DATING FENDER GUITARS BY REFERENCE OF SERIAL NUMBERS
Fender’s manufacturing process during the early 1950s occasionally led to non-consecutive serial numbers. It is also common to encounter overlapping and repetition of serial numbers and years.
Where to find the serial number?
Serial numbers have been situated in various locations on or within the guitar throughout the years, including at the top of the neck plate, on the front or back of the headstock, on the vibrato cover plate (for Stratocasters), or at the end of the neck heel. However, between 1973 and 1981, there were inconsistencies in the placement of serial numbers.
To determine the year of production of a Fender guitar, you can use Fender serial numbers decoder or consult the TABLES PROVIDED BELOW.
DECODER coming soon… see tables
Fender history in short
Fender is one of the most iconic and influential guitar brands in the world. The company was founded in Fullerton, California in 1946 by Leo Fender, who had a background in electronics and a passion for music. From its early days, Fender set out to create guitars and amplifiers that were reliable, innovative, and accessible to a wide range of musicians.
Fender’s first major breakthrough came in the early 1950s with the introduction of the Telecaster, a solid-body electric guitar that was unlike anything else on the market at the time. The Telecaster was followed by the Stratocaster in 1954, which quickly became one of the most popular and influential guitars of all time. The Stratocaster’s sleek, contoured body, innovative vibrato system, and versatile sound helped to define the sound of rock and roll, and it remains a favorite of players in all genres to this day.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Fender continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing the Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, and a range of amplifiers that became legendary for their clean, powerful sound. The company also established itself as a leader in guitar manufacturing, with a commitment to quality and attention to detail that set the standard for the industry.
In 1965, Leo Fender sold the company to CBS, which brought both opportunities and challenges. Under CBS ownership, Fender was able to expand its distribution and marketing efforts, but there were also concerns that the company’s commitment to quality was being compromised. Despite these challenges, Fender continued to produce some of the most iconic and beloved guitars and amplifiers of all time, including the Mustang, Jaguar, Twin Reverb, and Deluxe Reverb.
In 1985, Fender was purchased by a group of investors led by Bill Schultz, who had a deep respect for Leo Fender’s legacy and a commitment to restoring the company’s reputation for quality and innovation. Schultz oversaw a period of revitalization and expansion for Fender, introducing new products and reestablishing the company’s commitment to excellence. This included the launch of the American Standard series of guitars and the development of the Custom Shop, which produces high-end, handcrafted instruments for discerning players.
Today, Fender is one of the most respected and beloved brands in the guitar world, with a product line that includes everything from entry-level Squier instruments to high-end Custom Shop creations. The company continues to innovate and evolve, with a commitment to both its rich heritage and its role as a leader in the future of guitar technology and design. Fender’s influence on music and culture cannot be overstated, and it remains an essential part of the guitar landscape for players of all levels and styles.
Serial numbers
Although a serial number is useful 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 (before 1976) the serial numbers were often randomly assigned.
Most specifications for a particular Fender guitar have hardly changed, if at all. Although there have been times when major changes have taken place, such as the acquisition of Fender by CBS, and the transition from CBS Fender to the current owner (Fender Musical Instruments Corporation), most models have generally not changed.
Neck heel date
In order to approximate guitars from before 1976 to the correct year of manufacture, the date or serial number on the neck heel must therefore be inspected. Usually there is a production date stamped or written on the tip of the heel. In order to be able to read this, the neck will have to be screwed off the body.
Until about April 1962, the dates on the neck end were handwritten. Then switched to stamped dates. Both the handwritten and the stamped date were usually coded.
This code precedes the date and is a number between 1 and 28 which indicates for which model the neck was made. Contrary to what some assume, this is not the day date.
At Stratocasters from the early fifties, the serial numbers were stamped on the back of the vibrato cover plate. On some Telecasters at the bridge between the pick-up and the saddles.
Patent numbers
Various patent numbers were added to the models between 1960 and 1977. These were stamped in the headstock under the Fender logo.
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.
Esquires, Broadcasters and Telecasters 1950-1954
The serial numbering for these three models can be found on the bridge plate and lasted until the beginning of 1954.
