Fender Custom Shop Serial Numbers Database
Holding down the Ctrl key before clicking and dragging the mouse accelerates therate of change; holding down the Shift keybefore clicking and dragging the mouse slows the rate of change. Dragging the mouse vertically up and down changesthe window center (i.e., brightness). Keys must bepressed before clicking and dragging.When you use the tool, imcontrast adjusts the contrast ofthe displayed image by modifying the axes CLim property. Matlab contrast stretching.
These codes have nothing to do with the serial number that is stamped on the right rear of the chassis - Those numbers are posted below. A=1951, B=1952, C=1953, D=1954, E=1955, F=1956, G=1957, H=1958, I=1959, J=1960, K=1961, L=1962, M=1963, N=1964, O=1965, P=1966, Q=1967, R=1968, S=1969, T=1970 A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, D=Apr, E=May, F=Jun, G=Jul, H=Aug, I=Sep, J=Oct, K=Nov, & L=Dec.
Dating Fender Acoustic Guitars
Unfortunately, our records are not complete enough to provide precise dating information for many Fender acoustic guitars from the early 1960s through the 1970s and 1980s. Although the tables below are as accurate as possible, serial numbers of these acoustic guitars have never been archived and are of no assistance when attempting to date these instruments.
The information contained in this guide was culled from our archives of Fender price lists and catalogs, beginning with 1968. Unknown information is indicated with a question mark.
This guide can help you determine the approximate age of your instrument, what the price range was during its years of production or what it sold for in the last year it was available, and what woods were used in its construction.
DG SERIES FENDER ACOUSTIC GUITARS
(IMPORTED FROM CHINA, INDONESIA AND KOREA)
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| DG3 | 1996 -1998 | $319.99 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG5 | 1995 -1998 | $175.99 | Nato top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG10 | 1995 -1997 | $289.99 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG15-BLK Black | 1995 -1996 | $359.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG15-NAT Natural | 1997 -1997 | $359.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG15-SB Sunburst | 1995 -1996 | $359.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG17-NAT | 1996 -1998 | $219.00 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| DG17E-NAT | 1996 -1998 | $279.00 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| DG18-BLK | 1996 -1998 | $279.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18-NAT | 1996 -1998 | $279.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18-SB | 1996 -1998 | $279.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18 LH | 1996 -1998 | $279.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18-12-NAT | 1996 -1998 | $269.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18CE | 1996 -1998 | $249.00 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG19 | 1996 -1998 | $319.00 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG19CE-NAT | 1996 -1998 | $429.00 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG19CE-SB | 1996 -1998 | $429.00 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG30-12 | 1996-1996 | $519.00 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30S | 1996-1996 | $519.00 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30S LH | 1996-1996 | $549.00 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30SCE-BLK | 1996-1996 | $779.00 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30SCE-NAT | 1996-1996 | $779.00 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30SCE-SB | 1996-1996 | $779.00 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31-12 | 1996-1999 | $529.99 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31S | 1996-1999 | $549.99 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31S LH | 1996-1999 | $559.99 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31SCE-BLK | 1996-1999 | $799.99 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31SCE-CSB | 1996-1997 | $799.99 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31SCE-NAT | 1996-1999 | $799.99 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG40S | 1996-1996 | $589.00 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG40S-12 | 1996-1996 | $639.00 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG40SCE-NAT | 1996-1996 | $949.00 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG95 | 1996-1996 | ?200.00 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
SPRING HILL SERIES
(HANDMADE FENDER ACOUSTIC GUITARS MADE IN SPRING HILL, TENN.
