Although a serial number is helpful for roughly determining the age of a guitar, this is often not the exact date. As a result of the overlap between years, Fender serial numbers are also not by definition chronological.
In the past (we are talking about before 1976) the serial numbers were often randomly assigned.
To approximate the correct year of construction before this period (1976) is to also check the dates of the neck and potmeters. Usually the production date is stamped or written is on the heel of the neck. To read this it is necessary to unscrew the neck from the body.
Most specifications for the Fender guitars are hardly changed. Although there have been periods in which major changes occurred as the acquisition of Fender by CBS, and the transition from CBS Fender to the current owner (Fender Musical Instruments Corporation), most models are in general not changed.
At the Stratocasters from the early fifties the serial numbers were stamped on the back vibrato cover. On some Telecasters at the bridge between the pickup and the saddles.
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- An Index to Serial Number Lists. The following is presented to assist in locating serial number lists and/or other information useful in dating Brass Instruments. Tell us, If you know of listings not presented here.
- Serial number W962827 is the 2827th guitar of September 2006, built by World Musical Instrument Co. 2000–2008 Letter + 8 digits or Letter + letter + 8 digits Example: A01042941 The letter(s) indicates in which factory the guitar was manufactured. A = Saein Musical Instrument Co.
- On most wind instruments, the serial number will be printed on the instrument near the mouthpiece. On string instruments, the serial number is typically printed on the inside of the main portion. String instrument serial numbers are typically visible through the left F-Hole if you are facing the front of the instrument. You may need a magnifying glass to see the serial number on some wind instruments.
- Fender Product Registration - Serial number lookup Since 1946, Fender's iconic Stratocasters, Telecasters and Precision & Jazz bass guitars have transformed nearly every music genre. Register Your Fender.
- After 1966, all instruments were manufactured in Eastlake and engraved with 'King Musical Instruments.' 1/01/2008 We have reevaluated the serial number list to reflect new information. The number of instruments produced in the early years 1893-1905, has been reduced.
| Patent numbers Between 1960 and 1977, there were added several patent numbers to the models. These became in the headstock under the Fender logo stamped. | Example: PAT, 2,573,254 2,968,204 3,143,028 2,976,755 DES 187304 2,573,254 for pickup and bridge combination. 2,968,204 for the single coil pickup patent awarded in 1961 under other for Jaguar, Stratocaster, Duosonic. 3,143,028 the patent granted in August 1964 for Fender's adjustable neck construction. 2,976,755 for the split coil pickup design. (Used since 1957 to the Precision Bass) The DES is the serial number. |
Ibanez history in shortKing Brass Instrument Serial Numbers
| In 1908 Matsujiro Hoshino started a bookstore that sold books and sheet music as well musical instruments. From 1921, instruments from Europe and the USA were also imported, including classical guitars from the Spanish luthier Salvador Ibanez. In 1929 he was succeeded by his son Yoshitaro Hoshino. More and more instruments were imported such as mandolins from Italy and drum kits from Ludwig from Germany. Because the request of guitars could no longer be met, Yoshitaro decided to build guitars themselve. Meanwhile, his four sons were also part of the venture and the company Hoshino Gakki was founded. A factory was built near their headquarters for production of their own guitar line that could accommodate around 30 employees. From now on the 'Salvador Ibanez' guitar was called 'Ibanez'. The company exported many guitars to other Asian countries and in 1937 it had an output of more than 1000 guitars a month. After the World War II, during which the factory was completely destroyed, the import of musical instruments was resumed slowly around 1950. Just in 1962 was Jumpei Hoshino decided to build his own guitars again. A new factory was built where now also amplifiers and electric guitars were made. The company was named 'Tama Seisakusho' as a tribute to the wife of Yoshitaro Hoshino. Jumpei Hoshino Ibanez was now the main brand of Hoshino, but they also produced guitars for other western companies. Drum kits were also made with the brand name 'Tama'. From 1966 however, it was decided no more build guitars for other companies. This was adopted by other manufacturers, as Fujigen Gakki or Teisco. In 1967 the first Ibanez guitars were imported by Elger Company, USA. These were guitars with many buttons and switches and had no logo. In the late 1960s, the guitars were provided with in 'spaghetti-style' metal logo on the head stock. | In 1970 they focus more on producing cheaper but comparable models of the great USA brands like Gibson, Fender and Rickenbacker. This was called the 'Pre-Lawsuit era'. Despite their cheaper production, the replicas of Ibanez have a high quality and are therefore a strong competitor for the USA brands. In the 1980s own designs were introduced such as the, Performer, Musician and Iceman Models. This period is also called 'Golden Years of Ibanez'. Many of the guitars from that period are popular objects for collectors. For over 50 years the guitar building company Fujigen has been a partner of Hoshino, they built the Ibanez electric guitars. Ibanez guitars have also been produced in South Korea since the early 1990s. The EX series produced there appeared in 1991. EX = 'Experimental'. Because the quality of the Korean guitars is just as good as the Japanese, they made since 1994 also other Ibanez models here. These days Ibanez guitars also made in China. Just like 100 years ago, Hoshino Gakki still has its headquarters in Nagoya. The research and development department is also located here. From the first successful copies of their own models from the 1970s and 1980s to today, Ibanez has been a solid and indispensable big name in the music industry. Headquarter Hoshino, Nagoya |