Fender serial number helps identify the year and country of manufacture. In many cases, a serial number is the fastest way to start identifying a Fender guitar or bass. It can also help you narrow down the production period of your instrument.
Table of Contents
Where Can I Find a Fender Serial Number?
A Fender serial number can appear in a few different places depending on the year and model. On many newer Fender guitars, the serial number is usually on the headstock. On many older models, it may be on the neck plate or bridge plate instead. Some Japanese Fender guitars may also have the serial number near the neck heel.
Check these common locations:
- Neck Plate;
- Bridge Plate;
- Front of the Headstock;
- Back of the Headstock;
- Neck Heel;
- Tremolo Cover Plate.
Fender Serial Number Finder
Use our Fender Serial Number Finder to check the year and country of manufacture for your guitar or bass. Just enter the serial number exactly as it appears on the instrument.
If you have no result, don’t worry. First, try checking again. Then, try entering all possible variants with and without the prefix, with and without a space, and with a dash (or two dashes if the guitar has them).
What If My Fender Serial Number Is Not Found?
If your Fender serial number is not found in the finder, or if the result does not seem right for your guitar, you can still check it manually. Fender date range often depends on where the serial number is located and what format it uses.
Fender Bridge Plate Serial Number
A Fender bridge plate serial number is usually found on some of the earliest Fender solid body guitars, such as Broadcaster, Nocaster, Esquire, Telecaster, and Precision Bass models. You may also see a bridge plate serial number on some later vintage style reissues, but those should not be read the same way as original 1950s instruments.
If your Fender has the serial number stamped into the bridge plate, the first thing to check is the format. A four-digit number on the bridge plate may indicate an original Fender from the 1950s. However, early reissues also had a 4-digit serial number on the bridge plate. So, be careful and check the instrument for other characteristics. A 5 digit bridge plate serial number points to a reissue, not to a real 1950s guitars. V prefix bridge plate serial numbers also belong to vintage reissue instruments.
Early Broadcaster, Esquire, Nocaster, and Telecaster Bridge Plate Serial Number
These early Fender bridge plate serial numbers are approximate. Fender did not always use them in perfect order, so the serial number alone does not guarantee an exact production year. It is best used to narrow the period first.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| 0001 to 1349 | 1950 to 1952 |
| 1350 to 2999 | 1951 to 1954 |
| 3000 to 5999 | 1952 to 1954 |
Early Precision Bass Bridge Plate Serial Number
Some early Precision Bass instruments also carry the serial number on the bridge plate. These ranges are also approximate and should not be treated as exact year by serial alone.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| 100 to 600 | 1951 to 1952 |
| 0001 to 0900 | 1952 to 1953 |
| 0800 to 2000 | 1954 |
Fender Reissue Bridge Plate Serial Number
Later Fender reissues can also have a bridge plate serial number. This is where many owners get confused. A reissue bridge plate serial number may look old, but it does not automatically mean the guitar was made in the 1950s.
| Format | Years |
|---|---|
| 4-5 digit bridge plate serial | 1980s to today |
| V + 4 to 6 digits | Not date coded |
Fender Neck Plate Serial Number
A Fender neck plate serial number is one of the main serial number styles used on older U.S. Fender guitars and basses. This serial style is commonly seen on older Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Jazz Bass, Jaguar, and other classic Fender models. For this period, the serial number gives an approximate production range, not an exact final build date.
4 and 5 Digit Fender Neck Plate Serial Number 1954 to 1963
This period begins with the first year of Stratocaster production in 1954. By 1958, it also includes the first year of Jazzmaster production. Some serial numbers from this period may also have an extra dash or 0 prefix.
