Hello. I have a strat with a serial number that puts it between 1978 and 1981. It starts with S9. Is there any way to narrow down the production year without taking the guitar apart? It has the large headstock, seventies lettering, and the 3 screw bolt on neck. Thanks.

Hi 2327

If you havnt done so already you could try "guitar dater" and input the serial no.

Helps if you use the Fender section

Guitar dater won't help him, Fender used the S9 serial from 1979 til about 81, like he said in his post. All guitar dater will tell him is that it is a 1979 made at the the Fullerton plant. If you do a google search there is a site that gives info on dating these late 70s/early 80s strats. You can also trying checking the pot codes/dates if the wiring is original

If you are uncomfortable removing the neck by yourself to see the date stamp, I would suggest taking it to a local guitar tech or luthier. I'm sure they would be happy to do it for not much cost. It should only take a few minutes while you wait.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

Yeah thats true Yogi i assumed the 1979 confirm if thats the case would be enough.

Also said "without taking it apart" which is the next step.

Al

Yeah, you are at the disassemble stage. sadly the serial numbers will only give you a range of possible dates. have to look at the stamps at this point.

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

I have one of these guitars with the tri-bolt. Chocolate sunburst (considered an ugly duckling).

I fitted it with a Seymour Duncan stacked HB in the bridge position way back in the 80s. Since then, I've replaced the nut and the jack (well, it's had a few set-ups and string changes LOL).

Still the best sounding guitar I have. It's a bit snarky (it doesn't seem to hold it's set-up very long) and is very heavy. However, I still love it.

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Per all the above, you've narrowed it down as close as possible. If you really are determined to pinpoint it, the only way is for the guitar to be taken apart. Frankly, with a 3 bolt, I wouldn't do it, especially if the neck isn't shifting around as you don't want to upset its frail snugness by disassembly. YMMV.

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