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So you lot demand to effigy out the year of product for your Fender guitar or bass. You're not lonely. Fenders rank equally the near frequently bought and sold instruments on Reverb, and finding a precise date of industry can exist primal to determining the value and specifics of an instrument.

The most important thing to continue in mind when dating a Fender is the highly modular nature of the designs. Like Henry Ford, part of Leo Fender's genius was in optimizing the company's production efficiency. His guitars were built en masse by an entire manufactory, non a single luthier toiling over one instrument at a time. Features similar bolt-on necks and pickups wired into the pickguard all helped the Fender manufactory churn out guitar afterwards guitar, day afterwards twenty-four hours. This also means that diverse parts used on a item guitar may have come from different points in time, so no unmarried number tin can absolutely define when the instrument was congenital.

Instead, the best approach to dating a Fender is to combine indicators from the pattern of the instrument, the dates establish on the neck and torso, forth with the serial number. Once y'all have the data you lot need, if yous're interested in selling your Fender, you lot tin can employ Reverb to become it in front end of the largest audience of musicians in the world by clicking on this link.

Design Changes and Features

Perhaps the best identify to start when dating your Fender is to get an approximate idea of the era based on the instrument's design and components. This can exist a alpine order for someone less versed in guitar history, but we practice have some resource here on Reverb to help y'all out.

For starters, there's the Reverb Price Guide which has thousands of entries with pictures and details on diverse guitars and other gear. Some browsing around the Fender section of the Price Guide can definitely assist you find which model you have.

We also accept some other blog posts related to Fender that can hopefully exist of some assist. In that location'south A Brief History of the Stratocaster Part I and Office II that follows the development of the most pop Fender guitar of all. Similarly, take a look at Behold the Jazzmaster for general timeline of the history of everyone's favorite starting time guitar. For Fender during the turning point era of the mid-'60s, check out Fender and the CBS Takeover.

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Body and Cervix Dates

Through much of Fender'south production history, Fender workers would impress or write a production engagement on both bodies and necks where the two pieces meet. These dates will tell when the original part was manufactured, simply are non verbal indicators of when the guitar was actually put together and finished.

Here is what the neck date and torso date look like from a 1952 Telecaster:

If yous're non comfortable removing the neck of a guitar to peek at the date marking, I encourage you to take it to a local tech or luthier.

I will also mention briefly pot-codes as a resource (numbers on the internal potentiometers of the guitar). These can definitely be useful in cases where no other numbers exist, merely only tell when the pot itself was made. Who knows how long it was waiting in the Fender factory before finding its fashion into a Tele?

Serial Numbers

Like the body and cervix dates, using serial numbers to date a Fender is non a certain bet. At many points in Fender's history, serial number usage overlapped once again owing to the modular mode of production. Below we'll go into detail most the various serial number schemes employed by Fender as far back equally 1950. At that place are certainly plenty of exceptions, then again, using serial numbers in conjunction with other dating methods is always the best bet.

Click on the links hither to spring directly to the serial number style that matches your instrument:

Four digit series number on the bridge, 1950 - 1954.
4 or 5 digit series number on the neck plate with no letters, 1954 - 1963.
Serial number on neckplate starts with an L, 1963 - 1965.
Big F on the neckplate with a vi digit serial, 1965 - 1976.
Serial number starts with a letter of the alphabet followed by half dozen or seven digits, 1976 - present.
Made in Japan serial numbers.
Made in United mexican states serial numbers.

The Early Years: 1950 - 1954

In the early on years, Fender serial numbers schemes were specific to the model. Esquires, Broadcasters and Telecasters shared a serial number sequence, while the landmark Precision Bass had its own arrangement. In this early menses, the serial number tin can be found on the bridge of the instrument (run into prototype).

Here are the crude serial number ranges for the early Esquires and Telecasters:

0001 to 0999	1950 - 1952
000 to 5300	1952 - 1954

And here are the ranges for the original Precision Basses:

161 to 357	1951
299 to 619	1952
0001 to 0160	1952
0161 to 0470	1951 - 1952
0475 to 0840	1952 - 1953
0848 to 1897	1953 - 1954

Also, for the first half or so of 1954, the inaugural run of Stratocasters had a distinct number sequence all under number 6000.

Classic Serial Numbers - 1954 - 1963

By mid-1954, Fender began using a universal series number sequence for all its instruments. At this fourth dimension, the location of the serial number likewise shifted from the span to the neckplate (the metal plate located on dorsum of where the neck meets the torso).