In 1959, Fender introduced the Custom Telecaster. In 1960 came the Jazz Bass. In 1961 came the Bass VI. In 1962 came the Jaguar.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 0001 to 8000 | 1954 |
| 6000 to 10000 | 1955 |
| 9000 to 16000 | 1956 |
| 16000 to 25000 | 1957 |
| 25000 to 30000 | 1958 |
| 30000 to 40000 | 1959 |
| 40000 to 58000 | 1960 |
| 55000 to 72000 | 1961 |
| 72000 to 93000 | 1962 |
| 93001 to 99999 | 1963 |
Fender L Prefix Neck Plate Serial Number
In 1963, Fender began using the L prefix on the neck plate. These serial numbers start with L followed by 5 digits. The L series runs through 1965 and belongs to the final pre-CBS Fender years. This is one of the most recognizable Fender serial number formats from the early 1960s.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| L00001 to L20000 | 1963 |
| L20001 to L60000 | 1964 |
| L55000 to L99999 | 1965 |
Fender Large F Neck Plate Serial Number
In late 1965, Fender moved away from the L series and started using the large F neck plate. These plates have a large stylized F and a 6 digit serial number. This format is seen from late 1965 into 1976. Like earlier neck plate serial numbers, these ranges can overlap.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| 100000 to 110000 | 1965 |
| 110001 to 179999 | 1966 |
| 180000 to 200000 | 1966 to 1967 |
| 200001 to 210000 | 1967 |
| 210001 to 250000 | 1968 |
| 250001 to 280000 | 1969 |
| 280001 to 300000 | 1970 |
| 300001 to 330000 | 1971 |
| 330001 to 370000 | 1972 |
| 370001 to 499999 | 1973 |
| 500000 to 520000 | 1973 to 1974 |
| 520001 to 580000 | 1974 |
| 580001 to 690000 | 1975 |
| 690000 to 750000 | 1976 |
Fender Tremolo Cover Plate Serial Number
A tremolo cover plate serial number is one of the earliest Fender serial number styles. It is found on the first Stratocaster guitars from 1954.
This serial style was used only for a short time. After that, Fender moved the serial number to the neck plate. Because of this, a tremolo cover plate serial number usually points to a very early Stratocaster.
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| 0100 to 0209 | 1954 |
Fender Front of Headstock Serial Number
A Fender front of headstock serial number is one of the main serial number styles used from the late 1970s into the early 1990s. This location is common on many U.S. Fender guitars and basses, and it is also seen on some Mexican Fender instruments from the 1990s.
If the serial number is printed on the front of the headstock, the most important thing to check is the prefix. Fender used several main front headstock formats during this period, including the 76 prefix, S prefix, E prefix, and N prefix. Mexican Fender guitars from the 1990s also use MN on the front of the headstock.
Fender 76 Prefix Front of Headstock Serial Number
In 1976, Fender moved away from neck plate serial numbers and began placing the serial number on the headstock. The earliest version of this system uses a 76 prefix. These serial numbers usually point to guitars made in 1976 or early 1977.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| 76 + 5 digits | 1976 to 1977 |
Fender S Prefix Front of Headstock Serial Number
After the 76 prefix, Fender switched to the S prefix. In this system, the first number after the letter usually points to the year within the decade. These serial numbers are commonly seen on Fender guitars from the late 1970s and very early 1980s.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| S7 + 5 digits | 1977 |
| S8 + 5 digits | 1978 |
| S9 + 5 digits | 1979 |
