I haven't had a chance to write my "NGD" post, but I received my new Blacktop Maple Strat in Sonic Blue last week. I purchased it NEW from zZounds. I must say that I really love the guitar. The fit & finish is top notch throughout. Anyway, on to the post topic:

When I first unpacked the guitar, I must say that I was slightly disappointed to see that it had a 2010 serial number (MX10******). I went as far as to call zZounds Customer Service to inquire as to why I receive a 2010 model this late in 2011 ~ they stated that sometimes Fender will ship guitars that were built earlier, at a later date... if that makes any sense. They 100% guaranteed that the guitar was not a returned unit or a refirb ~ apparently they can track the guitar back to the original ship date from Fender via the serial number ~ they told me that it was shipped from Fender on 3/15/11. After closer examination of the shipping label from Fender on the box (which also has the matching serial number label), it was indeed shipped from Fender to zZounds on 3/15/11.

Fast forward to today & the 1st string change & full set-up. I decided to go ahead and pull the neck just out of curiosity. What I found was a bit confusing:

The body stamp is 01 MAY 2011. The neck is stamped twice: Once in BLACK with a 23 FEB 20?? date ~ The other is stamped over the BLACK in RED with a 17 FEB 2011 date.

Any thoughts? Easy answer?

How could the guitar be shipped in MARCH 2011 with a body stamped MAY 2011? The packaging (original Fender shipping box) was untouched/unopened when I received it. The box has no odd labels, no weird stamps or return labels ~ just the shipping label from Fender (3/15/11 - I checked it 3 times) and the Fender yellow UPC type product ID label with the 2010 serial number that matches the neck.

Also noted: The body does not have that little tremolo rout gap that some of the early units had. It also has the full size tremolo block, where the earlier units had the small block. Oddly enough, the only other production change that I am aware of is the BLACK trem bar tip was at some point changed to WHITE later... mine has the BLACK. Go figure?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Hi jstarr823,

The serial numbers don't change at the first of the year, closer to mid year. Often, the date codes on the body and neck won't be the same day, or the same week, or sometimes even the same month. There may be several date stamps, that isn't unusual. Any chance that you are misreading some of the dates? Likely the dates are all March, not May, and overlap with other markings/stamps, making them hard to read. Maybe post some pictures to let us see.

But, I wouldn't worry about it, as you got it new and no doubt it is real. I ordered one myself, you are correct, the guitar seems fantastic, and IMO is a great bargain (tried one at GC before ordering). I am interested in your thoughts on the sound and pup selections also.

_________________
---> "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 info. I can tell you with 100% certainty that the body has a MAY 2011 date stamp... it is definitely a "Y" not a "R". Still a little confused at to why the neck has two date stamps... one in RED over the one in BLACK.

Nonetheless, I am very happy with the guitar. I should note that I am a mid-skilled player (actually played drums professionally for almost 15 years. I play it mainly through a Mustang 2 amp... which I also love. I am still experimenting in regard to finding "my tone" on the guitar & amp combo, but I have zero complaints in any regard.

Maybe I'll email Fender.

Thanks again,.