Need some help identifying the year this strat was made and in fact if it is in fact authentic. The serial number doen't make any sense to me and is hard to read as it is hand written in pencil.














thanks

Looks as if the wood was lifted when those holes for the neck were drilled. Can you show complete pics of the whole neck, front and back?

thank for the info...I just posted a few more pics

How about the back of the headstock?

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Agreed. I think the answer lies somewhere in your post. If that bridge pup is stock, we're in the VHR range, and the control knobs also if stock puts us in the Deluxe range. I'm thinking somewhere between 96-98, based on the info you've stated. Beautiful instrument none the less. Pickguard marking (date) would be helpful. My 98' MIM (the one I still have questions about, but has narrowed it down to overlap...which is good) came stock just like that one. Only dif was is that it had the butterfly string tree.

I'm not near as knowledgeable as some of the posters on this forum, but put together in the case she is a beaut! Hang in there and you will eventually get more info from these guys and girls here!!

This may amount to nothing, but I took a chance and ran that number in the pocket as the serial #, below is what I got. It may not be the seat, but maybe the Ballpark?

The "Vets" will post soon....



Your guitar was made at the
Corona Plant (Fender), USA
in the Year(s): 1996 - 1997


Fender: Corona
Corona factory was opened in 1985, Corona California, with major guitar production starting in 1987. With the addition of a custom shop in 1987 the plant currently employs about 700 workers. Apart from general and Custom Shop Fender instruments and amplifiers, it also encompasses Guild acoustic & electric guitars.

Its a standard or earlier deluxe with a dimarzio fitted. VHR series have 6 screw trems.
The only option to get a date is the serial no' on the back of the headstock or neckplate. Neither should be written in pencil.

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No no and no

Glue deposits around the body neckscrew holes???

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No no and no

Thanks for the correction. I should have been more detailed, my trim is 6 screw. My info was only based on if the parts were stock...

here are some more pics








sticker has been missing since before I've owned it





sorry photos a bit fuzzy...

The pot dates are covered with solder and

the one thing that can really help us date it, namely the serial number on the back of the headstock, is too fuzzy to read.

Why don't you just tell us the first few characters of the Serial Number and we'll know?

There's no date stamp on the back of the pickguard because that's been swapped out for that WD one.

It's '90's something, I can see one "9" on a pot.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Lot of variables here. IMO, that pickguard is not original, looks like a loaded one from WD Music. So that throws any theory I have out of the window. We're not sure that the neck is the original for the Guitar (anything on the heel end?) could be a Domestic of some sort, looks like 2 of the 3 pots are CTS, 137-xxxx, even if you were to show the serial # on the headstock, who's to say that it's the original neck for that body?. About the only thing I'm willing to bet on is the year of that body, looks like mid to late 90's.

This is why I stated earlier, that if everything was stock, there would be a good initial point of reference, I don't think those parts are stock......could be, but I don't think they are.

If it turns out to be a late mid to late 90's, that's a VERY deep hole. There were overlaps, not negative ones, just a lot of "movement". If you're happy that's all that matters. On this particular instrument this is where my knowledge ends. My 98' MIM has sent me on a journey that's still going, and it doesn't stop in the continental U.S., but because of it, I've learned quite a bit.

Maybe others will chime in, there are far more individuals here with a greater knowledge than myself. One thing I've learned is if it says "this" doesn't mean it's "that". Hope you're happy with it, and good luck!

all that is there is whats left of sticker glue...no serial #. There is no sign of it being sanded off or refinished.