Korean models with an all-black headstock logo will always have a thin laminated body. They are the lowest quality of all the MIK models. The black logo models were built between 1992 and 1995 with serial numbers starting with CN2, VN4, CN3, etc. Silver Headstock Logo. Serial numbers are also helpful in. Korean-made Fender. I just bought a Spector bass on eBay and the serial number is 8503. Does anyone know what the sequence of numbers for a Spector bass signifies? The result was the NS bass guitar with an elegant ergonomically curved design and the neck thru body construction that Spector was already utilizing.
Click the link below to go to the guitar of interest. Other manufactures will be added.
Fender USA
Fender USA 1950 - 1964
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION DATES |
|---|---|
| Up to 6000 | 1950 to 1954 |
| Up to 10,000 | 1954 to 1956 |
| 10,000s | 1955 to 1956 |
| 10,000s to 20,000s | 1957 |
| 20,000s to 30,000s | 1958 |
| 30,000s to 40,000s | 1959 |
| 40,000s to 50,000s | 1960 |
| 50,000s to 70,000s | 1961 |
| 60,000s to 90,000s | 1962 |
| 80,000s to 90,000s | 1963 |
| 90,000s up to L10,000s | 1963 |
| L10,000s up to L20,000s | 1963 |
| L20,000s up to L50,000s | 1964 |
Fender USA 1965 - 1976
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION DATES |
|---|---|
| L50,000s up to L90,000s | 1965 |
| 100,000s | 1965 |
| 100,000s to 200,000s | 1966 to 1967 |
| 200,000s | 1968 |
| 200,000s to 300,000s | 1969 to 1970 |
| 300,000s | 1971 to 1972 |
| 300,000s to 500,000s | 1973 |
| 400,000s to 500,000s | 1974 to 1975 |
| 500,000s to 700,000s | 1976 |
Fender USA 1976 - Present
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION DATES |
|---|---|
| 76 + 5 DIGITS S6 + 5 DIGITS | 1976 |
| S7 + 5 DIGITS S8 + 5 DIGITS | 1977 |
| S7 + 5 DIGITS S8 + 5 DIGITS S9 + 5 DIGITS | 1978 |
| S9 + 5 DIGITS E0 + 5 DIGITS | 1979 |
| S9 + 5 DIGITS E0 + 5 DIGITS E1 + 5 DIGITS | 1980 |
| S9 + 5 DIGITS E0 + 5 DIGITS E1 + 5 DIGITS | 1981 |
Fender US Vintage Series 1982 - Present
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION DATES |
|---|---|
| EI + 5 DIGITS E2 + 5 DIGITS E3 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1982 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
| E2 + 5 DIGITS E3 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1983 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
| E3 + 5 DIGITS E4 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1984 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
Fender USA 1985 +
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION DATES |
|---|---|
| E3 + 5 DIGITS E4 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1985 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
| V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1986 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
| E4 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1987 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
| E4 + 5 DIGITS E8 + 5 DIGITS V + 4, 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1988 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
| E8 + 5 DIGITS E9 + 5 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1989 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
Fender USA 1990's
| SERIAL NUMBERS | PRODUCTION DATES |
|---|---|
| E9 + 5 DIGITS N9 + 5 DIGITS N0 + 5 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1990 (For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year) |
| N0 + 5 DIGITS N1 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1991 |
| N1 + 5 or 6 DIGITS N2 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1992 |
| N2 + 5 or 6 DIGITS N3 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1993 |
| N3 + 5 or 6 DIGITS N4 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1994 |
| N4 + 5 or 6 DIGITS N5 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1995 |
| N5 + 5 or 6 DIGITS N6 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1996 |
| N6 + 6 or 6 DIGITS N7 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1997 |
| N7 + 5 or 6 DIGITS N8 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1998 |
| N8 + 5 or 6 DIGITS N9 + 5 or 6 DIGITS V + 5 or 6 DIGITS (U.S. Vintage Series) | 1999 |
Fender USA Odd Serial Numbers
| NUMBER | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 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 (Made to StandardStrat specs, dating unclear) |
