I thought about asking this question in the CS forum, but it may not be CS related, then again it may be. I'll try to make it concise and to the point (don't want to bore anyone). Without pics I try to do my homework before posing questions I don't have the answers to, so here's what popped up.

I'm familiar with the CITES Treaty of 1992, and I'm wondering how long did it take for Fender/Associates to use the entire stock of Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) fretboards from 92' and after. Here's why.

I have 2 MIMs. A 98' and 96/97', both do not have the traditional date stamp on the heel of the neck, instead both has a 5 digit numerical stamp on each heel. The stamped numbers are 218 numbers apart (ie. 20000/20218), both have a white circle sticker with the letter X in the trem cavity. The 98' has various markers in the neck pocket one being ARxxx. The electronics came out of a 99' MIA (too long of a story), and was introduced in 91' and discontinued in 06'. The 96/97' has a 96' serial number, but Fender's paperwork says it's considered a 97' (possible carry over?). Now here's the interesting part.

The 96/97' is an Artist Series (113-2700) that has the BR fretboard. It was introduced in 94' and discontinued in 03'. I've taken both to Luthier's that I'm comfortable with and they have indicated this to be fact. The 98' Pau Ferro, and the 96/97' BR. Even if both pan out to be partscasters, they may have be "parted" directly from Fender, maybe as leftovers from a declining bin of parts. And if that is the case, I have no problems with that at all. Since the day I've purchased both guitars I've been lauding about the necks, I now think I know why......lucky me.

If you happen to have an AS rosewood (113-2700 or 010-2602) strat, you may want to have the fretboard examined. You may be sitting on/playing something VERY nice.

Cazz

The idea that fender build from a backlog of timber is a very sensible one to me.
You cant stop production, or everything goes down the pan.

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No no and no

Thanks Nikininja, coming from you and a few others, may justify my theory.