Fender Serial Number Lookup
Want to know how old your guitar is?
- First you need to find the serial number.
- Then check it using our Fender serial number lookup tool.
You can find out not only the production date, but also the place where your instrument was made.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool
Enter the serial number without any spaces and click the “Check” button. The decoder will show what year your guitar was made, the country and the factory where it was produced.
This lookup tool has been developed by enthusiasts to provide a fast and convenient method for decoding serial numbers and is in no way affiliated with the Fender brand.
It supports various formats, including MIA, MIJ, CIJ, MIM, MIK and MII, encompassing a total of 15 groups and over 70 different serial number variations. You can check out any Fender guitar model: Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, Mustang, Precision Bass, Jazz Bass and others.
You can also contact us directly or refer to other sources like the official Fender website or other websites and forums.
How to Find The Serial Number?
The location of the Fender serial number varies depending on the model and year of manufacture of the instrument. You can find it:
- At the top of the neck plate;
- On the front or back of the headstock;
- Lid vibrato (on Stratocasters);
- Vibrato on the back of the cover (on early 50’s Stratocasters);
- At the end of the heel of the neck;
- Between pickup and saddle (some Telecasters).
Stratocaster Serial Number
Some common features for identifying Stratocaster serial numbers.
Location of Serial Numbers:
- 1954-1963: On the back vibrato cover plate.
- Post-1963: Moved to the neck plate.
- 1976 onwards: Serial numbers began appearing on the headstock.
Prefix Significance:
- “L” Series (mid-60s to 1976): Indicates a specific production era.
- “E” Prefix: Represents the 1980s.
- “N” Prefix: Denotes the 1990s.
- “NC” Prefix: Squier Strat Bullets
- “Z” Prefix: Used in the 2000s.
- “V” Prefix: For ‘vintage’ reissues.
- “S” Prefix: Signifies the 1970s.
- “US” Prefix: American Standard Series.
- “DZ”, “DN” Prefix: American Deluxe Series.
- “CA” Prefix: Gold Stratocaster 1981, 1982 and 1983.
- “CC” Prefix: Walnut Stratocaster 1981, 1982 and 1983.
- “G” Prefix: Stratocaster from 1980, with gold hardware and two-position rotary tone switch.
Origin Indicators:
- Mexican-made: “MN” or “MZ” for 1990s and 2000s; “MSZ”: Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster before 2010.
- Japanese-made: “J” or “JV” in early 1980s.
- 3 digits of 500: 35th Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990.
Telecaster Serial Number
Some common features for Telecaster serial number lookup.
Location of Serial Numbers:
- Until the beginning of 1954: at bridge plate, between the pick-up and the saddles.
- 1954: on the heel plate.
- After 1954: bridge plate, neck heel.
Origin Indicators:
- Mexican-made: “MN” or “MZ” for 1990s and 2000s; “MSZ”: Jim Root Telecaster, James Burton Standard Telecaster before 2010.
- Japanese-made: “J” or “JV” in early 1980s.
Prefix Significance:
- “L” (mid-60s to 1976): Indicates a specific production era.
- “CE”: Black and Gold Telecaster from 1981-1982;
- “XN”: FSRs and ’52 Teles;
Other:
- 5 digits stamped on bridge plate: U.S. ’52 Vintage Telecaster since 1988;
- 4 digits stamped on bridge plate: U.S. ’52 Vintage Telecaster 1982-1988;
Precision Bass Serial Number
Some common features for identifying Precision Bass serial numbers.
Serial Number Location: Typically found on the back of the headstock or on the neck plate.
Serial Format:
- Pre-1976: Comprised solely of numbers.
- Post-1976: Begins with a letter followed by numbers. The letter often indicates the decade (e.g., E for the 1980s, N for the 1990s).
Origin Indicators:
- United States-made: Prefix “US”;
- Mexican-made: Prefix “MX”, “MSZ”: Duff McKagan P-Bass before 2010.
Prefix Significance:
- “CB”, “CE”: Precision Bass Special from 1981;
- “CD”, “CO”, “GO”: Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982;
Acoustic Guitars
Fender’s acoustic guitar records from the early 1960s through the 1980s are incomplete, making it difficult to precisely date these instruments. Serial numbers are not helpful for dating these guitars.
The tables below are the best estimates based on available data from Fender’s price lists and catalogs, starting in 1968. This guide helps determine the approximate age of your guitar and the types of wood used.