Fender then switched to a serial numbering on the neck plate for all models in that year.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| 0001 – 0999 | 1950 – 1952 |
| 1000 – 5300 | 1952 – 1954 |
Precision Basses 1951-1955
There is some overlap of the serial numbers and dates. The serial number was applied to the bridge plate until 1955. Although Fender had already in 1954 switched to be placed the serial number on the headstock for all models, it was still punched on the bridge plate with some Precison’s.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| 100 – 400 | 1951 – 1952 |
| 0001 – 0999 | 1952 – 1954 |
| 1000 – 2000 | 1953 – 1955 |
All models
The table below shows the Fender serial numbers as they were used from 1950 to 1964.
The following table shows the most common Fender serial numbers from 1976 to the present.
The serial numbers are basically chronological, but as already mentioned, due to Fender’s numbering methods, there are a number of serial numbers and years that overlap.
The only way to try to find the date is to remove the neck from the body. If the year is unreadable, it can also be written on the body under the pickguard or in the cavity in which the pickups are.
With Fenders from before 1955 you cannot use the serial numbers to determine the exact year of construction. The first Telecasters and Stratocasters appear to have a separate numbering.
With Telecasters it can happen that a ’52er has a higher number than a ’53er. The serial numbers from after 1955 have a logical order.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| Until 6000 | 1950 – 1954 |
| Until 10000 | 1954 – 1956 |
| 10000 | 1955 – 1956 |
| 10000 – 20000 | 1957 |
| 20000 – 30000 | 1958 |
| 30000 – 40000 | 1959 |
| 40000 – 50000 | 1960 |
| 50000 – 70000 | 1961 |
| 60000 – 90000 | 1962 |
| 80000 – 90000 | 1963 |
| 90000 – L10000 | 1963 |
In January 1965, Fender was acquired CBS Corporation.
Although that is not directly attributable to the serial numbers.
CBS continued to make the guitars using the available, Community, parts, and the serial numbering system. The following table shows the serial numbers as they were used from 1965 to 1976.
Here too there are a number of numbers and years that overlap.
The serial numbers can give a rough indication of the year of construction.
The letter L followed by 6 numbers on the neckplate indicates a guitar from the early sixties. The large Fender logo “F” says that the guitar was made after the acquisition by CBS, i.e. from the mid to late 1960s.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| L00001 – L19999 (neckplate) | 1963 |
| L00001 – L19999 (neckplate) | 1964 |
| L59000 – L99999 (neckplate) | 1965 |
| 100000 – 109999 | 1965 |
| 110000 – 199999 | 1966 |
| 200000 – 209999 | 1967 |
| 210000 – 249999 | 1968 |
| 250000 – 279999 | 1969 |
| 280000 – 299999 | 1970 |
| 300000 – 339999 | 1971 |
| 340000 – 369999 | 1972 |
| 370000 – 499999 | 1973 |
| 500000 – 519999 | 1973 – 1974 |
| 520000 – 579999 | 1974 |
| 580000 – 689999 | 1975 |
| 690000 – 750000 | 1976 |
| J | Japan |
| K | Korea |
| L | Korea |
| MC | China |
| MR | China [Korea to 2004] |
| O | Korea |
| P | Korea |
| R | Korea |
| QG | China |
| S | Korea |
| SI | Indonesia |
| SJ | China |
| SM | Korea |
| T | Japan |
| U | Korea |
| UC | China |
| Z | China |
The following table shows the most common Fender serial numbers from 1976 to the present.
Note the introduction of the letter prefix to the serial numbers.
The S stands for the decade of the seventies, an attempt by CBS to identify serial numbers every year of production. The E stands for the decade of the eighties and was used for the first time in 1979.
