Dating a Fender guitar with the serial number is a hit or miss propisition. It helps narrow things down, but in most cases is an inexact science. Leo Fender never intended for his guitars to become collectors items. He never invisioned a need to pinpoint the manufacturing date of any of his guitars. At least not while he was at Fender Musical Instrument Corporation.

With that said, and with great help from numerous sources including FMIC, George Gruhn's publications, and A. R. Duchossoir the following information should help you but it is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate.

Before 1977 Fender guitars hd a serial number on the bridgeplate or neckplate. Serial numbers are basically chronological, but there is some overlap in some years. Before the later 1970's Fender never expected the guitars to be collectable or for serial numbers to be important. The bridge plate or neckplate were applied to a guitar with no thought to keeping any kind of number sequence. Fender serial numbers were assigned like this:

1. In the factory, there was a large container with serialized items such as neckplates and bridges.
2. A Fender employee simply reached in and grabbed one (or many) and installed them on the instrument(s) as they worked.

As you can see from this over-simplified example, serial number assignment was fairly random. Just keep this in mind. The only truly definitive way to date a pre-CBS fender is to look at all the dates on the instrument (body date, neck date, pot dates). The serial number can only generalized the age of the instrument within a few years.

Fender Esquire, Broadcaster, and Telecaster Serial Numbers 1950 to 1954
(serial number stamped on bridgeplate).

This system of serial numbers is unique to these three models until about the early summer of 1954 (when Fender switched to a universal neck plate serial number system for all models):

  0001 to 0999 = 1950 to 1952
  1000 to 5300 = 1952 to 1954
  

4 to 6 digit Neck Plate Serial Numbers
No other letters or markings on the neck plate, except for the rare "-" or "0" prefix, as noted.

   0001 to 6000  = 1954
   6000 to 9000  = 1955
   9000 to 16000 = 1956
  16000 to 25000 = 1957 (some numbers with a "0" or "-" prefix)
  25000 to 30000 = 1958 (some numbers with a "0" or "-" prefix)
  30000 to 40000 = 1959
  40000 to 58000 = 1960
  55000 to 72000 = 1961
  72000 to 93000 = 1962
  93000 to 99999 = 1963

L-Series (1963 to late 1965)
Called an "L Plate," Fender neckplates started showing up with LXXXXX numbers sometime in 1963. Why the "L"? It was an error by the company that produced the neckplate stamping for Fender. Fender was using up their neckplates with numbers under 100,000. So, they ordered neckplates that were supposed to have numbers above 100,000. But the stamper misread the order and thought that the number "1" was an "L" and so instead of plates starting with 100,000 they started with L00,000. Fender demanded corrected neckplates immediately. But it took a while to manufacture and number the plates. So, the company just used the L Plates not wanting to let them go to waste.

Neckplates with an "L Plate" are considered a Pre-CBS Fender (even though the CBS corporation bought Fender in January 1965). Sometimes an "L" serial number can be seen as early as late 1962.

  L00001 to L20000 = 1963
  L20000 to L55000 = 1964
  L55000 to L99999 = 1965

  100000 to 110000 = late 1965
  110000 to 200000 = 1966
  180000 to 210000 = 1967
  210000 to 250000 = 1968
  250000 to 280000 = 1969
  280000 to 300000 = 1970
  300000 to 330000 = 1971
  330000 to 370000 = 1972
  370000 to 520000 = 1973
  500000 to 580000 = 1974
  580000 to 690000 = 1975
  690000 to 750000 = 1976

Serial Number on Peghead Decal.
For many reasons, Fender decided to change the serial numbering system and it's location in the mid-1970's. You can imagine that it might have been cheaper to have the serial numbers added to the decals rather than have them machined. But you can also imagine that there were many times for inventory purposes when suppliers, vendors, and etc. wanted to be able to see the serial number, and now, the year of production without turning the guitar over.

So starting in mid-1976 the serial number was moved to a decal on the peghead. Even with the new system, Fender didn't like to throw away a perfectly good serialized decal just because the year code would be incorrect. So, the information on the peghead could be off as much as two years. Generally speaking, a "S" prefix equals the 1970's (Seventies), "E" prefix equals the 1980's (Eighties), and "N" prefix equals the 1990's (Nineties). Also note: "E" and "N" prefix serial numbers were also sometimes also Japanese-made.

In March 1985, CBS sold Fender to a group of private investors made up of the management of the corporation at the time. The serial numbers do not reflect this change - Fender continued to make instruments using existing serial number schemes. The new Fender (FMIC) did not acquire any physical assets of the old company, just the name "Fender" and the rights to all products and trademarks . So, without any factories FMIC moved all guitar production during 1985 and early 1986 to Japan, while FMIC built a new factory in Corona, California. The Japanese-made Fenders do have some slight serial number differences (typically a "J" serial number prefix).

