For Fender guitar owners and collectors, accurately dating an instrument is crucial for determining its value, authenticity, and historical context. Fender's serial number systems have evolved significantly since the company's founding in 1946, with major changes occurring after the CBS purchase in 1965 and again in the 1970s and 1980s.

This comprehensive guide will help you decode your Fender's serial number to pinpoint its production year and origin.

Key Takeaways

• Location Matters: Serial numbers moved from bridge/neck plates (Pre-1976) to headstock decals (Post-1976).

• Era Identification: Pre-CBS (1950-1965) instruments are the most collectible, often featuring "L-series" prefixes.

• Modern Coding: Since 1989, the letter prefix (E, N, Z) indicates the decade, while the following digit indicates the specific year.

• Verification: Serial numbers can be inconsistent; always cross-reference with potentiometer codes and neck date stamps for accuracy.

Fender serial number locations

Fender has placed serial numbers in various locations depending on the era:

1. Pre-CBS Era (1950-1965):

• Neck plates on most models

• Bridge plates on some early Telecasters/Broadcasters

• Sometimes on the body under pickguard

2. CBS Era (1965-1985):

• Neck plates (1965-1976)

• Headstock decals (from 1976)

3. Modern Era (1985-Present):

• Headstock decals

• Neck heel on some models

• Special locations for certain signature/custom models

Let's examine each era's numbering system in detail:

Pre-CBS era overview

The pre-CBS period represents Fender's most desirable vintage instruments. During this time, Fender used several different serialization systems:

Early number sequence

The earliest Fender instruments used simple sequential numbers, typically 3-5 digits, stamped on the bridge plate (Telecaster/Esquire) or neck plate (later models).

Approximate dating ranges:

• 0001-0999: 1950-1951

• 1000-2999: 1951-1952

• 3000-6000: 1952-1953

• 6000-9000: 1953-1954

Dating tip: For early Telecasters/Broadcasters, check the bridge pickup route shape (rectangular = 1950-early 1951, "cut corners" = later models) and the presence of date stamps inside the body cavity.

Classic-era serialization

From late 1953/early 1954 until 1963, Fender used a consistent sequential numbering system on the neck plate:

Dating tip: During this period, pencil neck date marks (month-day-year format) inside the neck pocket or on the butt end of the neck provide the most accurate dating method.

L-series introduction

In 1963, Fender began using a new system with an "L" prefix followed by 5 digits:

• L00001-L20000: 1963

• L20000-L50000: 1964

• L50000-L99999: 1965 (pre-CBS purchase)

Important note: The L-series continued briefly after the CBS purchase in January 1965, making early-to-mid 1965 a transitional period.

CBS era overview

The CBS era began with the company's purchase in January 1965 and brought several changes to serial number systems:

Neck-plate F-series

After the L-series, Fender transitioned to an F-prefix system on neck plates:

Dating challenge: During the CBS era, production numbers became less consistent, making additional verification methods essential.

Headstock S-series

In 1976, Fender moved serial numbers to the headstock decal and began a new S-prefix system:

• S + 6 digits (S100000-S999999): 1976-1978

• S + 7 digits: 1979-1980

Late-CBS system

From 1980-1981, Fender used a system with the first two digits representing the year:

• E + 6 digits (first digit is year): 1980-1981

Then from 1982-1984:

• First two digits = year (82XXXXX, 83XXXXX, 84XXXXX)

Modern era overview

After Fender was purchased from CBS in 1985, new serial number systems were implemented:

USA builds with E or V prefix

• E + 5 digits: 1985-1986 (last CBS-designed instruments)

• V + 5 digits: 1986-1987 (new ownership transition)

Post-CBS American Standard system

From 1989, Fender American instruments used this format:

• Z + 9 digits: 1989-1990

• N + 9 digits: 1990-1991

• M + 9 digits: 1991-1992

• First letter indicates decade (E=eighties, N=nineties)

• First number after letter indicates year within decade

Modern American system

From 2000 onward, American Fenders use:

• Z0 + 5 digits: 2000

• Z1 + 5 digits: 2001

• Z2 + 5 digits: 2002 (And so on, with the number after Z indicating year of the decade)

Made in Japan (MIJ) and made in Mexico (MIM)

Japanese Fenders (1980s-present):

• JV + 5 digits: 1982-1984

• SQ + 5 digits: 1983-1984

• E + 6 digits: 1984-1987

• A + 6 digits: 1985-1986

• B + 6 digits: 1985-1986

• C + 6 digits: 1985-1986

• F + 6 digits: 1986-1987

• G + 6 digits: 1987-1988

• H + 6 digits: 1988-1989

• I + 6 digits: 1989-1990

• J + 6 digits: 1989-1990

• K + 6 digits: 1990-1991

• L + 6 digits: 1991-1992

Mexican Fenders (1990-present):

• MN + 5 digits: 1990-1991

• MN + 6 digits: 1992-1993

• MN + 7 digits: 1993-1994

• MN + 8 digits: 1994-2000

After 2000, Mexican instruments use:

• MZ0 + 5 digits: 2000

• MZ1 + 5 digits: 2001

• MZ2 + 5 digits: 2002 (And so on, with the digit after Z indicating year)

Special cases and exceptions

1. Reissue Models:

• Vintage reissues often use special serialization (V + numbers)

• '57 and '62 reissues typically begin with 0094XXXX

• American Vintage Reissue (AVRI) have their own systems

2. Custom Shop Instruments:

• Often begin with a custom shop designation

• May include builder codes or special indicators

3. Squier Models:

• Early Japanese Squiers use similar formats to Japanese Fenders

• Chinese, Korean, Indonesian Squiers have unique prefixes (CN, KV, IC)

4. Counterfeits Warning Signs:

• Incorrect font or decal appearance

• Serial numbers that don't match the model's supposed origin

• Inconsistency between neck date stamps and serial number date

• Hardware that doesn't match the supposed era

Secondary dating methods beyond serial numbers

While serial numbers provide initial guidance, these additional methods offer more precise dating:

1. Neck Date Stamps:

   • Pencil marks or stamps inside neck pocket

   • Handwritten dates on neck heel or butt end

   • These provide the most accurate date of component manufacture

2. Potentiometer Codes:

   • Usually stamped with manufacturer and date codes

   • CTS pots use 137-YYWW format (YY=year, WW=week)

   • Stackpole pots use their own dating system

3. Body Date Stamps:

   • Often stamped or written in neck pocket or pickup cavities

   • May include day, month, and/or year

4. Pickup Date Stamps:

   • Date stamps on bottom of pickups or bobbins

   • Particularly useful for pre-CBS instruments

5. Design Elements:

   • Headstock size and shape (larger after 1965)

   • Logo style and font (transitioned several times)

   • Neck plate design (F style vs. plain)

   • Tuner brands and styles

Practical dating example for a CBS-era Stratocaster

For a 1970s Stratocaster with serial number 579033:

1. Identify it as an F-series neck plate number

2. Approximate range places it around 1972-1973

3. Check neck date stamp for the precise manufacturing date

4. Verify appropriate features (3-bolt neck, bullet truss rod, large headstock)

5. Examine potentiometer date codes for additional verification

Need help dating your Fender?

If you're still uncertain about your Fender's age or authenticity, our experts at Edgewater Guitars offer free dating and appraisal services. Whether you're looking to sell or simply want to know more about your instrument, contact us for a professional evaluation.

This article was written by the vintage guitar experts at Edgewater Guitars, specializing in purchasing Fender, Gibson, and other fine vintage instruments throughout the Midwest.