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Post subject: Serial number on my American Vintage '75
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 5:29 pm
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Hello. I'm new to this forum so I wanted to start off by saying "Hi!" :D

So, I've had my American Vintage '75 for some time now but I wanted to ask you if you knew why my serial number doesn't follow the "rules" of fender serial numbers.

The serial number on my bass is Z4145693 (as can be seen on the beautiful pictures I took today :)) and according to the Fender support site, the serial number on my bass should start with a "V"-prefix, as it is from the American Vintage series:

Z3 + 5 or 6 digits
Z4 + 5 or 6 digits
DZ4 + 5 or 6 digits (American Deluxe)
V + 5 or 6 digits (American Vintage Series except ’52 Telecaster, which uses a five-digit number stamped into the bridge plate)
XN4 + 4 digits 2004

(for American Vintage series, check neck date for specific year)


Is this a flaw, or is there some reason why my bass doesn't follow these "rules"? I've tried searching this forum and I couldn't find a reason so I thought of asking you guys :)

best,
-b

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Post subject: Re: Serial number on my American Vintage '75
Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 10:53 am
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Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2007 5:51 pm
Posts: 139
Location: Boston
According to the serial number, your bass is a standard series and was made in the Corona, California plant between 2004 and 2005. The pictures do look more like a Vintage series though. Have you contacted Fender?


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Post subject: Re: Serial number on my American Vintage '75
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:59 am
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Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:40 pm
Posts: 746
Hi bryiunn, Welcome to the Forum!
According to my tracking you do indeed have a 75 JAzz Bass completed in May 2005 and sent to Fender Europe.
Here are the specs:
Model Name: American Vintage ‘75 Jazz Bass®
Model Number: 019-0300-(Color #) and 019-0302-(Color #)
Series: American Vintage Series
Colors: (821) Natural,
(Urethane Finish)
Body: Ash
Neck: Maple, ‘70s “C” Shape,
(Gloss Urethane Finish)
Fingerboard: Rosewood (P/N 019-0300) White Binding with Pearloid Block Inlay and White/Black/White PG, or
Maple (P/N 019-0302), Black Binding with Black Block Inlays and Black/White/Black PG, 7.25” Radius (184 mm)
No. of Frets: 20 Vintage Style Frets
Scale Length: 34” (863.6 mm)
Width @ Nut: 1.50” (38 mm)
Hardware: Nickel/Chrome
Machine Heads: Vintage ‘70s "Fender®" Stamped Open Gear Tuning Machines
Bridge: American Vintage ‘70s Precision®/Jazz® Bass with Single Groove Saddles
Pickguard: 3-Ply White (Rosewood Fingerboard),
3-Ply Black (Maple Fingerboard)
Pickups: Two ‘75 Vintage Jazz Bass Single-Coil Pickups
Pickup Switching: None
Controls: Volume 1. (Neck Pickup),
Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup),
Master Tone
Strings: Fender Super Bass 7250ML, NPS,
Gauges: (.045, .065, .080, .100),
P/N 073-7250-005
Unique Features: "Bullet" Truss Rod Adjustment,
3-Bolt Neck Plate with Micro-Tilt™ Adjustment,
Synthetic Bone Nut
Source: U.S.
Accessories: Deluxe Black Hardshell Case (Orange Interior), Strap, Cable, (Chrome Bridge and Pickup Covers are Unmounted and Included in the Kit)
U.S. MSRP: $2,449.99
INTRODUCED: 7/1999
DISCONTINUED:
DISCONTINUED COLORS: (800) 3-Color Sunburst, 1/2002,
(806) Black, 1/2002
COMMENTS: Uses Case P/N 0056295000,
Price drop from $2,930.00 to $2,449.99 in 1/2010,
Meguiar’s Mist and Wipe Kit Discontinued in the Kit in 10/2007
WRENCH SIZES: Truss Rod Adjustment Wrench, (1/8” Hex), P/N 0023811000,
Tilt Adjustment Wrench, (3/32" Hex), P/N 0018622000
NOTICE: Product Prices, Features, Specifications and Availability Are Subject To Change Without Notice
************************
Let me try and answer your question~ The "vintage" numbers were/are used when we started producing the 57's, 62's and 52 Teles in the early 80's as a way of signifying that they were V- for vintage. The actual important part of the equation was the placement and "style" of the serials---Strats & basses got the serial number on the neck plates and Teles on the bridge plate. Obviously, the actual 57's and 62's didnt use "V" in their number scheme.
More guitars were added to the Vintage series line and its really all about the placement of the serial number, style of the serial number and logo for the period being re-issued.
So yes, your 75 has a current number placed where the actual 75 serials were placed.
I hope that kinda makes sense.
All the best
rob

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Post subject: Re: Serial number on my American Vintage '75
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 2:12 pm
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Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:38 am
Posts: 3
Hi Rob.

Thanks a lot for the answer, this is brilliant information you gave me there! Now it's all clear to me :) Thanks again


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Post subject: Re: Serial number on my American Vintage '75
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 2:22 pm
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Joined: Sun Apr 29, 2012 7:47 am
Posts: 200
i love the old Fender lettering. it looks so good!

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Post subject: Re: Serial number on my American Vintage '75
Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 3:49 pm
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Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:59 am
Posts: 2
"So yes, your 75 has a current number placed where the actual 75 serials were placed."

Please help me understand how this statement is true. Being a ardent fan (like everyone here), I have purschased and read several books on Fender history and even bought a AV75 Reissue from American Musical Supply. I have seen many real Fender '75 Jazz basses at guitar shows over the years and there are always some on g-base. Not one actual '75 Fender Jazz bass I have seen has had its serial number on the headstock. Every one of them has the serial number on the neck plate. From what I've read, CBS Fender moved the serial number from the neck plate to the headstock starting in 1976. In addition, the logo on the historical '75 Jazz bass was the much larger, 'TV' version that ran from circa '69-'75. So, between the serial number being on the headstock and the downsized logo that began in 1976, shouldn't the AV75 have been named the AV76 Jazz Bass?


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Post subject: Re: Serial number on my American Vintage '75
Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 7:50 pm
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Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:40 pm
Posts: 746
Hi Retroman54!
Interesting stuff. Now you have me curious! At any rate, I do believe that the intent was as i explained......I don't doubt your info.....gonna check it out.

Cheers,
rob

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Post subject: Re: Serial number on my American Vintage '75
Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 11:05 am
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Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:40 pm
Posts: 746
Hi again Retroman54,
As you already know, you are correct sir!

So yes, the American Vintage 75 Jazz Bass does indeed embody some of the characteristics of a 76. Serial numbers on the headstock, the dropping of the "Offset Contour Body " decal and the smaller, sharper logo.
I'm told that 75's were being made in Japan and surprisingly (for Japan), also embodied incorrect 76 specs on the 75. When the MIJ 75's were discontinued in 99 and transitioned to the U.S. made American Vintage 75 that same year, it was decided that it would be less confusing to keep these differences for the new U.S. model as well.

Good catch, my bad.


Cheers,
rob

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