fender american stratocaster serial numbers

In March 1985, CBS sold Fender to a group of private investors. Note 'E' and 'N' prefix models are sometimes also Japanese-made (see below).ġ000000 to 8000000 = 1976-1981 (7 digits) Generally speaking, a 'S' prefix equals the 1970's, 'E' prefix equals the 1980's, and 'N' prefix equals the 1990's. Note the following number could be off as much as two years.

made Fenders, starting in mid-1976 has the serial number on the peghead. Sometimes an 'L' serial number can be seen on a late 1962 model.īig script 'F' on neckplate below serial number. Considered Pre-CBS (even though CBS bought Fender in January 1965). Serial number on neckplate preceded with an 'L'.

No other letters or markings on the neck plate, except for the rare '-' or '0' prefix, as noted.ġ6000 to 25000 = 1957 (some numbers with a '0' or '-' prefix)Ģ5000 to 30000 = 1958 (some numbers with a '0' or '-' prefix) 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. As a good example of all four of these serial number oddities, click here. Double stamped serial number plates were also produced (number on both front and back of the neck plate) in late 1957 to early 1959. Also in 1959/1960 some serial numbers were at the bottom of the neck plate instead of the usual top. In 1957/1958 some serial numbers started with a minus sign ('-'), or had a '0' prefix before the number.

Fender american stratocaster serial numbers