Dating Fender Guitars
Dating Gibson Guitars
Gibson Serial Numbers
1977 to Present (Identifying the Year)
This info is from Gibson's website
Gibson started using it's current method of serializing
it's guitars back in 1977. This was an update to the
previous system which had been modified several
times over the last 100 years.
The current system utilizes an impressed eight digit
number that includes a serial number and a date.
Here's how the pattern works :
YDDDYPPP
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank
Since 1989, acoustic guitars built at the Bozeman,
Montana facility are ranked from 001-499. Electric
Guitars built at the Gibson USA plant in Nashville are
ranked from 500-999. Prior to 1984, the numbers
001-499 show Kalamazoo production, 500-999 show
Nashville production. The serial numbers from the
Custom, Art, and Historic division vary depending on
the line. The historic reissue guitars feature
historically accurate serial numbers.
Examples:
70108276 = the instrument was produced on Jan. 10,
1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument
stamped that day.
82765501 = the instrument was produced on Oct. 3,
1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument
stamped that day.
More detailed info on serial numbers before 1977 are
available from Gibson's website in Adobe Acrobat
PDF format for download.
1977 to Present (Identifying the Year)
This info is from Gibson's website
Gibson started using it's current method of serializing
it's guitars back in 1977. This was an update to the
previous system which had been modified several
times over the last 100 years.
The current system utilizes an impressed eight digit
number that includes a serial number and a date.
Here's how the pattern works :
YDDDYPPP
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank
Since 1989, acoustic guitars built at the Bozeman,
Montana facility are ranked from 001-499. Electric
Guitars built at the Gibson USA plant in Nashville are
ranked from 500-999. Prior to 1984, the numbers
001-499 show Kalamazoo production, 500-999 show
Nashville production. The serial numbers from the
Custom, Art, and Historic division vary depending on
the line. The historic reissue guitars feature
historically accurate serial numbers.
Examples:
70108276 = the instrument was produced on Jan. 10,
1978, in Kalamazoo and was the 276th instrument
stamped that day.
82765501 = the instrument was produced on Oct. 3,
1985, in Nashville and was the 1st instrument
stamped that day.
More detailed info on serial numbers before 1977 are
available from Gibson's website in Adobe Acrobat
PDF format for download.
Dating Gretsch Guitars
Gretsch serial number info
Gretsch numbered most of their guitars
chronologically, which would give a pretty accurate
picture of when it was built, but specs were pretty
fluid, to say the least, so the serial number and the
actual specs of any particular guitar may not match.
The specs may have been changed over the years,
as well. Gretsch also did a good business in special
order guitars. In other words, try not to obsess over
this stuff too much.
Gretsch began numbering it's guitars sequentially in
1939, beginning with the better models. They
started, sensibly enough, at 001, just writing the
number inside the back. After the war that method
continued, but some guitars had the serial number
embossed on the headstock. With the advent of
labels in the late '40s, the serial number is usually
found on the label, which is usually visible through
the soundhole on hollowbody models. On
solidbodies, it's usually inside the control cavity.
Note also that Gretsch, like the Detroit automakers,
had model years, so in the same way a '57
Thunderbird may have been made in 1956, a '57
White Falcon may have been made earlier.
For guitars built before 1964 or 1965.
(Numbers are consecutive, but all number/year
matches are approximate) Be aware that these
numbers, while considered by most authorities to be
accurate, may be substantially off. Several guitars
have appeared that seem to use the new dating
scheme from as early as Feb. 1964. There may
have been overlap between the two numbering
schemes, or the earlier method may have been
phased out as early as 1963. Which of course
means those 1964 and 1965 serial numbers
probably came earlier. More input on this subject is
welcome.
1964 or '65 to 1972 serial numbers
(Most numbers are on the back or top of the
headstock, and "Made in USA" is stamped next to
the number starting in June 1967).
The first digit or first 2 digits = month (1-12).
The next digit = last digit of the year (1965 to 1972:
5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2).
The remaining digits = number of individual
instrument, probably.
For example, 27136 should be February (2), 1967
(7) and the 1376th instrument made that year. Also
note that this serial numbering scheme may have
come into use earlier than previously thought.
1972 to 1981
A hyphenated number was embossed into the back
of headstock.
The digits before hyphen = month (1-12).
The first digit after hyphen = last digit of year. (i.e.,
1974 would be 4)
Last 3 digits = number of the instrument.
