20% off

Try the Gibson App — code GIBSONOWNER

Get Started →

Fender Serial Number Lookup

Use our free Fender serial number decoder to instantly identify your guitar's production year, country of origin, and era of manufacture. Simply enter your serial number below — works for Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazz Bass, Precision Bass, Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Mustang, Duo-Sonic, and all other Fender & Squier models from the USA, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and China.

Found on the headstock, neck plate, or bridge plate depending on the era

How to Read a Fender Serial Number

Reading a Fender serial number depends on the era and country of origin. Our Fender serial number search tool automates the entire process, but here's the general approach:

1

Find Your Serial Number

Check the headstock (post-1976), neck plate (1954–1976), or bridge plate (1950–1954). On Japanese and Mexican models, the serial is usually on the back of the headstock.

2

Enter It Above

Type or paste your Fender serial number into the decoder above — the prefix and digit pattern will be analyzed automatically.

3

Get Instant Results

See the production year, country of origin, era, format detected, and possible model identifications.

Understanding Fender's US Headstock Serial Number System

Since 1976, US-made Fender guitars have used a letter-prefix serial number system on the headstock. The prefix letter indicates the decade, and the first digit after the letter gives the specific year within that decade. Here's how it works:

N412345
N __ __ __ __ __ __
Decade = N → 1990s

S = 1970s, E = 1980s, N = 1990s, Z = 2000s

__ 4 __ __ __ __ __
Year = 4 → 1994

First digit = year within the decade (0–9)

__ __ 1 2 3 4 5
Production # = 12345

Sequential production number (5+ digits)

US Fender Decade Letter Key

S
1970s
1976–1979
S8xxxxx
E
1980s
1980–1989
E4xxxxx
N
1990s
1990–1999
N7xxxxx
Z
2000s
2000–2009
Z5xxxxx
US
2010s+
2010–now
US22xxxxx

DZ prefix indicates Deluxe Series (2000s). V prefix indicates American Vintage Reissue. SE/SN/SZ prefix indicates Signature Series.

Complete Fender Serial Number Format Chart

Fender has used many different serial number formats across 70+ years of production in the USA, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and China. The format depends on the era, factory, and model line. Below is a comprehensive Fender serial number guide covering every known format — use this alongside our Fender serial number search engine above.

Early Bridge Plate (1950–1954)

4–5 digits on bridge

The earliest Fenders had model-specific serial numbers stamped on the bridge plate. Telecasters/Broadcasters/Esquires and Precision Basses each had their own numbering sequences.

Neck Plate (1954–1963)

4–5 digits on neck plate

From mid-1954 onward, Fender used a universal numbering system stamped on the neck plate. Numbers ran from approximately 0001 to 99999. A '0' or '-' prefix may appear on 1957–1958 instruments.

L-Series (1963–1965)

L + 5 digits

Transition-era serial starting with 'L' on the neck plate. The 'L' was reportedly a mistake — it was meant to be '1' for the 100,000 range. Used from late 1962 through 1965.

F-Series / CBS Era (1965–1976)

6 digits (100000–750000)

Six-digit serial on the neck plate with a large Fender 'F' logo. CBS ownership era. Numbers ranged from about 100,000 (late 1965) to 750,000 (1976).

Post-1976 US (S/E/N/Z series)

S/E/N/Z + digit + 5 digits

Headstock serial starting with a decade letter: S = 1970s, E = 1980s, N = 1990s, Z = 2000s. The digit after the letter indicates the year within the decade. DZ prefix = Deluxe Series.

Modern US (2010+)

US + 2-digit year + 6 digits

From 2010 onward, US-made Fenders use 'US' followed by the two-digit year and a six-digit production number. Example: US12345678 = made in 2012.

Made in Japan (MIJ)

JV/SQ + 5 digits, or letter + 6 digits

Japanese Fenders (1982–1997) made by Fuji Gen Gakki. Early models use JV or SQ prefix. Later models use single letter codes (A through V) with 6 digits. Serial usually on back of neck.

Crafted in Japan (CIJ)

Letter + 6 digits

Japanese Fenders from 1997–2008 marked 'Crafted in Japan.' Single letter prefix (A, O, P, Q, R, S, T) with 6 digits. Some overlap with MIJ letters — check headstock decal to confirm era.