| S0 + 5 digits | 1979 to 1980 |
| S1 + 5 digits | 1980 to 1981 |
Fender E Prefix Front of Headstock Serial Number
The E prefix is one of the best known Fender headstock serial number formats. The letter E was used through much of the 1980s. The first number after E shows the year within the decade, but Fender used overlapping ranges during this period, so the same prefix can appear across more than one year.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| E0 + 5 digits | 1979 to 1981 |
| E1 + 5 digits | 1980 to 1982 |
| E2 + 5 digits | 1982 to 1983 |
| E3 + 5 digits | 1982 to 1985 |
| E4 + 5 digits | 1984 to 1988 |
| E8 + 5 digits | 1988 to 1989 |
| E9 + 5 digits | 1989 to 1990 |
Fender N Prefix Front of Headstock Serial Number
In the 1990s, Fender moved to the N prefix on many U.S. instruments. The first number after N points to the year within the decade.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| N0 + 5 or 6 digits | 1990 to 1991 |
| N1 + 5 or 6 digits | 1991 to 1992 |
| N2 + 5 or 6 digits | 1992 to 1993 |
| N3 + 5 or 6 digits | 1993 to 1994 |
| N4 + 5 or 6 digits | 1994 to 1995 |
| N5 + 5 or 6 digits | 1995 to 1996 |
| N6 + 5 or 6 digits | 1996 to 1997 |
| N7 + 5 or 6 digits | 1997 to 1998 |
| N8 + 5 or 6 digits | 1998 to 1999 |
| N9 + 5 or 6 digits | 1999 to 2000 |
Fender MN Prefix Front of Headstock Serial Number
Some Mexican Fender guitars also used the letter N during the 1990s, but with an M in front. The M stands for Mexico, and the number after MN points to the year within the 1990s. The serial number is also located on the face of the headstock.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| MN0 + 5 or 6 digits | 1990 to 1991 |
| MN1 + 5 or 6 digits | 1991 to 1992 |
| MN2 + 5 or 6 digits | 1992 to 1993 |
| MN3 + 5 or 6 digits | 1993 to 1994 |
| MN4 + 5 or 6 digits | 1994 to 1995 |
| MN5 + 5 or 6 digits | 1995 to 1996 |
| MN6 + 5 or 6 digits | 1996 to 1997 |
| MN7 + 5 or 6 digits | 1997 to 1998 |
| MN8 + 5 or 6 digits | 1998 to 1999 |
| MN9 + 5 or 6 digits | 1999 to 2000 |
Fender MZ Prefix Headstock Serial Number
The MZ prefix on the front of the headstock was used on some Mexican Fender guitars and basses released in the 2000s. The M stands for Mexico, and the first number after MZ points to the year within the decade.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| MZ0 + 5 or 6 digits | 2000 to 2001 |
| MZ1 + 5 or 6 digits | 2001 to 2002 |
| MZ2 + 5 or 6 digits | 2002 to 2003 |
| MZ3 + 5 or 6 digits | 2003 to 2004 |
| MZ4 + 5 or 6 digits | 2004 to 2005 |
| MZ5 + 5 or 6 digits | 2005 to 2006 |
| MZ6 + 5 or 6 digits | 2006 to 2007 |
| MZ7 + 5 or 6 digits | 2007 to 2008 |
| MZ8 + 5 or 6 digits | 2008 to 2009 |
| MZ9 + 5 or 6 digits | 2009 to 2010 |
Fender Back of Headstock Serial Number
A Fender back of headstock serial number is most common on later Fender guitars and basses. This location is widely used on many U.S. and Mexican Fender instruments from the 1990s onward. If the serial number is printed on the back of the headstock, the most important thing to check is the prefix.
Fender N Prefix Back of Headstock Serial Number
Many Fender guitars from the 1990s use the N prefix. The first number after N usually points to the year within the decade.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| N0 + 5 or 6 digits | 1990 to 1991 |
| N1 + 5 or 6 digits | 1991 to 1992 |
| N2 + 5 or 6 digits | 1992 to 1993 |
| N3 + 5 or 6 digits | 1993 to 1994 |
| N4 + 5 or 6 digits | 1994 to 1995 |
| N5 + 5 or 6 digits | 1995 to 1996 |
