In addition to the advice above, have the seller remove the neck and take a pic of the pocket and neck. You may find more information in there. I'd even go as far as to ask him to remove the pick guard and take a few pics.

You mentioned that the shape is not to hide the sn but it looks like a shape easily made and accessible to the most basic user of PhotoShop and it's clean compared to the photo grain around the actual sn. (?)

Whether it $900 or $3k, it's money and he's looking to sell. If he denies you look elsewhere.

Don't do it if you're not comfortable.
Good luck and be careful.
My $.02

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... and whispering pictures of home.

You can't check it, so no don't buy it. Get the S/N and send e-mail to... see my sig below.

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For setup help you could go here - http://www.fender.com/support
For a guitars build date, try here - http://www.guitardaterproject.org/

Wow, all of you are a wealth of information.

Russ\DeadAhead ... I live north of Alpharetta. Its not such a bad trip for me as well. Unless you are on the North side with nothing better to do, don't trouble yourself. I do sincerely appreciate it. BTW if you happened to pay the guy a visit and thought you just had to have it it you definitely would not hurt my feelings. I have other things more important to me than that. I know some people might get upset, but not me.

Pictures of Home ... it more than .02 cents worth. Its worth about $900 (what the guy is selling it for). I can't tell if the picture was modified, or not. It doesn't look like it to me. Ninty percent of the people on Craigslist don't even post pics of the serial number and the ones that show you a picture of the headstock always seem to be blurred. I asked the guy about it. He said it was a 2000 model. I'll ask if he has any doc on it.

Twelvebar - I am not that desperate that I need this guitar. It did look to be in real good shape and if it is what he says it is then it is probably a good deal. Can't blame the guy for trying to sell on Craigslist. If he can get a local buyer then its better than going through ebay and paying shipping and dealing with the aggravation of a disgruntled buyer and potential return. I'd definitely have peace of mind knowing I was getting what I was paying for and a new buy from the local shop. You know, I won't even buy a guitar unless I can play it first. Other things like amps and pedals I have no problem buying online ... new. Ebay scares me ...

Arcarix ... I have an email in to Fender inquiring about the hexagon and serial number. We'll see if I get any response there.

All ... I may just decide to put a grand + tax in to the economy and support my local guitar shop on a new US model (well, a new 2007, or 2008). I have a b-day coming up in July and haven't purchased a new guitar in a couple of years [gasp!!!] Thank you all again!!!

The hexagon is a mask, you will probably need the full serial number. If you can, get it from the seller, otherwise if it were me, I would not spend any SERIOUS money on it. An honest seller will at least give you the real serial number by private request.

_________________
For setup help you could go here - http://www.fender.com/support
For a guitars build date, try here - http://www.guitardaterproject.org/

Arcarix ... How funny. I just sent him an email after I posted my last submission. Hopefully he will send me the full serial.

Thanks!

No problem, and best of luck... hope it works out well for you.

_________________
For setup help you could go here - http://www.fender.com/support
For a guitars build date, try here - http://www.guitardaterproject.org/

I don't think you'll benefit from owning Mom&Pop "store special." Furthermore, the new American Standards are sweet and can be found for a grand w/the warranty and store return policy.

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... and whispering pictures of home.

Pictures ... agreed ...

These are not mom\pop store specials, but just older models that have not sold yet. They have their share of the new ones (at the new Fender prices) too. I guess I was referring not giving all of my money to the big chain that initials are GC. They have enough of my money.

I have not played an 09. Last year's models seem just as good. Is there something that different I should look for? This is turning in to another forum topic.

The guy confessed that he blocked out the serial because he saw other people doing it on ebay. He thought someone might try a scam (I guess possibly use the serials for another sale???) It sorta makes sense to me and that is probably a responsible thing to do. May try to meet up with him later in the week to see what this thing looks like. Then again, I may be weak in thinking that most people are honest, but I did check here first.

i removed my deluxe picture quickly so's not to give the serial no' away.
You cant trust anything on the internet. The guy sounds reasonable and considerate. I'd go see the guitar.

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No no and no

+1 The Sherwood green looks good too!

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

Thought I would let everyone know that this offer appears to be straight. The body is ash; not sure about the finish.

Got a response from Fender. Guy pulled some specs for me.

Think I am going to pay a visit tomorrow, or Wednesday and see how the thing plays.

Thank you all for all of your help. If I purchase it I will post pics.

Thanks!!!