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Post subject: Serial number scratched out on my Mustang bass
Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2010 6:59 pm
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Location: NJ
So, about a month ago, after begrudgingly playing a 70's Ibanez short scale Hofner bass to it's utter last breath, I finally purchased a Fender Mustang bass. I'd been looking at it for months, but was too stubborn to spend the money.

I was under the impression that it was a reissue, but I just recently decided to look up the serial number. Under 'Made In Japan' on the rear base of the neck, there was a sticker with a number on it that was in the 3 millions - not a real serial number. I tore off the sticker, and underneath there is a serial number that starts with 'T' and then 6 digits - indicating that it was made 1994-1995. Now, the funny thing about this serial number is that the last three digits are scratched out. I find this and the fact that the serial number was covered up a bit fishy.

Also, there ain't a ding on this baby, and there were still pieces of the plastic coating that come on a new pickguard stuck under the screws. I have another '94 Japanese Fender guitar, and that thing was beat to $@!& when I first got it.

There's a possibility it's fake, an old neck on a new body, a mutt, or it's been barely used. Either way it plays well and sounds good.

Can anyone share any knowledge on this?


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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 3:50 am
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Or stolen?

Scratched serial numbers typically are done to prevent tracing.

-T


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Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 7:49 pm
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Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:00 am
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Location: In the pocket north of Washington D.C.
Altered serial numbers mean stolen goods in my estimation. Why would someone do that without a reason?
This appears to be especially bad since the old serial number was covered with a fake number on a piece of tape.

Where did you buy the bass?

Most stores and pawnshops must hold guitars for 18 -30 days in the USA, depending on the state, and during that time they can be checked against any basses that were reported stolen.

Was it ever checked against a police database of stolen intruments?

Of course the altered serial number may have hid it from detection.

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