How Old is My Japanese Fender Guitar?
Contents
In the late 1970s many American products were being sent overseas to be manufactured. Guitars were no different. Fender decided to start building guitars in Japan in March 1982 after CBS, then owner of Fender guitars, worked out a deal with Yamaha Music and Kanda Shokai. Originally, the Japanese Fenders were only offered to the European market but later became available in the US. Fender used Fuji Gen Gakki or the Fuji String Instrument Production Corporation exclusively to build all of their Japanese guitars until 1997. These Fenders are commonly referred to as Made in Japan Fenders or MIJ because of the made in Japan stamp on the neck heel. Fender switched to using Crafted in Japan or CIJ decals in 1997 and returned to the original Made in Japan decals in 2007.
Are you confused yet? Well, I have divided these serial numbers into three main categories and wrote a little history about each one. Take a look at the tables to see how old your Japanese Fender is. Good luck!
- Japanese Vintage and Japanese Reissue Models
- Made in Japan Decals
- Crafted in Japan Decals
1982 – 1984 Japanese Vintage and Squier Fender Serial Numbers
The Japanese Fender serial numbers from 1982 — 1984 have a few oddities. The first Japanese models were Fender Reissues or Vintage guitars. Fender wanted to differentiate the American made Reissue and Vintage guitars from the Japanese ones, so Fender substituted a “JV” serial number, Japanese Vintage, for the “V” serial number on the American guitars. The JV serial numbers started with JV followed by five digits. These numbers were stamped or engraved in the neck plate of Stats and basses and the bridge of Teles. The JV models also had the Made in Japan decal on either the headstock or the neck heel.
The double-letter serial number was also used on the Squier “SQ” numbers. The Squier models came from a different division of Fender than the Stats and Teles, so the Squiers did not have the Fender logo on the headstock. Fender only made the JV and SQ guitars for two years, so of course they decided to change the numbering system on us again. 🙂 In 1984, Fender went back to a single letter followed by six digits.
| Numbers | Years |
|---|---|
| JV + 5 Digits | 1982 – 1984 |
| SQ + 5 Digits | 1983 – 1984 |
1984 – Present Japanese Fender serial Numbers with “Made in Japan” Decal
In 1984, Fender stopped producing the Japanese Vintage guitars and decided to change the entire serial number system to something closer to what they used on their American guitars. They use a single letter followed by either five or six digits. All of these guitars have a Made in Japan decal on either the heel or headstock. Fender consistently made these serial numbers until 1997 when they switched from Made in Japan decals to Crafted in Japan decals.
The Crafted in Japan Fenders were made until 2007 when Fender decided to change its mind again and go back to the “Made in Japan” decal. This wasn’t fully adopted on all models the first year, so MIJ and CIJ decals show up on both 2007 and 2008 guitars.
| Numbers | Years |
|---|---|
| A + 6 Digits | 1985 – 1986 |
| B + 6 Digits | 1985 – 1986 |
| C + 6 Digits | 1985 – 1986 |
| E + 6 Digits | 1984 – 1987 |
| 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 + 5 Digits | 1995 – 1996 |
| N + 6 Digits | 1993 – 1994 |
| O + 6 Digits | 1994 – 1995 |
| P + 6 Digits | 1995 – 1996 |
| Q + 6 Digits | 1993 – 1994 |
| S + 6 Digits | 1994 – 1995 |
| T + 6 Digits | 1994 – 1995 |
| T + 6 Digits Made in Japan | 2007 – 2010 |
| U + 6 Digits | 1995 – 1996 |
| U + 6 Digits Made in Japan | 2010 – 2011 |
| V + 6 Digits | 1996 – 1997 |
1997 – Present Japanese Fender Serial Numbers with “Crafted in Japan” Decal
So what about serial numbers after 1997? Well, Fender stopped using Fuji Gen Gakki to build their guitars. They switched to Tokai and Dyna to build their Japanese guitars after 1997. These guitars are often called Crafted in Japan or CIJ guitars because of the stamp on the neck heel. These Japanese Fender guitars made after 1997 used a single letter followed by five or six digits. Pretty simple, right? Well, there’s a catch as with all Fender serial numbers. Fender ran out of numbers! So what did they do? They just started reusing the same numbers. Well, they may not have actually run out of numbers, but they did reuse numbers for a few years. You can see that in the “A” and “S” serial numbers.