| N6 + 5 or 6 digits | 1996 to 1997 |
| N7 + 5 or 6 digits | 1997 to 1998 |
| N8 + 5 or 6 digits | 1998 to 1999 |
| N9 + 5 or 6 digits | 1999 to 2000 |
Fender Z Prefix Back of Headstock Serial Number
In the 2000s, many U.S. Fender guitars use the Z prefix. The first number after Z points to the year within the decade.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| Z0 + 5 or 6 digits | 2000 to 2001 |
| Z1 + 5 or 6 digits | 2001 to 2002 |
| Z2 + 5 or 6 digits | 2002 to 2003 |
| Z3 + 5 or 6 digits | 2003 to 2004 |
| Z4 + 5 or 6 digits | 2004 to 2005 |
| Z5 + 5 or 6 digits | 2005 to 2006 |
| Z6 + 5 or 6 digits | 2006 to 2007 |
| Z7 + 5 or 6 digits | 2007 to 2008 |
| Z8 + 5 or 6 digits | 2008 to 2009 |
| Z9 + 5 or 6 digits | 2009 to 2010 |
Fender US Prefix Back of Headstock Serial Number
From 2010, many U.S. Fender guitars moved to the US prefix. In this format, the first two digits after US show the year.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| US10 + digits | 2010 to 2011 |
| US11 + digits | 2011 to 2012 |
| US12 + digits | 2012 to 2013 |
| US13 + digits | 2013 to 2014 |
| US14 + digits | 2014 to 2015 |
| US15 + digits | 2015 to 2016 |
| US16 + digits | 2016 to 2017 |
| US17 + digits | 2017 to 2018 |
| US18 + digits | 2018 to 2019 |
| US19 + digits | 2019 to 2020 |
| US20 + digits | 2020 to 2021 |
| US21 + digits | 2021 to 2022 |
| US22 + digits | 2022 to 2023 |
| US23 + digits | 2023 to 2024 |
| US24 + digits | 2024 to 2025 |
| US25 + digits | 2025 to 2026 |
Fender MZ Prefix Back of Headstock Serial Number
Many Mexican Fender guitars from the 2000s use the MZ prefix on the back of the headstock. The M stands for Mexico, and the first number after MZ points to the year within the decade.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| MZ0 + 5 or 6 digits | 2000 to 2001 |
| MZ1 + 5 or 6 digits | 2001 to 2002 |
| MZ2 + 5 or 6 digits | 2002 to 2003 |
| MZ3 + 5 or 6 digits | 2003 to 2004 |
| MZ4 + 5 or 6 digits | 2004 to 2005 |
| MZ5 + 5 or 6 digits | 2005 to 2006 |
| MZ6 + 5 or 6 digits | 2006 to 2007 |
| MZ7 + 5 or 6 digits | 2007 to 2008 |
| MZ8 + 5 or 6 digits | 2008 to 2009 |
| MZ9 + 5 or 6 digits | 2009 to 2010 |
Fender 10 Prefix Back of Headstock Serial Number
Some Mexican Fender guitars from the short transition period between late 2009 and early 2010 use a number prefix “10” followed by 7 digits.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| 10 + 7 digits | Late 2009 to early 2010 |
Fender MX Prefix Back of Headstock Serial Number
Since 2010, many Mexican Fender guitars use the MX prefix. In this format, the first two digits after MX show the year.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| MX10 + 6 digits | 2010 to 2011 |
| MX11 + 6 digits | 2011 to 2012 |
| MX12 + 6 digits | 2012 to 2013 |
| MX13 + 6 digits | 2013 to 2014 |
| MX14 + 6 digits | 2014 to 2015 |
| MX15 + 6 digits | 2015 to 2016 |
| MX16 + 6 digits | 2016 to 2017 |
| MX17 + 6 digits | 2017 to 2018 |
| MX18 + 6 digits | 2018 to 2019 |
| MX19 + 6 digits | 2019 to 2020 |
| MX20 + 6 digits | 2020 to 2021 |
| MX21 + 6 digits | 2021 to 2022 |
| MX22 + 6 digits | 2022 to 2023 |
| MX23 + 6 digits | 2023 to 2024 |
| MX24 + 6 digits | 2024 to 2025 |
| MX25 + 6 digits | 2025 to 2026 |
Fender Back of the Neck Heel Serial Number
A Fender back of the neck heel serial number is most common on Japanese Fender guitars and basses. On these instruments, the serial number is usually found near the base of the neck. Here you need to pay attention to the inscription on the label “Made in Japan” or “Crafted in Japan”.