Made in Mexico (MIM)

MN/MZ/MX + digits

Mexican Fenders (1990+) from the Ensenada factory. MN = 1990s, MZ = 2000s, MX = 2010s+. The digit after the decade code indicates the specific year.

Signature Series

S + decade letter + digits

American-made artist signature models. Uses 'S' prefix before the standard decade letter (SE = 1980s, SN = 1990s, SZ = 2000s). Otherwise follows the same year-coding scheme.

American Vintage Reissue (AVRI)

V + 5–7 digits

US-made reissue models. Serial numbers start with V but do not strictly correlate to production years. Neck dates are more reliable for dating AVRI instruments.

Korean (Squier)

KC/KV/CN/VN + digits

Korean-made Squier and Fender instruments from factories including Cort, Cor-Tek, and Samick. Various letter prefixes identify the specific factory.

Indonesian (Squier)

IC/ICS/IS + digits

Indonesian-made Squier instruments from Cor-Tek (Cort) and Samick facilities. Production began in the early 2000s.

Chinese (Squier)

CGS/CXS/CAR + digits

Chinese-made Squier instruments. Various prefixes indicate different Chinese manufacturing facilities.

Vintage Fender Serial Number Ranges — Pre-CBS & CBS Era

Dating a vintage Fender guitar requires matching the serial number to known production ranges. Below are the definitive serial number ranges for pre-CBS (1950–1965) and CBS-era (1965–1976) Fender instruments:

Neck Plate Serial Ranges (1954–1963)

YearSerial RangeNotes
19540001 – 7,000Transition from bridge plate to neck plate
19557,000 – 9,000
19569,000 – 17,000
195717,000 – 25,000'0' or '-' prefix occasionally appears
195825,000 – 34,000'0' or '-' prefix occasionally appears
195934,000 – 44,000
196044,000 – 59,000
196159,000 – 71,000
196271,000 – 93,000
196393,000 – 99,999Near end of pre-CBS era

CBS-Era F-Series Ranges (1965–1976)

Year(s)Serial Range
1965 (late)100,000 – 110,000
1966110,000 – 135,000
1967135,000 – 190,000
1968190,000 – 250,000
1969250,000 – 300,000
1970300,000 – 330,000
1971330,000 – 370,000
1972370,000 – 400,000
1973400,000 – 500,000
1974500,000 – 580,000
1975580,000 – 700,000
1976700,000 – 750,000

These ranges are approximate and overlap between consecutive years. Fender's numbering was not strictly sequential — pre-numbered neck plates were used as available. For exact dating, cross-reference with the neck pocket date stamp and potentiometer date codes.

Fender Country of Origin & Factory Guide

Fender guitars and basses are manufactured in facilities around the world. The country of origin is encoded in your Fender serial number through the prefix code. Understanding where your Fender was made provides context about its build quality, specifications, and market value.

USA — Corona, California

1946–Present

American-made Fenders represent the top of the line. The original Fullerton factory operated from 1946 to 1985. Production moved to Corona, California in 1985 and continues today. After Leo Fender sold to CBS in 1965, a transitional era occurred. US production includes American Professional, American Ultra, American Vintage, Custom Shop, and Player Plus series. US serials use S, E, N, Z, DZ, US prefix (post-1976) or range-based numbering (pre-1976).

Mexico — Ensenada, Baja California

1990–Present

The Ensenada factory in Mexico began production in 1990 and has grown into one of Fender's most important manufacturing facilities. Mexican Fenders include the Player Series (formerly Standard), Vintera, and various special editions. Serial numbers use MN (1990s), MZ (2000s), or MX (2010s+) prefix. The AMXN prefix is used for the California Series. Mexican Fenders offer outstanding quality-to-value ratio.

Japan — Fuji Gen Gakki

1982–Present

Japanese Fenders (MIJ/CIJ) have been manufactured by Fuji Gen Gakki since 1982 and are among the most respected Fender instruments outside of the US. The 1980s and 1990s MIJ reissues are particularly prized by collectors for their exceptional build quality. Serial prefixes include JV (1982–84), SQ (1983–84), and single letter codes (A through V). CIJ-era (1997–2008) models use A, O, P, Q, R, S, T prefix. Japanese Fenders are now labeled 'Made in Japan' again.

