Vintage Fender Guitar Serial Number Information - Approximate Production Dates -
Our serial number guide shows approximate date of manufacture.  For all dates, you will need to look at the construction technique and components used to get a more precise idea of the date of manufacture.

If you are serious about dating a particular Fender, we suggest getting a book on dating Fender guitars.  We have a few suggestions here - Books on Collecting Guitars -

Fender Solid Body Serial Numbers and Manufacture Date range

Serial numbers are located on the bridge, neck/body joint plate, or headstock.

If you are serious about dating a particular Fender, we suggest getting a book on dating Fender guitars.  We have a few suggestions here - Books on Collecting Guitars -

 

  SERIAL NUMBERS and APPROXIMATE PRODUCTION DATES 1950's to 1964


Serial Number		Date Range
Up to 6000		1950 to 1954
Up to 10,000		1954 to 1956
10,000s		1955 to 1956
10,000s to 20,000s		1957
20,000s to 30,000s		1958
30,000s to 40,000s		1959
40,000s to 50,000s		1960
50,000s to 70,000s		1961
60,000s to 90,000s		1962
80,000s to 90,000s		1963
90,000s up to L10,000s		1963
L10,000s up to L20,000s		1963
L20,000s up to L50,000s		1964

        
In early 1965, Fender was sold to the CBS.  The old Fender serial number scheme did not change immediately as CBS to use up existing parts and use existing tooling however a large F logo was added to the neck plate shortly after the accquisition.

 

SERIAL NUMBERS and APPROXIMATE PRODUCTION DATES 1965 to 1976

Serial Number		Date Range
L50,000s up to L90,000s		1965
100,000s		1965
100,000s to 200,000s		1966 to 1967
200,000s		1968
200,000s to 300,000s		1969 to 1970
300,000s		1971 to 1972
300,000s to 500,000s		1973
400,000s to 500,000s		1974 to 1975
500,000s to 700,000s		1976




There were numerous serial number schemes used after 1976.  Here are the most common schemes.

Serial Number		Date Range
76 + 5 DIGITS S6 + 5 DIGITS		1976
S7 + 5 DIGITS S8 + 5 DIGITS		1977
S7 + 5 DIGITS S8 + 5 DIGITS S9 + 5 DIGITS		1978
S9 + 5 DIGITS E0 + 5 DIGITS		1979
S9 + 5 DIGITS E0 + 5 DIGITS E1 + 5 DIGITS		1980
S9 + 5 DIGITS E0 + 5 DIGITS E1 + 5 DIGITS		1981

 

In 1982 the Vintage Series of guitars was introduced.  The vintage series used a "V" prefix in serial numbers.  Perhaps the best way to date the Vintage series is to carefully remove the necek and check the bottom of the neck for a production date.

Serial Number		Date Range
EI + 5 DIGITS E2 + 5 DIGITS E3 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster)		1982 (For Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year)
E2 + 5 DIGITS E3 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster)		1983 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year)
E3 + 5 DIGITS E4 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster)		1984 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year)

 

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Serial numbers and manufacturing date codes for Fender guitars like the stratocaster,
telecaster, jazzmaster, precision bass and mustang

 
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