How Old is My Korean Fender Guitar?
Contents
Just like many other companies in the late 1980s, Fender decided to start manufacturing products in Korea. As with any new product line, Fender came up with a new numbering system for these guitars. You would think after nearly 40 years of producing guitars, Fender would have a standardized serial number system down by now, right? Well, they didn’t.
The Korean Fender serial numbers are just as scattered and confusing as all the rest of their guitars. Let’s take a look at the different serial numbers and see what they mean.
1988 – 1993 Korean Squier Fender Serial Numbers
Fender began producing Korean guitars in 1988, but they didn’t keep digital records of any guitar serial numbers before mid-1993. Fender admits that there is little to no information about the serial numbers from 1988-1993. Some of the serial numbers have lettered prefixes and some don’t.
What we do know about the early Korean days was that there were three different plants: the Samick pant, the Young Chang plant, and the Sung-Eum plant. Guitars produced by Samick used a serial number starting with an “S” followed by six digits. Usually the first digit represented the year of production. The Young Chang and Sung-Eum guitars used a serial number starting with an “E” followed by six digits. The first number on the “E” serial numbers is a little confusing. It does stand for the year of production in a way. The first year Young Chang produced guitars with in 1987-1988, but they didn’t use a “7” or an “8” as the first number. They used a “1” because it was the first year of production. An “E2” serial number was then used for 1989 since it was the second year of production. At this point, they decided to start corresponding the serial number with the actual year, so in 1990 they used an “E0” serial number. In 1991, they reused an “E1” serial number. It doesn’t get more confusing than that, right? Here’s how to tell the duplicate serial numbers apart. The 1980s guitars’ serial numbers were written in silver ink. The 1990s numbers were written in black.
Some early Korean serial numbers didn’t have a lettered serial number at all. They just had six, seven, or eight digits with the first number representing the year. Some of these no prefix serial numbers have been found on guitars produced all the way through 1996. Fender did some crazy stuff back then. Korean serial numbers starting with “M” are said to actually be made out of plywood. Watch out for these! Here’s a reference for the first few years.
| Numbers | Years |
|---|---|
| 6 Digits | 1988 – 1996 |
| 7 Digits | 1988 – 1996 |
| 8 Digits | 1988 – 1996 |
| E1 + 6 Digits in Silver | 1987 – 1988 |
| E2 + 6 Digits in Silver | 1988 – 1989 |
| E0 + 6 Digits in Black | 1989 – 1990 |
| E1 + 6 Digits in Black | 1991 – 1992 |
| E2 + 6 Digits in Black | 1992 – 1993 |
| E3 + 6 Digits in Black | 1993 – 1994 |
| S9 + 6 Digits | 1989 – 1990 |
| S0 + 6 Digits | 1990 – 1991 |
| S1 + 6 Digits | 1991 – 1992 |
| S2 + 6 Digits | 1992 – 1993 |
| S3 + 6 Digits | 1993 – 1994 |
1993 – 1997 Korean Squier Fender Serial Numbers
After 1993, Fender really cleaned up their serial number process. They switched to two different plants: the Cor-Tek or Cort plant and the Saehan or Sunghan plant. Since Fender was using new plants to build their guitars, they decided the change the numbering system again, but this time they changed it to something more like the American guitars. Both the Cort and Sungham plants used unique numbers. All Cort serial numbers started with the letter “C”. You would assume Sungham would use the letter “S”, but that was already taken by the Samick plant a few years earlier. Sungham ended up using the letter “V”. Both of these serial numbers used an “N” to represent the 1990s followed by a number that stood for the exact year. This is similar to the American Fender serial numbers. So a guitar produced by Cort in 1992 would have a serial number of CN2 followed by five digits. Sungham guitars would be the same only starting with a “V”. These serial numbers were used until 1997 when Fender stopped producing guitars at the Sungham factory.
| Numbers | Years |
|---|---|
| CN0 + 5 Digits | 1990 – 1991 |
| CN1 + 5 Digits | 1991 – 1992 |
| CN2 + 5 Digits | 1992 – 1993 |
| CN3 + 5 Digits | 1993 – 1994 |
| CN4 + 5 Digits | 1994 – 1995 |
| CN5 + 5 Digits | 1995 – 1996 |
| CN6 + 5 Digits | 1996 – 1997 |
| VN0 + 5 Digits | 1990 – 1991 |
| VN1 + 5 Digits | 1991 – 1992 |
| VN2 + 5 Digits | 1992 – 1993 |
| VN3 + 5 Digits | 1993 – 1994 |
| VN4 + 5 Digits | 1994 – 1995 |
| VN5 + 5 Digits | 1995 – 1996 |
| VN6 + 5 Digits | 1996 – 1997 |
1997 – present Korean Squier Fender Serial Numbers
Since all guitar production was moved to the Cort factory, Fender decided to change its numbering system again. Starting in 1997, the Korean Fender Squiers used a “KC” prefix that stood for Korean made in the Cort factory. The 1997-1998 serial numbers were a little messed up. Fender used “KC97” to represent 1997 and followed this prefix with six, seven, and eight digits. From 1998 on, Fender used the “KC” prefix followed by a two-digit year identifier and six digits.
