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Rick J · March 5th, 2008, 10:56 AM

Here a couple of things you can do to verify if its a USA 52RI. One is to check that the decal on the headstock is over the finish, not under it.

Second, take off the neck and look in the neck pocket. You may well find a black stamped number in it "18354". This is the Fender part number for a 52ri body. Also, have a look in the rout under the neck pickup, - there may be well be a sticker under it with a bar code and a number including the digit string 18354. If you have these features, its for real! (If there not there, it doesn't mean its not genuine, - I don't think every 52 has these stamps/stickers, might depend on year).

As previously stated, a 52ri does have its serial number on the bridge, and a blank neckplate. Also, I think the alignment of the saddles suggests the owner might have done the "bent screw" trick to improve intonation.

Good luck
Rick J

March 5th, 2008, 10:56 AM	#12 (permalink)
Rick J Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North London, UK Posts: 442	Here a couple of things you can do to verify if its a USA 52RI. One is to check that the decal on the headstock is over the finish, not under it. Second, take off the neck and look in the neck pocket. You may well find a black stamped number in it "18354". This is the Fender part number for a 52ri body. Also, have a look in the rout under the neck pickup, - there may be well be a sticker under it with a bar code and a number including the digit string 18354. If you have these features, its for real! (If there not there, it doesn't mean its not genuine, - I don't think every 52 has these stamps/stickers, might depend on year). As previously stated, a 52ri does have its serial number on the bridge, and a blank neckplate. Also, I think the alignment of the saddles suggests the owner might have done the "bent screw" trick to improve intonation. Good luck Rick J __________________ "If you want to know what an electric guitar is supposed to sound like, just listen to this." - British DJ John Peel introducing a Roy Buchanan track on BBC radio in the late 60's.