Fender Neck Date Stamps: The Complete Guide to Dating Your Vintage Fender Guitar

When you're trying to determine the age and authenticity of your vintage Fender guitar, the neck date stamp is often your most reliable piece of evidence. While serial numbers can be confusing or even misleading, the pencil-written date on your Fender's neck heel provides a direct window into when that specific neck was crafted in the Fender factory.

If you own a vintage Fender and are considering selling, understanding these date stamps is crucial for establishing your instrument's value. At Edgewater Guitars, we've evaluated thousands of vintage Fenders throughout Ohio and the surrounding region, and we know exactly what to look for when authenticating these instruments.

What Are Fender Neck Date Stamps?

Fender neck date stamps are handwritten notations—typically in pencil or crayon—found on the butt end of the neck (the part that fits into the neck pocket of the body). These dates were written by factory workers during the neck construction process and indicate when that particular neck was completed.

Where to Find Them:

• Remove the neck from the body by unscrewing the four neck screws

• Look at the heel (butt end) of the neck

• The date is typically written perpendicular to the fingerboard

• May also appear inside the neck pocket of the body

Important Note: The neck date represents when the neck was finished, not necessarily when the complete guitar was assembled. Bodies and necks were often "married" weeks or even months after individual components were completed.

Understanding Fender Date Stamp Formats

Early Format (1950-1962): Simple Month-Year

The earliest Fender neck dates used a straightforward format:

Format: "Month-Year" Examples:

• "3-54" = March 1954

• "10-59" = October 1959

• "7-61" = July 1961

These dates were typically written in pencil by the neck department worker who completed the neck. The handwriting varies significantly depending on which worker inscribed the date, and some are more legible than others.

Authentication Tips:

• Pencil markings should show age-appropriate fading

• The graphite should be embedded in the wood grain

• Fresh, dark pencil marks on supposedly vintage necks are red flags

• Look for consistent aging across all markings

Transition Period (1962-1973): Adding the Model Code

Starting around 1962, Fender began including model designations alongside the date:

Format: "Model Code-Date" Examples:

• "3APR65B" = Telecaster, April 1965

• "5SEP66B" = Stratocaster, September 1966

• "2FEB68B" = Precision Bass, February 1968

Understanding Model Codes

Fender used specific numeric codes to identify which model the neck was intended for:

Stratocaster Codes:

• "5" or "05" = Stratocaster neck

Telecaster Codes:

• "3" or "03" = Telecaster neck

Precision Bass Codes:

• "2" or "02" = Precision Bass neck

Jazz Bass Codes:

• "7" or "07" = Jazz Bass neck

Other Common Codes:

• "1" = Esquire/Broadcaster (early 1950s)

• "4" = Jazzmaster

• "8" = Jaguar

• "9" = Mustang

CBS Era Format (1965-1981)

After CBS acquired Fender in 1965, the dating system evolved further:

Typical Format: "Model Code + Month/Year Code + B" Examples:

• "5MAR66B" = Stratocaster, March 1966

• "3JUL68B" = Telecaster, July 1968

• "2OCT70B" = Precision Bass, October 1970

The "B" Suffix: The letter "B" at the end commonly appeared during the CBS era and likely indicated the neck had been inspected or approved ("B" for "inspected By" a worker, though this is debated among collectors).

1970s Variations

By the 1970s, Fender's dating stamps became less consistent:

Variations Include:

• Ink stamps instead of pencil

• Date stamps with full model names ("STRAT," "TELE")

• Multi-digit codes that included production run information

• Less legible handwriting as quality control declined

Cross-Referencing: Neck Dates vs. Body Dates vs. Serial Numbers

A complete authentication requires examining multiple dating methods:

Body Dates

Fender also penciled dates inside the body cavities:

Locations:

• Tremolo cavity (Stratocasters)

• Neck pocket

• Control cavity

Important: Body dates and neck dates frequently don't match. A neck from April might be paired with a body from June—this is completely normal and doesn't indicate a "Franken-guitar."