For example, 3-8094 would be March (3), 1978 (8)
and the 94th guitar made that month.
Modern Gretsch guitars
Serial numbers have six numbers, with a three digit
suffix.
The first two digits are the year of manufacture.
The next digit is the month.
The next three digits are the model number, without
the 6 at the beginning.
The final numbers are the sequential order of the
model made during the lifespan of the model (not
that year).
For example, 946119-976 would be a June 1994
Tennessee Rose, the 976th made.
* 94 is the year 19"94"
* 6 is the month "6" = June
* 119 is the model 6"119"
Lower numbers will always appear on earlier
guitars, higher numbers on later guitars. Remember
that 2000 and 2001 guitars will, of course, not begin
with a 9. Also, on guitars built in October, November
or December, the third AND fourth digits denote the
month.
One last thing to remember is that Gretsch years
through the 90s were like model years for cars.
They made some to unveil in January at NAMM and
tried to be ready to fill orders immediately. So they
made some early to do this. Furthermore, some less
popular models may have sat on the shelf either at
the factory or at the dealer for years before being
sold as new. Technically, they are new, since
they'venever been sold.
When Fender took over production in January 2003
the serial number scheme changed again. Serial
number JT03074463, for example, breaks down as:
* J: Japan
* T: Terada factory
* 03: 2003
* 07: July Production
* 4463: 4,463rd guitar built in 2003 (all models
combined)
Specific models are no longer designated within the
serial number. (Thanks to Mike Lewis of Fender for
detailing the current numbering system.
Gretsch numbered most of their guitars
chronologically, which would give a pretty accurate
picture of when it was built, but specs were pretty
fluid, to say the least, so the serial number and the
actual specs of any particular guitar may not match.
The specs may have been changed over the years,
as well. Gretsch also did a good business in special
order guitars. In other words, try not to obsess over
this stuff too much.
Gretsch began numbering it's guitars sequentially in
1939, beginning with the better models. They
started, sensibly enough, at 001, just writing the
number inside the back. After the war that method
continued, but some guitars had the serial number
embossed on the headstock. With the advent of
labels in the late '40s, the serial number is usually
found on the label, which is usually visible through
the soundhole on hollowbody models. On
solidbodies, it's usually inside the control cavity.
Note also that Gretsch, like the Detroit automakers,
had model years, so in the same way a '57
Thunderbird may have been made in 1956, a '57
White Falcon may have been made earlier.
For guitars built before 1964 or 1965.
(Numbers are consecutive, but all number/year
matches are approximate) Be aware that these
numbers, while considered by most authorities to be
accurate, may be substantially off. Several guitars
have appeared that seem to use the new dating
scheme from as early as Feb. 1964. There may
have been overlap between the two numbering
schemes, or the earlier method may have been
phased out as early as 1963. Which of course
means those 1964 and 1965 serial numbers
probably came earlier. More input on this subject is
welcome.
1964 or '65 to 1972 serial numbers
(Most numbers are on the back or top of the
headstock, and "Made in USA" is stamped next to
the number starting in June 1967).
The first digit or first 2 digits = month (1-12).
The next digit = last digit of the year (1965 to 1972:
5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2).
The remaining digits = number of individual
instrument, probably.
For example, 27136 should be February (2), 1967
(7) and the 1376th instrument made that year. Also
note that this serial numbering scheme may have
come into use earlier than previously thought.
1972 to 1981
A hyphenated number was embossed into the back
of headstock.
The digits before hyphen = month (1-12).
The first digit after hyphen = last digit of year. (i.e.,
1974 would be 4)
Last 3 digits = number of the instrument.
For example, 3-8094 would be March (3), 1978 (8)
and the 94th guitar made that month.
Modern Gretsch guitars
Serial numbers have six numbers, with a three digit
suffix.
The first two digits are the year of manufacture.
The next digit is the month.
The next three digits are the model number, without
the 6 at the beginning.
The final numbers are the sequential order of the
model made during the lifespan of the model (not
that year).
For example, 946119-976 would be a June 1994
Tennessee Rose, the 976th made.
* 94 is the year 19"94"
* 6 is the month "6" = June
* 119 is the model 6"119"
Lower numbers will always appear on earlier
guitars, higher numbers on later guitars. Remember
that 2000 and 2001 guitars will, of course, not begin
with a 9. Also, on guitars built in October, November
or December, the third AND fourth digits denote the
month.
