Fender Serial Numbers on Bridge Plate (1950-1954)
The first Fender guitars, the Broadcaster, Esquire, and Precision Bass were originally made with the serial numbers stamped onto the bridge plate. This was done from 1950 to 1954. Have a Fender guitar in this serial number range? I am happy to identify, appraise, and make an offer for what I would pay for it, all for no cost or obligation. Contact me
1950 to 1954 Precision Bass Serial Numbers
100 to 600: 1951 to 1952
001 to 0900: 1952 to 1953
0900 to 2000: 1954
1950 to 1954 Broadcaster, Telecaster, Esquire Serial Numbers
0001 to 1300: 1950 to 1952
1300 to 3000: 1951 to 1954
3000 to 5000s: 1952 to 1954
Fender Serial Numbers on Tremolo Plate (First strats in 1954)
The very first stratocasters were made with the serial number stamped into the back plate. This was only done in 1954 before Fender moved to stamping their serial numbers into the neck plate. Have one of these early stratocasters? I would love to see it, and would be happy to offer a detailed evaluation of originality, appraisal, and give you an obligation free price estimate for what I could pay for it. Contact me
*The guitar in the picture is not a 1954 Stratocaster, just shows an example of the tremolo plate (the white plate on the back of the guitar) where the serial number would be located*
Fender Serial Numbers on neck plate (1954 to 1963)
From mid 1954 to early 1963 all vintage Fender guitars and basses had 4-6 digit serial numbers stamped into the neck plate. Have a guitar in this serial number range? Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free appraisal, evaluation, and price estimate. Contact me
0001 to 7000: 1954
7000 to 9000: 1955
9000 to 17000: 1956
17000 to 25000: 1957
25000 to 34000: 1958
34000 to 44000: 1959
44000 to 59000: 1960
59000 to 71000: 1961
71000 to 93000: 1962
93000 to 99999: 1963
Fender Serial Numbers on neck plate starting with L (1963 to 1965)
From 1963 until shortly after CBS bought Fender in 1965 the Fender serial numbers followed this format. All serial numbers in this time period consisted of an L prefix followed by a 5 digit number. I'm always a vintage Fender guitar buyer for guitars in this serial number range. Have one you are looking to get appraised or sell? Contact me
L00001 to L20000: 1963
L20000 to L59000: 1964
L59000 to L99999: 1965
Fender Serial Numbers on Neck Plate with Large F stamp (1965-1971)
After the CBS purchase of Fender in January 1965 the serial number format changed from having an L prefix followed by a 5 digit number to having a 6 digit number with a large "F" stamped below it. Have a guitar or bass in this serial number range you are looking to sell or get an appraisal on? Contact me
100000 to 110000: late 1965
110000 to 200000: 1966
200000 to 210000: 1967
210000 to 250000: 1968
250000 to 280000: 1969
280000 to 300000: 1970
300000 to 340000: 1971
Fender Serial Numbers on 3 screw neck plate with large F stamp (1971-1976)
Fender Serial Numbers on 3 bolt Neck Plate with Large F Stamp (1972-1976)
In 1972 Fender transitioned to attaching the neck to the body with a neck plate with 3 screws. The location of the truss rod changed from being at the heel of the neck to a bullet style truss rod on the headstock. Have a Fender guitar in this serial number range you would like to have appraised or sell? Contact me
340000 to 370000: 1972
370000 to 520000: 1973
500000 to 580000: 1974
580000 to 690000: 1975
690000 to 750000: 1976
Fender Serial Numbers on Headstock (1976-1981)
In 1976 Fender moved to putting their serial numbers on the headstock instead of the neck plate.
Fender Serial Numbers on Headstock beginning with 76 (1976-1977)
The 76 Prefix indicates that the guitar was made in 1976 or early 1977
Fender Serial Numbers on Headstock beginning with S (1977-1981)
The first number after the S prefix indicates the last digit of the year the guitar was made
S 7xxxxx (1977)
S 8xxxxx (1978)
S 9xxxxx (1979 but it also overlaps into 1980 and 1981)