Where to Find the Serial Number on a Squier by Fender Guitar
Most modern Indonesian and Chinese Squiers carry the printed serial number, series name, and country of origin on the rear headstock.
Early 1980s Japanese JV and SQ series have the serial number stamped into the 4-bolt metal neck plate on the back of the body.
Squier by Fender Serial Number Formats & Historical Dating Cheat-Sheet
| Production Era | Serial Format | Decoding Rule / Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Indonesian & Chinese Production (2000–Present) | Prefix (2-3 letters) + YY + 4-7 digits (e.g. ICS2104567, CGS1904123) | ICS=Cort Indonesia, CGS=Grand Reward China (Classic Vibe), CY=Yako China (Affinity). The first 2 digits designate the manufacturing year. | ICS2104567 -> Made in 2021 at Cort Factory, Indonesia |
| Legendary Japanese JV Series (1982–1984) | JV + 5 digits (e.g. JV12345) | Manufactured by FujiGen Gakki in Japan. First-run vintage reissues featuring USA Fullerton pickups and nitro finishes. | JV12345 -> FujiGen Japan (1982–1983) |
| Japanese SQ Series (1983–1984) | SQ + 5 digits (e.g. SQ12345) | FujiGen Japanese production replicating 1970s large-headstock Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters. | SQ12345 -> FujiGen Japan (1983–1984) |
| Korean Squier Era (1990s) | VN / CN / KV + 6 digits (e.g. VN712345) | V=Vester/Saehan, C=Cort, K=Korea, followed by decade digit 90s (7=1997). | VN712345 -> Saehan Korea (1997) |
Frequently Asked Questions: Dating & Authenticating Squier by Fender
Why are Japanese JV Squier guitars worth so much?
JV (Japanese Vintage) Squiers from 1982 to 1984 were built with exceptional Japanese craftsmanship at FujiGen and included USA Fender pickups, making them genuine vintage collector pieces worth $1,200 to $2,500+.
What is the difference between Squier Classic Vibe China vs Indonesia?
First-generation Classic Vibe models (CGS prefix, China) featured brass saddles, tonerider-spec pickups, and pine/alder bodies. Newer Indonesian models (ICS prefix) feature laurel fingerboards with narrow-tall frets.
Explore Squier by Fender 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 Squier by Fender.