Hi Guys,

I recently bought a MiM strat for my grandson who is just learning to play. I don't play at all so this is a technical question about the strat I bought him.

The serial number is MZ5xxxxxx there are 6 digits after the MZ5, when I went to the Fender site to find out the date it was made it said MZ5 and 5 digits means 2005-2006 this has 6 digits, does that mean it is a fake?

I already emailed Fender to ask them the question, but they haven't returned the email. I thought someone on the forum would know the answer.

Thanks,

Rich

Some years see a greater production resulting in an extra digit. Not to worry, you most likely got a Strat born in late 2005.

Relax. My 2005 MIM has 6 digits after the date code. MZ5XXXXXX No big deal.

_________________
You're only as strong as
the drinks you pour,
the tables you dance on,
and the friends you roll with.

Thanks for answering guys.

This is what I got from Fender.

I guess it was built in 06 even though it has a MZ5 number, it did say 2005-2006 on the web site

Thanks again,

Rich


Date: 3/27/2006
Model Name: Standard Stratocaster® (Upgrade)
Model Number: 013-4600-(Color #) and 013-4602-(Color #)
Series: Standard Series
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple, Modern “C” Shape,
(Satin Urethane Finish)
Fingerboard: Rosewood (p/n 013-4600) or Maple (p/n 013-4602), 9.5” Radius (241 mm)
No. of Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
Width @ Nut: 1.650” (42 mm)
Hardware: Chrome
Machine Heads: Fender®/Ping® Standard Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines
Bridge: Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo
Pickguard: 3-Ply White
Pickups: 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat® Pickups (Ceramic Magnets)
Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup
Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup
Position 3. Middle Pickup
Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup
Position 5. Neck Pickup
Controls: Master Volume,
Tone 1. (Neck Pickup),
Tone 2. (Middle Pickup)
Colors: (306) Black,
(325) Chrome Red,
(332)* Brown Sunburst, *add $50.00,
(375) Midnight Wine,
(380) Arctic White,
(387) Electron Blue,
(Polyester Finish)
Strings: Fender® Super Bullets® 3250L, Nickel Plated Steel, (.009 to .042), p/n 073-3250-003
Unique Features: Vintage Styling
Source: Mexico
Accessories: Standard Gig Bag
U.S. MSRP: $599.99
NOTICE: Product Prices, Features, Specifications and Availability Are Subject To Change Without Notice
INTRODUCED: 1/2006
DISCONTINUED: 11/2008
DISCONTINUED COLORS: (573) Midnight Blue, (1/2002)
(502) Lake Placid Blue (1/98),
(525) Crimson Red Metallic (1/98),
(509) Candy Apple Red (For Musician’s Friend Only in 10/1998)
(521) Natural (For Musician’s Friend Only in 3/1999)
COMMENTS: Upgraded in 1/2006 with internal cavity shielding, a higher mass bridge block, switch from Vintage to Medium Jumbo frets and the inclusion of a Standard Gig Bag, Switch to 3XX part number suffix.
WRENCH SIZES: Truss Rod Adjustment Wrench, (3/16” Hex), P/N 0038467000,
Saddle Height Adjustment Wrench, (1.5mm Hex), P/N 0050919000

Best Regards,

Jeff Krause

Well Rich you are a cool Grandad and I hope your Grandson is happy and appreciates it.

Thanks straycat he really does. He loves playing, only 10 and has been taking lessons less than a year. Big difference between this and his Yamaha acoustic I bought hin 3 years ago.

Rich

Poorman,

You are truely a beautiful person. I always like seeing family members helping other family members get into music. You have one lucky grandson to have a grandfather to buy him a guitar, then worry that it may be a fake. I know most grandparents would not hav cared one way or another after the fact. Awemsome!!!!

_________________
RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

I think that might be a bit unfair. Most likley they didn't even know there's such a thing as a fake Strat, not that they don't care. I am quite sure the average person doesn't know about counterfeit instruments. It's a matter of education, not carelessness.

I too, think that it is such a terrific thing that you are doing for this your talent. I know the times that my parents supported me with my musical interests are precious to me today. Great job!

Thanks RK, funny the first tune he learned was Pink Floyd. He love s strumming it.

Right Bathead. Before I started looking for a guitar for him I didnt know anything about guitars, I am on the internet and I do a lot of research on everything I buy, especially when I don't know anything about something. What I have learned from all this is you guys that play the guitar are super talented. Something I truely never noticed. And I grew up in the days of a young Elvis...There is a lot of work that goes into playing this instrument with out looking at the strings. I am amazed.

Rich