83' Stratocaster missing serial number on the headstock

tamorgan · **Joined:** Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:13 am **Posts:** 6

I have come across an odd Stratocaster. It has 2-14-83 penciled on the end of the neck which indicates it is certainly an 83 strat but it does not have a serial number below the Fender logo on the headstock at all. This is odd to me as I thought all 83 Strats has the serial number on the headstock. Even more confusing is the fac that this Strat has a 6 digit serial number on the 4 bolt neck plate that starts with 330XXX which indicates that it would be a 1972. I know it's not a 72' because of the date written on the end of the neck but I don't see how it can be an 83' without a serial number on the headstock. The only other details I have is that it is a sunburst finish with a maple neck. Can anyone out there help me with this guitar? I first thought it was a "parts" guitar but that still doesn't explain the 83' date on the end of the neck without a serial number on the headstock.

dbr2026 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:52 pm

tamorgan wrote:

I have come across an odd Stratocaster. It has 2-14-83 penciled on the end of the neck which indicates it is certainly an 83 strat but it does not have a serial number below the Fender logo on the headstock at all. This is odd to me as I thought all 83 Strats has the serial number on the headstock. Even more confusing is the fac that this Strat has a 6 digit serial number on the 4 bolt neck plate that starts with 330XXX which indicates that it would be a 1972. I know it's not a 72' because of the date written on the end of the neck but I don't see how it can be an 83' without a serial number on the headstock. The only other details I have is that it is a sunburst finish with a maple neck. Can anyone out there help me with this guitar? I first thought it was a "parts" guitar but that still doesn't explain the 83' date on the end of the neck without a serial number on the headstock.

IS there a truss rod hole by the headstock or at the end of the neck? My AVRI 82/32 Strat has no serial number on it either. Got any pics?

tamorgan · **Joined:** Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:13 am **Posts:** 6

It has the brown plug for the truss rod in the headstock and also has one single round string tree guide like my 52' RI Tele. I'm new at this and don't really know how to add pictures.

dbr2026 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:15 pm

tamorgan wrote:

It has the brown plug for the truss rod in the headstock and also has one single round string tree guide like my 52' RI Tele. I'm new at this and don't really know how to add pictures.

go to image shack and upload there then put you link between these

[img]your%20link%20here[/img]

surely if you post pics someone here will be able to help out

tamorgan · **Joined:** Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:13 am **Posts:** 6

I guess it's too late and I can't focus. I don't even see an image shack to upload to.

Tanner1994 · **Joined:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 7:58 pm **Posts:** 2121

tamorgan wrote:

I guess it's too late and I can't focus. I don't even see an image shack to upload to.

image shack.
http://imageshack.us/

tamorgan · **Joined:** Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:13 am **Posts:** 6

Here are links to a few pictures of this Strat. I am looking for help indentifying this strat. Please read original post for specifics.

Thanks,
Adam

nikininja · **Posted:** Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:49 am

Japanese 50's vintage reissue would be my guess. The serial no on the neckplate should be prefixed with a JV. The neck will likely have ST-56 or ST-54 on the base.

Fender wrote:

Japanese Instruments

DATING JAPANESE-MADE FENDER INSTRUMENTS
SERIAL NUMBERS CIRCA
JV+ 5 digits 1982-1984
SQ + 5 digits 1983-1984
E + 6 digits 1984-1987
A + 6 digits 1985-1986
B + 6 digits 1985-1986
C + 6 digits 1985-1986
F + 6 digits 1986-1987

American Vintage reissue just has a V prefix on the serial no'.

Fender wrote:

1982 saw the introduction of the U.S. Vintage Series instruments and "V"-prefix serial numbers. The only way to definitively date U.S. instruments with "V"-prefix serial numbers is to remove the neck and check the butt end of the neck heel for a production date, which may be stamped or written there.
SERIAL NUMBERS PRODUCTION DATES
EI + 5 digits
E2 + 5 digits
E3 + 5 digits
V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) 1982
(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year)
E2 + 5 digits
E3 + 5 digits
V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) 1983
(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year)
E3 + 5 digits
E4 + 5 digits
V + 4, 5 or 6 digits (U.S. Vintage Series except '52 Telecaster) 1984
(For U.S. Vintage Series, check neck date for specific year)

The serial with a JV or V prefix is on the neckplate for accurate for vintage aesthetic

dbr2026 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:00 am

Looks like my AVRI from 82/82 to me, but I can't say for sure. If it turns out being one, you'll want to hold onto it, it's a good player and worth anywhere from $1500-3000 from what I have been told. SOmething about it being made in the Fullerton plant.

tamorgan · **Joined:** Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:13 am **Posts:** 6

Tell me if this sounds right - I'm thinking now that this is an 83' AVRI that someone has changed the neck plate to a 72'. Here is why I think this - 2-14-83 hand written on the end of the neck - no serial number on the headstock - and a 4 bolt neck plate that has a 6 digit code 330XXX with no letter in front of it. An 83' neck plate should have a V in front of the digits.

If I'm correct then I have another question - there is no "made in the U.S.A." on this guitar so how can I know that it is a Fullerton guitar? Will the pots tell me anything? If so, what should I look for in regards to dating the pots?

And, if this turns out to be a U.S.A made 83' AVRI with the incorrect neck plate - is it woth $450? That's what the guy is asking for it with the case.

dbr2026 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 18, 2009 10:19 am

tamorgan wrote:

Tell me if this sounds right - I'm thinking now that this is an 83' AVRI that someone has changed the neck plate to a 72'. Here is why I think this - 2-14-83 hand written on the end of the neck - no serial number on the headstock - and a 4 bolt neck plate that has a 6 digit code 330XXX with no letter in front of it. An 83' neck plate should have a V in front of the digits.

If I'm correct then I have another question - there is no "made in the U.S.A." on this guitar so how can I know that it is a Fullerton guitar? Will the pots tell me anything? If so, what should I look for in regards to dating the pots?

And, if this turns out to be a U.S.A made 83' AVRI with the incorrect neck plate - is it woth $450? That's what the guy is asking for it with the case.

My AVRI 82/82 has no "Made in USA on it either. It's worth a lot more than $450 if it ends up being an AVRI from 82/83. Those can go from anywhere from $1500-$3000 from what I have seen. I m not sure about the pots or the rest, I', still a newbie and had to ask the same questions on here about mine when I got it in order to identify it. You could also email Fender with pics and the info you have and they can help identify it too.

nikininja · **Posted:** Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:00 am

Pencil dating is normal. My customshop has its date written on the neck in pencil. The body too. Vintage strats also have it written on in pen or pencil. Theres no conclusive proof that the neck has been changed, only the neckplate. VRI guitars dont have made in usa written on them, anywhere.

Get a photo of the neck heel. The end and the flat should have all the evidence you need to identify it. While your about it get him to photo the neck pocket too. The price does seem too cheap.

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