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| LS-10 | 1994 to 1996 | $1,775.00 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| LS-20 | 1994 to 1996 | $1,975.00 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| LS-20 LH | 1994 to 1996 | $2,075.00 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| LS-30 | 1994 to 1996 | $2,075.00 | Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides |
| LS-40C | 1994 to 1996 | $1,975.00 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| LS-50C | 1994 to 1996 | $2,175.00 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| LS-60C | 1994 to 1996 | $2,275.00 | Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides |
| SB-15 | 1994 to 1996 | $1,875.00 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| SB-15SB | 1994 to 1996 | $1,925.00 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| SB-25 | 1994 to 1996 | $2,075.00 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| SB-25SB | 1994 to 1996 | $2,125.00 | solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| SB-35 | 1994 to 1996 | $2,175.00 | Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides |
| SB-45C | 1994 to 1996 | $2,075.00 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| SB-55C | 1994 to 1996 | $2,275.00 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| SB-65C | 1994 to 1996 | $2,375.00 | Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides |
AG SERIES
(ACOUSTIC GUITARS IMPORTED FROM KOREA)
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| AG10 | 1994-1995 | $239 to $269 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| AG15 | 1994-1995 | $259 to $289 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| AG20 | 1994-1995 | $281 to $299 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| AG21 | 1995-1995 | $251 to $289 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| AG22 | 1995-1995 | $251 to $289 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| AG23 | 1995-1995 | $310 to $329 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| AG25 | 1994-1995 | $337 to $355 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
SX/CX SERIES
(ACOUSTIC GUITARS IMPORTED FROM KOREA)
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| 200SX | 1995-1995 | $210 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| 600SX | 1994-1995 | $449 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| 800SX | 1994-1995 | $519 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1000SX | 1992-1995 | $709 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| 1100SX | 1992-1995 | $819 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1105SXE | 1992-1994 | $989 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1200SX | 1992-1994 | $964 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| 1300SX | 1992-1994 | $1,173 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1500SX | 1992-1994 | $964 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1505SX | 1992-1994 | $1,015 | Solid spruce top, sycamore back and sides |
| 1600SXE | 1993-1994 | $1,066 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 150CX | 1995-1995 | $179 | Spruce top, meranti back and sides |
| 2100CX | 1994-1995 | $679 | Solid cedar top, ovangkol back and sides |
GEMINI SERIES
(ACOUSTIC GUITARS IMPORTED FROM KOREA, DISTRIBUTED IN THE U.S. BY MIDCO)
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| Gemini I (Classical) | 1984-1988 | $140 to $165 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Gemini II | 1984-1987 | $165 to $189 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Gemini IIE (Electric) | 1987-1990 | $240 to $260 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Gemini III (Black) | 1987-1988 | $199 to $209 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Gemini IV (White) | 1987-1990 | $220 to $240 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
CALIFORNIA SERIES
(ACOUSTIC GUITARS IMPORTED FROM JAPAN FROM ABOUT 1982 TO 1985, THEN IMPORTED FROM KOREA FROM ABOUT 1985 TO 1992)
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| Avalon (Folk) | 1985-1992 | $315 to $370 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Balboa | 1983-1987 | $535 to $650 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Capistrano | 1983-1987 | $450 to $525 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| Catalina | 1983-1992 | $295 to $370 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Concord | 1987-1992 | $185 to $320 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Del Mar | 1983-1989 | $335 to $340 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| El Rio | 1983-1987 | $595 to $520 | Solid spruce top, sycamore back and sides |
| La Brea (Black) | 1987-1992 | $345 to $495 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| La Brea (Maple) | 1992-1995 | $535 to $510 | Spruce top, flame maple back and sides |
| La Brea (Natural) | 1990-1992 | $435 to $495 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| La Brea (Sunburst) | 1990-1992 | $435 to $495 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Laguna | 1986-1988 | $395 to $475 | Spruce top, redwood back and sides |
| Malibu | 1983-1992 | $325 to $410 | Sycamore top, back and sides |
| Montara (Black) | 1990-1992 | $575 to $695 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Montara (Maple) | 1992-1995 | $675 to $780 | Spruce top, flame maple back and sides |
| Montara (Natural) | 1990-1992 | $575 to $695 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Montara (Sunburst) | 1990-1992 | $575 to $695 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Montclair | 1987-1988 | $415 to $435 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Newporter | 1983-1992 | $235 to $330 | Mahogany top, back and sides |
