Hi,
I'm desperate not to get ripped off after I recently bought a strat that was fake. I only have a picture of the headstock.

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http://i54.tinypic.com/1l0sy.jpg
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My concern is that I've seen another Japanese strat where the serial number begins with E, and after the word "stratocaster" it has the "R" with the circle - i.e. the trademark symptom. This doesn't. Does this mean it's fake?

Cheers for any help anyone can give!

Nick[/img]

I'm not 100% positive but I had a Japanese Strat and the way the word "Fender" is written looks right. Mine was written like that one and the same color as that one and the serial number was the color of that one too. It had the circle and the r at the end of the word "Fender" too. Just like that one does. But like I said, I cant say for certain. I don't know of any way to check the serial number on MIJ's. Surely someone on here knows though. Good luck with it.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

cant say to much about reliability of japanese strats but they are cheaper thats for sure.... dont pay more than squire price though. lol

It looks legit to me ...

Here's the headstock of a Fender MIJ Contemporary Strat for comparison.



The serial number is certainly legitimate on your guitar as well.

You're alright, pankapchew.

And, garret, you obviously haven't played a MIJ Fender.

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2006 Fender AVRI 70s Stratocaster: Natural Ash | Sovtek MIG 60 & A No Name Cabinet | Pedals & Junk

Thanks guys, but what I'm saying is that it doesn't have the "r in the circle" after the word "stratocaster". That's what's worrying me.

That missing R maybe, but the serial numbers should not be askew that is a potential redflag.
Can you post more pics of the guitar, front, back, etc..

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"C'est parti mon Kiki "

I would say it is legit except for the fact that the serial number is crooked like magnatone said