I just bought a strat and I cant find any info on the net on it like original list price. I was told the M is for Mexico and its a 2004. How do I verify this and more?
Joe wertdxz@yahoo.com

Hi Joe,
You can e-mail your serial number to Fender consumer relations and they will send you a list of everything pertinent to your particular guitar as it was produced at the factory.

Depending on how "deep" you want to go on this:

The serial number (at least used to) break down thusly:

M(mexico) Z(zero) 4(four)...

MZ4XXXXX.

I've usually seen it where the MZ4 portion is slightly bolder, or maybe a slightly different font.

The XXXXX portion, I'm not sure how it breaks down. Week? Batch #? As mentioned, I'm sure Fender could give you the skinny if you needed to know that it was the 334th guitar made in the 17th week of the year, but it does sound like it's and '04 MIM by yr description.

Cheers, J.

Unlike Gibson serial numbers the "XXXXXX" portion of a Fender serial number can't really be interpreted for dates, batch numbers, color, etc. The serial numbers are not necessarily sequential - each neck builder at Fender just grabs a stack of decals out of a bin for their daily work and applies a decal before the neck is finished (so the decal is under the finish). The necks are also held in inventory until the guitar is built, so you will often find an earlier date stamped on the neck than on the body.

However, Fender does keep accurate records going back to about 1993/1993; they have a database that matches the serial number to the model, color, and even the dealer it was originally shipped to.