Below is a picture of my AVRI '62's neck pocket. I have a couple questions. Is there any significance to that code starting with the C (can't read it completely but I think it says C53807)? Also, is it common for that rectangular indentation to be there, around the 4 screw holes (almost looks like somebody took the neck plate and bolted the neck over it.)

I can't speak for the numbers but I'm pretty sure that the indentation is from where the body was mounted for painting

_________________
Custom Shop '59 Strat with John Cruz Master Design Pickups
Vibro King
Fulltone Clyde>Deja-Vibe>TS-808>TS-9>Boss Tuner

Thanks for the reply. Could you elaborate for me regarding the mounting? Just not sure how they would mount it in such a way where it'd cause that rectangular (with rounded corners) indentation

basically they bolt the body onto a long metal plate (which you guessed it, is shaped like a fender neck plate) and paint the body.

an example:

_________________
http://www.twitter.com/CAE_Music

Ah, excellent. Thanks. I take it some of the finish bled underneath that plate that it was mounted on (at least in this case in my photo)?

EDIT: a very minor amount of the finish/paint I mean.