| Redondo | 1983-1990 | $250 to $340 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| San Luis Rey | 1990-1995 | $385 to $444 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| San Marino | 1990-1992 | $325 to $370 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| San Miguel | 1990-1992 | $310 to $355 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Santa Maria XII | 1988-1992 | $310 to $375 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Santa Rosa | 1989-1990 | $739 | Basswood? Semi-solid body electric/acoustic |
STANDARD SERIES
(ACOUSTIC GUITARS IMPORTED FROM ASIA, DISTRIBUTED IN THE U.S. BY MIDICO)
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| F200 | 1982-1988 | $245 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F210 | 1982-1988 | $265 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F210S | 1988-1990 | $325 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F210LH | 1982-1988 | $265 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F220SB | 1982-1988 | $275 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F230 | 1982-1988 | $325 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F230CE | 1988-1990 | $425 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F240A | 1982-1988 | $330 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F250 | 1982-1988 | $380 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F260S | 1987-1987 | $510 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F265C | 1987-1987 | $425 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F270SCE | 1987-1987 | $630 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F310-12 | 1985-1988 | $265 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F330-12 | 1982-1987 | $375 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F360S-12 | 1987-1987 | $535 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| FC100 | 1982-1988 | $225 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FC110 | 1982-1988 | $225 | Spruce top, ovangkol back and sides |
| FC120 | 1982-1988 | $295 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| FC130S | 1987-1987 | $395 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
'F' SERIES
(ACOUSTIC GUITARS IMPORTED FROM ASIA)
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| F1000 | 1969-1973 | $33 | Laminated hardwoods |
| F1010 | 1969-1973 | $40 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1030 | 1969-1973 | $60 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1040 (Classical) | 1969-1973 | $110 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1050 | 1969-1973 | $100 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1060 | 1969-1973 | $120 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1070-12 | 1969-1973 | $197 | Laminated hardwoods |
| F115 | 1977-1987 | $835 | Solid spruce, top jacaranda back and sides |
| F15 (Concert) | 1973-1981 | $170 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| F25 (Auditorium) | 1972-1981 | $200 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| F3 | 1981-1981 | $150 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F35 | 1972-1981 | $215 | Spruce top, obankole back and sides |
| F45 | 1972-1974 | $150 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F5 | 1980-1981 | $175 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F5-12 | 1980-1981 | $195 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F50 | 1980-1980 | $355 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F55-12 | 1972-1980 | $270 | Spruce top, bubinga back and sides |
| F65 | 1972-1981 | $270 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F75 | 1974-1980 | $320 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F80-12 | 1977-1981 | $365 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F85 | 1974-1980 | $415 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F95 | 1974-1980 | $520 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| FC10 (Classical) | 1972-1981 | $150 | Spruce top, mahogany or chitora back and sides |
| FC10 ¾ (Classical) | 1972-1981 | $140 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| FC20 (Classical) | 1972-1981 | $185 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| FC30 (Classical) | 1972-1981 | $240 | Cedar top, rosewood back and sides |
| FC40 (Classical) | 1972-1981 | $260 | Cedar top, rosewood back and sides |
| FJ70 (Jumbo) | 1980-1981 | $360 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
EARLY U.S.-MADE FENDER ACOUSTIC GUITARS
These early U.S.-made acoustics had laminated construction, bolt-on necks, through-body tension rods and Stratocaster® 'styled' headstocks.
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| Concert | 1963 - 1970 | $255 to $310 | Spruce top; mahogany, rosewood, vermilion, or zebrawood back and sides |
| Folk | 1963 - 1964 | $? | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Kingman | 1965 - 1971 | $280 to $394 | Spruce top, rosewood or vermilion back and sides |
| Malibu | 1965 - 1971 | $170 to $240 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Newporter | 1965 - 1971 | $130 to $194 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Palomino | 1968 - 1971 | $210 to $299 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Redondo | 1969 - 1971 | $160 to $220 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Shenandoa XII | 1965 - 1971 | $300 to $440 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Villager XII | 1965 - 1969 | $200 to $289 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Wildwood | 1966 - 1971 | $365 to $385 | Spruce top, dyed figured beechwood back and sides |
TARREGA ACOUSTIC GUITARS
These early acoustics were made in Sweden and imported and distributed by Fender from the mid- to late 1960s. They used laminated construction.
| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | MATERIALS |
| FT108 (Flat-top) | ? to 1968 | $135 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT110 (Concert) | ? to 1968 | $116 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT111 (Concert) | ? to 1968 | $129 | Spruce top, maple back and sides |
| FT112 (Grand Concert) | ? to 1968 | $169 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT113 (Grand Concert) | ? to 1968 | $210 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT114 (Grand Concert) | ? to 1968 | $221 | Spruce top, maple back and sides |
| FT115 (Grand Concert) | ? to 1968 | $257 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT116 (Grand Concert) | ? to 1968 | $362 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
REGAL ACOUSTIC GUITARS
These early acoustics were distributed by Fender from the mid- to late 1960s. They used laminate construction. There is very little detailed information on them.| MODEL | YEARS | MSRP | Description |
| R-200 | ? to 1969 | $30.00 | Student model flat-top Spanish guitar |
| R-205 | ? to 1969 | $39.50 | Student concert grand flat-top |
| R-210 | ? to 1969 | $72.50 | Standard-size flat-top Spanish guitar |
| R-215 | ? to 1969 | $72.50 | Tenor guitar |
| R-218 | ? to 1969 | $52.50 | Folk, concert grand |
| R-220 | ? to 1969 | $84.50 | Regal classic guitar |
| R-230 | ? to 1969 | $87.50 | Auditorium-size flat-top Spanish guitar |
| R-235 | ? to 1969 | $94.50 | Jumbo flat-top Spanish guitar |
| R-240 | ? to 1969 | $49.50 | Student auditorium-size archtop guitar |
| R-250 | ? to 1969 | $99.50 | Auditorium grand archtop guitar |
| R-251 | ? to 1969 | $105.50 | Auditorium grand archtop guitar |
| R-260 | ? to 1969 | $124.50 | Cutaway auditorium grand archtop guitar |
| R-261 | ? to 1969 | $129.50 | Cutaway auditorium grand archtop guitar |
| R-265 (3/4 size) | ? to 1969 | $95.50 | 3/4-size student electric |
| R-270 | ? to 1969 | $149.50 | Electric single-cutaway archtop, thin body |
| R-272 | ? to 1969 | $189.50 | Electric single-cutaway archtop, thin body |
| R-273 | ? to 1969 | $229.50 | Electric double-cutaway archtop, thin body |
| R-275 Baritone Ukulele | ? to 1969 | $54.50 | Baritone ukulele |
REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR DATING FENDER INSTRUMENTS
If you’re unable to identify the approximate production year of your instrument using the above charts, several excellent books are available that contain invaluable and reliable information on the history of Fender instruments. We highly recommend each of them.
They are detailed reference resources with a wealth of information on determining the production years of various instruments and on Fender history in general. Indeed, we use these same books here at Fender when researching historical and date-related issues. You can order these titles through your local Authorized Fender Dealer.
| 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 |
Guitar Serial Dating Pages:
Support / Resources
Guitar Parts Amp Parts Used Music Equipment
Guitar Serial Guitar Wiring Schematics
Home Email Us Ordering Info
So you need to figure out the year of production for your Fender guitar or bass. You're not alone. Fenders rank as the most frequently bought and sold instruments on Reverb, and finding a precise date of manufacture can be key to determining the value and specifics of an instrument.
The most important thing to keep 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 factory, not a single luthier toiling over one instrument at a time. Features like bolt-on necks and pickups wired into the pickguard all helped the Fender factory churn out guitar after guitar, day after day. This also means that various parts used on a particular guitar may have come from different points in time, so no single number can absolutely define when the instrument was built.
Instead, the best approach to dating a Fender is to combine indicators from the design of the instrument, the dates found on the neck and body, along with the serial number. Once you have the information you need, if you're interested in selling your Fender, you can use Reverb to get it in front of the largest audience of musicians in the world by clicking on this link.
Design Changes and Features
Perhaps the best place 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 be a tall order for someone less versed in guitar history, but we do have some resources here on Reverb to help you out.