DG Series
Acoustic guitars imported from China, Indonesia, and Korea.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| DG3 | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG5 | 1995 – 1998 | Nato top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG10 | 1995 – 1997 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG15-BLK | 1995 – 1996 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG15-NAT | 1997 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG15-SB | 1995 – 1996 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG17-NAT | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| DG17E-NAT | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| DG18-BLK | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18-NAT | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18-SB | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18 LH | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18-12-NAT | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG18CE | 1996 – 1998 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG19 | 1996 – 1998 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG19CE-NAT | 1996 – 1998 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG19CE-SB | 1996 – 1998 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG30-12 | 1996 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30S | 1996 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30S LH | 1996 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30SCE-BLK | 1996 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30SCE-NAT | 1996 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG30SCE-SB | 1996 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31-12 | 1996 – 1999 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31S | 1996 – 1999 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31S LH | 1996 – 1999 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31SCE-BLK | 1996 – 1999 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31SCE-CSB | 1996 – 1997 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG31SCE-NAT | 1996 – 1999 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| DG40S | 1996 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG40S-12 | 1996 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG40SCE-NAT | 1996 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| DG95 | 1996 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
Spring Hill Series
Acoustic guitars handmade in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| LS-10 | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| LS-20 | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| LS-20 LH | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| LS-30 | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides |
| LS-40C | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| LS-50C | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| LS-60C | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides |
| SB-15 | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| SB-15SB | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| SB-25 | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| SB-25SB | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| SB-35 | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides |
| SB-45C | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides |
| SB-55C | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| SB-65C | 1994 – 1996 | Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides |
AG Series
Acoustic guitars imported from Korea.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| AG10 | 1994 – 1995 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| AG15 | 1994 – 1995 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| AG20 | 1994 – 1995 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| AG21 | 1995 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| AG22 | 1995 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| AG23 | 1995 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| AG25 | 1994 – 1995 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
SX/CX Series
Acoustic guitars imported from Korea.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| 200SX | 1995 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| 600SX | 1994 – 1995 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| 800SX | 1994 – 1995 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1000SX | 1992 – 1995 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| 1100SX | 1992 – 1995 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1105SXE | 1992 – 1994 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1200SX | 1992 – 1994 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| 1300SX | 1992 – 1994 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1500SX | 1992 – 1994 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 1505SX | 1992 – 1994 | Solid spruce top, sycamore back and sides |
| 1600SXE | 1993 – 1994 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| 150CX | 1995 | Spruce top, meranti back and sides |
| 2100CX | 1994 – 1995 | Solid cedar top, ovangkol back and sides |
Gemini Series
Acoustic guitars imported from Korea, distributed in the U.S. by Midco.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Gemini I (Classical) | 1984 – 1988 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Gemini II | 1984 – 1987 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Gemini IIE (Electric) | 1987 – 1990 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Gemini III (Black) | 1987 – 1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Gemini IV (White) | 1987 – 1990 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
California Series
Acoustic guitars imported from Japan since 1982 to 1985, then imported from Korea since 1985 to 1992.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Avalon (Folk) | 1985-1992 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Balboa | 1983-1987 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Capistrano | 1983-1987 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| Catalina | 1983-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Concord | 1987-1992 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| Del Mar | 1983-1989 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| El Rio | 1983-1987 | Solid spruce top, sycamore back and sides |
| La Brea (Black) | 1987-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| La Brea (Maple) | 1992-1995 | Spruce top, flame maple back and sides |
| La Brea (Natural) | 1990-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| La Brea (Sunburst) | 1990-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Laguna | 1986-1988 | Spruce top, redwood back and sides |
| Malibu | 1983-1992 | Sycamore top, back and sides |
| Montara (Black) | 1990-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Montara (Maple) | 1992-1995 | Spruce top, flame maple back and sides |
| Montara (Natural) | 1990-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Montara (Sunburst) | 1990-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Montclair | 1987-1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Newporter | 1983-1992 | Mahogany top, back and sides |
