Everything i can see on this SRV strat looks as real as can be, but there is a couple things I was wondering. The serial number on the back of the headstock is SN8959610. I have read they the SRV's were six digits and started with SE. The other thing is the fender decal on the headstock was put on after the lacquer, I have read other people having the same thing, but it does concern me. Everything else seems correct, the signature on the headstock is under the lacquer as well as the serial number, lefty tremolo, SRV pickguard. Any help would be appreciated, its at a descent price and would like some others opinions.

Talk to IMissStevieRayVaughn. He knows literally EVERYTHING about SRV model guitars.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Up until '93 or '94 they had SE serial numbers because they were using serial decals from the 80's. SN8XXXXXX means it's a '98. Fender decal should be over the lacquer but the signature and serial number will be under.

A lefty trem on a righty body can only be faked if it's an after market body.

Post some pics and we'll be able to tell if it's legit.

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

I'll second Voodoo Blue's info on the serial numbers - it took Fender a long time to use up the "SE8" and "SE9" serial number decals because there were so few signature models early on, but these days they are pretty much "on-track" with the numbers (or at least as much on-track as Fender serial numbers ever are).

The photos look ligit to me - it's been a long time since I looked at an SRV Strat but I think the back plate might have been replaced. I thought the SRVs had the vintage-style back back plate with 6 individual holes for each string and this one has the modern-style with the large rectangular hole for the strings - but as I say it's been a while since I've looked at one in person and I could be wrong about that. Even if that has been changed it's not a big issue; in fact it's likely easier to restring the guitar with the modern-style back plate than with the vintage-style back plate.

Looks good to me. I can't comment on the back plate thing John mentions, mine didn't come with one. ;o)

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

Thanks for the help... I picked it up for 700 which I think was a pretty smokin deal, it was then I paid for my standard strat. I love the fat neck!!!!!

Thats a good price on a SRV.I see them go for around 1k on ebay.I have one and everything looks legit to me.Right tint on the neck and the sunburst looks good .

That is a smoking deal on an SRV - enjoy!

Funny: http://www.ebay.com/itm/220880275782

"custom shop handmade by A.Fink"

Cheers

David

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"Humans think they are smarter than dolphins because we build cars and buildings and start wars etc...and all that dolphins do is swim in the water, eat fish and play around. Dolphins believe that they are smarter for exactly the same reasons."

do you think its the real deal?

I`m wondering why the neck plate don`t say made in Corona ? Shouldn`t that be on there if its MIA and a legit SRV Model ? But the rest of it looks right so I`m a little confused.

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Nope, the neck plate should be plain.

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

Great, thanks for clearing that up for me.

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Thanks for clearing that up for me. Beautiful guitar Jesse, enjoy it

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