For starters, there's the We also have some other blog posts related to Fender that can hopefully be of some help. There's A Brief History of the Stratocaster Part I and Part II that follows the evolution of the most popular Fender guitar of all. Similarly, take a look at Behold the Jazzmaster for general timeline of the history of everyone's favorite offset guitar. For Fender during the turning point era of the mid-'60s, check out Fender and the CBS Takeover. Through much of Fender's production history, Fender workers would print or write a production date on both bodies and necks where the two pieces meet. These dates will tell when the original part was manufactured, but are not exact indicators of when the guitar was actually put together and finished. Here is what the neck date and body date look like from a 1952 Telecaster: If you're not comfortable removing the neck of a guitar to peek at the date marker, 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, but just tell when the pot itself was made. Who knows how long it was waiting in the Fender factory before finding its way into a Tele? Like the body and neck dates, using serial numbers to date a Fender is not a sure bet. At many points in Fender's history, serial number usage overlapped again owing to the modular manner of production. Below we'll go into detail about the various serial number schemes employed by Fender as far back as 1950. There are certainly plenty of exceptions, so again, using serial numbers in conjunction with other dating methods is always the best bet. Click on the links here to jump directly to the serial number style that matches your instrument: In the early 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 system. In this early period, the serial number can be found on the bridge of the instrument (see image). Here are the rough serial number ranges for the early Esquires and Telecasters: And here are the ranges for the original Precision Basses: Also, for the first half or so of 1954, the inaugural run of Stratocasters had a distinct number sequence all under number 6000. By mid-1954, Fender began using a universal serial number sequence for all its instruments. At this time, the location of the serial number also shifted from the bridge to the neckplate (the metal plate located on back of where the neck meets the body). Here's how the serial numbers break down from 1954 to the beginning of 1963, though there are some areas of inconsistency in this era: At the very end of 1962 and into 1963, Fender changed to a system where serial numbers began with an 'L.' According to some accounts, the L was supposed to just be a 1 to mark the cross over into the 100,000 range from the previous scheme, but an L was used by mistake. Here the range of the L-series serial used each year. Some of the earliest ones actually popped up in late 1962 as well: After the CBS purchase of Fender in 1965, the factory switched to a new serial sequence with numbers that continued the same general format used prior to the takeover. These are generally 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 three-bolt neckplate in just one example of cost-saving costs introduced under CBS. Starting in 1976, Fender transitioned to a new serial number scheme and moved the placement of most serial numbers to the headstock of the instrument. Depending on the era and model, the number can be found on either the front or back of the headstock. After a short period of overlap with the old system, the post-76 numbers will start with a letter that indicates the decade, followed by a number that indicates the year of that decade. The decade letter codes break down like this: S = 1970s, E = 1980s, N = 1990s, Z = 2000s. In the 2000s, you'll also see serials starting with a DZ which indicates the Deluxe series, but the format is otherwise the same. For example, a serial number with N4 would be from 1994. One starting with Z5 would be from 2005. This scheme is not 100% consistent due to a number of production factors, such as Fender producing more serialized decals than needed in a given year. This is particularly pronounced in the transitional period of the mid-'80s, though the system has been pretty much on point since about 1990. After 2009, the letter changed to a format starting with US then two digits that tell the year of the current decade. Here's the breakdown of Post-1976 American-made Fender serials: Signature Series American-made signature series instruments follow a very similar scheme to the above, but use a prefix S before the decade letter. For example, a Signature Series guitar from 1998 would have 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 V and do not strictly correlate to years. The neck dates on these guitars, however, are usually