| I(XXXXXXX) | A limited number of these 'I' series guitars were madein '89 and '90. They were made for the export market and have Made in USAstamped on the heel of the neck. |
| LE(XXXXXX) | Blonde Jazzmasters and Jaguars with Gold hardware madein 1994. Sold as a promotional 3 piece set with a Blonde Deluxe ReverbAmp |
| CN(XXXXXX) VN(XXXXXX) | Korean made Fender/Squier guitars (dating unclear) |
| CA(XXXXX) | Gold Strat 1981, 82 and 83 |
| CB(XXXXX) | Precision Bass Special from 1981, CB(XXXXX) Gold Jazz Bassfrom 1982 |
| CC(XXXXX) | Walnut Strat 1981-82-83 |
| CE(XXXXX) | Precision Bass Special from 1981, Black and Gold Tele from1981-82 |
| CD(XXXXX) CO(XXXXX) | Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982 |
| GO(XXXXX) | Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982, Gold Strat 1982-83 |
| D(XXXXXX) | Jazz Bass from 1982 |
| SE(XXXXXX) SN(XXXXXX) | Signature Edition Strats SE8(XXXXX)-'88, SE9(XXXXX)-'89 SN0(XXXXX)-'90, SN1(XXXXX)-'90, SN2(XXXXX)-'92, SN3(XXXXX)-'93 |
| 3 DIGITS OF 500 | 35TH Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990 |
| G(XXXXXX) | 'STRAT' from about 1980, (Gold hardware, 2 position rotarytone switch) |
| 4 DIGITS STAMPED ON BRIDGE PLATE | U.S. '52 Vintage Telecaster 1982-1988 (Check neck datefor specific year) |
| 5 DIGITS STAMPED ON BRIDGE PLATE | U.S. '52 Vintage Telecaster 1988-present (Check neck datefor specific year) |
Fender Japan
| SERIAL NUMBERS | CIRCA |
|---|---|
| JV+ 5 DIGITS | 1982-1984 |
| SQ+ 5 DIGITS | 1983-1984 |
| E+ 6 DIGITS | 1984-1987 |
| A+ 6 DIGITS | 1985-1986 |
| B+ 6 DIGITS | 1985-1986 |
| C+ 6 DIGITS | 1985-1986 |
| F+ 6 DIGITS | 1986-1987 |
| G+ 6 DIGITS | 1987-1988 |
| H+ 6 DIGITS | 1988-1989 |
| I+ 6 DIGITS | 1989-1990 |
| J+ 6 DIGITS | 1989-1990 |
| K+ 6 DIGITS | 1990-1991 |
| L+ 6 DIGITS | 1991-1992 |
| M+ 6 DIGITS | 1992-1993 |
| N+ 6 DIGITS | 1993-1994 |
| O+ 6 DIGITS | 1993-1994 |
| P+ 6 DIGITS | 1993-1994 |
| Q+ 6 DIGITS | 1993-1994 |
| S+ 6 DIGITS | 1994-1995 |
| T+ 6 DIGITS | 1994-1995 |
| U+ 6 DIGITS | 1995-1996 |
| V+ 6 DIGITS | 1996-1997 |
| Crafted in Japan A + 6 DIGITS | 1997-1998 |
| Crafted in Japan B+ 6 DIGITS | 1998-1999 |
Gibson
Gibson 1953 -1961
Serial number consists of 5 - 6 digits where the 1st digit is the year for the years.Gibson 1961-1969
| Year(s) | Approximate Series Manufacture |
|---|---|
| 1970, 1971, and 1972 | 100000s, 600000s, 700000s, 900000s |
| 1973 | 000001s, 100000s, 200000s, 800000s and a few 'A' + 6 digit numbers |
| 1974 and 1975 | 100000s, 200000s, 300000s, 400000s,500000s, 600000s,800000s and a fewA-B-C-D-E-F + 6 digit numbers |
During the period from 1975-1977 Gibson used a transfer that had eight digit numbers, the first two indicate the year, 99=1975, 00=1976 and 06=1977, the following six digits are in the 100000 to 200000. MADE IN USA were also included on the transfer and some models had LIMITED EDITION also applied. A few bolt on neck instruments had a date ink stamped onthe heel area.
In 1977, Gibson first introduced the serialization methodthat is in practice today. This updated system utilizes an impressed eightdigit numbering scheme that covers both serializing and dating functions. The pattern is as follows: YDDDYPPP
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank.
The numbers 001-499 show Kalamazoo production, 500-999show Nashville production. The Kalamazoo numbers were discontinued in 1984.
Epiphones
Kramer Guitars
If the serial number of your Kramer starts with the following serial numbers, it is NOT a USA Made or 'American' series Kramer:1) Two letters followed by a serial number (e.g. AA1234, AC1234, FA1234,FC1234,
SA1234)
2) One letter followed by five letters (e.g. b12345) The only exceptionto this would be some of the 'E' and 'F' series neckplates did have one letter followed by fiveletters (e.g. e12345).
3) Five numbers, no letters (e.g. 12345)
4) Model numbers preceding serial number (e.g. XL-1234)
5) A chrome or black neck plate with nothing on it but a Kramer headstockand a serial number stamped on them. These neck plates are smooth flat neck plateswith no 'Neptune, N.J.' stamped on them.
Keep in mind that just because the neckplate is imprinted with 'Kramer,Neptune, NJ' does NOT mean that the guitar was Made in the USA or an 'American' series. Kramer was very careful to not stamp 'Made In USA' anywhere on its neckplates starting in about 1985/1986.
