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Fender Stratocaster

How To Date Your Fender Stratocaster

Fender Stratocaster

How To Date Your Fender Stratocaster

Fender Stratocaster

How To Date Your Fender Stratocaster

Introduction:

The Fender Stratocaster, first introduced in 1954, has become one of the most iconic and influential electric guitars ever created. Dating your Stratocaster accurately is essential for determining its value, authenticity, and historical significance. Even a single year difference can dramatically affect a Stratocaster's worth, especially for vintage models!

This comprehensive guide will help you identify exactly when your Fender Stratocaster was manufactured, whether it's a coveted pre-CBS model from the 1950s-60s, a CBS-era instrument from the 1970s, or a modern production Stratocaster. While serial numbers provide an excellent starting point, we'll also show you how to verify the date using physical characteristics specific to Stratocasters of different eras.

Step One: Find Your Serial Number

The first step in dating your Stratocaster is finding the serial number. The location has changed over the years:

  • 1954-1976: On the neck plate (the metal plate on the back where the neck attaches to the body)

  • 1976-Present: On the front or back of the headstock (the top part of the guitar with the tuning pegs)

General Building
General Building
General Building
General Building

Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Format

Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Format

Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Format

Fender has used various serial number formats throughout the Stratocaster's history. Click on the format below that matches your guitar:

Modern Era (1985-Present)

In 1985, Fender was acquired by its current owners and became Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Quality and attention to vintage specifications began to improve.

American Stratocasters

American-made Stratocasters from 1985 to the present use this system:

  • E + 6 digits: 1985-1989 (E6-E9 + 5 digits)

  • N + 6 digits: 1990s

    • N0 + 5 digits: 1990

    • N1 + 5 digits: 1991

    • (and so on through N9)

  • Z + 6 digits: 2000s

    • Z0 + 5 digits: 2000

    • Z1 + 5 digits: 2001

    • (and so on through Z9)

  • US + 8 digits: 2010s and beyond

    • US10 + 6 digits: 2010

    • US11 + 6 digits: 2011

    • (and so on)

Reissue Models (V-Series)

Vintage reissue Stratocasters usually have serial numbers beginning with "V" on the neck plate:

  • V + 5 or 6 digits: Various reissue models (1982-present)

Note: The "V" serial numbers don't accurately indicate the production year. To precisely date these guitars, you need to check the neck heel date stamp (visible only when the neck is removed) or the potentiometer codes.

Mexican Stratocasters

Mexican-made Stratocasters (1990-present) use these formats:

  • MN + 6 digits: 1990s

    • MN0 + 5 digits: 1990-1991

    • MN1 + 5 digits: 1991-1992

    • (and so on through MN9)

  • MZ + 6 digits: 2000s

    • MZ0 + 5 digits: 2000-2001

    • MZ1 + 5 digits: 2001-2002

    • (and so on through MZ9)

  • MX + 8 digits: 2010-present

    • MX10 + 6 digits: 2010-2011

    • MX11 + 6 digits: 2011-2012

    • (and so on)

Japanese Stratocasters

Japanese-made Stratocasters use various prefix systems:

  • JV + 5 digits: 1982-1984

  • SQ + 5 digits: 1983-1984

  • E + 6 digits: 1984-1987

  • A, B, C + 6 digits: 1985-1986

  • F + 6 digits: 1986

  • G + 6 digits: 1987

  • H + 6 digits: 1988

  • I, J + 6 digits: 1989-1990

  • (and so on through subsequent years)

Choose Modern Era

Modern Era (1985-Present)

In 1985, Fender was acquired by its current owners and became Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Quality and attention to vintage specifications began to improve.

American Stratocasters

American-made Stratocasters from 1985 to the present use this system:

  • E + 6 digits: 1985-1989 (E6-E9 + 5 digits)

  • N + 6 digits: 1990s

    • N0 + 5 digits: 1990

    • N1 + 5 digits: 1991

    • (and so on through N9)

  • Z + 6 digits: 2000s

    • Z0 + 5 digits: 2000

    • Z1 + 5 digits: 2001

    • (and so on through Z9)

  • US + 8 digits: 2010s and beyond

    • US10 + 6 digits: 2010

    • US11 + 6 digits: 2011

    • (and so on)

Reissue Models (V-Series)

Vintage reissue Stratocasters usually have serial numbers beginning with "V" on the neck plate:

  • V + 5 or 6 digits: Various reissue models (1982-present)

Note: The "V" serial numbers don't accurately indicate the production year. To precisely date these guitars, you need to check the neck heel date stamp (visible only when the neck is removed) or the potentiometer codes.

