First, you want to determine whether your guitar is from the JV, SQ, MIJ or CIJ series.
Q: What's the difference and how can you tell?
A: The serial number of your guitar will begin with one of the above lettering sequences. Fender Japan used
all of the above lettering sequences for the serial numbering of their guitars and basses over the years, and
knowing this first will help you determine the year of manufacture. These stamps can be found in different
locations on your guitar, so now I'll tell you where you need to look to find these markings...
JV... acronym for 'Japan Vintage' On these guitars you will find the letters 'JV' stamped/engraved into the
neck plate of the Stratocasters and bass guitars and on the bridges of the Telecasters and other guitar
models. There will be 5 numbers also engraved after the 'JV' lettering. Fender 'JV' guitars were only
made from 1982 to 1984. On early Fender JV models, you will also find 'MADE IN JAPAN' written very
small under the Fender spaghetti logo on the headstock of the guitar. On later Fender JV models, the
'MADE IN JAPAN' can be found on the heel of the guitar neck, just above the metal neck plate. All
Fender JV models had the serial numbers engraved into either the neck plate or bridge. Many also have
penciled neck dates (6-14-82) you can only see when the neck is removed from the body of the guitar.
SQ... acronym for 'Squier' These models were made by a different division of Fender and bear the Squier logo
and not the Fender logo. These models have the serial numbering and markings in the same location as
Fender JV guitars, and were made only during the years 1983 to 1984.
MIJ... acronym for 'MADE IN JAPAN' These models spanned the years from 1984 to 1997. You will find the
MADE IN JAPAN stamp on the heel of every guitar's neck, without variation. On Stratocasters and bass
guitars, you will find the serial number just below this stamp, also on the heel of the neck. On Telecasters
and certain other models, you will find the serial number on the bridge. The serial numbers will start with
a letter that corresponds to specific years of production. My chart will help you determine those specifics.
You will not find the MADE IN JAPAN stamp on the headstocks of Fender MIJ guitars.
CIJ... acronym for 'CRAFTED IN JAPAN' These guitars were made from 1997 and are still being manufactured
today. They follow the same serial numbering patterns as the Fender MIJ models.
Please refer to the chart I have provided below in order to pinpoint the exact year your guitar was manufactured...
Fender Jazz Bass Serial Number Lookup
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Fender Jazz Bass Serial Number Lookup Number
Dating fender instruments with odd and non-standard serial numbers The “odd” serial numbers on the chart below exist somewhat outside the more well-known Fender serial number schemes. If you have what you consider an odd serial number, it might appear here. B89f1c4981 Old Precision and Jazz basses are. To date a vintage bass, but of course the serial number is a good.2011 Custom Deluxe Stratocaster with Flame Maple Top.Vintage Guitars Info's Vintage Fender Guitars. The Telecaster or Precision bass type metal knobs with the small set screw. Fender guitars produced in Japan have the serial number on the back of the neck, near the attachment to the body. In some reissue models it can be found on the headstock or the neck plate. The combination of the text 'Made in Japan' and the serial number was used until 1997.