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formasfunction · February 9th, 2009, 01:17 PM

Hey guys, just bought what seems to be a 1991 52 RI in good condition. It was sold to me as an American model but looking over it I don't see anything stating "Fender U.S.A" or similar (or anything about Japan for that matter). Is there any way to tell for sure that what I have on my hands is an American made guitar? The serial number on the bridge is 16608 which I noticed came up in discussion on here a few years back (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaste...2-ri-help.html)

Anyway, just want to make sure I got what I paid for. When I get home I plan on checking the neck for a number there as well.

Esquire59 · February 9th, 2009, 01:36 PM

On a 52RI it doesn't say Made in USA anywhere on the guitar.

Easiest way of telling is the decal, underneath the lacquer on the Japanese, on top of the lacquer on the USA 52RI.

The Saint · February 9th, 2009, 01:40 PM

The USA 52 RI won't say "made in USA" anywhere on the guitar.

A Fender Japan model will have either "Made In Japan" or "Crafted In Japan" on the back of the neck where it meets the body.

Also, a serial number on the bridge plate (that does not start with the letter "A") points to a USA model.

Lastly, does the decal on the headstock look like it was applied on top of the clearcoat? If so, that would also be a good sign that it's a US model.

That's about all you can look for without removing the neck and checking for codes.

Just noticed that it's your first post. Welcome to the forum!

twangcaster1 · February 9th, 2009, 01:44 PM

Aye, what they said! And welcome to TDPRI!

Tim73 · February 9th, 2009, 01:50 PM

What they all said. My CIJ definately has Crafted in Japan at the back of the neck so no markings would suggest to me it's USA. That said the CIJ is a beautiful guitar too, although obviously you want to get what you paid for

Mark Davis · February 9th, 2009, 02:24 PM

The Japanese ones might not say made in Japan at the bese of the neck some dont have that decal best way is just checck the headstock decal. if you decide to remove the neck the Japan made ones will say TL-52 somewhere on the neck or in the neck pocket the USA one wont say anything like TL-52.

formasfunction · February 10th, 2009, 01:51 AM

Hey guys, thanks for being so helpful! The decal is definitely on top of the clear coat and, after talking to Fender customer service, it looks like I definitely got what I paid for. I also took a peek under the neck and it looks like both the neck and body were manufactured in 1992 which is inline with the date range that Steve gave me when I bought it.

February 9th, 2009, 01:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
formasfunction NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2	Is my 1991 '52 RI a Japanese model? Hey guys, just bought what seems to be a 1991 52 RI in good condition. It was sold to me as an American model but looking over it I don't see anything stating "Fender U.S.A" or similar (or anything about Japan for that matter). Is there any way to tell for sure that what I have on my hands is an American made guitar? The serial number on the bridge is 16608 which I noticed came up in discussion on here a few years back (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaste...2-ri-help.html) Anyway, just want to make sure I got what I paid for. When I get home I plan on checking the neck for a number there as well.

February 9th, 2009, 01:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
twangcaster1 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 2,201 15 Photos	Aye, what they said! And welcome to TDPRI! __________________ Louisiana Twangmaker

February 9th, 2009, 01:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tim73 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Berkshire, England Age: 36 Posts: 2,386 19 Photos	What they all said. My CIJ definately has Crafted in Japan at the back of the neck so no markings would suggest to me it's USA. That said the CIJ is a beautiful guitar too, although obviously you want to get what you paid for __________________ Born in the '70's & in my mind, still living there now...

February 9th, 2009, 02:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 59 Posts: 17,165	The Japanese ones might not say made in Japan at the bese of the neck some dont have that decal best way is just checck the headstock decal. if you decide to remove the neck the Japan made ones will say TL-52 somewhere on the neck or in the neck pocket the USA one wont say anything like TL-52. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

February 9th, 2009, 01:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
Esquire59 Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Netherlands Posts: 145	On a 52RI it doesn't say Made in USA anywhere on the guitar. Easiest way of telling is the decal, underneath the lacquer on the Japanese, on top of the lacquer on the USA 52RI.

February 9th, 2009, 01:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
The Saint Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmdale, CA Posts: 168	The USA 52 RI won't say "made in USA" anywhere on the guitar. A Fender Japan model will have either "Made In Japan" or "Crafted In Japan" on the back of the neck where it meets the body. Also, a serial number on the bridge plate (that does not start with the letter "A") points to a USA model. Lastly, does the decal on the headstock look like it was applied on top of the clearcoat? If so, that would also be a good sign that it's a US model. That's about all you can look for without removing the neck and checking for codes. Just noticed that it's your first post. Welcome to the forum!

February 10th, 2009, 01:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
formasfunction NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2	Hey guys, thanks for being so helpful! The decal is definitely on top of the clear coat and, after talking to Fender customer service, it looks like I definitely got what I paid for. I also took a peek under the neck and it looks like both the neck and body were manufactured in 1992 which is inline with the date range that Steve gave me when I bought it.

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