Guitar Dating Opinions...JD Telecaster MIJ

cantolina · May 18th, 2008, 07:28 PM

Been doin a little research since I bought my JD...

This guitar was sold to me as a '92, but from what I can tell, it was actually made between 1985 and 1986...

Anyone have any experience they can add?

Serial # A068284- Stamped on the bridge plate...

Made in Japan on a decal at the bottom rear of the neck....

I recall reading that the JD was an early 90's instrument, which meshes with what the shop that sold me the guitar said...

I'm generally likely to believe the shop, as he's been in business 40 years, and knows his guitars, but its pretty weird...just the same...

Dacious · May 18th, 2008, 08:59 PM

The Donahue wasn't available until the 90's - I would have said mid-late 90's for the CIJ version.

If yours says 'Crafted in Japan' at the base of the neck on the rear which it should then you have to look lower on the Mr Gearhead axe dater page.

Crafted in Japan A + 6 digits 1997-1998

What you are looking at is the MIJ earlier versions. It is confusing, but the later ones all start with A0. I had a 1968 Reissue Strat made 1998 with the same. If you pull the neck off, it might have a date code.

From the pics you posted, it looks exactly right to me - like the one I've tweaked. The only eighties Japanese Teles I've seen with binding were 60's-type either Custom or Esquire all of which were tobacco-burst. Never seen a candy apple red one.

May 18th, 2008, 07:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
cantolina TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Warsaw, NY Posts: 92 5 Photos	Guitar Dating Opinions...JD Telecaster MIJ Been doin a little research since I bought my JD... This guitar was sold to me as a '92, but from what I can tell, it was actually made between 1985 and 1986... Anyone have any experience they can add? Serial # A068284- Stamped on the bridge plate... Made in Japan on a decal at the bottom rear of the neck.... I recall reading that the JD was an early 90's instrument, which meshes with what the shop that sold me the guitar said... I'm generally likely to believe the shop, as he's been in business 40 years, and knows his guitars, but its pretty weird...just the same...

May 18th, 2008, 08:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dacious Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Godzone Posts: 2,604 35 Photos	The Donahue wasn't available until the 90's - I would have said mid-late 90's for the CIJ version. If yours says 'Crafted in Japan' at the base of the neck on the rear which it should then you have to look lower on the Mr Gearhead axe dater page. Crafted in Japan A + 6 digits 1997-1998 What you are looking at is the MIJ earlier versions. It is confusing, but the later ones all start with A0. I had a 1968 Reissue Strat made 1998 with the same. If you pull the neck off, it might have a date code. From the pics you posted, it looks exactly right to me - like the one I've tweaked. The only eighties Japanese Teles I've seen with binding were 60's-type either Custom or Esquire all of which were tobacco-burst. Never seen a candy apple red one. __________________ My other Telecaster is a Thinline The Tele Bible, Ch 1, v 10 Love thy Telecaster, covet not thy neighbour's Strat!