Here's how the series numbers break downwards from 1954 to the kickoff of 1963, though in that location are some areas of inconsistency in this era:

0001 to 7000	1954
7000 to 9000	1955
9000 to 17000	1956
17000 to 25000	1957
25000 to 34000	1958
34000 to 44000	1959
44000 to 59000	1960
59000 to 71000	1961
71000 to 93000	1962
93000 to 99999	1963

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L Series - The Transition Period of 1963 to 1965

At the very terminate of 1962 and into 1963, Fender changed to a system where series numbers began with an "L." According to some accounts, the L was supposed to just exist a 1 to mark the cross over into the 100,000 range from the previous scheme, merely an 50 was used past mistake.

Here the range of the L-series serial used each yr. Some of the earliest ones actually popped up in belatedly 1962 equally well:

0L00001 to L20000	1963
L20000 to L59000	1964
L59000 to L99999	1965

F Series - CBS Era 1965 - 1976

Subsequently the CBS purchase of Fender in 1965, the manufactory switched to a new serial sequence with numbers that continued the same general format used prior to the takeover. These are mostly referred to as F series due the large Fender branded F on the neckplates of the era. This period also saw a switch from the orginal four-bolt neckplate of the '60s to a 3-commodities neckplate in just one case of cost-saving costs introduced under CBS.

100000 to 110000	tardily 1965
110000 to 200000	1966
200000 to 210000	1967
210000 to 250000	1968
250000 to 280000	1969
280000 to 300000	1970
300000 to 340000	1971
340000 to 370000	1972
370000 to 520000	1973
500000 to 580000	1974
580000 to 690000	1975
690000 to 750000	1976

Post 1976

Starting in 1976, Fender transitioned to a new series number scheme and moved the placement of most serial numbers to the headstock of the instrument. Depending on the era and model, the number tin be found on either the front or back of the headstock.

After a brusk menses of overlap with the former system, the post-76 numbers volition commencement with a letter that indicates the decade, followed by a number that indicates the year of that decade. The decade letter of the alphabet codes break downward like this: South = 1970s, E = 1980s, N = 1990s, Z = 2000s. In the 2000s, you'll also see serials starting with a DZ which indicates the Deluxe series, merely the format is otherwise the same.

For case, a serial number with N4 would be from 1994. One starting with Z5 would exist from 2005.

This scheme is not 100% consistent due to a number of production factors, such equally Fender producing more than serialized decals than needed in a given yr. This is particularly pronounced in the transitional period of the mid-'80s, though the system has been pretty much on bespeak since nigh 1990.

Subsequently 2009, the letter inverse to a format starting with Us then two digits that tell the yr of the electric current decade.

Hither'southward the breakdown of Post-1976 American-fabricated Fender serials:

76 + 5 digits	1976
S6 + v digits	1976
S7 + 5 digits	1977 - 1978
S8 + 5 digits	1978
S9 + 5 digits	1978 - 1979
E0 + v digits	1979 - 1981
E1 + 5 digits	1980 - 1982
E2 + 5 digits	1982 - 1983
E3 + 5 digits	1982 - 1985
E4 + 5 digits	1984 - 1988
E8 + five digits	1988 - 1989
E9 + 5 digits	1989 - 1990
N9 + v digits	1990
N0 + five digits	1990 - 1991
N1 + five or 6 digits	1991 - 1992
N2 + 5 or 6 digits	1992 - 1993
N3 + 5 or 6 digits	1993 - 1994
N4 + 5 or half-dozen digits	1994 - 1995
N5 + v or 6 digits	1995 - 1996

N6 + 5 or 6 digits	1996 - 1997
N7 + 5 or half-dozen digits	1997 - 1998
N8 + 5 or half dozen digits	1998 - 1999
N9 + 5 or vi digits	1999 - 2000
Z0 + five or 6 digits	2000 - 2001
Z2 + five or six digits	2001 - 2002
Z3 + 5 or 6 digits	2003 - 2004
Z4 + five or half dozen digits	2004 - 2005
Z5 + v or half dozen digits	2005 - 2006
Z6 + 5 or six digits	2006 - 2007
Z7 + 5 or 6 digits	2007 - 2008
Z8 + 5 or vi digits	2008 - 2009
Z9 + 5 or 6 digits	2009 - 2010
US10 + 6 digits	2010
US11 + half dozen digits	2011
US12 + 6 digits	2012
US13 + 6 digits	2013
US14 + half-dozen digits	2014

Signature Series

American-made signature series instruments follow a very similar scheme to the higher up, but use a prefix South earlier the decade letter. For instance, a Signature Series guitar from 1998 would accept a serial starting with SN8 followed by five digits.

American Vintage Reissue models

The major exception to all of this is the American Vintage Reissue (AVRI) series. These have serial numbers starting with Five and do non strictly correlate to years. The neck dates on these guitars, however, are usually reliable.

Fabricated in Japan Fender Serials

Fender Japan serial numbers tin usually be institute on the back of the cervix nearly the cervix articulation. Though examples also be with the number on the headstock or the neck-plate in the case of certain early reissue models. Up until 1997, the serial was paired with the words "Made in Japan."