Starting in late 1985, virtually all Kramer guitars were being made by ESP Guitars in Japan. Although the 'American' Series guitars were made by ESPin Japan, they were assembled in the US. In general, the following is a goodway to determine if your Kramer is USA made or an 'American' series:
- If your Kramer has a Strat or Classic headstockand has a Kramer logo with a capital 'K' followed by a lower caser 'ramer', the guitar is an early 1981-1984 USA made Kramer guitar.
- If your guitar has a banana headstock and ablock style Kramer logo in all caps 'KRAMER', it is a 1984-1986 USA Made/AmericanSeries Kramer Guitar.
- If your guitar has a pointy headstock anda block style Kramer logo in the same sized lettering in all caps, it is a 1986/1987 AmericanSeries Kramer Guitar.
- If your guitar has a pointy headstock and adiminishing sized Kramer logo with the letters diminishing in size from the K to the R and,there is a script 'American' decal after the 'KRAMER' logo, it is a 1987-1994 American Series Kramer Guitar.
- If your guitar has a pointy headstock and adiminishing sized Kramer logo but does not have 'American' in script after the logo, it is NOT an American series guitar.
The following wood neck guitar models were the ONLY Made in USA or 'American' Series guitars:
- Baretta Series
- Pacer Series
- Stagemaster Series
- Vanguard Series
- Voyager Series
- Classic Series
- ProAx Series
- NightSwan Series
- Ripley Series
- Spector Series
- Paul Dean Series
- Richie Sambora Series
- TriAx
- Enterprize
- Elliot Easton Series
- Sustainer Series
- Liberty Series
- Condor Series
The following wood neck guitar models were NOT Made in USA or 'American' Series guitars. These guitars were made either in Korea, Indonesia,or Japan.
Striker Series, Focus Series, Hundred Series(e.g. 410, 610), Thousand Series, XL Series, ZX Series, Aerostar Series, ShowsterSeries, and Ferrington Series. Furthermore, the Gorky Park special editionmodel is also an overseas made guitar.
Another good way to tell if your Kramer is an overseas made model isif it is made out of plywood or composite wood. Also, if your Kramer has 'non-name'pickups or 'Designed by Seymour Duncan' pickups, it is an overseas model. Finally, ifyour Kramer came with a Floyd Rose II, Floyd Rose with no fine tuners, or a Floyd Rose unit that does not require the ball ends of the strings to be cut off, it is an overseas model.
Ibanez Guitars
Pre 1987 models Ibanez guitars serial number system is easy if the guitar was made before 1987 you can use the following:
The first letter is for the Month. A is January,B is Feb, C is March etc. The next two numbers are the Year 76 is1976, 78 would be 1978. The next 4 numbers are the productionnumber that month they only produced 9999 pcs each month. EXAMPLE C760276 this is March 1976 the 276pc made that month
Latest Korean Serial Drama
Post 1987 models the letter is now the Factory designation. The first Numberis the year the next 5 numbers are the production number of the piece forthe year. EXAMPLE F700001 - This guitar was made in 1987 and is the first one made that year.
Hamer Guitars
Hamer uses 2 serial numbering systems.
Hamer Numbering System # 1
1976 to 1981#0001 to #0680 - A Total of 680 guitars all Custom Shop guitars or custom made for someone special etc etc.
All of these instruments have a stamped into the wood 4 digit serial number
Hamer Numbering System # 2
1977 to Present DayThis system would have at least a 5 digit number with a space between the first and second digit example 2 2047 This would be a 1982 guitar the 2,047th guitar ever built not including the 680 custom guitars that used the original serial number system.
At best, our import instrument serial numbers indicate year of production. They will not determine the exact month & day.
Additionally the serial number process has changed over the decades at our factories & is not straight forward. Also there are exceptions to any rule such as serial number dating.
Our Czech serial number info is as follows :
1993 thru 2000: serial numbers do not indicate year of production. Use our Czech Archived Import Model Sheet on our site & use the bass specs to determine the years of production.
Note: some early SSD Czech models may not have a serial number.
2001 is when our Czech model serial numbers started to indicate the year of production. On the back of the headstock you will find “NB” with digits following.
2001 – 2010
If there are four digits after the NB, you would add (1) to the first digit to determine the year.
Examples:
NB 0212 = 2001
NB 2517 = 2003
NB 9914 = 2010
2011-2012
Starting in 2011 there will be five digits after the NB and the rule is to add (1) to the second digit from the left.
Examples:
NB 10219 = 2011
NB 11543 = 2012
Spector Bass Price
However this system does not apply to more “modern” NB serial numbers….they appear to be as follows:
NB 12xxx = 2013 thru 2014.
NB 13xxx = 2015 thru 2016.
NB 14xxx = 2017.
NB 15xxx = started late 2018.