Fender Serial Guide

Complete Identification Reference

1. The Early Years (1950–1954)

Before 1954, serial numbers were not on the neck plate. They were stamped into the bridge plate (Telecasters) or the vibrato cover plate.

Year	Serial Range
1950–1952	up to 0999
1952–1953	0001 – 5300
1954	up to 6000

2. Pre-CBS "L" Series (1954–1965)

In 1954, Fender moved serial numbers to the 4-bolt neck plate. In 1963, the "L" prefix was introduced.

Year	Serial Range (Neck Plate)
1954	0001 – 8000
1956	9000 – 16000
1958	25000 – 30000
1960	40000 – 58000
1963	90000 – L20000
1965	L50000 – L90000

3. CBS "F" Plates (1965–1976)

Following the CBS takeover, Fender used neck plates stamped with a large stylized "F".

Year	Serial Range
1965	100000 – 110000
1967	180000 – 210000
1969	250000 – 280000
1971	300000 – 330000
1973	370000 – 520000
1975	580000 – 690000
1976	700000 – 760000

4. Modern American (1976–Present)

Fender moved serial numbers to the headstock. The prefix indicates the decade and year.

PREFIX + 1st Digit = YEAR

Prefix	Decade	Example
S + Digit	1970s	S8 = 1978
E + Digit	1980s	E4 = 1984
N + Digit	1990s	N9 = 1999
Z + Digit	2000s	Z3 = 2003
US + 2 Digits	2010-Present	US12 = 2012

Exception: After 2010, Fender switched to a "US" prefix followed by two digits for the year (e.g., US10, US11).

5. Made in Mexico (MIM)

Similar to the American system, but with an "M" prefix. Usually found on the back of the headstock.

MN + Digit: Mexico 1990s (e.g., MN5 = 1995)
MZ + Digit: Mexico 2000s (e.g., MZ2 = 2002)
MX + 2 Digits: Mexico 2010–Present (e.g., MX18 = 2018)

6. Made in Japan (MIJ / CIJ)

Look at the base of the neck. It will say either "Made in Japan" or "Crafted in Japan."

Letter Prefix	Year Range
JV + Digits	1982 – 1984
A, B, or C	1985 – 1986
G, H, or I	1987 – 1990
N, P, or Q	1993 – 1994
T, U, or V	1994 – 1997
JD + 2 Digits	2012 – Present