| Redondo | 1983-1990 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| San Luis Rey | 1990-1995 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| San Marino | 1990-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| San Miguel | 1990-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Santa Maria XII | 1988-1992 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Santa Rosa | 1989-1990 | Basswood, Semi-solid body electric/acoustic |
Standard Series
Acoustic guitars imported from Asia, distributed in the U.S. by Midico.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| F200 | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F210 | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F210S | 1988-1990 | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F210LH | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F220SB | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F230 | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F230CE | 1988-1990 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F240A | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F250 | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F260S | 1987 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F265C | 1987 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F270SCE | 1987 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F310-12 | 1985-1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F330-12 | 1982-1987 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F360S-12 | 1987 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| FC100 | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FC110 | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, ovangkol back and sides |
| FC120 | 1982-1988 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| FC130S | 1987 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
“F” Series
Acoustic guitars imported from Asia.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| F1000 | 1969-1973 | Laminated hardwoods |
| F1010 | 1969-1973 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1030 | 1969-1973 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1040 (Classical) | 1969-1973 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1050 | 1969-1973 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1060 | 1969-1973 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F1070-12 | 1969-1973 | Laminated hardwoods |
| F115 | 1977-1987 | Solid spruce, top jacaranda back and sides |
| F15 (Concert) | 1973-1981 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| F25 (Auditorium) | 1972-1981 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| F3 | 1981 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F35 | 1972-1981 | Spruce top, obankole back and sides |
| F45 | 1972-1974 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F5 | 1980-1981 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F5-12 | 1980-1981 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| F50 | 1980 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F55-12 | 1972-1980 | Spruce top, bubinga back and sides |
| F65 | 1972-1981 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F75 | 1974-1980 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F80-12 | 1977-1981 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F85 | 1974-1980 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| F95 | 1974-1980 | Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides |
| FC10 (Classical) | 1972-1981 | Spruce top, mahogany or chitora back and sides |
| FC10 ¾ (Classical) | 1972-1981 | Spruce top, nato back and sides |
| FC20 (Classical) | 1972-1981 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
| FC30 (Classical) | 1972-1981 | Cedar top, rosewood back and sides |
| FC40 (Classical) | 1972-1981 | Cedar top, rosewood back and sides |
| FJ70 (Jumbo) | 1980-1981 | Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
Early U.S.-Made Acoustic Guitars
These early U.S.-made acoustic guitars had laminated construction, bolt-on necks, through-body tension rods and Stratocaster-styled headstocks.
| Model | Years | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Concert | 1963-1970 | Spruce top; mahogany, rosewood, vermilion, or zebrawood back and sides |
| Folk | 1963-1964 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Kingman | 1965-1971 | Spruce top, rosewood or vermilion back and sides |
| Malibu | 1965-1971 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Newporter | 1965-1971 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Palomino | 1968-1971 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Redondo | 1969-1971 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Shenandoa XII | 1965-1971 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Villager XII | 1965-1969 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| Wildwood | 1966-1971 | Spruce top, dyed figured beechwood back and sides |
Tarrega Acoustic Guitars
Tarrega guitars were made in Sweden and distributed by Fender from the mid- to late 1960s. These guitars had laminated construction.
| Model | Years (T0) | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| FT108 (Flat-top) | 1968 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT110 (Concert) | 1968 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT111 (Concert) | 1968 | Spruce top, maple back and sides |
| FT112 (Grand Concert) | 1968 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT113 (Grand Concert) | 1968 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT114 (Grand Concert) | 1968 | Spruce top, maple back and sides |
| FT115 (Grand Concert) | 1968 | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides |
| FT116 (Grand Concert) | 1968 | Spruce top, rosewood back and sides |
Regal Acoustic Guitars
These early acoustic guitars were distributed by Fender from the mid- to late 1960s. They also had laminate construction.
| Model | Years (To) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| R-200 | 1969 | Student model flat-top Spanish guitar |
| R-205 | 1969 | Student concert grand flat-top |
| R-210 | 1969 | Standard-size flat-top Spanish guitar |
| R-215 | 1969 | Tenor guitar |
| R-218 | 1969 | Folk, concert grand |
| R-220 | 1969 | Regal classic guitar |
| R-230 | 1969 | Auditorium-size flat-top Spanish guitar |
| R-235 | 1969 | Jumbo flat-top Spanish guitar |
| R-240 | 1969 | Student auditorium-size archtop guitar |
| R-250 | 1969 | Auditorium grand archtop guitar |
| R-251 | 1969 | Auditorium grand archtop guitar |
| R-260 | 1969 | Cutaway auditorium grand archtop guitar |
| R-261 | 1969 | Cutaway auditorium grand archtop guitar |
| R-265 (3/4 size) | 1969 | 3/4-size student electric |
| R-270 | 1969 | Electric single-cutaway archtop, thin body |
| R-272 | 1969 | Electric single-cutaway archtop, thin body |
| R-273 | 1969 | Electric double-cutaway archtop, thin body |
| R-275 Baritone Ukulele | 1969 | Baritone ukulele |
FAQ
How old is my Fender?
To find out how old your guitar is, locate its serial number. Then you can check it using the serial number decoder or look for information on websites and forums.
How do I find Fender serial number?
You can find the Fender serial number at the top of the neck plate, on the headstock, on the lid vibrato (Stratocasters), or vibrato on the back of the cover (early 50’s Stratocasters), at the end of the heel neck, between pickup and saddle (some Telecasters).