But here too there were a number of overlaps and the reference to the correct production date is sometimes vague.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| 76 + 5 digits S6 + 5 digits | 1976 |
| S7 + 5 digits S8 + 5 digits | 1977 |
| S7 + 5 digits S8 + 5 digits S9 + 5 digits | 1978 |
| S9 + 5 digits E0 + 5 digits | 1979 |
| S9 + 5 digits E0 + 5 digits E1 + 5 digits | 1980 |
| S9 + 5 digits E0 + 5 digits E1 + 5 digits | 1981 |
In 1982, the U.S. Vintage Series entered with the V as the serial number prefix.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| E1 + 5 digits E2 + 5 digits E3 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1982 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
| E2 + 5 digits E3 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1983 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
| E3 + 5 digits E4 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1984 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
In March 1985, CBS Corporation Fender was sold to a group of private investors led by William Schultz. The company was given the current name; Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
The transition to the new owners cannot be deduced from the serial numbers, because the numbering remained the same.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| E3 + 5 digits E4 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1985 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
| V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1986 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
| E4 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1987 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
| E4 + 5 digits E8 + 5 digits V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1988 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
| E8 + 5 digits E9 + 5 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1989 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
To date American Vintage Series with the prefix ‘V‘ serial numbers correctly, the neck of the body must be unscrewed. The production date is stamped or written on the end of the neck heel.
In 1990, the N came as prefix for the serial numbers, and stands for the nineties. The numbers and stickers were produced far in advance.
Due to a factory fault, N9 stickers (intended for use in 1999) were affixed in 1990 to a number of instruments built in that year.
As a result, you will come across a number of guitars built in 1990 with an N9 serial number. The guitars from 1990 have the serial number on the front of the headstock. Fender moved the serial number to the back of the headstock in 1996.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| N9 + 5 digits N0 + 5 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1990 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check date on the neck for specific year) |
| N1 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1991 |
| N1 + 5 or 6 digits N2 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1992 |
| N3 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1993 |
| V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1994 |
| N4 + 5 or 6 digits N5 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1995 |
| N6 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1996 |
| N6 + 6 or 6 digits N7 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1997 |
| N8 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series) | 1998 |
| N9 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1999 |
The Z for the digits was added in 2000.
The Z0 prefix dates from 2000, the Z1 from 2001, etc. The U.S. Deluxe Series have the same standard but with the addition of a D for the Z, e.g. DZ1, DZ2 etc.
But here too there are overlaps of numbers and years.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| 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 excluded ’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 excluded ’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 excluded ’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 excluded ’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 excluded ’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 excluded ’52 Telecaster) XN5 + 4 digits | 2005 |
| 10 + 7 digits (Vintage Series except ’52 Telecaster, which uses a five-digit number) | End 2009 – March 2010 |
| US + 8 digits (Vintage Series except ’52 Telecaster, which uses a five-digit number) First two digits of the number identify the year of manufacture. | Starting March 2010 |
| N8 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series) | 1998 |
| N9 + 5 or 6 digits V + 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series excluded ’52 Telecasters) | 1999 |
The following serial numbers are somewhat outside the familiar Fender numbering.
If in doubt about an odd serial number, check the table below to see if you can find the letter number combination here.
