Fender Custom Shop Serial Numbers Guide
Although a serial number is helpful for roughly determining the age of a guitar, this is often not the exact date. Usually, the production date is stamped or written is on the heel of the neck. To read this it is necessary to unscrew the neck from the body.
Also note the N9 serial numbers. It was used for 1990 and 1999! Also, some Crafted in Japan models came with Custom Shop parts, like special Limited Edition guitars and Signature guitars. In 1997, Fender transitioned to a serial number decal that included the words “Crafted in Japan” above the serial number. Mar 27, 2013 Fender Custom Shop 'Proof' Discussion in 'Guitars in General' started by MichaelSaulnier, Mar 26, 2013. Mar 26, 2013 #1. If the certificates have serial numbers on them then I'd guess Fender wouldn't, just to keep fraud down. But a certificate just saying its a legitimate custom shop?
Most specifications for the Fender guitars are hardly changed. Although there have been periods in which major changes occurred as the acquisition of Fender by CBS, and the transition from CBS Fender to the current owner (Fender Musical Instruments Corporation), most models are in general not changed.
At the Stratocasters from the early fifties the serial numbers were stamped on the back vibrato cover. On some Telecasters at the bridge between the pickup and the saddles.
| Patent numbers Between 1960 and 1977, there were added several patent numbers to the models. These became in the headstock under the Fender logo stamped. | Example: PAT, 2,573,254 2,968,204 3,143,028 2,976,755 DES 187304 2,573,254 for pickup and bridge combination. 2,968,204 for the single coil pickup patent awarded in 1961 under other for Jaguar, Stratocaster, Duosonic. 3,143,028 the patent granted in August 1964 for Fender's adjustable neck construction. 2,976,755 for the split coil pickup design. (Used since 1957 to the Precision Bass) The DES is the serial number. |
Im looking at purchasing a Fender strat custom shop. I was told it is a 2008 reissue of '60 or '61. Was also told it is a NOS model. The serial number on the back neck plate is R41870. It looks all original and in mint condition. Can someone please verify the year, make, model, etc.? Any help is appreciated...
Thanks, Rick
Rick:
Base upon what the 2012 Blue Book says the 'R' serial number prefix was used for Made in Japan Models for 2004 to 2005. The on-line database does not recognize the serial number you provided.
To verify my findings e-mail Fender the serial number from their web-site at <fender.com> via the 'Contact Us' option and ask Jeff, Ed, or Steve for the Specification Sheet.
Something here is a tad off from what my references tell me. Hold off on any deals until you hear from Fender's Consumer Relations Dept.
Hope this helps,
kcbuck
Thanks for the quick response. I will email them ASAP!
I appreciate the help. Drive increaser free download for pc. Will let u know what they say.
Thanks again, Rick
That what we're here for Rick. Please pass on the word about our fine site here at <axecentral.com>.
Regards,
kcbuck
Fender Bass Serial Number Guide
Please let us know what Fender has to say about that guitar..