  7600000 ("76" in bold) = 1976-1977
  800000s = 1979-1981
  1000000 to 8000000 = 1976-1981 (7 digits)

  S1 to S5 + 5 Digits = 1979-1982
  S6 + 5 digits = 1976 
  S7 + 5 digits = 1977-1978
  S8 + 5 digits = 1977-1978
  S9 + 5 digits = 1978-1981
  E0 + 5 digits = 1979-1981
  E1 + 5 digits = 1980-1981

  E1 + 5 digits = 1982
  E2 + 5 digits = 1982-1983
  E3 + 5 digits = 1982-1984
  E4 + 5 digits = 1984-1985, 1987-1988
  E8 + 5 digits = 1988-1989
  E9 + 5 digits = 1988-1990

  N9 + 5 digits = 1990
  N0 + 5 digits = 1990-1991
  N1 + 5 or 6 digits = 1991-1992
  N2 + 5 or 6 digits = 1992-1993
  N3 + 5 or 6 digits = 1993-1994
  N4 + 5 or 6 digits = 1994-1995
  N5 + 5 or 6 digits = 1995-1996
  N6 + 5 or 6 digits = 1996-1997
  N7 + 5 or 6 digits = 1997-1998
  N8 + 5 or 6 digits = 1998-1999
  N9 + 5 or 6 digits = 1999-2000

  DZ0 or Z0 + 5/6 digits = 2000
  DZ1 or Z1 + 5/6 digits = 2001
  DZ2 or Z2 + 5/6 digits = 2002
  DZ3 or Z3 + 5/6 digits = 2003
  DZ4 or Z4 + 5/6 digits = 2004
  DZ5 or Z5 + 5/6 digits = 2005

Japanese Serial Numbers on Peghead Decal
Due to the popularity of Rock Music in the '70's and '80's electric guitar sales soared. Many Japanese companies started make knock-off versions of US electric guitar designs. Once these guitars started effecting sales of US made guitars, US guitar manufacturers decided to put a stop to the infringement and to join in the process all at the same time. A CBS-Owned Fender selected a Japanese guitar manufacturer to make official "Fenders" -- but made at a less expensive price -- in Japan. This gave CBS/Fender a chance to have a lower price point in the market while continuing to offer the more expensive US made models. The corporation sometimes put the Fender logo on these guitars and sometimes put the new name Squier on the these models.

Note that the "E" and "N" series does sometimes appear on "made in Japan" models. Most likely a mistake on Fender's part using the same prefix for both U.S. and Japanese-made guitars (know as MIJ). However, if the back of the guitar neck bears a "made in Japan" or even "crafted in Japan" decal, then it is made in Japan.

  JV + 5 Digits = 1982 to 1984
  SQ + 5 Digits = 1983 to 1984
   E + 6 Digits = 1984 to 1987
   A + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
   B + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
   C + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
   F + 6 Digits = 1986 to 1987
   G + 6 Digits = 1987 to 1988
   H + 6 Digits = 1988 to 1989
   I + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
   J + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
   K + 6 Digits = 1990 to 1991
   L + 6 Digits = 1991 to 1992
   M + 6 Digits = 1992 to 1993
   N + 6 Digits = 1993 to 1994
   O + 6 Digits = 1994 to 1995
   P + 6 Digits = 1995 to 1996

   A + 6 DIGITS = 1997-1998 
   O + 6 DIGITS = 1997-2000
   P + 6 DIGITS = 1999-2002
   Q + 6 DIGITS = 2002-2004
   R + 6 DIGITS = 2004-2005
   

Dating Mexican Made Fender Guitars
As was stated earlier, when CBS sold Fender in 1985 to an investment group the company didn't have any factories in the US. So, initially, Fender imported guitars from Japanese manufacturers who had proven their ability to produce affordable, viable instruments. But the company immediately set about construction of Fender’s flagship domestic factory in Corona, California. In an effort to produce lower priced products, without having to utilize Fender Japan in the process, Fender built a second modern manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, with the goal of being able to build quality instruments and offer them at more budget-oriented prices.

	MN0+ 6 DIGITS = 1990-1991
	MN1+ 6 DIGITS = 1991-1992
	MN2+ 6 DIGITS = 1992-1993
	MN3+ 6 DIGITS = 1993-1994
	MN4+ 6 DIGITS = 1994-1995
	MN5+ 6 DIGITS = 1995-1996
	MN6+ 6 DIGITS = 1996-1997
	MN7+ 6 DIGITS = 1997-1998
	MN8+ 6 DIGITS = 1998-1999
	MN9+ 6 DIGITS = 1999-2000
	MZ0+ 6 DIGITS = 2000-2001
	MZ1+ 6 DIGITS = 2001-2002
	MZ2+ 6 DIGITS = 2002-2003
	MZ3+ 6 DIGITS = 2003-2004
	MZ4+ 6 DIGITS = 2004-2005
	MZ5+ 6 DIGITS = 2005-2006

Other Fender Serial Number Schemes.
In the last 20 years, Fender has introduced many different serial numbers schemes, depending on the country the Fender guitar was made (USA=MIA, Mexico=MIM, Japan=MIJ, Korea=MIK, etc). Not all schemes are covered here. Below are some examples of letter prefixes used in recent serial number schemes.

