Note: A new Japanese vendor was enlisted in 2010 to help meet demand for the Geddy Lee and Marcus Miller Jazz Bass models.

This was a running change, and both “Made in Japan” and “Crafted in Japan” decals appear on instruments from 20. Crafted in Japan A + 6 digitsĢ007 was another transitional year for Japanese-made Fender instruments, with the return to the “Made in Japan” country-of-origin identifier on the serial number decal. In 1997, Fender transitioned to a serial number decal that included the words “Crafted in Japan” above the serial number. As always, serial numbers should only be used as a guide for dating and should be used in combination with known age-related specifications to help identify the production year of an instrument. Records on early Japanese-made Fender instruments are not complete and are therefore not completely definitive for dating purposes. I don't know how that Asher T Deluxe got in the picture but you can guess how it became part of my collection. What does that mean? When were they made? The good folks at Fender compiled a list to guide us in the general build dates of these cool instruments.

That is the third Orange Tabby I have lived with named Sherman and anyone who has ever talked to me about guitars quickly learns that I have a collection of red 'E series' Made in Japan Fender Telecasters. Some serial numbers have a letter prefix plus 4-digits instead of the usual 5- or 6-digits. Example: Vibrolux Reverb with serial number A756254 should be a ’77, but the latest date-coded parts date it to 1978. Take a look at the picture taken in my sauna and you will notice I am a creature of habit. Just as with Fender guitars, you’ll find serial numbers that should fall in a certain year but don’t.

S775318 fender serial number lookup