I bought a MIJ neck and there's just a couple of things I'm wondering about. I know a bit about MIJ stuff but people here would know a lot more.

Firstly, it doesn't say "Made In Japan" anywhere on the neck, is that odd? Secondly, its serial G01xxx is supposed to be made 1987 - 1988, but there's a date written on it in biro 3-3-90. Would that date wriiten on it be the manufaturing date, and if so does it fit within the inaccuracy range for serial # theorectical fates vs actual dates? Thanks

I can't answer your questions but here is a pic of my 85 MIJ that my daughter has now. Notice where the Made in Japan is located and I also have a skunk stripe on the back of the neck. Hope this helps.

Just thought that you might find more information on this site.
http://www.provide.net/~cfh/fender.html#serial Close to bottom of page.

Oh! Welcome to the forum!

Thanks for the reply fhopkins. I've had a close look at the neck in that spot (and the bottom of the back of the neck) where "Made in Japan" usually is and the finish looks untouched. I know some people sand of the "Made in Japan" because they don't like people to know, but that doesn't seem to be the case. But for the same reason there's no sign in the finish that the Fender decal is not original. If it's been added on it was a very professional job.

Also, it's a 62 model with the truss rod adjustment at the base, don't know if that makes a difference in it not having a skunk stripe

Did you check out the link I gave you? They are pretty reliable. Good luck!

Yep, thanks. On there it says, for Japanese Fenders "G + 6 Digits = 1987 to 1988" which matches up with the Guitar Dater Project Page where I first checked.

My 1986 MIJ 68RI has no skunk stripe, but it does have Made In Japan and the serial number at the base of the neck.

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I was hoping you'd chime in Chet. You are our resident MIJ expert.
I know very little about them.

Looking at the pic again I notice that the tuners are not correct for a 62RI.

Can you put up a pic of the very end of the neck?

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Just because the number matches does not make it so!!!!
Where is the Made In Japan or the Crafted In Japan down on the back of the heel? The heel stamps look different, and don't kid yourself that someone could not make there own labels and place them on a neck in a manner that many would never tell the difference. Buy an unfinished strat neck neck its a breeze. Serial numbers heck just pick a number for the year you want G255621 and you have a Fender made in 1987-88 at Fuji string instrument company.

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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

CAFeathers, is this the end you were referring to? No markings.

Hmm, not looking good, but why would someone fake a G serial?... If I faked one I'd go for a more glamorous one.

My personal opinion is that that is NOT a Fender neck.

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Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Can we see pics of the whole neck front and back? Plus close ones of the tuners both sides. It may help Chet.

Hey guys, while we're on the subject, can you check whether this one looks like the real thing:

http://vi.ebaydesc.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=310174951411&t=1252083326000&ds=0&js=-1&ssid=15&seller=lenoirberg_vinyles&bv=mozilla&caz.html

fhopkins, I just took pictures of details, and not the back of the headstock, and I don't think my camera is charged at the moment

Because many people look for MIJ fender guitars and there is more confusion in getting a good ID on them. People fake them before MIM's. Then they turn up being broke down and the parts get going and someone thinks they have a MIJ neck and the don't. There have been people here on the forum who have bought guitars that have change there necks and ask about how to relabel them as original just for there own satisfaction as they put it. Well somewhere down the road that thing could end up on the market.
MIJ's can be confusing For 15 years many of the fender necks where made by Atlansia who did not make the guitars. But they were used to help make the necks for Fuji Gen who also made them. But they should all be marked MIJ or CIJ as well as have part numbers on them ST??? SST ??? ect.

_________________
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