Fender Made in Japan Serial Number
Many Japanese Fender guitars from the 1980s and 1990s use a Made in Japan serial number on the back of the neck heel. These serial numbers use letter prefixes to indicate the approximate production period.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| JV + 5 digits | 1982 to 1984 |
| SQ + 5 digits | 1983 to 1984 |
| E + 6 digits | 1984 to 1987 |
| A + 6 digits | 1985 to 1986 |
| B + 6 digits | 1985 to 1986 |
| C + 6 digits | 1985 to 1986 |
| F + 6 digits | 1986 to 1987 |
| G + 6 digits | 1987 to 1988 |
| H + 6 digits | 1988 to 1989 |
| I + 6 digits | 1989 to 1990 |
| J + 6 digits | 1989 to 1990 |
| K + 6 digits | 1990 to 1991 |
| L + 6 digits | 1991 to 1992 |
| M + 6 digits | 1992 to 1993 |
| N + 6 digits | 1993 to 1994 |
| O + 6 digits | 1993 to 1994 |
| P + 6 digits | 1993 to 1994 |
| Q + 6 digits | 1993 to 1994 |
| S + 6 digits | 1994 to 1995 |
| T + 6 digits | 1994 to 1995 |
| U + 6 digits | 1995 to 1996 |
| N + 5 digits | 1995 to 1996 |
| V + 6 digits | 1996 to 1997 |
Fender Crafted in Japan Serial Number
In 1997, Fender changed the decal to Crafted in Japan. This is confusing, as some prefixes appear in both periods.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| A + 6 digits | 1997 to 1998 |
| O + 6 digits | 1997 to 2000 |
| P + 6 digits | 1999 to 2002 |
| Q + 6 digits | 2002 to 2004 |
| R + 6 digits | 2004 to 2005 |
| S + 6 digits | 2006 to 2008 |
| T + 6 digits | 2007 to 2008 |
Fender Made in Japan Serial Number Since 2007
From 2007, Fender Japan returned to the Made in Japan decal. Later Japanese Fender guitars use T, U, and then JD serial numbers.
In the JD format, the first two digits after the prefix show the year.
| Serial Number | Years |
|---|---|
| T + 6 digits | 2007 to 2010 |
| U + 6 digits | 2010 to 2011 |
| JD + 8 digits | 2012 and later |
What If My Fender Has No Serial Number?
If your Fender has no serial number, you can still estimate the production period by checking other details. This is also helpful if the serial number is missing, unreadable, or does not seem to match the guitar. The most useful clues usually come from the electronics, the neck, and the visual features of the instrument.
Electronics
The electronics can tell you a lot about the age of a Fender guitar or bass. One of the best places to start is the potentiometer code. Pot codes are usually stamped on the back of the pots inside the control cavity or under the pickguard. These codes often show the maker and the date when the part was made.
You can also check the pickup dates. On some older Fender guitars, the pickups may have handwritten or stamped dates. This is especially useful on vintage style instruments and older U.S. models. Pickup dates do not always give the exact final production year, but they can help narrow the range.
Neck Stamps
A neck heel date is one of the most useful Fender dating clues when the serial number is missing. On many older Fender guitars, the date may be stamped or written on the butt end of the neck. Sometimes there may also be factory markings in the neck pocket.
These neck markings can help confirm the period of the instrument and are especially useful on older U.S. Fender guitars, reissues, and some Japanese models. In some cases, the neck date may be clearer than the serial number itself.
When checking neck stamps, look for:
- Stamped Dates;
- Handwritten Dates;
- Model Codes;
- Factory Markings in the Neck Pocket.
Because this usually requires removing the neck, it should be done carefully.
Logo and Features
You can also estimate the age of a Fender by looking at the logo and the main features of the guitar. Fender changed many visual details over time, and these changes can help place the instrument in the right era.
Useful details to check include:
- Fender Logo Style;
- Tuner Type;
- Bridge Style;
- Pickguard Shape;
- Neck Construction;
- Truss Rod Adjustment Location;
- Pickup Covers and Knobs;
- Body and Hardware Details.
These features work best when you compare them together. One detail alone may not tell you much, but several matching features can point to the right production period.