Korea, Indonesia & China

Various–Present

These countries primarily manufacture Squier-branded instruments, Fender's more affordable sub-brand. Korean production includes Cort (KC prefix), Cor-Tek (KV), and Samick factories. Indonesian production (IC, ICS, IS prefix) includes Cor-Tek and Samick facilities. Chinese production (CGS, CXS, CAR prefix) includes several factories. Modern Squier instruments — particularly the Classic Vibe and Contemporary series — have earned strong reputations for quality.

Fender & Squier Serial Number Prefix Reference Table

Use this quick-reference table to identify any Fender or Squier serial number prefix. The prefix tells you the country, decade, and type of your instrument:

PrefixCountryEra / Series
S + digitUSA1970s (S7 = 1977, S8 = 1978, S9 = 1979)
E + digitUSA1980s (E0 = 1979/80, E1 = 1981, ... E9 = 1989)
N + digitUSA1990s (N0 = 1990, N1 = 1991, ... N9 = 1999)
Z + digitUSA2000s (Z0 = 2000, Z1 = 2001, ... Z9 = 2009)
DZ + digitUSA2000s Deluxe Series
US + 2 digitsUSA2010s+ (US10 = 2010, US22 = 2022, etc.)
V + digitsUSAAmerican Vintage Reissue (AVRI)
SE, SN, SZ, SUSUSASignature Series (decade matching standard US)
MN + digitMexico1990s (MN0 = 1990, MN9 = 1999)
MZ + digitMexico2000s (MZ0 = 2000, MZ9 = 2009)
MX + digit(s)Mexico2010s+ (MX10 = 2010, MX22 = 2022, etc.)
AMXNMexicoCalifornia Series (Fender Player Plus, etc.)
JV + digitsJapan1982–1984 (MIJ, first Japanese Fenders)
SQ + digitsJapan1983–1984 (early Squier by Fender)
A–V (single letter)Japan1985–2008 (MIJ era, letter = approximate year)
O, P, Q, R, S, TJapan1997–2008 (CIJ era, overlaps with MIJ)
KC, KVKoreaSquier — Cort / Cor-Tek factory
CN, VNKoreaSquier — Cor-Tek / Samick factory
IC, ICS, ISIndonesiaSquier — Cor-Tek / Samick Indonesia
CGS, CXS, CARChinaSquier — various Chinese factories

Fender Serial Number Lookup by Model

While all Fender models from the same era and factory share identical serial number formats, here's model-specific guidance for the most searched Fender guitars and basses:

Fender Stratocaster Serial Number

The Fender Stratocaster — introduced in 1954 — uses standard Fender serial numbering for each era. The earliest Stratocasters (1954) share the neck-plate serial system with Telecaster and Precision Bass. Pre-CBS Strats use 4–5 digit neck plate numbers. CBS-era uses the F-series 6-digit system. From 1976 onward, look for S, E, N, Z, or US prefix on the headstock. American Professional, American Ultra, Player, and Vintera Stratocasters all follow standard formats. The '57 and '62 Reissue models use V-prefix AVRI numbering.

Fender Telecaster Serial Number

The Telecaster was Fender's first solid-body guitar — originally called the Broadcaster (1950) and Esquire. The earliest Telecaster serial numbers (1950–1954) are on the bridge plate, making them the oldest Fender serials. From 1954 onward, Telecasters use the same serial system as all other Fender models: neck plate (1954–1976), then headstock (1976+). American, Player, Vintera, and Custom Shop Telecasters all use standard era-appropriate serial formats.

Fender Jazz Bass Serial Number

The Fender Jazz Bass — introduced in 1960 — uses the same serial number format as Fender guitars from the corresponding era. Pre-CBS Jazz Basses have neck-plate serials in the 5-digit range (approximately 44,000–99,999 for 1960–1963). CBS-era through modern Jazz Basses follow the same format changes as Stratocaster and Telecaster models. American Professional, Player, and Geddy Lee signature Jazz Basses all use standard serial numbering.

Fender Precision Bass Serial Number

The Fender Precision Bass — the first electric bass guitar, introduced in 1951 — is one of the few models with its own early serial ranges (bridge plate, 1951–1954). After mid-1954, Precision Basses share the universal Fender serial system. Pre-CBS P-Bass models are among the most sought-after vintage Fenders. Modern American Professional, Player, and Vintera Precision Basses use standard post-1976 headstock serial numbering.