One last thing to remember is that Gretsch years
through the 90s were like model years for cars.
They made some to unveil in January at NAMM and
tried to be ready to fill orders immediately. So they
made some early to do this. Furthermore, some less
popular models may have sat on the shelf either at
the factory or at the dealer for years before being
sold as new. Technically, they are new, since
they'venever been sold.
When Fender took over production in January 2003
the serial number scheme changed again. Serial
number JT03074463, for example, breaks down as:
* J: Japan
* T: Terada factory
* 03: 2003
* 07: July Production
* 4463: 4,463rd guitar built in 2003 (all models
combined)
Specific models are no longer designated within the
serial number. (Thanks to Mike Lewis of Fender for
detailing the current numbering system.
Dating Rickenbacker Guitars
Rickenbacker Serial Numbers
The serial numbers are on the jack socket. The
first letter is the year, the second letter is the
month. From 1987 a prefix number, instead of a
letter, was introduced.
You can also go to the Rickenbacker website and
type in your serial # here: Rickenbacker Serial
Check
Prefix - Date
A - 1961
B - 1962
C - 1963
D - 1964
E - 1965
F - 1966
G - 1967
H - 1968
I - 1969
J - 1970
K - 1971
L - 1972
M - 1973
N - 1974
O - 1975
P - 1976
Q - 1977
R - 1978
S - 1979
T - 1980
U - 1981
V - 1982
W - 1983
X - 1984
Y - 1985
Z - 1986
0 - 1987
1 - 1988
2 - 1989
3 - 1990
4 - 1991
5 - 1992
6 - 1993
7 - 1994
8 - 1995
9 - 1996
The serial numbers are on the jack socket. The
first letter is the year, the second letter is the
month. From 1987 a prefix number, instead of a
letter, was introduced.
You can also go to the Rickenbacker website and
type in your serial # here: Rickenbacker Serial
Check
Prefix - Date
A - 1961
B - 1962
C - 1963
D - 1964
E - 1965
F - 1966
G - 1967
H - 1968
I - 1969
J - 1970
K - 1971
L - 1972
M - 1973
N - 1974
O - 1975
P - 1976
Q - 1977
R - 1978
S - 1979
T - 1980
U - 1981
V - 1982
W - 1983
X - 1984
Y - 1985
Z - 1986
0 - 1987
1 - 1988
2 - 1989
3 - 1990
4 - 1991
5 - 1992
6 - 1993
7 - 1994
8 - 1995
9 - 1996
Dating Martin Guitars
1956 152775
1957 159061
1958 165576
1959 171047
1960 175689
1961 181297
1962 187384
1963 193327
1964 199626
1965 207030
1966 217215
1967 230095
Year
Last #
1968 241925
1969 256003
1970 271633
1971 294270
1972 313302
1973 333873
1974 353387
1975 371828
1976 388800
1977 399625
1978 407800
1979 419900
1980 430300
1981 436474
1982 439627
1983 446101
1984 453300
1985 460575
1986 468175
1987 476216
1988 483952
1989 493276
1990 503309
1991 512487
1992 522655
1993 535223
1994 551696
1995 570434
1996 592930
1997 624799
1998 668796
1999 724077
2000 780500
2001 845644
2002 916759
1957 159061
1958 165576
1959 171047
1960 175689
1961 181297
1962 187384
1963 193327
1964 199626
1965 207030
1966 217215
1967 230095
Year
Last #
1968 241925
1969 256003
1970 271633
1971 294270
1972 313302
1973 333873
1974 353387
1975 371828
1976 388800
1977 399625
1978 407800
1979 419900
1980 430300
1981 436474
1982 439627
1983 446101
1984 453300
1985 460575
1986 468175
1987 476216
1988 483952
1989 493276
1990 503309
1991 512487
1992 522655
1993 535223
1994 551696
1995 570434
1996 592930
1997 624799
1998 668796
1999 724077
2000 780500
2001 845644
2002 916759
Dating Vintage Guitars By Serial Numbers
Fender Serial Number - Electric
1950 to Present (Identifying the Year)
This info is from Fender's website
Pre-1977 Fender guitars have a serial number on
the bridgeplate or neckplate. Serial numbers are
basically chronological, but there is some overlap
amoung years. Fender serial numbers were
assigned like this: bin with serialized
plates/bridges. Assembler reached in and
grabbed one (or many). Put them on the
instrument(s). As you can see from this
over-simplified example, serial number assignment
was fairly random. Just keep this in mind. The only
truely definitive way to date a pre-CBS fender is to
look at all the dates on the instrument (body date,
neck date, pot dates). The serial number can only
generalized the age of the instrument within a few
years.