Mexican Stratocasters

Mexican-made Stratocasters (1990-present) use these formats:

  • MN + 6 digits: 1990s

    • MN0 + 5 digits: 1990-1991

    • MN1 + 5 digits: 1991-1992

    • (and so on through MN9)

  • MZ + 6 digits: 2000s

    • MZ0 + 5 digits: 2000-2001

    • MZ1 + 5 digits: 2001-2002

    • (and so on through MZ9)

  • MX + 8 digits: 2010-present

    • MX10 + 6 digits: 2010-2011

    • MX11 + 6 digits: 2011-2012

    • (and so on)

Japanese Stratocasters

Japanese-made Stratocasters use various prefix systems:

  • JV + 5 digits: 1982-1984

  • SQ + 5 digits: 1983-1984

  • E + 6 digits: 1984-1987

  • A, B, C + 6 digits: 1985-1986

  • F + 6 digits: 1986

  • G + 6 digits: 1987

  • H + 6 digits: 1988

  • I, J + 6 digits: 1989-1990

  • (and so on through subsequent years)

Choose Modern Era

Modern Era (1985-Present)

In 1985, Fender was acquired by its current owners and became Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Quality and attention to vintage specifications began to improve.

American Stratocasters

American-made Stratocasters from 1985 to the present use this system:

  • E + 6 digits: 1985-1989 (E6-E9 + 5 digits)

  • N + 6 digits: 1990s

    • N0 + 5 digits: 1990

    • N1 + 5 digits: 1991

    • (and so on through N9)

  • Z + 6 digits: 2000s

    • Z0 + 5 digits: 2000

    • Z1 + 5 digits: 2001

    • (and so on through Z9)

  • US + 8 digits: 2010s and beyond

    • US10 + 6 digits: 2010

    • US11 + 6 digits: 2011

    • (and so on)

Reissue Models (V-Series)

Vintage reissue Stratocasters usually have serial numbers beginning with "V" on the neck plate:

  • V + 5 or 6 digits: Various reissue models (1982-present)

Note: The "V" serial numbers don't accurately indicate the production year. To precisely date these guitars, you need to check the neck heel date stamp (visible only when the neck is removed) or the potentiometer codes.

Mexican Stratocasters

Mexican-made Stratocasters (1990-present) use these formats:

  • MN + 6 digits: 1990s

    • MN0 + 5 digits: 1990-1991

    • MN1 + 5 digits: 1991-1992

    • (and so on through MN9)

  • MZ + 6 digits: 2000s

    • MZ0 + 5 digits: 2000-2001

    • MZ1 + 5 digits: 2001-2002

    • (and so on through MZ9)

  • MX + 8 digits: 2010-present

    • MX10 + 6 digits: 2010-2011

    • MX11 + 6 digits: 2011-2012

    • (and so on)

Japanese Stratocasters

Japanese-made Stratocasters use various prefix systems:

  • JV + 5 digits: 1982-1984

  • SQ + 5 digits: 1983-1984

  • E + 6 digits: 1984-1987

  • A, B, C + 6 digits: 1985-1986

  • F + 6 digits: 1986

  • G + 6 digits: 1987

  • H + 6 digits: 1988

  • I, J + 6 digits: 1989-1990

  • (and so on through subsequent years)

Choose Modern Era

Step Three: Verify with Stratocaster Features

Step Three: Verify with Stratocaster Features

Step Three: Verify with Stratocaster Features

While serial numbers are helpful, confirming your dating through physical characteristics specific to Stratocasters is essential:

Step Four: Determine Value

After dating your Stratocaster, understanding its value depends on several factors:

  • Year and specific model

  • Originality of parts

  • Overall condition

  • Provenance (ownership history)

  • Rarity and collectability

  • Market demand

Most Valuable Eras:

  • 1954-1965 Pre-CBS Stratocasters (especially 1954-1959)

  • 1954 First-year Stratocasters

  • 1957-1959 Stratocasters with three-tone sunburst finish

  • 1963-1964 "L series" pre-CBS Stratocasters

Specific Models of Interest:

  • 1954-1959 Stratocasters in custom colors

  • 1954 "Fullerton" first-year Stratocaster

  • 1956-1959 Maple neck Stratocasters with V-neck profile

  • 1960-1962 "Slab board" Stratocasters

  • Signature models (Hendrix, Clapton, SRV, etc.)

General Building
General Building
General Building

Need Expert Help?

Need Expert Help?

Need Expert Help?

Dating Fender Stratocasters can be complex, especially for instruments from transitional periods or with replacement parts. If you're uncertain about your guitar's age or value, we offer free professional appraisal services.

Whether you're looking to:

  • Get an accurate date for your Stratocaster

  • Understand what your vintage Fender is worth

  • Sell your guitar to a passionate collector

  • Simply learn more about your instrument's history

Contact us today for assistance with dating or valuing your Fender Stratocaster!

Why Choose Us?

Why Choose Us?

