hi I just bought an AV62RI strat in olympic white, serial # V173608 from a pawn shop and I've been unable to find any information as to what date it would have been made, I just put new strings on it so taking the neck off at this point is something I dont really wanna do, so I was wondering if anyone here could help, as well I have the booklets, information, warranty card, case that originally came with the guitar, one of the books says copyright Jan 1, 1998 in the back of it, thats the most recent date ive found so I know its at least that new, if that helps,
thanks in advance,
J.B.

Nevin is bang on. You can't tell from the serial no' of VRI's. Unless you contact Fender customer support.

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No no and no

thanks guys... i guess ill just wait till i change strings as im too lazy to do the capo thing

You could also email or call Fender Consumer Relations; they should be able to look up info on the guitar for you assuming the guitar is at least a 1998 from the copyright on the manual. Fender's records go back to about 1993; the records prior to 1993 were destroyed in a warehouse fire before they could be computerized.