In 1982, Fender expanded operations with a series of instruments produced in Japan past the Fuji Gen Gakki visitor. Similar the U.s. series numbers, MIJ (made in Japan) serials starting time with a letter or pair of letters that signal the rough twelvemonth of production. This system, yet, is notoriously inconsistent and incomplete, which makes dating past serial number even less reliable for MIJ Fenders.

Here's a breakdown of serials for the "Made in Nihon" era:

JV + 5 digits	1982 - 1984
SQ + 5 digits	1983 - 1984
E + 6 digits	1984 - 1987
A + vi digits	1985 - 1986
B + 6 digits	1985 - 1986
C + 6 digits	1985 - 1986
F + six digits	1986 - 1987
G + six digits	1987 - 1988
H + 6 digits	1988 - 1989
I + 6 digits	1989 - 1990
J + half dozen digits	1989 - 1990
K + 6 digits	1990 - 1991
J + half-dozen digits	1990 - 1991

K + 6 digits	1990 - 1991
50 + 6 digits	1991 - 1992
1000 + 6 digits	1992 - 1993
N + 6 digits	1993 - 1994
O + six digits	1993 - 1994
P + 6 digits	1993 - 1994
Q + vi digits	1993 - 1994
S + 6 digits	1994 - 1995
T + six digits	1994 - 1995
U + six digits	1995 - 1996
N + 5 digits	1995 - 1996
V + vi digits	1996 - 1997

Crafted in Japan Serial Numbers

In 1997, Fender changed the "Made in Nippon" decal to say "Crafted in Japan." There is some overlap with the earlier "MIJ" serials, so it's important to note if your instrument carries the "Fabricated in Japan" or "Crafted in Nihon" decal.

Hither are the serial numbers for the "Crafted in Japan" or "CIJ" era:

A + half dozen digits	1997 - 1998
O + 6 digits	1997 - 2000
P + vi digits	1999 - 2002
Q + 6 digits	2002 - 2004
R + 6 digits	2004 - 2005
S + vi digits	2006 - 2008
T + half dozen digits	2007 - 2008

After 2007, Fender Japan switched back to mark Fenders as "Fabricated in Nippon" though for a few years instruments with both decals were made. Series numbers since this transition take continued the same sequence as the "CIJ" era.

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Made in Mexico Fender Serials

Fender opened a factory in Ensenada, Mexico in the late '80s and instruments started coming off the line in 1990. Mexican-made (MIM) Fenders behave a serial number on the headstock starting with an Thou. Some exceptions include a handful of special editions and signature models too every bit the divide US/Mexican-made California series which all take a "AMXN" at the start of their serials.

The MIM serial number scheme is really very direct-frontwards. For Mexican Fenders made in the 1990s, the serial will start with an MN followed by a number that indicates the year of the decade. Instruments made in the 2000s follow the same form only outset with MZ. For the 2010s, the prefix is MX1. For instance, a series number starting with MN2 would be 1992.

Here's the serial number breakup for a bulk of MIM Fenders:

MN0 + five or 6 digits	1990
MN1 + five or vi digits	1991
MN2 + five or 6 digits	1992
MN3 + 5 or 6 digits	1993
MN4 + 5 or 6 digits	1994
MN5 + five or half-dozen digits	1995
MN6 + 5 or half dozen digits	1996
MN7 + five or 6 digits	1997
MN8 + 5 or 6 digits	1998
MN9 + 5 or 6 digits	1999
MZ0 + 5 or half dozen digits	2000
MZ1 + five or 6 digits	2001
MZ2 + five or 6 digits	2002

MZ3 + 5 or six digits	2003
MZ4 + v or 6 digits	2004
MZ5 + 5 or 6 digits	2005
MZ6 + five or 6 digits	2006
MZ7 + v or 6 digits	2007
MZ8 + 5 or 6 digits	2008
MZ9 + 5 or six digits	2009
MX10 + six digits	2010
MX11 + six digits	2011
MX12 + half dozen digits	2012
MX13 + half dozen digits	2013
MX14 + 6 digits	2014

Exceptions

There are a number of exceptions to all these series number schemes. As mentioned above, many reissue models employ serial numbers that don't really correlate to their age. Additionally, there have been enough of artist models, limited editions and other rare models that employ a unique serial number. Examples include the 35th ceremony series, many of the uniquely finished Strats from the early '80s, as well as diverse consign-specific models which carry a serial number starting with FN.

Again, the serial number alone in any of these cases is not definitive and the best arroyo is to combine that with other methods like the neck and body dates, as well equally just the features of the specific instrument. If yous have whatsoever questions equally to what Fender you're dealing with, I encourage you to seek out a local guitar shop or luthier to assist effigy information technology out.