I just noticed that the serial number on my 1997 Buddy Guy strat doesn't match the "code" listed here on the Fender website! Mine starts with N7 and ten has 6 more digits. This indicates it is a 1997, but I thought ALL signature models began with an S... Anyone know anything about this?

Did you buy it new from a dealer? You are correct that they say Signature Models are SE, SN, or SZ.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

I picked it up on ebay. My serial number is N7xxxxxx. This is different than the scheme mentioned on the Fender website. Everything else on the guitar seems right, though... It has a one-piece ash body (honey blonde), the tortoise shell pickguard and trem cover, vintage bridge with STEEL inertia block, Fender Lace Sensors, mid-boost, satin-finished neck with V neck and 22 vintage frets, vintage tuners, headstock truss rod adjust and micro-tilt adjust. Buddy Guy signature decal seems original and untouched. Is it possible that it's an erroneous serial number?

I've sent the same message to the Fender Consumer Relations email address in hopes to get some assistance...

You have to let us no what responce you get. I doubt it was an erroneous serial number.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Regardless of how it turns out, I am pretty certain it's a US-made, high quality guitar.... Very happy with it, just getting used to it (vintage frets and bridge). Thanks for your comments!

Props to Jeff Krause at Fender Customer Relations! He answered and reassured me that this is indeed an authentic BG strat! I am truly stoked!