Hi

I have a question about a serialnumber

Its about the number S 905684

My question is, is this a guitar from 78,79,80 or 81?

When i look at this site all the four years are possible..... It says S9 and 5 digits...

So what is it?

Thanks a lot!

Take the neck off and have a look at the heel. It should be marked in there.

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No no and no

Yes I know but maybe i wanna buy this guitar so i cannot demontate it know.....

The seller says i am sure it is an 78 but he does not demontete the guitar...

So how can i see it is an 78??? Can i further on identify the serial number, i mean the last 5 digits?? Maybe it is one of the earliest because the first number is a zero....

Tell the seller you want to see the heel of the neck and neckpocket date stamps.

It's a perfectly reasonable request to make when buying a vintage guitar.

If he won't show em, he's likely trying to fool you. In that case you either walk away or buy the guitar at your own peril.

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No no and no

Those years are hard to positively nail down for Fender. Many different parts and pieces were often put together in that era. A look at the neck pocket, as well as the pot dates can help.

Unless you really have to have a '78 for some reason, does it really matter if it is a '78, '79 or '80? There were no changes in hardware or specs for the basic Stratocaster during those years and they are all worth the same in today's market. In 1981 you will find some different colors in the "International Colours" series, but the other hardware is the same. Also by 1981 you may find some regular colors besides the International Colours with white pickguards.

However, the only way is to remove the neck. If the seller is someone like me who (even after 30+ years of playing) doesn't feel comfortable taking off the neck then they can take it to a repairman and have them take it off for them. It's a "cost of doing business" when selling a vintage guitar.