hi folks, i'm relatively new to the forum but i wonder could anyone help....im looking to buy a japanese 62' reissue, is there any way of identifying the model from the serial number??

http://www.fender.com/support/japanese_instruments.php

This should be a good start.

hi thanks, but i have been there and that ok in terms age identity, however it doesnt say what model ie, is that particular guitar a 62' reissue??

The japanese strats with model number ST-62 are 62 reissues with 7.25" radius neck and ST japanese pickups and comes in 12 finishes.
(Three-Tone Sunburst) (Black) (Vintage White) (Old Candy Apple Red) (Old Lake Placid Blue) (Fiesta Red) (Torino Red) (Sonic Blue) (Cherry Sunburst) (Shell Pink) (Seafoam Green) (Ocean Turquoise Metallic)


The ST-62TX has the 7.25 neck and texas special pick-ups and the same 12 finishes .

The ST-62-US has the 7.25 neck and US vintage pickups and same 12 finishes.

The ST- 62VSP has the 7.25 neck and ALNICO pickups.
(Three-Tone Sunburst) (Vintage White)

The ST-62M-US has the larger 12" radius neck and US vintage pickups and 4 finishes.
(Three-Tone Sunburst) (Black) (Vintage White) (Old Candy Apple Red)

The ST62g is the same neck and pickups as the ST62 but looks like the SRV strat with gold hardware and right handed tremolo in 3 tone burst.

The ST-62TX/MH has the 7.25 neck and texas special pick-ups and comes in Blue Jupiter and Burgandy Mist .

A new ST-62 runs about $600.00 (US) The ST62TX runs about $800.00 new. Not sure about the others. My local shop has a 2 ST-62's in one 3 tone sunburst and one in white and 2 ST-62TX's in one 3 tone sunburst and one in white.


The first letter of the serial number will tell you the year. ex. V is 1997-98
(I live in Okinawa Japan)

hi thanks for the info, i also found out that 'premium' models are the ones with texas specials and stamped bridge saddles so i went ahead and bought the one i was watching, the serial is S079055, does that make it a 2006??

If it says made in japan it is 94-95 if it says crafted in japan it is 2005-06

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I believe the "premium" re-issues also have alder or (in some instances) ash bodies.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY