + 6 digits 1993-1994 P + 6 digits 1993-1994 Q + 6 digits 1993-1994 S + 6 digits 1994-1995 T + 6 digits 1994-1995 U + 6 digits 1995-1996 N + 5 digits 1995-1996 V + 6 digits 1996-1997
Crafted in Japan A + 6 digits 1997-1998 Crafted in Japan O + 5 digits 1997-2000 Crafted in Japan P + 5 digits 1999-2002 Crafted in Japan Q + 5 digits 2002-2004 Crafted in Japan R + 5 digits 2004-2005
Dating Mexican Made Fenders
|
SERIAL NUMBERS CIRCA
|
|
| MN0+ 5 DIGITS | 1990-1991 |
| MN1+ 5 DIGITS | 1991-1992 |
| MN2+ 5 DIGITS | 1992-1993 |
| MN3+ 5 DIGITS | 1993-1994 |
| MN4+ 5 DIGITS | 1994-1995 |
| MN5+ 5 DIGITS | 1995-1996 |
| MN6+ 5 DIGITS | 1996-1997 |
| MN7+ 5 DIGITS | 1997-1998 |
| MN8+ 5 DIGITS | 1998-1999 |
| MN9+ 5 DIGITS | 1999-2000 |
| MZ0+ 5 DIGITS | 2000-2001 |
| MZ1+ 5 DIGITS | 2001-2002 |
| MZ2+ 5 DIGITS | 2002-2003 |
| MZ3+ 5 DIGITS | 2003-2004 |
| MZ4+ 5 DIGITS | 2004-2005 |
| MZ5+ 5 DIGITS | 2005-2006 |
| MZ6+ 5 DIGITS | 2006-2007 |
| MZ7+ 5 DIGITS | 2007-2008 |
With the year 2000 came the introduction of the "Z" prefix serial numbers on US made instruments, which stood for the 0 of the new millennium. A Z0 prefix dates to 2000, a Z1 prefix dates to 2001 etcetera. The American Deluxe Series instruments use the same dating convention but with the addition of a "D" in front of the "Z", i.e. DZ1, DZ2 etcetera. Once again, and as always, there is typically some overlap and carryover of number prefixes from year to year.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION DATES |
| N9 + 5 or 6 DIGITS Z0 + 5 or 6 DIGITS DZ0 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe) V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) | 2000 |
| Z0 + 5 or 6 DIGITS Z1 + 5 or 6 DIGITS DZ1 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe) V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) | 2001 |
|
Z1 + 5 or 6 DIGITS Z2 + 5 or 6 DIGITS DZ2 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe) V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) |
2002 |
|
Z2 + 5 or 6 DIGITS Z3 + 5 or 6 DIGITS DZ3 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Deluxe Series) V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) |
2003 |
|
Z3 + 5 or 6 DIGITS Z4 + 5 or 6 DIGITS DZ4 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe) V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) XN4 + 4 Digits |
2004 |
|
Z4 + 5 or 6 DIGITS Z5 + 5 or 6 DIGITS DZ5 + 5 or 6 DIGITS (Am. Deluxe) V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (American Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) XN5 + 4 Digits |
2005 |
The following serial numbers are somewhat outside the more, well known Fender serial number schemes. If you have what you consider to be a somewhat "odd" serial number, please check the following chart to see if you find your serial number configuration here. This chart contains
ODD SERIAL NUMBERS
| NUMBER | DESCRIPTION |
| 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) |
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 |
REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR DATING FENDER INSTRUMENTS
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.
You may want to consider ordering one or more of the following books through your local Fender Dealer.
BOOKS FROM THE FENDER LIBRARY
| TITLE | PART NUMBER | U.S. MSRP |
| 50 Years Of Fender | 099-5050-000 | $19.99 |
| The Fender Stratocaster 40th Anniversary Edition | 099-5000-000 | $14.99 |
| The Stratocaster Chronicles | 099-5057-000 | $50.00 |
| The Story Of The Fender Stratocaster | 099-5017-000 | $19.99 |
| Fender - The Sound Heard 'Round The World | 099-5015-000 | $29.95 |
| The Fender Telecaster | 099-5005-000 | $14.99 |
| The Fender Bass | 099-5004-000 | $9.99 |
| The Fender Bass An Illustrated History | 099-5046-000 | $24.99 |
| How The Fender Bass Changed The World | 099-5045-000 | $27.99 |
| The Fender Book - 2nd Edition | 099-5006-100 | $24.99 |
| The Fender Custom Shop Guitar Gallery | 099-5012-000 | $12.99 |
| Fender Classic Moments | 099-5013-000 | $24.99 |
| The Story of the Fender Stratocaster | 099-5016-000 | $24.95 |
Other Fender Serial Number Schemes.
Fender has recently (in the last 20 years) introduced LOTS
of different serial numbers schemes, depending on the country
the Fender was made (USA, Mexico, Japan, Korea, etc). Not
all schemes are covered here.
Below are some examples of letter prefixes used in recent
serial number schemes.
V : this prefix used for US made "vintage reissue" models, 1982 to present.
25 + 4 digits : 1979 to 1980 Anniversary Stratocaster.
AMXN : "AMX" means assembled in Mexico with American parts,
"N" is the decade (1990s).
MN : "M" means Mexican made, "N" is the decade (1990s).
C : this prefix used in 1982.
D : this prefix used in late 1981 to early 1982.
EE : this prefix was once used by CBS for Exports. Only a few US instruments have this after CBS sale. 1986-1988.
GO : this prefix used in the early 1980s.
SE : this prefix means a Signature Edition, 1982 to present.
4 digit decal on back of peghead: custom order model 1987 to present.
Strat logos over the years.
Back to Serial Index Page
©