Esquires, Broadcasters, Telecasters 1950 to 1954
(number on bridgeplate). This system of serial
numbers is unique to these three models until
about the early summer of 1954 (when Fender
switched to a universal neck plate serial number
system for all models):
Telecaster, Numbers On Bridge Plate
0001 to 0999 = 1950 to 1952
1000 to 5300 = 1952 to 1954
Precision Basses 1951 to 1955 (number on
bridgeplate). Note there is some overlap. This
system of serial numbers is unique to this model
until about 1955 (even though Fender went to a
universal neckplate serial number system on all
instruments in 1954, some old style Precision
Bass serialized bridges were still left over and
used until 1955.)
Pbass, Numbers on Bridge Plate
100 to 400 = 1951 to 1952
0001 to 0999 = 1952 to 1954
1000 to 2000 = 1953 to 1955
Neck plates, clockwise from top left:
1954, 1956, 1972, 1960.
All Models, summer 1954 to mid 1976 (serial
number on neckplate). In 1957/1958 some serial
numbers started with a minus sign ("-"), or had a
"0" prefix before the number. Also in 1959/1960
some serial numbers were at the bottom of the
neck plate instead of the usual top. Double
stamped serial number plates were also produced
(number on both front and back of the neck plate)
in late 1957 to early 1959. As a good example of
all four of these serial number oddities, click here.
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.
4 to 6 digit Neck Plate Serial Numbers (no other
letters or markings on the neck plate, except for
the rare "-" or "0" prefix, as noted).
0001 to 6000 = 1954
6000 to 9000 = 1955
9000 to 16000 = 1956
16000 to 25000 = 1957 (some numbers with
a "0" or "-" prefix)
25000 to 30000 = 1958 (some numbers with
a "0" or "-" prefix)
30000 to 40000 = 1959
40000 to 58000 = 1960
55000 to 72000 = 1961
72000 to 93000 = 1962
93000 to 99999 = late 1963 to mid 1963
L-Series (late 1962 to late 1965) (serial
number on neckplate preceded with an "L"):
L00001 to L20000 = late 1962 to late 1963
L20000 to L55000 = 1964
L55000 to L99999 = 1965
F-Series (late 1965 to mid-1976) (big script
"F" on neckplate below serial number):
100000 to 110000 = late 1965
110000 to 200000 = 1966
180000 to 210000 = 1967
210000 to 250000 = 1968
250000 to 280000 = 1969
280000 to 300000 = 1970
300000 to 330000 = 1971
330000 to 370000 = 1972
370000 to 520000 = 1973
500000 to 580000 = 1974
580000 to 690000 = 1975
690000 to 750000 = 1976
Serial Number on Peghead Decal.
U.S. made Fenders, starting in mid-1976 has the
serial number on the peghead. Note the following
number could be off as much as two years.
Generally speaking, a "S" prefix equals the
1970's, "E" prefix equals the 1980's, and "N" prefix
equals the 1990's. Note "E" and "N" prefix models
are sometimes also Japanese-made (see below).
7600000 ("76" in bold) = 1976-1977
800000s = 1979-1981
1000000 to 8000000 = 1976-1981 (7 digits)
S100000's-S600000's = 1979-1982
S700000's to S770000's = 1977
S740000's to S800000's = 1978
S810000's to S870000's = 1979
S880000's to S980000's = 1980
S950000's to S990000's = 1981
E000000's to E100000's = 1979-1982
E200000's = 1982
E300000's to E310000's = 1983
E320000's to E390000's = 1984-1985
E400000's = 1984, 1985, 1987
E800000's = 1988-1989
E900000's = 1989-1990
N900000's = 1990
N000000's = 1990-1991
N100000's = 1991
N200000's = 1992
N300000's = 1993
N400000's = 1994
N500000's = 1995
N600000's = 1996
N700000's = 1997
N800000's = 1998
N900000's = 1999
Japanese Serial Numbers on Peghead Decal
Note the lack of S, E, N series. These are
reserved for U.S. made Fenders in their
corresponding decade. BUT note that the "E" and
"N" series does sometimes appear on "made in
Japan" models. This could have been a mistake
on Fender's part using the same prefix for both
U.S. and Jap-made guitars. In any case, if it says
"made in Japan", then it is...
