Fender mandolin serial

These are generally referred to as F series due the large Fender branded F on the neckplates of the era. This period also saw a switch from the orginal four-bolt neckplate of the '60s to a three-bolt neckplate in just one example of cost-saving costs introduced under CBS. Starting in , Fender transitioned to a new serial number scheme and moved the placement of most serial numbers to the headstock of the instrument.

Depending on the era and model, the number can be found on either the front or back of the headstock. After a short period of overlap with the old system, the post numbers will start with a letter that indicates the decade, followed by a number that indicates the year of that decade.

In the s, you'll also see serials starting with a DZ which indicates the Deluxe series, but the format is otherwise the same. For example, a serial number with N4 would be from One starting with Z5 would be from This is particularly pronounced in the transitional period of the mid-'80s, though the system has been pretty much on point since about After , the letter changed to a format starting with US then two digits that tell the year of the current decade.

American-made signature series instruments follow a very similar scheme to the above, but use a prefix S before the decade letter. For example, a Signature Series guitar from would have a serial starting with SN8 followed by five digits. These have serial numbers starting with V and do not strictly correlate to years. The neck dates on these guitars, however, are usually reliable.

Fender Japan serial numbers can usually be found on the back of the neck near the neck joint. Though examples also exist with the number on the headstock or the neck-plate in the case of certain early reissue models. Up until , the serial was paired with the words "Made in Japan. In , Fender expanded operations with a series of instruments produced in Japan by the Fuji Gen Gakki company.

Like the US serial numbers, MIJ made in Japan serials start with a letter or pair of letters that indicate the rough year of production. This system, however, is notoriously inconsistent and incomplete, which makes dating by serial number even less reliable for MIJ Fenders.

After , Fender Japan switched back to marking Fenders as "Made in Japan" though for a few years instruments with both decals were made. Serial numbers since this transition have continued the same sequence as the "CIJ" era.

Fender opened a factory in Ensenada, Mexico in the late '80s and instruments started coming off the line in The MIM serial number scheme is actually very straight-forward. For Mexican Fenders made in the s, the serial will start with an MN followed by a number that indicates the year of the decade. Instruments made in the s follow the same form but start with MZ.

For the s, the prefix is MX1. For example, a serial number starting with MN2 would be There are a number of exceptions to all these serial number schemes. As mentioned above, many reissue models use serial numbers that don't really correlate to their age.

Additionally, there have been plenty of artist models, limited editions and other rare models that use a unique serial number. Examples include the 35th anniversary series, many of the uniquely finished Strats from the early '80s, as well as various export-specific models which carry a serial number starting with FN.

Again, the serial number alone in any of these cases is not definitive and the best approach is to combine that with other methods like the neck and body dates, as well as just the features of the specific instrument. If you have any questions as to what Fender you're dealing with, I encourage you to seek out a local guitar shop or luthier to help figure it out.

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Jimi Hendrix destroyed Woodstock with guitar playing from another universe. Also notably a 5-way pick-up selector switch. StringRay 1 and StingRay bass. Both guitars fitted with a two-way pickup, bolt-on neck, and a single humbucker. In the Custom Shop was born. The initial master builders were John Page and Michael Stevens.

Since then the team has expanded and produced some of the most sought-after guitars made. The Fender Custom Shop produces special order guitars. Creating limited edition high-end quality instruments. If you love the road-worn relic look, these guys assemble some real mouth-watering pieces. February the Ensenada Mexico manufacturing plant was burnt to the ground, leaving the production to move to Corona, CA for a temporary solution.

Here is a summary of the serial number, model, and year. To gain the best results use our decoder. During this time period, there are a lot of overlaps. Use our decoder to find out which instrument fits your serial number.

Serial Numbers were from the midss but we lack instrument details and overlapping makes this period difficult. We know the year the guitar was made and manufactured in Fullerton, USA. Use decoder to determine. Use decoder for exact year. There are no model details just that this period was in Fullerton, USA. The digits purely stand for a production number. This period of guitars were the U. S Vintage Series. The date of the guitar should be on the back of the neck. For closer date details use decoder.

Serial Numbers with 5 or 6 digits only are from the period and produced from the Cor-Tek factory in Korea. These serial formats will no doubt overlap with others. Please use the Squire decoder.

Use Decoder to find full details. See decoder for full details. Use decoder for dates. See decoder for dates. Lee has been playing guitar for over 25 years. In the s he made a few TV appearances in London and supported and few big bands at festivals. Lee is the founder of Authority Guitar , a site where he wants readers to enjoy every aspect of learning the guitar. Fender Serial Number Decoder December 7, Photo by Mr.

Date Your Guitar. About Lee Lee has been playing guitar for over 25 years. Actually, Fender did not sell to CBS in