Serial Numbers

Fender's serial number system has significant overlap and inconsistencies:

Pre-CBS Serial Numbers (1950-1965):

• Located on bridge plate (Telecasters) or neck plate (Stratocasters)

• Overlap between years is common

• Serial numbers alone cannot definitively date an instrument

CBS Era Serial Numbers (1965-1976):

• "F" prefix indicates CBS era (though used inconsistently)

• Massive overlap and non-sequential numbering

• Serial numbers became less reliable for dating

Why Neck Dates Are More Reliable: Neck dates were internal factory notations never intended for consumer use, making them far less likely to be forged or manipulated than serial numbers.

Authentication: Real vs. Fake Neck Date Stamps

With vintage Fender values soaring, fake neck stamps have become increasingly common. Here's how to spot authentic markings:

Authentic Neck Stamp Characteristics

Age-Appropriate Wear:

• Pencil graphite should show fading consistent with 40-70 years of age

• The marking should be embedded in the wood grain

• Natural darkening from handling and oxidation

• Some smudging or partial fading is normal

Correct Location:

• Stamped on the heel of the neck (butt end)

• Oriented perpendicular to the fingerboard

• Sometimes appears inside the neck pocket of the body

Period-Correct Format:

• Must match the format used during the supposed year of production

• Handwriting style should match factory workers' typical markings

• Month abbreviations consistent with Fender's system

Consistent Aging:

• All pencil markings (date, inspection marks, worker initials) should show similar aging

• Wood discoloration around markings should be natural and gradual

Red Flags for Fake Stamps

Warning Signs:

• Dark, crisp pencil marks on supposedly old necks

• Wrong format for the claimed year

• Too-perfect handwriting (factory marks were quick and informal)

• Dates that don't align with other features (pickups, pots, serial numbers)

• Stamped over obvious refinishing or wood replacement

• Located in unusual positions

Modern Forgery Techniques: Counterfeiters have become sophisticated, using:

• Aged graphite mixed with solvents to penetrate wood

• Period-correct pencils

• Artificial aging techniques

Professional Authentication: If you own a potentially valuable vintage Fender (especially pre-CBS), professional authentication is essential. At Edgewater Guitars, we examine every detail—not just the neck stamp—to verify authenticity before making an offer.

Decoding Common Neck Date Examples

Let's walk through some real-world examples:

Example 1: "5-58"

• Model: Stratocaster (neck code 5)

• Date: 1958

• Value Insight: Pre-CBS with maple neck, highly desirable

• What to Check: Should have single-layer pickguard, two-tone sunburst finish

Example 2: "3JUL64B"

• Model: Telecaster (neck code 3)

• Date: July 1964

• Value Insight: Last year before CBS acquisition—premium value

• What to Check: Should have clay dots (pre-CBS), slab rosewood board

Example 3: "2SEP66B"

• Model: Precision Bass (neck code 2)

• Date: September 1966

• Value Insight: Early CBS era, still quality construction

• What to Check: Transitional features between pre-CBS and full CBS production

Example 4: "5NOV59B"

• Model: Stratocaster

• Date: November 1959

• Value Insight: Highly collectible slab-board rosewood era

• What to Check: Thick rosewood fretboard, clay dots, three-tone sunburst

Using Neck Dates to Determine Value

Neck dates directly impact your Fender's market value:

Premium Years (Higher Values)

Pre-CBS Stratocasters (1954-1965):

• 1954-1956: Two-tone sunburst, maple necks

• 1959-1962: Slab rosewood fingerboards

• 1963-1964: Final pre-CBS years

Pre-CBS Telecasters (1950-1965):

• 1950-1951: Broadcaster/"Nocaster" era

• 1952-1954: Early Telecaster production

• 1960-1965: Rosewood fingerboard era

Pre-CBS Basses (1951-1965):

• 1951-1957: Original Precision Bass design

• 1957-1962: Split-coil Precision Bass

• 1960-1965: Jazz Bass introduction and early years

Transitional Years (Significant Interest)

1965: The CBS acquisition year—instruments from early 1965 show pre-CBS features, later 1965 shows CBS changes

1962-1963: Transition from slab to veneer rosewood fingerboards (mid-1962)

CBS Era Considerations

While CBS-era Fenders (1965-1981) don't command pre-CBS prices, certain years remain collectible:

• 1965-1967: Early CBS with transitional features

• 1968-1971: Introduction of maple cap necks (1967) and various finish options

• 1972-1976: "F" stamped tuners, three-bolt necks on some models

What to Do If Your Neck Date Doesn't Match

Don't panic if your neck date and body date don't align perfectly—this is normal:

Acceptable Date Discrepancies:

• 2-6 months difference is common and expected

• Bodies and necks were completed separately, then paired during final assembly

• Inventory sat in different departments at different rates

Concerning Discrepancies:

• Year or more of difference may indicate neck replacement

• Dates that conflict with other features (serial numbers, pot codes, pickup types)

• Mixing of pre-CBS and CBS-era components

Neck Swaps and Value: If your guitar has a replacement neck from a different year:

• Value typically drops 30-50% depending on originality of replacement

• "Period-correct" replacement necks (from the same era) are more acceptable

• Collector-grade instruments require original necks

Potentiometer Codes: Supporting Evidence

Always cross-reference neck dates with potentiometer (pot) date codes:

Reading Pot Codes:

• Format: XXXYYYZZ

• XXX = Manufacturer code (137=CTS, 134=Centralab, 304=Stackpole)

• YY = Year (last two digits)

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Example: "1376428" = CTS manufacturer, 1964, 28th week

What to Expect: Pot dates should be within a few months of the neck date. Pre-CBS Fenders typically used:

• CTS (137): Common on Telecasters and basses

• Centralab (134): Common on Stratocasters

• Stackpole (304): Found on various models

Regional Variations and Special Cases

Custom Color Instruments

Custom color Fenders often have additional markings:

Look For:

• Color codes written in the body cavities

• Masking tape with color names or numbers

• Multiple dates indicating body finishing stages

Factory Seconds and Prototypes

Occasionally, neck dates appear with additional notations:

• "X" marks: May indicate factory seconds

• Unusual codes: Could indicate prototype or special order

• Multiple dates: Might show rework or modification

Export Models

Fenders built for specific markets sometimes have variations:

• Different serial number formats

• Additional stamps or codes

• Market-specific features that affect dating

Selling Your Vintage Fender: Why Authentication Matters

If you're considering selling your vintage Fender, proper authentication—including accurate neck date verification—directly impacts your offer:

What Edgewater Guitars Evaluates

Complete Authentication Process:

1. Neck date stamp verification

2. Body date confirmation

3. Serial number cross-reference

4. Potentiometer code examination

5. Hardware assessment (tuners, bridge, pickups)

6. Finish analysis and originality check

7. Structural integrity evaluation

Why This Matters: We've seen countless cases where sellers received lowball offers from local shops that either:

• Missed authentic features and undervalued the instrument

• Incorrectly identified modifications and drastically reduced offers

• Failed to recognize rare transitional features

The Edgewater Advantage

Expert Authentication: Our team has evaluated thousands of vintage Fenders. We understand the nuances of factory dating systems and can spot authentic details that others miss.

Premium Valuations: Because we recognize genuine vintage features and can properly authenticate instruments, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops.

Immediate Offers: Once authentication is complete, we make immediate cash offers—no consignment waiting, no seller fees, no uncertainty.

White-Glove Service: For high-value pre-CBS Fenders, we travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.

Need Help Dating Your Fender?

Whether you're curious about your guitar's age or considering selling, we can help:

Free Resources:

• Complete Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool

• Fender Potentiometer Dating Guide

• How to Photograph Your Guitar for Authentication

Get Your Free Valuation:

If you own a vintage Fender and are considering selling, contact Edgewater Guitars for a free, no-obligation valuation:

📞 Call: (440) 219-3607
📧 Email: [Contact form on website]
📍 Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Value

Understanding Fender neck date stamps isn't just academic—it directly impacts your instrument's value and authenticity. Whether you're:

• Evaluating a guitar you own

• Considering a purchase

• Preparing to sell

• Researching family heirlooms

This knowledge helps you make informed decisions.

Ready to learn what your vintage Fender is truly worth? Contact Edgewater Guitars today. We combine decades of expertise with fair, transparent valuations that consistently exceed local shop offers.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing vintage and used guitars throughout the Midwest. Our authentication expertise and premium valuations have made us the preferred choice for guitar sellers throughout Ohio and surrounding states. Contact us today for your free, expert evaluation.