MiM Fender serial number question
SotR
sent me the serial #. I looked it up and found something that confuses
me. Here is the text:
*****With the year 2000 came the introduction of the "Z" prefix serial
numbers on US made instruments, which stood for the 0 of the new
millennium. A Z0 prefix dates to 2000, a Z1 prefix dates to 2001
etcetera. The American Deluxe Series instruments use the same dating
convention but with the addition of a "D" in front of the "Z", i.e.
DZ1, DZ2 etcetera. Once again, and as always, there is typically some
overlap and carryover of number prefixes from year to year.****
My confusion is that this info was included in the section about
Mexican Fenders which of course are MZ. Do the US made models lack the
"M"? or what is the story?
SotR
Here is the webpage with the full info
rct
> If all is good I am going to pick up a 2000 MiM Strat today. The guy
> sent me the serial #. I looked it up and found something that confuses
> me. Here is the text:
>
> *****With the year 2000 came the introduction of the "Z" prefix serial
> numbers on US made instruments, which stood for the 0 of the new
> millennium. A Z0 prefix dates to 2000, a Z1 prefix dates to 2001
> etcetera. The American Deluxe Series instruments use the same dating
> convention but with the addition of a "D" in front of the "Z", i.e.
> DZ1, DZ2 etcetera. Once again, and as always, there is typically some
> overlap and carryover of number prefixes from year to year.****
>
> My confusion is that this info was included in the section about
> Mexican Fenders which of course are MZ. Do the US made models lack the
> "M"? or what is the story?
M is for Mexico, so no, US Fedners don't have an M. At least mine
don't. But I do have a California tele, it is AMX97, so there you
go. They were made here AND there.
rct
Squier
in only a very few cases were there serials that had MIM and MIA
designation such as the "California" series Strats and teles (from the mid 90's)
which
were made both in Mexico and the US (parts from Mex and assembled
in US). So you'll have both letter prefixes (AMXN) before the number.
But this is a rarity.
Any other 'standard' MIM guitars simply have MN or MZ prefixes.
Here's the rundown:
Dating Mexican Made Fender Guitars
MN0+ 6 DIGITS = 1990-1991
MN1+ 6 DIGITS = 1991-1992
MN2+ 6 DIGITS = 1992-1993
MN3+ 6 DIGITS = 1993-1994
MN4+ 6 DIGITS = 1994-1995
MN5+ 6 DIGITS = 1995-1996
MN6+ 6 DIGITS = 1996-1997
MN7+ 6 DIGITS = 1997-1998
MN8+ 6 DIGITS = 1998-1999
MN9+ 6 DIGITS = 1999-2000
MZ0+ 6 DIGITS = 2000-2001
MZ1+ 6 DIGITS = 2001-2002
MZ2+ 6 DIGITS = 2002-2003
MZ3+ 6 DIGITS = 2003-2004
MZ4+ 6 DIGITS = 2004-2005
MZ5+ 6 DIGITS = 2005-2006
etc....
some other oddities:
AMXN + 6 DIGITS = California Series electric guitars and basses, '97 and '98
DN + 6 DIGITS = American Deluxe series instruments, '98 and '99
NC(XXXXXX) = Squier Strat Bullets (dating unclear)
FN(XXXXXX) = US made guitars and basses destined for the export market.
Some may have stayed in the U.S or found their way back
(dating unclear)
I(XXXXXXX) = Limited number of these "I" series guitars were made in '89/'90.
They were made for the export market and have Made in USA
stamped on neck heel.
SotR
Ok
Thanks for the info. I thought I might be getting something extra
special. Gonna check it out at 5PM today. He wants $300, I told him I
only had $230. He said $250 and it's a deal. Turns out he doesn't even
play. It was given to him in trade for some bills his old room mate
owed but couldn't pay. He say's it's in perfect shape but if he is not
a player all he will know is how it looks. Will have to check it over
good.
SotR
Sheldon
"SotR" <suitebarber...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:f7273ca4-6707-4ae4...@r24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
SotR
Check the neck, frets and overall finish. Early MIM guitars aren't made as
well as the newer ones. I have an older one and that needed a lot of filing
on the fret ends, and a newer one that is perfect -- much better fit and
finish.