| Numbers | Years |
|---|---|
| KC97 + 6 Digits | 1997 – 1998 |
| KC97 + 7 Digits | 1997 – 1998 |
| KC97 + 8 Digits | 1997 – 1998 |
| KC98 + 6 Digits | 1998 – 1999 |
| KC99 + 6 Digits | 1999 – 2000 |
| KC00 + 6 Digits | 2000 – 2001 |
| KC01 + 6 Digits | 2001 – 2002 |
| KC02 + 6 Digits | 2002 – 2003 |
| KC03 + 6 Digits | 2003 – 2004 |
| KC04 + 6 Digits | 2004 – 2005 |
| KC05 + 6 Digits | 2005 – 2006 |
| KC06 + 6 Digits | 2006 – 2007 |
| KC07 + 6 Digits | 2007 – 2008 |
| KC08 + 6 Digits | 2008 – 2009 |
| KC09 + 6 Digits | 2009 – 2010 |
| KC10 + 6 Digits | 2010 – 2011 |
| KC11 + 6 Digits | 2011 – 2012 |
| KC12 + 6 Digits | 2012 – 2013 |
| KC13 + 6 Digits | 2013 – 2014 |
As you can see, the Korean made Fender Squier serial numbers are no less confusing than any of the other guitars. In some ways, it helps to know the story behind the numbers to understand their meaning. I hope this article helped you figure out how old your Korean Fender guitar is. That’s enough looking at numbers. It’s time to get back to playing!
You can also find more information on the Fender site.
Hi, nice write up, but I own a Sungham made Squire Precision bass and its
serial number starts with VN7 with 5 digits while your chart only goes up VN6.
I’d be happy to send you a pic of it if you like!
Hi there. Any way to know which year approximately was my fender made? I have an 8 digit serialnumber starting with 0011 but i cant see any other marks on the guitar itself. Not on the neck or back, anywhere. This serial number is printed on a label inside the body saying “Made in accordance to specifications of the Fender Musical Instrument Corp. USA manufactured in Korea”. Then bellow says the serial number as it follows:
S/N KA: 00119224
Above all this there is the Fender logo and this:
DGJOCE NS
The instrument itself is an electro-acoustic guitar. Please if you have any info, help me out. Thank you. Have a wonderful day 🙂
Erica…I’m researching my ‘vintage’ Fender made in Korea I got for $100 on ebay as I just took a chance on it and it’s not too bad…electric-acoustic. Did anyone get back to you as to the “KA”…I have the same thing.
KA; 01017904 above it is JG26SCR NS
Do you have any clue as to it’s date and value?
Hi! I found a korean squier with e1 and 5 more digits. What can you tell about it. I want to buy it because the price is nice, but I’m afraid its not original
John Tara,
I’m going to guess that this article is incomplete, as the early series (before the Cor-Tek exclusive contract) MIK Fender’s were made all the way until the end of 1998. So yes you do have a correctly marked VN7 (made in 1997). I’ve had several VN7’s, mostly the wonderful Pro Tone models that Saehan (aka Sungham) made including a fantastic translucent cream Squire Stratocaster “Pro Tone” I own myself, and it’s a VN7 xxxxxx. I’d put that 97 Pro Tone up against any late 60’s and 70’s home grown Fender Strat any day and it would sound better.
I am a Guitar and Mandolin Luthier in So Cal and worked for Fender in Fullerton and Corona factories from 1970 – 2000. I specialize in restorations / repairs of Vintage instruments and customs.
I have a Fenix Stratocaster in metal blue with a Fenderlike headstock. There is a number E738808 (and C.Y) on the neckplate with the 4 srews. Please can you tell me when and where this guitar was build?
Your guitar was built in Korea by Young Chang and it is a 1989 model, This is the year Young Chang started making Fenix guitars
I have a Fender Newporter that has front side headstock markings that look korean. There is nothing on the back of the headstock and there are no country of origin markings either on the label or elsewhere (I’ve check the truss rod heel as well). Mine is 32221XX the leading one might be a 5 and I’ve Xd out the last two digits. There is a hand-written “VVW 88” on the label. I’m very sure it’s a korean Newporter. It is solid mahogany, not ply and very nicely book matched, even both sides. It plays very well, and I have to keep “rescuing” it from teachers at my guitar store.
I have a cream colored Squire strat with a maple neck Serial #VN203699 that sounds great. Literally have no idea when I bought it; I’m guessing late ’80’s – early ’90’s. Was just wondering what it might be worth these days.
I have a Ibanez number w543180 made at the world musical instrument fav in Incheon may 2004,what model would it be.it has Fender pegs but no name on anything else.
I have a Fender Lite Ash made in Korea. Birdseye maple neck and headstock. It has Seymore Duncan pickups. The serial number has no letters 041019XX. Any idea what year this is?
I have a Korean Bullet Series Strat with a NK4☆☆☆☆☆
serial number. It has an AMAZING one piece maple neck with “Made in Korea” and BULLET SERIES on the headstock! Who made it??
