From 1954 to 1976 Fender stamped its guitar's serial number on either the top or bottom of the neck plate. Modern Fender production guitars, 1976 to the present, have their ID numbers on the front or back of the headstock near the Fender decal. In 1982 Fender decided to start making reissued vintage guitars.

Also question is, when was my Fender guitar made?

Usually the production date is stamped or written on the heel of the neck. To approximate the correct year of construction for the period before 1976, also look at the date on the heel of the neck and of the potmeters. To read this it is necessary to unscrew the neck from the body.

Beside above, what is the best year for Fender Stratocaster? Here are our honorable mentions for the Stratocaster's best year:

  • 1954: This was the Stratocaster's very first year in production. Similarly to first-issue books, the 1954 Stratocaster is the most collectible compared to all of the other years.
  • 1957: The next great year for the Stratocaster came in 1957.

Likewise, what year was my Strat made?

Click on the links here to jump directly to the serial number style that matches your instrument: Four digit serial number on the bridge, 1950 - 1954. Four or five digit serial number on the neck plate with no letters, 1954 - 1963. Serial number on neckplate starts with an L, 1963 - 1965.

Are Fender guitars made in China?

Yes. As mentioned, the new modern player series is made in China. They are Fender and seem to run about $399 ?

Related Question Answers

Where is the manufacture date on a serial number?

The first 2 digits are the year of manufacture, and the next 3 digits are the Julian date (day of the year). For the 2020 base station, the date code is listed under the serial number on the product item label. This is a four digit code. The structure is first two digits year number, second two digits week number.

How much is a Fender Stratocaster worth?

Of the eight models featured here, the Player Stratocaster is Fender's entry level Strat and can be had for under $700. The higher-priced models including the American Ultra HSS $1899 and the American Acoustasonic $1999 carry higher price tags but offer meticulous attention to accurate detail and premium appointments.

How can you tell how old a guitar is?

Look for a serial number.

Depending on the maker of the guitar, your guitar's individual serial number may give you a better idea how old the guitar is. On an electric guitar, you'll typically find the serial number on the back of the guitar body or headstock.

How do you tell if a Telecaster is American made?

Generally the Mexican Teles have four screws holding the bridge to the body, Americans have three. The American neck will have rolled fretboard eges, while the Mexican will have a more square profile. Those two things are pretty obvious, and might help some.

Which Fender Strats are made in America?

Fender offer two Standard Strats - the MIM (Made in Mexico) or Standard Stratocaster, and MIA (Made in America) or American Standard Stratocaster.

Are Mexican Fender Strats any good?

That being said, Mexican Strats are still excellent sounding guitars. They deliver the same versatile range as the American Strats, with that same snappy tone quality. They just don't have that extra oomph that makes an American Strat an American Strat.

How can I tell how old my Fender Stratocaster is?

In order to tell how old your Fender is you will have to find the identification number or neck number. The serial number location has changed a few times of the years. From 1950 to 1954 Fender guitar unique numbers were stamped in the bridge cavity cover plate.

How do you date a MIM Stratocaster?

This new scheme uses the letters “MX” as a prefix to designate an instrument made in Mexico, followed by an eight-digit number. The first two digits of the number identify the year of manufacture, (10 for 2010, 11 for 2011, etc.).

How can you tell a fake Telecaster?

It's hard to tell without more pictures but the "TELECASTER" font looks wrong, and as others have pointed out the headstock shape is wrong. It could be a fake, a partscaster or another brand of Tele copy with a fake decal on it.

Do all Fender necks fit fender bodies?

The simple answer is NO. Even for MIA Fenders, a 3 bolt neck won't fit on a 4 bolt body or vice-versa, at least not without modifications. As has been noted, many Squier necks will fit on MIA, MIM or MIJ Fender bodies and vice-versa.

What are Fender Strat bodies made of?

Fender Stratocaster
Neck joint Bolt-on
Scale 25.5 in 647.7 mm
Woods
Body Alder Ash Poplar Basswood Mahogany

Where are Fender guitar parts made?

In addition to its Scottsdale headquarters, Fender has manufacturing facilities in Corona, California (US) and Ensenada, Baja California (Mexico).

How do I know what model Stratocaster I have?

Serial numbers tell you the year, month and factory. Other than a few exceptions to the system, they won't tell you the model. The easiest way is to post photos and the specification (as best you know it) here, and someone will probably recognise the model.