76 Prefix
76 prefix = 1976
Overlap in 1977
“76xxxxx” = 1976
Table Of Contents
Getting the date of your Fender guitar right is crucial to finding out its true value! Moreover, it can be quite fun to decipher the serial number to learn other details like the year it was made, even if you have no intention of selling it.
To help you date your Fender guitar, we have compiled this brief guide with a list of Fender serial numbers. This way, you’ll probably decipher valuable info about your Fender. Remember that Fender serial numbers are not necessarily the most accurate way to date your Fender guitar. That being said, they are a good starting point.
If your instrument is from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, you can find its serial number either on the bridge or neck plate. On later instruments, you can see the serial number on the front or back of the headstock. Check out the photos below for help identifying where your serial number is!
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Fender serial numbers from this time period are particularly tricky because they use different serial numbers for different models. Below are the serial number ranges for each model from this period that include a serial number on the bridge plate.
The Stratocaster’s debut in 1954 marked a landmark in guitar history. Since then, Fender has been strongly associated with high-quality guitars all around the globe.
Four or five-digit serial numbers on the back of the neck plate apply to all Fender models from this period, including the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, Coronado, and others.
As always, if you would like help dating, identifying, or selling a Fender guitar from this period, feel free to contact me.
If your Fender guitar has an L serial number, then it was probably manufactured between 1963 and 1965.
These guitars were made between 1965 and 1976. During that era, Fender transitioned from the L series serial numbers to the 6-digit F plate. That era is also known for larger headstocks and new models like the popular Telecaster Custom.
76 Prefix
76 prefix = 1976
Overlap in 1977
“76xxxxx” = 1976
N Prefix
N prefix = 1990s
1st Digit = Year
“N1xxxxx” = 1991
S prefix
S prefix = 1970s
1st Digit = Year
“S8xxxxx” = 1978
MN Prefix
M = Mexico
N Prefix = 1990s
1st Digit = Year
“MN0xxxxx” = 1990
E Prefix
E prefix = 1980s
1st Digit = Year
“E4xxxxx” = 1984
MZ Prefix
M = Mexico
Z Prefix = 2000s
1st Digit = Year
“MZ0xxxxx” = 2000
Since 1976, the serial numbers started with a letter that denoted the DECADE of manufacture. S=Seventies, E=Eighties, N=Nineties, and Z or DZ=2000s. The first number following the letter indicates the exact year.
For example:
These guitars have a serial number on the neck plate that starts with a V. Unfortunately, these numbers are not accurate, meaning that the guitar must be disassembled first to check the neck heel date.
Fender began making guitars in Japan starting in the early 1980s. The Japanese-made Fenders are generally regarded as top-quality instruments. However, their collectability and value do not come close to American-made instruments (except for a few models). Japanese-made Fender guitars are dated using the letter prefix that comes before the numbers in the serial number. The serial number can be found either on the headstock or at the base of the neck.
Fender started producing guitars in Mexico in 1990. Guitars and basses made between 1990 and 2000 have “MN” prefix serial numbers. The “M” tells us that the guitar is made in Mexico, and the “N” means it was made in the 1990s (N for Nineties.) The digit directly after the “N” tells us the exact year.
Note that there is a little bit of a margin for error on Mexican guitars. For example, MN0 can overlap into 1991, and MN1 can overlap into 1992.
Towards the tail end of 1999, Mexican Fender serial numbers transitioned from an “MN” prefix to an “MZ” prefix, with the “M” designating Mexico and the “Z” designating the 2000s.
A new serial number system was implemented in 2010. This new system used the letters “MX”, followed by an eight-digit number. The first two digits of the number following the prefix tell us the year the instrument was made, (11 for 2011, 12 for 2012, etc.). This system of serialization continues today with Mexican-made Fender instruments.
“10” prefix followed by a space and eight digits Late 2009 through approximately March 2010
If you’re trying to determine the authenticity, production year, or origin of your Fender guitar, using reliable lookup resources is crucial. While serial numbers can sometimes be tricky due to overlapping sequences and inconsistencies, there are still valuable methods to verify your instrument’s history.
Fender offers an official Serial Number Lookup tool on their website, where you can enter your guitar’s serial number to retrieve manufacturing details. This is one of the most reliable ways to verify the authenticity and date of your instrument.
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There are several online resources where enthusiasts and collectors like us have compiled extensive databases of Fender serial numbers, including The Guitar Dater Project, GuitarHQ, and The Fender Forum.
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Last but not least, you can always contact us at Joe’s Vintage Guitars for more information about your Fender! We’ll give you trusted details about your guitar so that you can learn all about it, especially if you’re planning to sell it!
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A Fender serial number offers important details about your guitar’s production, such as its manufacturing location, production year, and sometimes the specific model. Fender uses different serial number schemes for various periods, so by decoding the number, you can learn when and where your Fender guitar was made. This information is valuable for authentication, tracking, and confirming its origin, especially when buying or selling a used Fender guitar.
While the serial number can provide clues about your guitar’s age and manufacturing location, it doesn’t specify the exact model of the instrument. Fender serial numbers are primarily used to indicate the production year and country of manufacture. To determine the precise model, you can try cross-referencing the serial number with other identifying features such as body shape, hardware, and specifications, or refer to Fender’s product catalog or a vintage guitar expert.
The serial number alone isn’t enough to determine the exact value of your Fender guitar, but it can help you assess its age and origin, which are key factors in determining value. Vintage instruments may hold higher value depending on their rarity, condition, and historical significance. To get an accurate value, it’s important to consider the guitar’s condition, rarity, specific model, and market demand. That’s why it is so important to find a reliable guitar expert for help.
Yes, Fender uses different serial number formats for guitars made in Japan, Mexico, and the United States. American-made Fender guitars generally have serial numbers starting with “US” or using a 6-digit format. Mexican Fenders typically use an “MN” prefix or other formats, while Japanese Fenders may use numbers beginning with “E,” “A,” or “JV” for instruments produced in the ’80s. These differences help identify the country of manufacture and production year.
This can happen for many reasons. Older models, especially those made before the 1970s, may not have been registered in digital records, as Fender’s database is a relatively recent development. Additionally, some limited-edition or custom-built guitars may not be in the database. If your guitar is particularly rare or has a non-standard serial number format, it might not be easily identifiable through Fender’s current system. Luckily, you can count on us for more help with your vintage Fender guitar!
Looking over the history behind your Fender or considering its market value? Joe’s Vintage Guitars, specialized in collecting vintage guitars in Mesa, offers expert evaluations.
Reach out for a no-obligation assessment!
Contact us today for more help!
Joe’s Vintage Guitars
47 N Fraser Dr E
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: (602) 900-6635
Email: joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com
Written by Joe Dampt
“Driven by a love for classic tunes, I specialize in buying, selling, and appraising vintage guitars, bringing music and history together.”
Use this comprehensive serial number guide to date any Fender guitar!
Use this comprehensive serial number guide to date any Fender guitar!
Use this comprehensive serial number guide to date any Fender guitar!
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