So if you have a Japanese Fender with a serial number starting with either an “A” or “S”, you have to look at the decal on the heel or headstock. Made in Japan decals were made before 1997 and Crafted in Japan decals were after. You can see both serial numbers on my tables. I know it is pretty convoluted, but that’s how they did it.
| Numbers | Years |
|---|---|
| A + 6 Digits Crafted in Japan | 1997 – 1998 |
| O + 5 Digits Crafted in Japan | 1997 – 2000 |
| P + 5 Digits Crafted in Japan | 1999 – 2002 |
| Q + 5 Digits Crafted in Japan | 2002 – 2004 |
| R + 5 Digits Crafted in Japan | 2004 – 2005 |
| S + 6 Digits Crafted in Japan | 2005 – 2006 |
| T + 6 Digits Crafted in Japan | 2007 – 2008 |
I hope this helps you figure out how old you guitar is and that deciphering the Japanese Fender serial number code wasn’t too difficult. Fender definitely didn’t make it easy for us. 🙂
You can also find more information on the Fender site.
What year would a japanese fender stratocaster decal be e940506
I have a Japanese Squire Strat from this era with the same serial number format. The E in the serial number stands for “Eighty” and the first number is the year within that decade. So in your case E9 would be 89 and therefore 1989. It’s weird that it doesn’t follow the Japan serial numbering system but does match the US serial numbering system from that time.
Hi !
I have a F serial number Fender start MIJ. The serial number is F-024182. Tried looking it up online but I just can’t seem understand how to date it, the only thing I could find was that the F series was build between 1983-86, according to the articles I’ve read and images I’ve seen im guessing it’s an ST57 ( NOT SURE ).
So please do let me know if you can help me out. Just want to know when it was built and its model.
Thanks !!
That can’t be right since the E series was 84-87 per Fender. It couldn’t be 89. I’m pretty sure it’s the second number and his would have been an 84.
my tele serial number on the base of the neck is ..JD16011847.can you tell me what year it was made?
1984 – 1987; a particularly Sweet spot
I have a Crafted in Japan Q 030448 so what year was this bass built? Thanks
I hAve a stratocaster japan with serial number E627631. When did it make?
Hallo, please your andswer, write mi serie type and years made-in my Jazz Bass.
JB is Crafted in Japan seriál nombers O 066089.
I dont know – JB 62 from 1997-2000 ?
The E in the serial number stands for “Eighty” and the first number is the year within that decade. So in your case E6 would be 86 and therefore 1986.
Have a Japanese Stratocaster. S/N B002523, has crafted in Japan on neck heel…Had another one (long gone now) bought in 86 which had crafted in Japan as well…..confused as to when S/N B002523 was made..can you help please.
I have a Crafted in Japan
Q070052. which year was this built?
Thanks
I have a Crafted in Japan Stratocaster
I don’t see the letter and numbers on any of the time lines!
Serial N089204- Gold letters and #’s
Number
Crafted in Japan- Black letters
It’s on the heal of the neck above body.
Is this a legit guitar?
Hello) what do you think about my number JD12024011&?
Thanks)
Fender stratocaster japan serie M015826. Cuando se hizo, y cuál es su color original?
So, if you have a Made In Japan sticker guitar with a U prefix, it could be either a 1995-96 or a 2010-11. What a great system.
Even Fender say it “reverted” to the Made In Japan after being Crafted In Japan, despite never mentioning Made In Japan as an identifier previously, just the serial number sequence.
I have a Fender Jaguar bass Made in Japan T six digit serial number are they any manufacturer changes such as bridges or tuners or other parts that have changed through the years to help figure out what year it is. Thanks for your help.
I have a CIJ STRAT SN A007910 I was told it was a 62’ reissue but the headstock appears to be a late 60’s into the 70’s and it also has a maple fretboard. Most if not all of the 62’s were rosewood. Any ideas?
telecaster squier JV 51568 what year? is it an early one?
What about fender jazz bass without MID nor CIJ on the neck? There is just “serial number” and “Q0…..”
thanks
Hi I have a tele with “Made in Japan” on the back of the neck, no serial number anywhere, and “KTLC-62B” (with the K much larger in red) inside the neck heel. Does that mean this is a 1990-1991 MIJ? I was told it was mid-80s when I bought it. Thanks.
