Can anyone tell me how to date a Strat from the Custom Shop via the S/N? It begins with CN9, then has 4 additional digits. Also, is there any way to determine what made it a Custom? Thanks for any help to a Strat newbie.

99 would be a half decent bet but thats just speculation based on american guitar serial numbering. I dont think its a strict rule regarding CS guitars. My custom shop reads cz6 and has neck and body stamps dating it late 05 and 06.

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A Custom Shop guitar should have a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
The serial number, model type, and date are listed on it.

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My other guitar is a Strat.

It's used, so I don't have access to the original paperwork. It has the Custom Shop plate with the S/N on the back, and the headstock also has the Custom shop logo on the back. Does Fender have a Customer Service e-mail or number that could perhaps tell me? Thanks for the replies thus far.

I ouldnt consider the guitar at normal used customshop prices without the COA. fake decals and neckplates are bought and sold all the time. COA's are also forged but are a lot less common. Truth be told at that level i'd want to take the neck and scratchplate off the guitar and look inside. All the dates and other key signs of a customshop are in there.

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Hey, thanks for that info. What are those key signs? I do have access to the guitar and could probably do that. Thanks for the tips too.

Theres stamped serial no's on the neck and inside the body that should match for production line custom shop guitars. When you open it you'll see em. These will match the hangtag of the guitar and will bare close resemblance to the neckplate serial no' but not be exactly the same.

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