| SERIAL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| AMXN + 6 digits | California Series electric guitars and basses, ’97 and ’98 (Made in USA and Mexico) |
| DN + 6 digits | American Deluxe serie instruments, ’98 and ’99 |
| NC + 6 digits | Squier Strat Bullets (see Squier serials) |
| FN + 6 digits | US-made guitars and basses destined for export. Some are not exported or sent back. |
| I + 7 digits | A limited number of these I-Series were made in ’89 and ’90. Made for the export market and have ‘Made in USA’ stamped on the heel of the neck. |
| LE + 6 digits | Blonde Jazzmasters and Jaguars made in 1994. Sold as a promotional 3 piece set with a Blonde Deluxe Reverb Amp. |
| CN + 6 digits VN + 6 digits | Produced in Korea, Fender/Squier guitars. (dating unclear) |
| CA + 5 digits | Gold Strat 1981, ’82 and ’83 |
| CB + 5 digits | Precision Bass Special from 1981, CB(5 digits) Gold Jazz Bass from 1982 |
| CC + 5 digits | Walnut Strat 1981, ’82 and ’83 |
| CE + 5 digits | Precision Bass Special from 1981, Black and Gold Telecster from 1981 and 1982 |
| CD + 5 digits CO + 5 digits | Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982 |
| GO + 5 digits | Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982, Gold Strat 1982 and 1983 |
| D + 6 digits | Jazz Bass from 1982 |
| SE + 6 digits SN + 6 digits SZ + 6 digits | Signature Series Instruments [eighties] SE8 + 5 digits-’88, SE9 + 5 digits-’89 [nineties] SN0 + 5 digits-’90, SN1 + 5 digits-’90, SN2 + 5 digits-’92, etc. [two thousands] SZ0 + 5 digits-’00, SZ1 + 5 digits-’01, SZ2 + 5 digits-’02, etc. |
| 3 digits 001-500 | 35th Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990 |
| G + 6 digits | “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 for specific year) |
| 5 digits stamped on bridge plate | U.S. ’52 Vintage Telecaster 1988-present (Check neck for specific year) |
| T + 6 digits | Tribute series instruments |
| C + 6 digits | Collectors Series |
| XN + 5 digits | FSRs and ’52 Telecasters |
PREFIX 10 OR US
At the end of 2009 a new 9 digit serial number format was introduced. This format is prefixed with the number 10 (which stands for the second decade of 2000) followed by 7 digits.
In March 2010 this format was again replaced by an 8 digit with the prefix two letters. The two letters indicate the production location, the first two numbers the production year. The last numbers are random and provide no further information.
JAPAN
Fender guitars produced in Japan have the serial number on the back of the neck, near the attachment to the body.
In some reissue models it can be found on the headstock or the neck plate. The combination of the text “Made in Japan” and the serial number was used until 1997.
Fender increased its production in March, 1982 by having the Japan-based company Fuji Gen Gakki also build instruments.
The MIJ (Made In Japan) guitars start with a letter or a few letters indicating the year of manufacture. This is the same system as the US serial numbers, however these MIJ serial numbers are less reliable.
Because this letter system was used inaccurately, the dating of MIJ guitars is questionable.Because this letter system was applied inaccurately, the dating of MIJ guitars is doubtful.
In 1997 the sticker “Made in Japan” was replace by “Crafted in Japan”. There are overlaps of “CIJ” (Crafted in Japan) with the “MIJ” models, so pay attention to whether the instrument is labeled “Made in Japan” or “Crafted in Japan”.
Made in Japan
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| JV + 5 digits | 1982 – 1984 |
| SQ + 5 digits | 1983 – 1984 |
| E + 6 digits | 1984 – 1987 |
| A + 6 digits B + 6 digits C + 6 digits | 1985 – 1986 |
| F + 6 digits | 1986 – 1987 |
| G + 6 digits | 1987 – 1988 |
| H + 6 digits | 1988 – 1989 |
| I + 6 digits J + 6 digits | 1989 – 1990 |
| K + 6 digits | 1990 – 1991 |
| L + 6 digits | 1991 – 1992 |
| M + 6 digits | 1992 – 1993 |
| N + 6 digits O + 6 digits P + 6 digits Q + 6 digits | 1993 – 1994 |
| S + 6 digits T + 6 digits | 1994 – 1995 |
| U + 6 digits N + 5 digits | 1995 – 1996 |
| V + 6 digits | 1996 – 1997 |
Crafted in Japan
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| 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 |
After 2007, the marking was switched back to “Made in Japan“. However, both stickers were used for a few years.
The serial numbers have continued since this cover in the same way as with the “CIJ” system.
MEXICO
In the late 1980s, Fender opened a factory in Ensenada, Mexico where the first instruments were produced in 1990.
The serial number of the Made in Mexico (MIM) Fenders, starting with the letter M and can be found on the headstock.
Some exceptions include special editions and signature models, and the American/Mexican-made California series whose serial numbers begin with AMXN.
The MIM serial number system is quite simple.
The Mexican Fenders made in the 1990s have the serial number starting with MN followed by a number indicating the year of the decade. The M stands for Mexico and the N for nineties.