JV + 5 Digits = 1982 to 1984
SQ + 5 Digits = 1983 to 1984
E + 6 Digits = 1984 to 1987
A + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
B + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
C + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
F + 6 Digits = 1986 to 1987
G + 6 Digits = 1987 to 1988
H + 6 Digits = 1988 to 1989
I + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
J + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
K + 6 Digits = 1990 to 1991
L + 6 Digits = 1991 to 1992
M + 6 Digits = 1992 to 1993
N + 6 Digits = 1993 to 1994
O + 6 Digits = 1994 to 1995
P + 6 Digits = 1995 to 1996
Dating Mexican Made Fenders
Dating Mexican Made Fenders
SERIAL NUMBERS CIRCA
MN0+ 5 DIGITS 1990-1991
MN1+ 5 DIGITS 1991-1992
MN2+ 5 DIGITS 1992-1993
MN3+ 5 DIGITS 1993-1994
MN4+ 5 DIGITS 1994-1995
MN5+ 5 DIGITS 1995-1996
MN6+ 5 DIGITS 1996-1997
MN7+ 5 DIGITS 1997-1998
MN8+ 5 DIGITS 1998-1999
MN9+ 5 DIGITS 1999-2000
MZ0+ 5 DIGITS 2000-2001
MZ1+ 5 DIGITS 2001-2002
MZ2+ 5 DIGITS 2002-2003
MZ3+ 5 DIGITS 2003-2004
MZ4+ 5 DIGITS 2004-2005
MZ5+ 5 DIGITS 2005-2006
With the year 2000 came the introduction of the
"Z" prefix serial numbers on US made instruments,
which stood for the 0 of the new millennium. A Z0
prefix dates to 2000, a Z1 prefix dates to 2001
etcetera. The American Deluxe Series instruments
use the same dating convention but with the
addition of a "D" in front of the "Z", i.e. DZ1, DZ2
etcetera. Once again, and as always, there is
typically some overlap and carryover of number
prefixes from year to year.
SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES
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
except '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
except '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
except '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
except '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
except '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
except '52 Telecaster)
XN5 + 4 Digits 2005
The following serial numbers are somewhat
outside the more, well known Fender serial
number schemes. If you have what you consider
to be a somewhat "odd" serial number, please
check the following chart to see if you find your
serial number configuration here. This chart
contains
ODD SERIAL NUMBERS
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
AMXN + 6 DIGITS California Series electric
guitars and basses, '97 and '98
DN + 6 DIGITS American Deluxe series
instruments, '98 and '99
NC(XXXXXX) Squier Strat Bullets (dating
unclear)
FN(XXXXXX) US made guitars and basses
destined for the export market. Some may have
stayed in the U.S or found their way back (Made
to Standard Strat specs, dating unclear)
I(XXXXXXX) A limited number of these "I"
series guitars were made in '89 and '90. They
were made for the export market and have Made
in USA stamped on the heel of the neck.
LE(XXXXXX) Blonde Jazzmasters and Jaguars
with Gold hardware made in 1994. Sold as a
promotional 3 piece set with a Blonde Deluxe
Reverb Amp
CN(XXXXXX)
VN(XXXXXX) Korean made Fender/Squier
guitars (dating unclear)
CA(XXXXX) Gold Strat 1981, 82 and 83
CB(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from
1981, CB(XXXXX) Gold Jazz Bass from 1982
CC(XXXXX) Walnut Strat 1981-82-83
CE(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from
1981, Black and Gold Tele from 1981-82
CD(XXXXX)
CO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut)
from 1982
GO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut)
from 1982, Gold Strat 1982-83
D(XXXXXX) Jazz Bass from 1982
SE(XXXXXX)
SN(XXXXXX)
SZ(XXXXXX)
Signature Series Instruments
SE8(XXXXX)-'88, SE9(XXXXX)-'89
SN0(XXXXX)-'90, SN1(XXXXX)-'90,
SN2(XXXXX)-'92, etc.
SZ0(XXXXX)-'00, SZ1(XXXXX)-'01, SZ2(XXXXX)-'02,
etc.
3 DIGITS OF 500
35TH Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990
G(XXXXXX) "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
date for specific year)
5 DIGITS STAMPED ON BRIDGE PLATE U.S.
'52 Vintage Telecaster 1988-present (Check neck
date for specific year)
T(XXXXXX) Tribute series instruments
C(XXXXXX) Collectors Series
XN(XXXXX) FSRs and '52 Teles
Other Fender Serial Number Schemes.