Why Choose Us?

Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?

Top Dollar Offers

We don't have retail overhead costs, allowing us to pay more for your instruments than most guitar shops or pawn shops.

We Come To You

For valuable instruments, we'll travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.

Fast & Simple Process

No waiting for your guitar to sell on consignment. Get an offer within hours and cash in hand as soon as same day.

Trusted Experts

Our team has decades of experience evaluating vintage and rare guitars, ensuring accurate assessments of your instrument's value.

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How it works

How it works

How it works

Selling your guitar is EASY

Design and Planning

01

01

Tell Us About Your Guitar

Share details and photos of your guitar through our simple form, text, or email.

Design and Planning

01

01

Tell Us About Your Guitar

Share details and photos of your guitar through our simple form, text, or email.

Design and Planning

01

01

Tell Us About Your Guitar

Share details and photos of your guitar through our simple form, text, or email.

Construction Management

02

02

Get Your Free Valuation

Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.

Construction Management

02

02

Get Your Free Valuation

Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.

Construction Management

02

02

Get Your Free Valuation

Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.

Site Preparation

03

03

Get Paid

Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.

Site Preparation

03

03

Get Paid

Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.

Site Preparation

03

03

Get Paid

Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?

No special documentation is required for most sales. For very valuable vintage instruments, any provenance or ownership history is helpful but not necessary. We handle all the paperwork to make selling easy.

What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?

No special documentation is required for most sales. For very valuable vintage instruments, any provenance or ownership history is helpful but not necessary. We handle all the paperwork to make selling easy.

What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?

No special documentation is required for most sales. For very valuable vintage instruments, any provenance or ownership history is helpful but not necessary. We handle all the paperwork to make selling easy.

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

How does your online appraisal process work?

Our online appraisal process is simple: submit clear photos of your instrument (front, back, headstock, serial number, and any damage), along with details about its history and condition. Our experts will evaluate the information and provide a fair market offer within 24-48 hours.

How does your online appraisal process work?

Our online appraisal process is simple: submit clear photos of your instrument (front, back, headstock, serial number, and any damage), along with details about its history and condition. Our experts will evaluate the information and provide a fair market offer within 24-48 hours.

How does your online appraisal process work?

Our online appraisal process is simple: submit clear photos of your instrument (front, back, headstock, serial number, and any damage), along with details about its history and condition. Our experts will evaluate the information and provide a fair market offer within 24-48 hours.

Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?

No, please don't make any repairs or even clean vintage instruments before contacting us. Original condition—even with dust, grime, or minor issues—is often preferable for accurate valuation. Improper cleaning can actually damage valuable finishes on vintage instruments.

Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?

No, please don't make any repairs or even clean vintage instruments before contacting us. Original condition—even with dust, grime, or minor issues—is often preferable for accurate valuation. Improper cleaning can actually damage valuable finishes on vintage instruments.

Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?

No, please don't make any repairs or even clean vintage instruments before contacting us. Original condition—even with dust, grime, or minor issues—is often preferable for accurate valuation. Improper cleaning can actually damage valuable finishes on vintage instruments.

Do you offer more for guitars with original cases?

Yes, original cases—especially for vintage instruments—can significantly increase value. 'Case candy' such as original paperwork, warranty cards, tags, and accessories also adds value. Keep everything together when selling for maximum return.

Do you offer more for guitars with original cases?

Yes, original cases—especially for vintage instruments—can significantly increase value. 'Case candy' such as original paperwork, warranty cards, tags, and accessories also adds value. Keep everything together when selling for maximum return.

Do you offer more for guitars with original cases?

Yes, original cases—especially for vintage instruments—can significantly increase value. 'Case candy' such as original paperwork, warranty cards, tags, and accessories also adds value. Keep everything together when selling for maximum return.

What payment methods do you offer?

We offer several secure payment options including cash (for in-person transactions), certified check, bank wire transfer, PayPal, or direct deposit. For high-value instruments or collections, we can accommodate special arrangements to ensure your comfort and security.

What payment methods do you offer?

We offer several secure payment options including cash (for in-person transactions), certified check, bank wire transfer, PayPal, or direct deposit. For high-value instruments or collections, we can accommodate special arrangements to ensure your comfort and security.

What payment methods do you offer?

We offer several secure payment options including cash (for in-person transactions), certified check, bank wire transfer, PayPal, or direct deposit. For high-value instruments or collections, we can accommodate special arrangements to ensure your comfort and security.

Selling Options

Selling Options

Selling Options

Multiple Ways To Sell

Sell Online

Submit photos and information through our secure form for a quick online valuation and offer.

Sell By Phone

Speak directly with our experts at (440) 219-3607 for immediate assistance and valuation.

In-Person Evaluation

Schedule an appointment for an in-person assessment of valuable or multiple instruments.