Guitars made from the 2000s follow the same system, but start with MZ. The Z here indicates the 2000 decade. And for the 2010s the prefix is MX1.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| MN0 + 5 of 6 digits | 1990 |
| MN1 + 5 of 6 digits | 1991 |
| MN2 + 5 of 6 digits | 1992 |
| MN3 + 5 of 6 digits | 1993 |
| MN4 + 5 of 6 digits | 1994 |
| MN5 + 5 of 6 digits | 1995 |
| MN6 + 5 of 6 digits | 1996 |
| MN7 + 5 of 6 digits | 1997 |
| MN8 + 5 of 6 digits | 1998 |
| MN9 + 5 of 6 digits | 1999 |
| MZ0 + 5 of 6 digits | 2000 |
| MZ1 + 5 of 6 digits | 2001 |
| MZ2 + 5 of 6 digits | 2002 |
| MZ3 + 5 of 6 digits | 2003 |
| MZ4 + 5 of 6 digits | 2004 |
| MZ5 + 5 of 6 digits | 2005 |
| MZ6 + 5 of 6 digits | 2006 |
| MZ7 + 5 of 6 digits | 2007 |
| MZ8 + 5 of 6 digits | 2008 |
| MZ9 + 5 of 6 digits | 2009 |
| MX10 + 6 digits | 2010 |
| MX11 + 6 digits | 2011 |
| MX12 + 6 digits | 2012 |
| MX13 + 6 digits | 2013 |
| MX14 + 6 digits | 2014 |
| MX15 + 6 digits | 2015 |
| MX16 + 6 digits | 2016 |
| MX17 + 6 digits | 2017 |
| MX18 + 6 digits | 2018 |
| MX19 + 6 digits | 2019 |
| MX20 + 6 digits | 2020 |
KOREA
There is very little information about the Korean serial number from 1988 to 1992. Numbers exist both with and without letter prefix. In addition, the serial numbers were used randomly during this period and correct dating is uncertain.
There is also no much information about the serial numbers from 1993 to 1998. Some have letter prefix CN or CV.
From 1997 onwards, serial numbers have the prefix KC followed by eight digits, the first two digits of which indicate the year of manufacture. KC stands for Korean Cor-Tek factory.
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| 6, 7 of 8 digits | 1988-1996 |
| CN0 + 5 digits VN0 + 5 digits | 1990-1991 |
| CN1 + 5 digits VN1 + 5 digits CN2 + 5 digits | 1991-1992 |
| VN2 + 5 digits CN3 + 5 digits | 1992-1993 |
| CN1 + 5 digits VN3 + 5 digits CN4 + 5 digits | 1993-1994 |
| VN4 + 5 digits CN5 + 5 digits | 1994-1995 |
| CN1 + 5 digits VN5 + 5 digits CN6 + 5 digits | 1995-1996 |
| VN6 + 5 digits | 1996-1997 |
| KC97 + 6, 7 of 8 digits | 1997-1998 |
| KC98 + 6 digits | 1998-1999 |
| KC99 + 6 digits | 1999-2000 |
| KC00 + 6 digits | 2000-2001 |
| KC01 + 6 digits | 2000-2001 |
| KC02 + 6 digits | 2001-2003 |
| KC03 + 6 digits | 2003-2004 |
| KC04 + 6 digits | 2004-2005 |
| KC05 + 6 digits | 2005-2006 |
| KC06 + 6 digits | 2006-2007 |
| KC07 + 6 digits | 2007-2008 |
| KC08 + 6 digits | 2008-2009 |
| KC09 + 6 digits | 2009-2010 |
| KC10 + 6 digits | 2010-2011 |
| KC11 + 6 digits | 2011-2012 |
| KC12 + 6 digits | 2012-2013 |
| KC13 + 6 digits | 2013-2014 |
| KC14 + 6 digits | 2014-2015 |
| MX16 + 6 digits | 2016 |
| MX17 + 6 digits | 2017 |
| MX18 + 6 digits | 2018 |
| MX19 + 6 digits | 2019 |
| MX20 + 6 digits | 2020 |
Fender Logo
If you cannot find a serial number of the guitar (illegible, worn away), you can approximate the antiquity of a electric or semi-acoustic guitar by means of the potentiometers. The code on potentiometers gives information about the manufacturer and the year and week when it was made (See: Dating potentiometers).
