How do you date a Fender body?
From the beginning of Fender production until 1977, serial numbers are always stamped either on the bridge or a plate on the back of the body. Usually, the numbers are in chronological order, but it’s not a rule. The years overlap a lot, therefore serial numbers, in fact, only serve as an essential guide.
How do you decode a Fender serial number?
With Fenders from before 1955 you cannot use the serial numbers to determine the exact year of construction. The first Telecasters and Stratocasters appear to have a separate numbering….
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| 340000 – 369999 | 1972 |
| 370000 – 499999 | 1973 |
| 500000 – 519999 | 1973 – 1974 |
| 520000 – 579999 | 1974 |
Where is the serial number of a Fender body?
For years, serial numbers have been used in various locations on Fender instruments, such as the top of the neck plate, the front or back of the headstock and the back of the neck near the junction with the body.
How do I find my Fender Custom Shop serial number?
Finding your serial number on your Fender should be very easy. They are almost always on either the top of the neck plate (the piece of metal on the back of the guitar near the neck), on the headstock (the top part of the guitar where the strings attach), or close to the body at the bottom of the neck.
How do you authenticate a Fender Stratocaster?
6 Ways To Spot A Fake Fender Stratocaster
- The logo decal.
- The bridge.
- The frets.
- The nut.
- The truss rod.
- The string tree.
How do I know what kind of guitar I have?
Guitar builders affix their guitars with names so people know what they are playing. The most common place to find identification is on the headstock or on a label inside of the guitar, if applicable. If there is nothing on your guitar in question, chances are the original label or logo has fallen off.