Josh I have a made in Japan…the serial number on mine is on the bridge Axxxxxx so I have it pegged as being either 1985 or 1986.I’m curious as to its value..I paid around $600 buck Cdn in the mid 80’s.
Hi.
I wonder if you could help.
I’m interested in a Fender Stratocaster 62 RI MIJ Serial number S022766 but can’t verify it. Is it genuine and if so how old?
Thanks. John.
I have Strat with strip JD18003526. Can you tell me when it was made and an estimated value, please.
Also have mij stratocaster serial # E769488 would like year made,whats it worth,and model. Thank you.
have mij stratocaster serial # E769488 would like year made,whats it worth,and model. Thank you.
have mij stratocaster serial # E769488 would like year made,whats it worth,and model. Thank you.
have mij stratocaster serial # E769488 would like year made,whats it worth,and model. Thank you will you let me know
Date and model and price rage for mij strat serial number E769488.
I have a Fender Strat w/ serial number Q065595 w Crafted in Japan below the serial number located at the Heel of the neck. It does not show up on the Fender registry. Guitar feels and plays great however I am concerned it may not be a real CIJ. Any thoughts?
Hola,tengo una acustica F65, quiero saber el año de fabricacion el numero de serie es F7812498
Hi I have Japaneese fender stratocaster s/n E669011 which was produced between 1984-1987 it is supposed to be a reissue i think maybe a 57,58,or 59 how can i tell which?
Thanks Jim
I have CIJ p bass 51 reissue, it has a Q+6 digits…can you help?
my tele serial number on the base of the neck is ..JD16011847.can you tell me what year it was made?
I have a Fender Squier Strat S/N CY140709371 I cannot find anything on it
I have a “Crafted in Japan” Jazzmaster with the serial number B001583 on the back of the neck near the neck plate. I bought it in the late 90s to 2000 and if I recall correctly, it was used (like new) condition. Any idea when it may have been manufactured?
I have Fender Stratocaster E512816 can you please tell what year please?
I have Fender Stratocaster E512816 can you please tell what year please? It is made in Japan
Hi, I can see serial number T010028 on Aerodyne Bass, but Fender web site shows electric guitar Pawn Shop Fender® ‘51 (2011-2012). Is the bass guitar fake?
Some guy: posts some serial number info on his blog
42,834,732 lazy guys who didn’t understand or didn’t bother to read the article: “When was my guitar made? Is it genuine? When was Japan made and was it made in Korea? How long is a string and what will the weather be like on Thursday in 3 years?
I was just thinking exactly this.
I have T098837 MIJ
Is it 1994-1995 or 2007-2010?
take the neck off and check what year shows underneath the neck joint. I did it to mine to be sure it was 94-95, and the date in the neck joint was 93, so it’s a perfect match.
btw, mine is a ST with s/n T060154.
Cheers
M.
I’ve got a Japanese ST-57 strat and it says L20613 but everywhere I’ve looked says it’s an American strat made in the Fullerton factory but the shop are certain it’s japanese also the number is only on the back plate and not on the neck and nowhere says made in japan
Hi I have a black Fender Aerodynepick up SSH, serial number on the back bottom of neck said made in Japan
T008914
Can you tell me which year it was made?
Hi
I have a Fender Statocaster made in Japan. I got it from a friend that owed me some money back in the eighties. Around 300$ I think it was. Can you tell me how old it is and if my money is covered for? The serial number is E 973262.
Thank you fore your effort.
Hello, to confuse things a bit I have a Japanese thinline Telecaster s/n B002940 BUT with “Crafted in Japan” on the neck heel…
Regards, Arnold de Bruin
Have a fender squire with Made in Japan and serial number printed on front of head stock with serial no
O 031869. Trying to track year or manufacture. Any help appreciated
Mick
Hi,
How about :
Fender Japan Exclusive Classic 60s Sunburst?
Cheers!
Hi,
I have been left a Fender Japan Jerry Donahue Stratocaster.
The serial on the back of the headstock
Is 04 and was told that it belonged to Jerry himself. It was bought in Wunjo guitars in the uk. When Fender Japan endorses it’s artists how many guitars does it give to the players it endorses ?
Thanks