Fender Jazzmaster & Jaguar Serial Number

The Jazzmaster (1958) and Jaguar (1962) use standard Fender serialization for their respective eras. Pre-CBS Jazzmasters and Jaguars have neck-plate serials. Later models follow the same S/E/N/Z/US headstock system. The Fender American Professional Jazzmaster, Player Jazzmaster, and Vintera Jaguar all use standard contemporary serial formats. Japanese-made (MIJ/CIJ) versions use the standard Japanese serial system.

Fender Acoustic Guitar Serial Number

Fender acoustic guitars — including the California Series, Alternative Series, and Paramount Series — use different serial numbering than Fender electrics. Many Fender acoustics are made in China or Indonesia and use typical Asian-production serial formats. The California Series uses the AMXN prefix (Made in Mexico). Check the label inside the soundhole for the serial. Our decoder can identify the format if it matches a known Fender pattern.

Japanese Fender Serial Number Guide (MIJ & CIJ)

Japanese-made Fenders have been produced since 1982 by Fuji Gen Gakki and are among the most sought-after non-US Fender instruments. The serial number system for Made in Japan (MIJ) and Crafted in Japan (CIJ) Fenders uses letter prefixes that correspond to approximate production years:

PrefixYear(s)Label
JV + 5 digits1982–1984Made in Japan
SQ + 5 digits1983–1984Made in Japan (Squier)
E + 6 digits1984–1987Made in Japan
A + 6 digits1985–1986 / 1997–1998MIJ or CIJ
B + 6 digits1985–1986Made in Japan
C + 6 digits1985–1986Made in Japan
F + 6 digits1986–1987Made in Japan
G + 6 digits1987–1988Made in Japan
H + 6 digits1988–1989Made in Japan
I + 6 digits1989–1990Made in Japan
J + 6 digits1989–1990Made in Japan
K + 6 digits1990–1991Made in Japan
L + 6 digits1991–1992Made in Japan
M + 6 digits1992–1993Made in Japan
N + 6 digits1993–1994Made in Japan
O + 6 digits1993–1994 / 1997–2000MIJ or CIJ
P + 6 digits1993–1994 / 1999–2002MIJ or CIJ
Q + 6 digits1993–1994 / 2002–2004MIJ or CIJ
R + 6 digits1994–1995 / 2004–2005MIJ or CIJ
S + 6 digits1994–1995 / 2005–2006MIJ or CIJ
T + 6 digits1994–1995 / 2006–2008MIJ or CIJ
U + 6 digits1995–1996Made in Japan
V + 6 digits1996–1997Made in Japan

Some letters (A, O, P, Q, R, S, T) were reused during the CIJ era — check the headstock decal ("Made in Japan" vs "Crafted in Japan") to determine which era applies. Enter your serial number in our free Fender Japan serial number decoder above for automatic detection.

Mexican Fender Serial Number Guide (MIM)

Mexican-made Fenders from the Ensenada factory use a straightforward prefix system. The MN, MZ, and MX prefixes correspond to the decade of production:

PrefixDecadeHow to ReadExample
MN1990sMN + year digit (0–9)MN8xxxxx = 1998
MZ2000sMZ + year digit (0–9)MZ5xxxxx = 2005
MX2010s+MX + 2-digit year (10–29)MX22xxxxx = 2022
AMXNVariousCalifornia Series (Player Plus, etc.)AMXN + digits

The Ensenada plant produces Fender Player, Player Plus, Vintera, and various special edition models. Mexican Fender production has increased significantly since the 1990s and the quality has improved steadily, making MIM Fenders excellent value instruments.

How to Date a Fender Guitar by Serial Number

Dating a Fender guitar is one of the most common reasons people search for serial number information. Here's a quick reference for determining your Fender's production year:

Serial FormatExampleEraHow to Read Year
4–5 digits (bridge)023451950–1954Match to model-specific production ranges
4–5 digits (neck plate)456781954–1963Match to known year ranges (see table above)
L + 5 digitsL123451963–1965L-series transition era — range-based dating
6 digits (F-series)2345671965–1976CBS era — match to production ranges
S + digit + 5 digitsS8123451976–1979S = 1970s, first digit = year (8 = 1978)
E + digit + 5 digitsE4123451980–1989E = 1980s, first digit = year (4 = 1984)
N + digit + 5 digitsN7123451990–1999N = 1990s, first digit = year (7 = 1997)
Z + digit + 5 digitsZ2123452000–2009Z = 2000s, first digit = year (2 = 2002)
US + 2 digits + 6+US123456782010+US + 2-digit year (US12 = 2012)
MN/MZ/MX + digitsMZ5xxxxx1990+Mexico: N = 90s, Z = 00s, X = 10s+ / digit = year
Letter + 6 (Japan)G1234561982–2008Japan — letter approximates year (see MIJ chart)
KC/IC/CGS + digitsIC06xxxxxVariousSquier — Korean/Indonesian/Chinese production

Not sure which format applies? Just enter your serial number in our free Fender guitar serial number decoder above and it will automatically detect the correct format and decode it for you.

