Pre-1976 Model? Check the Heel Tooīefore 1976, frustratingly they often randomly assigned serial numbers. Note that made in Mexico Fender guitars (MIM) and made in Japan guitars (MIJ) have their own unique serial number system. The prefix ‘Z’ stands for guitars made in the noughties (2000 – 2010).The prefix ‘N’ at the beginning of a serial number stands for the nineties.Vintage Series (launched in 1982) uses ‘V’ as a prefix for the serial number The prefix ‘E’ stands for the decade of the eighties.The prefix ‘S’ at the beginning of a serial number stands for the decade of the seventies.The prefix ‘L’ at the beginning of a serial number indicates a guitar from the early ’60s.The naming convention is a bit haphazard (it’s no different with Gibson serial numbers), but here are some general rules that should ring true 99% of the time – but beware, there are plenty of exceptions: Between the pick-up and the saddles (some Telecasters).On the back of the vibrato cover plate (on early ’50s Stratocasters).On the cover plate of the vibrato (on Stratocasters).On the front or at the back of the headstock.The location of the serial number has annoyingly changed from model to model over the years. Where to Find the Serial Number on Your Fender Guitar?

Instruments beginning with u