  V + 4 to 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series) = 1982-1988 (neck date=exact year)  
  V + 5 to 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series) = 1989-present (model dependant)  
  AMXN + 6 DIGITS = California Series electric guitars and basses, '97 and '98 
  DN + 6 DIGITS = American Deluxe series instruments, '98 and '99 
  NC(XXXXXX) = Squier Strat Bullets (dating unclear) 
  FN(XXXXXX) = US made guitars and basses destined for the export market. 
               Some may have stayed in the U.S or found their way back 
              (dating unclear) 
  I(XXXXXXX) = Limited number of these "I" series guitars were made in '89/'90.
               They were made for the export market and have Made in USA 
               stamped on neck heel. 
  LE(XXXXXX) = Blonde Jazzmasters and Jaguars with Gold hardware made in 1994. 
               Sold as a promotional 3 piece set with a Blonde Deluxe Reverb Amp 
  CN(XXXXXX) = Korean made Fender/Squier guitars (dating unclear)
  VN(XXXXXX) = Korean made Fender/Squier guitars (dating unclear) 
  CA(XXXXX) = Gold Strat 1981, 82 and 83 
  CB(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special from 1981, CB(XXXXX) Gold Jazz Bass from 1982 
  CC(XXXXX) = Walnut Strat 1981-82-83 
  CE(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special from 1981, Black and Gold Tele from 1981-82 
  CD(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982
  CO(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982 
  GO(XXXXX) = Precision Bass Special (Walnut) from 1982, Gold Strat 1982-83 
  D(XXXXXX) = Jazz Bass from 1982 
  SE8(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats (dating unclear, check neck date)
  SE9(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats (dating unclear, check neck date)  
  SN0(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats 1990
  SN1(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats 1990
  SN2(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats 1992
  SN3(XXXXX) = Signature Edition Strats 1993   
  3 digits of 500 = 35th Anniversary Strat from 1989-1990  
  G(XXXXXX) = "STRAT" from about 1980, (Gold hardware, 2 pos. rotary tone switch) 
  4 digits stamped on bridge plate = 1952 reissue Telecaster 1982-1988 
    (Check neck date for exact year) 
  5 digits stamped on bridge plate = 1952 reissue Telecaster 1988-present 
    (Check neck date for exact year) 

You may want to consider ordering one or more of the following reference books:

While this neck dating is useful in roughly determining the age of a guitar, it is certainly not definitive. The neck date simply refers to the date that the individual component was produced. Given the modular nature of Fender's production techniques, an individual neck may have been produced in a given year, placed in the manufacturing warehouse and remained in stock for a period of time, and then subsequently paired with a body to create a complete guitar in the following year. So, obviously a neck date, while being helpful in providing a date range of production, it cannot be a definitive reference.

Unlike the auto industry which has specific model years for their products, most specifications for a given Fender instrument model, change little if any, through the lifetime of the model. While there have been periods where dramatic changes have occurred, for example: the transition periods between Leo's Fender and the CBS years, as well as the transition between CBS' Fender and the current ownership, generally speaking, most models are feature specific and do not change from year to year.

Serial numbers are also helpful in determining the year of production of a given instrument.
Serial numbers have been used in various locations on Fender instruments through the years. They have been placed at the top of the neck plate, on the front of the headstock, on the back of the headstock, and on the back of the neck near where the neck bolts onto the body. They were stamped on the back vibrato cover plate (early '50s Strats), and on the bridge plate between the pickup and the saddles on some Telecasters. But once again, due to the modular nature of Fender's production methods, and the fact that most serial numbers schemes are not sequential and usually overlap from between 2 to 4 years, (from the early days of Fender, through to the mid 1980s), dating by the serial number is not an exact science.

If you have interest in establishing a relative value for your instrument,it might be helpful to contact any of the used or vintage instrument dealers in your area. If you have an older "vintage" instrument, you may want to pick up a copy of Vintage Guitar magazine, or visit their website at http://www.vguitar.com. Vintage Guitar magazine is a great resource for people who buy, sell and trade vintage instruments and should be quite helpful.

You might also want to check with one of the many instrument dealers who offer appraisals of vintage instruments such as: Elderly Instruments, at: http://www.elderly.com, Gruhn Guitars at: http://www.gruhn.com, or Norman's Rare Guitars, at: http://www.normansrareguitars.com.

Other resources would be to check with your local library for a copy of the "Orion Blue Book" or the "Blue Book of Guitar Values". You can also check with your local pawnshops, as most refer to this book, or one like it, to establish the values or used instruments. Lastly, one of the best measures of value may be completed Ebay Auctions for similar guitars. All of these are excellent resources for researching the fair market value of your instrument.