Fender Serial Number FAQ

Common questions about Fender serial number lookup, how to read Fender serial numbers, dating Fender guitars, country of origin identification, and vintage Fender authentication.

How do I look up my Fender serial number?
Enter your Fender serial number in the free lookup tool above. Our Fender serial number decoder will instantly analyze the format and tell you the production year, country of origin, and era. Fender serial numbers are typically found on the headstock (post-1976), neck plate (1954–1976), or bridge plate (1950–1954). This tool works for all Fender electric guitars, basses, and Squier instruments.
Where is the serial number on a Fender guitar?
The location of a Fender serial number depends on the year of production. Post-1976 Fender guitars have the serial number on the front or back of the headstock. Pre-1976 instruments (including CBS-era) have the number on the neck plate — the metal plate where the neck meets the body. The very earliest Fenders (1950–1954) have serial numbers stamped on the bridge plate. On some Japanese and Mexican models, the serial may appear on the back of the headstock or the neck heel.
How do I read a Fender serial number?
Fender serial numbers vary by era and country. Post-1976 US models use a letter prefix indicating the decade: S = 1970s, E = 1980s, N = 1990s, Z = 2000s, US = 2010s+. Mexican models use MN (1990s), MZ (2000s), or MX (2010s+). Japanese models use JV, SQ, or single letter codes. Pre-1976 models use range-based numbering. Our decoder handles all formats automatically — just enter your serial number above.
What do the letters at the beginning of a Fender serial number mean?
The prefix letters on a Fender serial number indicate the decade and country of production. For US models: S = 1970s, E = 1980s, N = 1990s, Z = 2000s, DZ = Deluxe (2000s), US = 2010s onward. For Mexico: MN = made in 1990s, MZ = 2000s, MX = 2010s+. For Japan: JV and SQ are early 1980s, then single letters A through T span various years. V prefix = American Vintage Reissue. Korean and Indonesian Squier models use KC, KV, CN, VN, IC, ICS, IS, and others.
How do I date a Fender guitar by serial number?
For post-1976 US Fenders, the prefix letter gives the decade and the first digit after the letter gives the specific year. For example, N4xxxxx = 1994 and Z5xxxxx = 2005. For US models from 2010+, the format is USYYxxxxxx where YY is the two-digit year (US12 = 2012). Mexican models follow a similar system with MN, MZ, or MX prefix. Pre-1976 dating requires matching the serial number to known production ranges. Our free decoder handles all eras automatically.
How do I look up a Fender Stratocaster serial number?
Fender Stratocaster serial numbers follow the same format as all other US Fender guitars from the same era. Enter the serial number from the headstock (post-1976) or neck plate (pre-1976) into our lookup tool. American Professional, American Standard, Player, Vintera, and all other Stratocaster series use standard Fender serial numbering. For pre-CBS Stratocasters (pre-1965), the serial is on the neck plate or bridge plate and uses range-based dating.
How do I look up a Fender Telecaster serial number?
Fender Telecaster serial numbers follow the same system as Stratocasters and other Fender models from each era. Check the headstock (post-1976), neck plate (1954–1976), or bridge plate (earliest models). The Telecaster was Fender's first solid-body guitar (originally as Broadcaster and Esquire), so the earliest Telecaster serials from 1950–1954 are bridge-plate numbers in model-specific ranges. Our decoder automatically identifies the Telecaster serial format.
How can I tell if my Fender is made in the USA, Mexico, or Japan?
The serial number prefix identifies the country of origin. US-made: S, E, N, Z, DZ, US prefix (or no letter prefix on pre-1976). Made in Mexico: MN, MZ, MX, or AMXN prefix. Made in Japan: JV, SQ prefix, or single letter (A through V) with 'Made in Japan' or 'Crafted in Japan' headstock decal. Korean Squier: KC, KV, CN, VN prefix. Indonesian Squier: IC, ICS, IS prefix. Chinese Squier: CGS, CXS, CAR prefix. The headstock should also say the country of origin.
What is the difference between 'Made in Japan' and 'Crafted in Japan' Fender?
