Hi fellas, howdy?

Again, i need your infinite wisdom , i'm going to see and try a Fender American Series (the seller claims that it's a 2000 American Standard, could be, but the hardware, decal, serial, etc matches with the American Series) and i need to know what things should i look to check if it's the real deal, a fake guitar, a Fender Neck and hardware and a generic body or whatever. BTW prolly the seller won't let me take the neck off to check the stamps.

Judging by the pics everything seems legit: 2 points brige, Fender modern tuners, correct neckplate, correct decal and serial number, etc.. but what should i look to check if it's the real dea, a copyl or a mongrel? the seller claims that the guitar is legit (but i think the seller doesn't know very much about the guitar). Just FYI, i'm no Fender Expert , i had only two Fenders:

1) Fender Strat California Series

2) Fender MIM Classic 70's



Thank you very much in advance and again, excuse mi bad english!

Looks right enough to me.

http://img541.imageshack.us/slideshow/webplayer.php?id=28517635.jpg

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No no and no

Agreed.

If you like it, bag it!

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You dig?

OK, so today i went to see the guitar. The seller has two American Standards, the black of the picture and a sunburst one (that was a lil bit higher in price). The guitar looks fine to me, correct string tree, bridge, decal, tuners, backplate etc.

The body was a little bit light, but i think that doesn't mean much. Also the Serial Number was in the right place, but a lil crooked.. it's normal? i think i'm kinda paranoid with this deal .

Best regards.

Ignacio.

You can call Fender Consumer Relations Monday morning and give them the serial number. They will tell you what you need to know. They are very helpful and always glad to help.(it seems) 480-596-9690. I've called several times and the guy who answers is very nice. He will even e-mail you the spec sheet on the guitar.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

Yes, that is normal. The first two or three digits are put on first, then the rest of the numbers are added later and generally are a little bit askew from the first digits.

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---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

Thanks for the replies guys

The Serial Number was a lil bit crooked, but entirely i think (i mean, not only the three first numbers), it's OK then? i think i'm becoming paranoid with all this deal

What are the chances of buying a copy or a mongrel at this level? i mean, the trem, tuners, fender decal, backplate (it even had the "CE" sticker), neck, strap buttons, back cover, pickguard seems to be OK, the condition for 10 years old guitar is excellent. The 2000 Am STD have poly or nitro finish? how could i know if it's poly or nitro?

Many thanks in advance, I'm really sorry to bother you guys with all this questions. Best Regards.

Ignacio.

Can't think of two more reliable opinions than these. However, at the end of the day it's your money and your call. If you know and trust the seller that's one plus. However, if you truly feel you need documentation or detailed inspection to satisfy you, and can't obtain it, then pass.
Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

To be honest, only my Gibson SG Special (not in my hands anymore in fact) was the only guitar with documentation, the other didn't had it.

I think a copy would wouldn't have that level of detal, i mean, i don't know hoy good are the copies nowdays but that guitar is pretty correct.

Thank you again.