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Post subject: Any body know about inspection tags??
Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2010 6:40 am
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Roadie
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Location: Rhode Island
I posted this qurstion on the general lounge section without any feedback so I'll post this for my fellow P Bass players; How do you date an inspection tag for a guitar or bass if it is possible? I have one that came with my P Bass I don't think it is of the same vintage. I never saw one of these with a 60's guitar or bass. The earliest one I ever saw was with a 1975 tele & this looks the same. Can you tell by the names on it? Workers stamped their names on it in certain things they checked. When did Fender start using these? I think still they use them. I picked up a brand new Mexican made p bass (about 2 years ago) & it had a smaller, less detailed, orange inspection tag with it. i just would like to know if minecould be original but there is no date on the tag anywhere. The back of the tag has string life information tells you to wipe down your strings after playing to make them last. Any info apprciated.


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Post subject: Re: Any body know about inspection tags??
Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 11:49 am
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Hi BPgoalie,
Eeek!!! I composed and answer then deleted it!!! I hate when that happens!
ok...let's see if i can remember.....
Its been a long time since I filled out an inspection tag, but the answer is that there is no particular standard or method that carries over from year to year, model to model.
The U.S. tag is different from the MIM tag which is different from the MIJ tag etc etc. Also the tags are different depending on the year.
My recollection of tags at CBS is that we stamped with a numbered inspection stamp instead of signing them......and i believe a date code was used rather than the actual date. Then, when CBS sold Fender, once US production got under way, we would sign the tags. Again, its a varied thing.
I still think that google is a wonderful thing. I went to google images, typed in Fender Inspection Tags and saw some nice examples and information.
Good luck and have fun!!
Best,
rob

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Post subject: Re: Any body know about inspection tags??
Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 3:51 pm
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Roadie
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Location: Rhode Island
Rob;

Thanks for your reply. I see a 1973 tag on google images. My tag is stamped like this with names (None in red). The '73 tag has a red inspection tag number mine does not but looks the same without tag number in red. Does that make my instration tag later or earlier than 1973?? My Bass is a early 1967. Thanks! Russ


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Post subject: Re: Any body know about inspection tags??
Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 4:50 pm
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Hi again Russ,
As a final confirmation of your guitar or bass's date of manufacture, i think that tags can be good for that, but not for the actual dating of the instrument. In otherwords, if the markings on the body, the neck and the serial number all point to 1967, then it stands to reason that everything else you may still have is a confirmation of that. Red ink, names, inspection number stamps are not standardized. the neck date, the body date and the serial number are your best bets.
You see on the Tele from 73 you mention that Robert Trujillo signed the tune/test but you also see that the other one is from 83--different-also has stamp- and still tune/tested by our old friend Mr.Trujillo. If I'm not mistaken, Bob worked there an awful long time until CBS sold.
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So again.....thats a long way of saying (gotta be honest!)......I have no idea (sorry!!!)
Sorry i couldn't be more illuminating....but its all over the map.
All the best,
rob

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Post subject: Re: Any body know about inspection tags??
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:49 am
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Roadie
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Joined: Sat Dec 05, 2009 1:20 pm
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Location: Rhode Island
Thanks Rob;
I have verified my bass as a 1967 by the neck date & pots. I was wondering if the inspection tag was original as I have never seen one with a 1960's guitar or bass. I have only seen 1970's & later. So I guess I am wondering when did Fender begin using inspection tags? Thanks Russ


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Post subject: Re: Any body know about inspection tags??
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:09 am
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Hi again Russ!
Honestly, I don't remember seeing one pre-70's either.. I'd love to see a pic of the one you have.
Personally, I would be surprised if anyone here kept archives of the tags we've used over that span of years. We've all seen the old ads and booklets, but I would bet finding those took a few well placed phone calls. You might want to try a well-known vintage dealer who has seen all-and on a regular basis.
all the best,
rob

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Post subject: Re: Any body know about inspection tags??
Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:10 am
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Roadie
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Location: Rhode Island
Rob;

Damn digital camera! I need to buy a new (& a good) one. This one doesn't hold a charge anymore! Anyways, the tag has Fender transition logo & PRECISION BASS in block cap letters. Names are STAMPED on the tag & they are as follows ALBERTAZZIE, BOMIZ or BOMEZ (4 letter smudged), ESPINOZA, FUENTES. Has F/R/R 34 INS. stmaped in a circle has what looks like SV scribled in packed by block. I was hoping these names might help. Please let me know & thanks for all your help. Russ


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Post subject: Re: Any body know about inspection tags??
Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:22 am
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Roadie
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Location: Rhode Island
Rob;

Fuentes was stamped G. Fuentes on "string" up box. Would this be Gloria who did wiring in the 1950's? I have a 1953 P Bass with her signature in the control cavity. I am hoping these name stamps can pin point a date.


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