I have one as well “NK4xxxxx. mine is blonde with a white pick guard, all maple neck and fingerboard. I can’t find any info on this except on fender’s registration page. I acknowledges the number and model, but with no dating. It only listed this:
SQ STRAT BULLET SRS MP AWT
Model# 0330602580
Serial# NK4XXXXX
Hope this helps !
Hi did u find information about it??
I have a stratocaster korena like yours with 060208xx
What do you think?
Hey there. Ive got a question concerning my korean fender strat. Ive been searching for a long time to find a serial number that fits to mine. Other websites did show me that fender serial numbers look like for example E1 + 5 numbers and this website says that only squier guitars‘ serial numbers look like E1 + 6 numbers. So, what I don’t get is my guitar seems to be a fender but not a squier fender cause there is only „fender“ written on its head. But the serial number looks like E1 + 6 numbers.
Does anybody know what I am talking about and what year my baby is born? 🙈😄
Hola tengo una guitarra fender made in korea tiene 8 digitos y tiene un CE NO se como se llama y quiero saber ayuda
Mine is a beautiful maple neck and fretboard. Black excellent shape. Serial # E956727. What does that mean?
Haven’t found much on mine either. metallic white pearl w/maple neck #E986356
Yes I have the same guitar and its E915631
I have a Fender made in Korea, not a Squier fender.
Can’t find any information about it!
Seria number is 07055792
Can anyone help ? Thank you
Hi. Can you help locate the following serial #? E 976107
Can you locate the serial number 800254 Fender Montclair six string acoustic guitar
I have a Made in Korea Squier Jazz Bass serial # E914384. I know its a 1989 but in the listing of #’s there isnt anything for E9 with black numbers Can you authenticate this?
E9 serial number means built in Sung Eum factory in 1989. If it’s a Squire, it’s a laminated body with Rose tremolo and locknut, cast metal tuners, maple neck, rosewood fretboard. Most had inferior pickups and switches. (pups and pots). Although these were cheaply made, their scarcity has made them an up and coming popular addition to some collections.
I have a squire e748863 and on the neck joint it says M 357 it has a beautiful vintage style neck beautiful as all heaven never ever felt a better neck even the FEnder USA ones, I was told it’s a 1984-87 vintage reissue 57 maple neck they are built out of japans left over ones from the move.
I have a Fender Suier Stratocaster with serial number CN5116777
I cant locate this and the websites says CN5+5 digits for Korean made 1995
Is this a fake serial?
Excellent info on this page but here is a small detail not addressed:
The Sungham factory factory kept building VN models into 1997(VN7). In mid 1997 the VN factory changed over to building KV97 models. Which were the same as the VN7 models except that the logo on the headstock was changed and the serial number was moved from the headstock to back of neck near the neck plate. I personally have one of these KV97095207.
They later moved on to building KV98 models which were the last Korean Squiers built. I hear via the grapevine that the reason that these KV models were stopped is the fact that the build quality was too close to the MIJ Fender Strats. I can believe this if my KV Squire is anything to go by.
I see several questions regarding the “KA” at the beginning of the serial number. Looking for the year KA 05106155 Fender Acoustic Guitar was made??? Anyone out there have any idea?
Thanks,
Michael
I have a Fender Stratocaster SN CN210870. The headstock has the “Fender Stratocaster” decal in the usual place, with “Squire Series” in very tiny print on the headstock tip. Made In Korea is also in very tiny print under the Fender Stratocaster decal. I haven’t seen any information on this headstock decal layout? Was Fender trying to pass these off? Tx!
I also have a CN2XXXXX. The headstock decal matches your description and I’m also curious about the story behind it.
Hello I just purchased a squier 2
(s-9*****) black what year do you think? 1988-1990
My Squier 2″ fender Stratocaster
Serial# starts with an
(S) Then six Digit Numbers, hope this helps? Can’t wait to find. Out the year..thanks
Dont pay any attention to the “plywood” comment. I have an M serial number Korean Strat in black and it’s an awesome little guitar, does everything I want it to do and yes I own better strats including JV, Vintage modified etc and it’s still holds it’s own.
Hi – I have a “made in Korea” black aerodyne style Strat with serial number 03034323. Set neck with locking tuners & roller nut. Just 2 knobs, tone and volume with a 5 way switch and dual humbucking pickups. Never seen anything similar so would love to know more, especially the date.
is this a good serial # it says S/n CNS1922753 any input will be much appreciated.
Hi thanks for letting me join I have a Fiesta Red Squire Bullet Strat number
s/nICS14009418 had it for a while now but only starting to learn guitar due to very bad Arthritis looking forward to yourfree book on setting up
I have a Korean made Fender Squire Bullet, S/N E908399. Bought it a while back, but it had no tremelo bar. I tried a #10-32 screw in it, but it wouldn’t start. If it were an M6 X 1, I would think a #10-32 would try to start. So I’m thinking it has a #10-24 thread? I want to give this to my granddaughter, but would like it ti complete. Can anyone confirm the #10-24 thread before I get a new one?