The used Fender logo can also be an indication of the period in which the guitar was made. Whether it is an original model or a vintage (the old logos are used there too) depends on your own assessment of the age of the guitar.
Fender has used 3 different logos for guitars. The original logo, also called “spaghetti logo”, the transition logo and the CBS era logo. The spaghetti logo was used in the 1950s and is so named for its thin silver letter with a thin black line. This logo was used in the mid-sixties.
At the end of 1959 a new logo was designed by designer Robert Perine and Leo fender himself. The logo has bold gold letters with a thicker black border. The logo was later named transition logo, because it bridged the period between the thin spaghetti logo and the CBS era. The first guitar to be presented with this new logo was the Jazz Bass in 1960. All new models were given the new logo from that moment.
In 1967 after the takeover of Fender by CBS, the design remained the same but the letters turned black with a gold-colored border.
Dating Pickups Stratocaster, Telecaster and Precision
Another method of determining the guitar’s year of manufacturing is to date the pickups. The date code consists of 3, 4, 5 or 6 digits (no letters).
The first or first 2 digits is the code of the Fender employé who wound the coil (winder). The next digits are the week and the year.
The pickups of Stratocasters, Telecasters and Precisions from the late 1960s to the early 1980s with a date code can be deciphered using the decoder.
Because the pickups were made earlier than the guitar, you have to add about half a year to it for the year of the guitar construction.
Another way to determine the age of a Fender pickup is to measure its ohmic resistance (impedance).
The impedance values are based on the average measured values of the pickups from the relevant year.
The specifications in the table are courtesy of Seymour Duncan obtained from the data and measurements of numerous remanufactured pickups.
| OHM | PRODUCTION YEAR | WIRE OD | INSULATION | TURNS | WINDING | MAGN. POLE | WINDING METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.37k | 1963 | 0.0028″ | Formvar | 8319 | TL/TG | South | Hand |
| 6.33k | 1960 | 0.0028″ | Formvar | 8293 | TL/TG | South | Hand |
| 6.25k | 1964 | 0.0027″ | Formvar/Enamel | 7980 | TL/TG | South | Hand |
| 6.22k | 1962 | 0.0028″ | Formvar | 8220 | TL/TG | South | Hand |
| 6.20k | 1958 | 0.0028″ | Formvar | 8350 | TL/TG | North | Hand |
| 6.19k | 1961 | 0.0029″ | Formvar | 8119 | TL/TG | South | Hand |
| 6.02k | 1957 | 0.0029″ | Formvar | 8105 | TL/TG | North | Hand |
| 5.98k | 1956 | 0.0029″ | Formvar | 8012 | TL/GL | North | Hand |
| 5.95k | 1959 | 0.0030″ | Formvar | 7925 | TL/GL | North | Hand |
| 5.89k | 1955 | 0.0029″ | Formvar | 7844 | TL/GL | North | Hand |
| 5.88k | 1967 | 0.0027″ | Plain Enamel | 7656 | TL/GL | South | Machine |
| 5.80k | 1965 | 0.0026″ | Plain Enamel | 7626 | TL/GL | South | Machine |
| 5.76k | 1954 | 0.0030″ | Formvar | 7956 | TL/GL | North | Hand |
| 5.76k | 1966 | 0.0026″ | Plain Enamek | 7630 | TL/GL | South | Machine |
FAQ
-
How can I tell what year my Fender was made?
Fender’s manufacturing process during the early 1950s occasionally led to non-consecutive serial numbers. It is also common to encounter overlapping and repetition of serial numbers and years. To determine the year of production of a Fender guitar, you can use the serial number decoder or consult the tablaes.
-
How do I find Fender serial number?
Fender Serial numbers have been situated in various locations on or within the guitar throughout the years, including at the top of the neck plate, on the front or back of the headstock, on the vibrato cover plate (for Stratocasters), or at the end of the neck heel. However, between 1973 and 1981, there were inconsistencies in the placement of serial numbers.