Where to Find the Serial Number on a Fender & Squier Guitar
Most modern USA, Mexican, and Squier guitars carry the serial number printed on the back of the headstock below the tuners.
Vintage CBS era (1965-1976) and 70s reissue models have the serial stamped directly onto the chrome neck plate on the back.
Many Made in Japan Fender models print "Made in Japan" or "Crafted in Japan" along with the serial code at the base of the neck near the joint.
Fender & Squier Serial Number Formats & Historical Dating Cheat-Sheet
| Production Era | Serial Format | Decoding Rule / Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern USA Corona (2010–Present) | US + 2-digit year (e.g. US21, US23) | Prefix US followed by the two-digit year of production. | US21012345 -> Corona, CA (2021) |
| Modern Mexico Ensenada (2010–Present) | MX + 2-digit year (e.g. MX19, MX22) | Prefix MX followed by year digits. | MX19045612 -> Ensenada, Mexico (2019) |
| USA 1990s & 2000s Decades | N + 1 digit (90s) / Z + 1 digit (00s) | N = Nineties (N9 = 1999), Z = Zeroes/2000s (Z5 = 2005). | Z5045678 -> USA 2005 |
| Made in Japan (1982–Present) | Letter prefix + 5-6 digits (JV, E, A, MIJ/CIJ) | Sequential letter runs manufactured primarily at the Fujigen Gakki or Dyna Gakki facilities in Japan. | JV12345 -> Fujigen 1982-1984 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Dating & Authenticating Fender & Squier
How do I know where my Fender guitar was made?
Check the headstock serial prefix: US/DZ = United States (Corona), MX/MN/MZ = Mexico (Ensenada), JV/E/MIJ/CIJ = Japan, and ICS/CY = Squier (Indonesia/China).
Can two authentic Fender guitars share the same serial format?
During transition years (like 1985 CBS buyout or late 90s), Fender occasionally carried over headstock decals from prior years, causing slight overlaps.
How does serial number affect Fender resale value?
Pre-CBS (pre-1965) 4-6 digit numeric serials and early 1982-84 Japanese "JV" serials command massive collector premiums over standard modern production.
Explore Fender & Squier Market Prices & Buying Advice
Knowing your guitar's build year is the first step in determining its resale value. Read our comprehensive 2026 buying guide and valuation tables to see current market trends for Fender & Squier.