Fender has recently (in the last 20 years)
introduced LOTS of different serial numbers
schemes, depending on the country the Fender
was made (USA, Mexico, Japan, Korea, etc). Not
all schemes are covered here. Below are some
examples of letter prefixes used in recent serial
number schemes.
V : this prefix used for US made "vintage reissue"
models, 1982 to present.
25 + 4 digits : 1979 to 1980 Anniversary
Stratocaster.
AMXN : "AMX" means assembled in Mexico with
American parts,
"N" is the decade (1990s).
MN : "M" means Mexican made, "N" is the decade
(1990s).
C : this prefix used in 1982.
D : this prefix used in late 1981 to early 1982.
GO : this prefix used in the early 1980s.
SE : this prefix means a Signature Edition, 1982 to
present.
4 digit decal on back of peghead: custom order
model 1987 to present.
1950 to Present (Identifying the Year)
This info is from Fender's website
Pre-1977 Fender guitars have a serial number on
the bridgeplate or neckplate. Serial numbers are
basically chronological, but there is some overlap
amoung years. Fender serial numbers were
assigned like this: bin with serialized
plates/bridges. Assembler reached in and
grabbed one (or many). Put them on the
instrument(s). As you can see from this
over-simplified example, serial number assignment
was fairly random. Just keep this in mind. The only
truely definitive way to date a pre-CBS fender is to
look at all the dates on the instrument (body date,
neck date, pot dates). The serial number can only
generalized the age of the instrument within a few
years.
Esquires, Broadcasters, Telecasters 1950 to 1954
(number on bridgeplate). This system of serial
numbers is unique to these three models until
about the early summer of 1954 (when Fender
switched to a universal neck plate serial number
system for all models):
Telecaster, Numbers On Bridge Plate
0001 to 0999 = 1950 to 1952
1000 to 5300 = 1952 to 1954
Precision Basses 1951 to 1955 (number on
bridgeplate). Note there is some overlap. This
system of serial numbers is unique to this model
until about 1955 (even though Fender went to a
universal neckplate serial number system on all
instruments in 1954, some old style Precision
Bass serialized bridges were still left over and
used until 1955.)
Pbass, Numbers on Bridge Plate
100 to 400 = 1951 to 1952
0001 to 0999 = 1952 to 1954
1000 to 2000 = 1953 to 1955
Neck plates, clockwise from top left:
1954, 1956, 1972, 1960.
All Models, summer 1954 to mid 1976 (serial
number on neckplate). In 1957/1958 some serial
numbers started with a minus sign ("-"), or had a
"0" prefix before the number. Also in 1959/1960
some serial numbers were at the bottom of the
neck plate instead of the usual top. Double
stamped serial number plates were also produced
(number on both front and back of the neck plate)
in late 1957 to early 1959. As a good example of
all four of these serial number oddities, click here.
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.
4 to 6 digit Neck Plate Serial Numbers (no other
letters or markings on the neck plate, except for
the rare "-" or "0" prefix, as noted).
0001 to 6000 = 1954
6000 to 9000 = 1955
9000 to 16000 = 1956
16000 to 25000 = 1957 (some numbers with
a "0" or "-" prefix)
25000 to 30000 = 1958 (some numbers with
a "0" or "-" prefix)
30000 to 40000 = 1959
40000 to 58000 = 1960
55000 to 72000 = 1961
72000 to 93000 = 1962
93000 to 99999 = late 1963 to mid 1963
L-Series (late 1962 to late 1965) (serial
number on neckplate preceded with an "L"):
L00001 to L20000 = late 1962 to late 1963
L20000 to L55000 = 1964
L55000 to L99999 = 1965
F-Series (late 1965 to mid-1976) (big script
"F" on neckplate below serial number):
100000 to 110000 = late 1965
110000 to 200000 = 1966
180000 to 210000 = 1967
210000 to 250000 = 1968
250000 to 280000 = 1969
280000 to 300000 = 1970
300000 to 330000 = 1971
330000 to 370000 = 1972
370000 to 520000 = 1973
500000 to 580000 = 1974
580000 to 690000 = 1975
690000 to 750000 = 1976
Serial Number on Peghead Decal.
U.S. made Fenders, starting in mid-1976 has the
serial number on the peghead. Note the following
number could be off as much as two years.