Both labels indicate Japanese-made Fender guitars produced by Fuji Gen Gakki, but from different periods. 'Made in Japan' (MIJ) was used from 1982 to 1997. 'Crafted in Japan' (CIJ) was used from 1997 to approximately 2008, when the label switched back to 'Made in Japan.' MIJ models use JV, SQ, or letter codes A through N. CIJ models use letter codes A, O, P, Q, R, S, T. The transition wasn't instant — some overlapping years exist. Both eras are popular with players and collectors.
How do I decode a Fender Made in Mexico (MIM) serial number?
Mexican Fender serial numbers use a three-part prefix: the first letter is always M (Mexico), the second letter indicates the decade (N = 1990s, Z = 2000s, X = 2010s+), and the first digit indicates the year within that decade. For example, MZ5xxxxx = 2005 (Mexico, 2000s decade, year 5). MN8xxxxx = 1998. MX20xxxxx = 2020. The California Series uses an AMXN prefix. Mexican Fender production takes place at the Ensenada factory in Baja California.
How do I look up a Squier serial number?
Squier guitars use various serial number formats depending on the country of manufacture. Korean Squiers use KC, KV, CN, or VN prefix. Indonesian Squiers use IC, ICS, or IS prefix. Chinese Squiers use CGS, CXS, or CAR prefix. Early Japanese Squiers used JV or SQ prefix (1982–1984). Enter the serial in our free lookup tool above — it decodes both Fender and Squier serial formats. Note that some early MIJ Squiers are highly sought after by collectors.
What is a pre-CBS Fender and how do I identify one?
A 'pre-CBS' Fender refers to any Fender guitar made before CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) acquired Fender in January 1965. Pre-CBS Fenders are the most collectible and valuable vintage Fenders. They use neck plate serial numbers — either plain 4–5 digit numbers (1954–1963), or L-prefix numbers (L + 5 digits, 1963–1965). The very earliest models (1950–1954) have bridge plate serial numbers. Our decoder can date pre-CBS Fenders using known production ranges.
Are Fender serial numbers unique?
Fender serial numbers are generally unique within a given production era and country, but overlaps can occur — especially during transitional periods. For example, the same serial number range may have been used simultaneously at different factories (USA vs. Japan). Pre-CBS serial numbering was particularly inconsistent, with overlapping ranges across years. For definitive identification, many experts recommend checking the neck date stamp (pencil date on the heel or end of the neck) in addition to the serial number.
How do I verify if my Fender is authentic?
An authentic Fender should have a serial number that decodes to a valid format consistent with the guitar's features. Check that: (1) the serial number matches the expected format for the era, (2) the headstock decal matches the production period (spaghetti logo, transition logo, CBS, modern), (3) hardware, pickups, and electronics are period-correct, (4) the neck date stamp (if accessible) matches the serial number year. For vintage instruments, consult a qualified luthier or vintage guitar dealer for authentication.
Why does my Fender serial number show multiple possible years?
Many Fender serial number ranges overlap between consecutive production years, especially in the pre-CBS era (1950–1965) and CBS-era (1965–1976). Fender's numbering was not strictly sequential — batches of neck plates were stamped in advance and used as needed. This means a serial number from, say, the 1959 range might appear on a guitar assembled in early 1960. For the most accurate dating, cross-reference the serial number with the neck pocket date stamp and the potentiometer codes.
What is a Fender neck date and how does it help identify my guitar?
A Fender neck date is a hand-written or stamped date on the butt end of the neck (visible when the neck is removed from the body) or in the neck pocket. This date indicates when the neck was manufactured or finished and is often more accurate than the serial number for dating a Fender guitar. The format is typically month/year (e.g., '3-62' = March 1962). On newer models, the date may be stamped or printed. Neck dates are especially useful for pre-CBS and CBS-era instruments where serial ranges overlap significantly.

Learn Guitar with the Gibson App

Now that you've decoded your Fender serial number, take your playing to the next level. The Gibson App offers step-by-step lessons, song tutorials, and a built-in tuner — perfect for Fender, Squier, and all guitar and bass owners. Get 20% off with code GIBSONOWNER.

Start Learning Now →