Number sequences starting with an 'L' are considered to have been stamped between late 1962 and 1965 prior to Fender being bought by CBS. If your neck plate has a large scripted 'F', it is considered to have been stamped between late 1965 and 1976 if it includes a number sequence starting from 100000 through 750000. Serial Numbers At the Headstock. Nov 29, 2018 If your guitar serial number shows you that there is a possibility for more than one year, refer to our fender research guides section to get a more accurate timespan. Chart Number 2 – First two digits followed by a space and then the rest of the digits, starts with 76 or is only the number 500. Fender Japan Serial guide - the most complete and updated chart Fender Japan Serial guide - the most complete and updated chart Some old Fender guitars have the manufacture date written (by pencil) on the bottom of the neck (month, day, year) - second photo after the chart below ilustrates it. Fender Product Registration - Serial number lookup. Register now for easy access to up-to-date product info. Plus, join Fender Connect to manage Your Gear and tap into personalized tips, videos and new products. Fender was sold to CBS in January 1965. Serial numbering didn’t change immediately because instruments continued to be made using existing, tooling, parts and serial number schemes. The chart below details Fender serial number schemes used from 1965 to 1976. Notice that there is quite a bit of overlap in numbers and years.
Although a serial number is helpful for roughly determining the age of a guitar, this is often not the exact date. As a result of the overlap between years, Fender serial numbers are also not by definition chronological.
In the past (we are talking about before 1976) the serial numbers were often randomly assigned.
To approximate the correct year of construction before this period (1976) is to also check the dates of the neck and potmeters. Usually the production date is stamped or written is on the heel of the neck. To read this it is necessary to unscrew the neck from the body.
In the past (we are talking about before 1976) the serial numbers were often randomly assigned.
To approximate the correct year of construction before this period (1976) is to also check the dates of the neck and potmeters. Usually the production date is stamped or written is on the heel of the neck. To read this it is necessary to unscrew the neck from the body.
Most specifications for the Fender guitars are hardly changed. Although there have been periods in which major changes occurred as the acquisition of Fender by CBS, and the transition from CBS Fender to the current owner (Fender Musical Instruments Corporation), most models are in general not changed.
At the Stratocasters from the early fifties the serial numbers were stamped on the back vibrato cover. On some Telecasters at the bridge between the pickup and the saddles.
Patent numbers Between 1960 and 1977, there were added several patent numbers to the models. These became in the headstock under the Fender logo stamped. | Example: PAT, 2,573,254 2,968,204 3,143,028 2,976,755 DES 187304 2,573,254 for pickup and bridge combination. 2,968,204 for the single coil pickup patent awarded in 1961 under other for Jaguar, Stratocaster, Duosonic. 3,143,028 the patent granted in August 1964 for Fender's adjustable neck construction. 2,976,755 for the split coil pickup design. (Used since 1957 to the Precision Bass) The DES is the serial number. |