Generally speaking, a "S" prefix equals the
1970's, "E" prefix equals the 1980's, and "N" prefix
equals the 1990's. Note "E" and "N" prefix models
are sometimes also Japanese-made (see below).
7600000 ("76" in bold) = 1976-1977
800000s = 1979-1981
1000000 to 8000000 = 1976-1981 (7 digits)
S100000's-S600000's = 1979-1982
S700000's to S770000's = 1977
S740000's to S800000's = 1978
S810000's to S870000's = 1979
S880000's to S980000's = 1980
S950000's to S990000's = 1981
E000000's to E100000's = 1979-1982
E200000's = 1982
E300000's to E310000's = 1983
E320000's to E390000's = 1984-1985
E400000's = 1984, 1985, 1987
E800000's = 1988-1989
E900000's = 1989-1990
N900000's = 1990
N000000's = 1990-1991
N100000's = 1991
N200000's = 1992
N300000's = 1993
N400000's = 1994
N500000's = 1995
N600000's = 1996
N700000's = 1997
N800000's = 1998
N900000's = 1999
Japanese Serial Numbers on Peghead Decal
Note the lack of S, E, N series. These are
reserved for U.S. made Fenders in their
corresponding decade. BUT note that the "E" and
"N" series does sometimes appear on "made in
Japan" models. This could have been a mistake
on Fender's part using the same prefix for both
U.S. and Jap-made guitars. In any case, if it says
"made in Japan", then it is...
JV + 5 Digits = 1982 to 1984
SQ + 5 Digits = 1983 to 1984
E + 6 Digits = 1984 to 1987
A + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
B + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
C + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
F + 6 Digits = 1986 to 1987
G + 6 Digits = 1987 to 1988
H + 6 Digits = 1988 to 1989
I + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
J + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
K + 6 Digits = 1990 to 1991
L + 6 Digits = 1991 to 1992
M + 6 Digits = 1992 to 1993
N + 6 Digits = 1993 to 1994
O + 6 Digits = 1994 to 1995
P + 6 Digits = 1995 to 1996
Dating Mexican Made Fenders
Dating Mexican Made Fenders
SERIAL NUMBERS CIRCA
MN0+ 5 DIGITS 1990-1991
MN1+ 5 DIGITS 1991-1992
MN2+ 5 DIGITS 1992-1993
MN3+ 5 DIGITS 1993-1994
MN4+ 5 DIGITS 1994-1995
MN5+ 5 DIGITS 1995-1996
MN6+ 5 DIGITS 1996-1997
MN7+ 5 DIGITS 1997-1998
MN8+ 5 DIGITS 1998-1999
MN9+ 5 DIGITS 1999-2000
MZ0+ 5 DIGITS 2000-2001
MZ1+ 5 DIGITS 2001-2002
MZ2+ 5 DIGITS 2002-2003
MZ3+ 5 DIGITS 2003-2004
MZ4+ 5 DIGITS 2004-2005
MZ5+ 5 DIGITS 2005-2006
With the year 2000 came the introduction of the
"Z" prefix serial numbers on US made instruments,
which stood for the 0 of the new millennium. A Z0
prefix dates to 2000, a Z1 prefix dates to 2001
etcetera. The American Deluxe Series instruments
use the same dating convention but with the
addition of a "D" in front of the "Z", i.e. DZ1, DZ2
etcetera. Once again, and as always, there is
typically some overlap and carryover of number
prefixes from year to year.
SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES
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
except '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
except '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
except '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
except '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
except '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
except '52 Telecaster)
XN5 + 4 Digits 2005
The following serial numbers are somewhat
outside the more, well known Fender serial
number schemes. If you have what you consider
to be a somewhat "odd" serial number, please
check the following chart to see if you find your
serial number configuration here. This chart
contains
ODD SERIAL NUMBERS
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
AMXN + 6 DIGITS California Series electric
guitars and basses, '97 and '98
DN + 6 DIGITS American Deluxe series
instruments, '98 and '99
NC(XXXXXX) Squier Strat Bullets (dating
unclear)
FN(XXXXXX) US made guitars and basses
destined for the export market. Some may have
stayed in the U.S or found their way back (Made
to Standard Strat specs, dating unclear)
I(XXXXXXX) A limited number of these "I"
series guitars were made in '89 and '90. They
were made for the export market and have Made
in USA stamped on the heel of the neck.
