Can someone help? I am looking at purchasing a used Strat from someone. I can't match the serial number.

It is DZ0 069

After the serial it has a white hexagon and there is a Fender Special Edition decal on the back.

Based on what I have seen on the web site the DZ serial numbers all have 5, 0r 6 digits following DZ, but this one has just 3.

The color appears to be a green nitrocellulose finish (see through).

Thanks so much!!!

donniew,

If you can post some pics of the Strat that would be most helpful. We love looking at guitars here. More than likely one of our experts would be able to help you. That serial is an odd one but I'm no expert when it come to identifing unusual strats. Does the neck have any marking that would suggest where the guitar was made, such as Made in America or Crafted in Japan. I have an American Deluxe Strat that begins with the DZ you mentioned but it is followed by 7 digits. Are you sure the finish is nitrocellulose or are you just assuming that because you can see the wood grain as the urethane finishs can also show the grain. If you can remove the neck you may see some stamps or writing in the neck pocket or on the end of the neck itself that may help shed some light on this guitar. Again please post picks if you can. Hopefully we can be of service.

Russ

Wow!!! I am sitting here waiting for tires on my car and a reply already.

It has the Made in USA decal on back of the headstock.

Here are a couple of pics ...






Thanks!!!!

Sorry I wasn't more specific on the pic request. Can you show us the front of the headstock. Maybe some more pics of the neck and a closer shot of the bridge. These usually are helpful indicators of authenticity that can lead our experts in the right direction. As I said, I don't know as much as several of the other guys on this forum (but learning everyday) so I suggest you don't purchase this guitar until you hear from some of the guys like Ceri, Nikininja, Big Jay, CV, Twelvebar, CAFeathers, and there are many others (that are Strat experts and just as good at authenticating a Strat but I can't recall their names) here that will be along eventually (within a day or two at the most). As for me that white octagon is bizarre. Never seen one of those following a serial. But what do I know.
I also asked this question previously: "Is the finish a nitro finish because you absolutely know it to be or are you making that assumption?" Also, how much is the asking price and what is the sellar claiming this guitar to be. Such as a Deluxe Strat or some kind of special release. If its an ebay deal you could post the links and that would help us. We are not in the buisness of sniping a good deal. We just want to help people avoid getting burned. It happens alot more than you would think. There are alot of people on ebay and craigslist scamming people by switching necks, using fake Fender decals, all sorts of devious methods. Just give us as many pics and as much info as you possible can including links to the sale if its online. Hopefully we can give you a relatively definitive answer before you face a purchase or not ultimatum.

Russ

P.S. I also ran the serial and got nothing. Of course there are exceptions such as guitars made for export or other odd reasons. Good Luck

The serial prefix would deem it a deluxe from 2000. However i've never heard of a 4 digit serial aside from very early 50's guitars. They dont have a letter prefix. Also notice the difference between the zero's in that serial its more zero (0) and O. 0O. Also whats that white spot never seen that before. The colour looks like its more mid 90's (maybe a fotoflame).

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No no and no

Notice that Niki's Deluxe has the locking tuners. The guitar with the white spot (is that really on the guitar or was it added to the image to obscure the full serial number?) does not have the locking tuners as a Deluxe should.

Something is very funny.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

orvilleowner,

Well the OP didn't add the white octagon to hide the rest of the S.N. Don't know if the photos he's obtaining from some website or ebay have had that added but as you say, if not then thats def a very odd thing. I for one have my "somethings not right here" radar going off.

Russ

As mentioned above, it's no Deluxe, and indeed the decal looks spooky. Think I'd run the other way on this one. By the way, welcome to the forum. Mike

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

I actually found it on Craiglist ... here is the link: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/msg/1147889501.html

There is no good pic of the front of the headstock. From the listing guy claims to have bought it from a chain store.

I have always wanted an American made Strat. I know where I can get some older ones from a real reputable family owned store at a good price (not much more than what this guy is asking).

I don't know that it is nitro cellulous, or not, but looks to be.

Anyway, it looks weird to me too and that is why I thought I would ask. Maybe this guy bought it under the auspices that it was something it is not. Thanks for all of your input!!!

After seeing that advert and the other pictures i'd go and try it out. A special edition guitar for a store should have some documentation.

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No no and no

BTW ... if it is what he says it is, it seems a sin to just put a guitar away and not play it. However, I am not a collector so what do I know ...

why not contact the store he claims it was made exclusively for.

http://www.kenstantonmusic.com/store/

They should give you some info on it.

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No no and no

Thank you everyone. I will contact Ken Stanton and I have also sent an email to Fender. Maybe I'll get some help there.

It makes me think that it would be easier to get one new than to save money trying to get one used. Don't have to worry about getting it setup, etc.

If you aren't seeking out that particular model this is probably true. You can get a new Strat at that price range, and be more than happy.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

That music store is actually fairly close to me. I'm on the south side of Atlanta and I think Ken Stanton is on the north side. Anywhere from a 45 minute to a 1 and a half hour drive depending on traffic. I may be visiting some friends on the northside in the next week or so. Maybe I can check it out. And rest assured, even if it was the best deal in the world I couldn't afford it after just buying a new Strat. I'll keep you posted if you would like me to.

Russ