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. Really though there are a lot of great guitars over the years produced by Squier….Take a look at the picture taken in my sauna and you will notice I am a creature of habit. Stagemasters, Showmasters, Series 24, Vista series. There are also, MIM, MIK, MIC, these all came later, and there are certain models that are thought of as being better made than some others. These are all Made in Japan guitars in the 80's and are highly thought of. 1984-1987 FujiGen/JPN Serial numbers starting A,B.C,E,F and G followed by 6 digits would be from the factory stated above. Use the decoder to search for if available. Made in Japan,Ĩ3-84 with the big headstock, and bullet truss rod adjustment, (Basically a 70's tribute)Īfter that you have 'A' serial Numbers, then mostly 'E' Serial numbers, SQ serial number followed by 5 digits are from FujiGen ‘Made In Japan’. (Kind of 57, and 62 re-issues, but technically NOT re-issues, they do have a lot of good features and some featured MIA pickups for awhile) Other Serial numbers of note are JV, (Japanese Vintage) which are the first Squiers made. An 'E9' is a Made in Japan guitar in the 80's (although it was also the beginning of the made in Korea guitars as well.)

Squier stratocaster serial numbers