LE(XXXXXX) Blonde Jazzmasters and Jaguars
with Gold hardware made in 1994. Sold as a
promotional 3 piece set with a Blonde Deluxe
Reverb Amp
CN(XXXXXX)
VN(XXXXXX) Korean made Fender/Squier
guitars (dating unclear)
CA(XXXXX) Gold Strat 1981, 82 and 83
CB(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from
1981, CB(XXXXX) Gold Jazz Bass from 1982
CC(XXXXX) Walnut Strat 1981-82-83
CE(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special from
1981, Black and Gold Tele from 1981-82
CD(XXXXX)
CO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut)
from 1982
GO(XXXXX) Precision Bass Special (Walnut)
from 1982, Gold Strat 1982-83
D(XXXXXX) Jazz Bass from 1982
SE(XXXXXX)
SN(XXXXXX)
SZ(XXXXXX)
Signature Series Instruments
SE8(XXXXX)-'88, SE9(XXXXX)-'89
SN0(XXXXX)-'90, SN1(XXXXX)-'90,
SN2(XXXXX)-'92, etc.
SZ0(XXXXX)-'00, SZ1(XXXXX)-'01, SZ2(XXXXX)-'02,
etc.
3 DIGITS OF 500
35TH Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990
G(XXXXXX) "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
date for specific year)
5 DIGITS STAMPED ON BRIDGE PLATE U.S.
'52 Vintage Telecaster 1988-present (Check neck
date for specific year)
T(XXXXXX) Tribute series instruments
C(XXXXXX) Collectors Series
XN(XXXXX) FSRs and '52 Teles
Other Fender Serial Number Schemes.
Fender has recently (in the last 20 years)
introduced LOTS of different serial numbers
schemes, depending on the country the Fender
was made (USA, Mexico, Japan, Korea, etc). Not
all schemes are covered here. Below are some
examples of letter prefixes used in recent serial
number schemes.
V : this prefix used for US made "vintage reissue"
models, 1982 to present.
25 + 4 digits : 1979 to 1980 Anniversary
Stratocaster.
AMXN : "AMX" means assembled in Mexico with
American parts,
"N" is the decade (1990s).
MN : "M" means Mexican made, "N" is the decade
(1990s).
C : this prefix used in 1982.
D : this prefix used in late 1981 to early 1982.
GO : this prefix used in the early 1980s.
SE : this prefix means a Signature Edition, 1982 to
present.
4 digit decal on back of peghead: custom order
model 1987 to present.
Martin Serial
Numbers
This info is from
Martin's website
Year
Last #
1898 8348
1899 8716
1900 9128
1901 9310
1902 9528
1903 9810
1904 9988
1905 10120
1906 10329
1907 10727
1908 10883
1909 11018
1910 11203
1911 11413
1912 11565
1913 11821
1914 12047
1915 12209
1916 12390
1917 12988
1918 13450
1919 14512
1920 15848
1921 16758
1922 17839
1923 19891
1924 22008
1925 24116
1926 28689
1927 34435
1928 37568
1929 40843
1930 45317
1931 49589
1932 52590
Year
Last #
1933 55084
1934 58679
1935 61947
1936 65176
1937 68865
1938 71866
1939 74061
1940 76734
1941 80013
1942 83107
1943 86724
1944 90149
1945 93623
1946 98158
1947 103468
1948 108269
1949 112961
1950 117961
1951 122799
1952 128436
1953 134501
1954 141345
1955 147328
Numbers
This info is from
Martin's website
Year
Last #
1898 8348
1899 8716
1900 9128
1901 9310
1902 9528
1903 9810
1904 9988
1905 10120
1906 10329
1907 10727
1908 10883
1909 11018
1910 11203
1911 11413
1912 11565
1913 11821
1914 12047
1915 12209
1916 12390
1917 12988
1918 13450
1919 14512
1920 15848
1921 16758
1922 17839
1923 19891
1924 22008
1925 24116
1926 28689
1927 34435
1928 37568
1929 40843
1930 45317
1931 49589
1932 52590
Year
Last #
1933 55084
1934 58679
1935 61947
1936 65176
1937 68865
1938 71866
1939 74061
1940 76734
1941 80013
1942 83107
1943 86724
1944 90149
1945 93623
1946 98158
1947 103468
1948 108269
1949 112961
1950 117961
1951 122799
1952 128436
1953 134501
1954 141345
1955 147328