reliable. Fender Japan serial numbers can usually be found on the back of the neck near the neck joint. Though examples also exist 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 by the Fuji Gen Gakki company. Like the US serial numbers, MIJ (made in Japan) serials start with a letter or pair of letters that indicate the rough year of production. This system, however, is notoriously inconsistent and incomplete, which makes dating by serial number even less reliable for MIJ Fenders. Here's a breakdown of serials for the 'Made in Japan' era: Crafted in Japan Serial Numbers In 1997, Fender changed the 'Made in Japan' 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 'Made in Japan' or 'Crafted in Japan' decal. Here are the serial numbers for the 'Crafted in Japan' or 'CIJ' era: After 2007, Fender Japan switched back to marking Fenders as 'Made in Japan' though for a few years instruments with both decals were made. Serial numbers since this transition have continued the same sequence as the 'CIJ' era. Fender opened a factory in Ensenada, Mexico in the late '80s and instruments started coming off the line in 1990. Mexican-made (MIM) Fenders carry a serial number on the headstock starting with an M. Some exceptions include a handful of special editions and signature models as well as the split US/Mexican-made California series which all have a 'AMXN' at the beginning of their serials. The MIM serial number scheme is actually very straight-forward. 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 but start with MZ. For the 2010s, the prefix is MX1. For example, a serial number starting with MN2 would be 1992. Here's the serial number breakdown for a majority of MIM Fenders: There are a number of exceptions to all these serial number schemes. As mentioned above, many reissue models use serial numbers that don't really correlate to their age. Additionally, there have been plenty of artist models, limited editions and other rare models that use a unique serial number. Examples include the 35th anniversary series, many of the uniquely finished Strats from the early '80s, as well as various export-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 approach is to combine that with other methods like the neck and body dates, as well as just the features of the specific instrument. If you have any questions as to what Fender you're dealing with, I encourage you to seek out a local guitar shop or luthier to help figure it out. We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. To reflect our commitment, we updated our terms and conditions. By continuing to use Reverb, you agree to these updates, and to our cookie policy. Learn MoreBody and Neck Dates
Serial Numbers
The Early Years: 1950 - 1954
0001 to 0999 1950 - 1952 000 to 5300 1952 - 1954 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 Classic Serial Numbers - 1954 - 1963
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 L Series - The Transition Period of 1963 to 1965
0L00001 to L20000 1963 L20000 to L59000 1964 L59000 to L99999 1965 F Series - CBS Era 1965 - 1976
100000 to 110000 late 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
76 + 5 digits 1976 S6 + 5 digits 1976 S7 + 5 digits 1977 - 1978 S8 + 5 digits 1978 S9 + 5 digits 1978 - 1979 E0 + 5 digits 1979 - 1981 E1 + 5 digits 1980 - 1982 E2 + 5 digits 1982 - 1983 E3 + 5 digits 1982 - 1985 E4 + 5 digits 1984 - 1988 E8 + 5 digits 1988 - 1989 E9 + 5 digits 1989 - 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 Z0 + 5 or 6 digits 2000 - 2001 Z2 + 5 or 6 digits 2001 - 2002 Z3 + 5 or 6 digits 2003 - 2004 Z4 + 5 or 6 digits 2004 - 2005 Z5 + 5 or 6 digits 2005 - 2006 Z6 + 5 or 6 digits 2006 - 2007 Z7 + 5 or 6 digits 2007 - 2008 Z8 + 5 or 6 digits 2008 - 2009 Z9 + 5 or 6 digits 2009 - 2010 US10 + 6 digits 2010 US11 + 6 digits 2011 US12 + 6 digits 2012 US13 + 6 digits 2013 US14 + 6 digits 2014 Made in Japan Fender Serials
JV + 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 J + 6 digits 1990 - 1991 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 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 S + 6 digits 2006 - 2008 T + 6 digits 2007 - 2008 Made in Mexico Fender Serials
MN0 + 5 or 6 digits 1990 MN1 + 5 or 6 digits 1991 MN2 + 5 or 6 digits 1992 MN3 + 5 or 6 digits 1993 MN4 + 5 or 6 digits 1994 MN5 + 5 or 6 digits 1995 MN6 + 5 or 6 digits 1996 MN7 + 5 or 6 digits 1997 MN8 + 5 or 6 digits 1998 MN9 + 5 or 6 digits 1999 MZ0 + 5 or 6 digits 2000 MZ1 + 5 or 6 digits 2001 MZ2 + 5 or 6 digits 2002 MZ3 + 5 or 6 digits 2003 MZ4 + 5 or 6 digits 2004 MZ5 + 5 or 6 digits 2005 MZ6 + 5 or 6 digits 2006 MZ7 + 5 or 6 digits 2007 MZ8 + 5 or 6 digits 2008 MZ9 + 5 or 6 digits 2009 MX10 + 6 digits 2010 MX11 + 6 digits 2011 MX12 + 6 digits 2012 MX13 + 6 digits 2013 MX14 + 6 digits 2014 Exceptions