I'm sure that this has probably been discussed here, but I couldn't find anything in my thread search or on Fender's Custom Shop website so... Can somebody please explain the serial numbers for me. I'm specifically looking at the 1963 Stratocaster. They all have an "R" prefix, but beyond that, I'm lost. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Custom Shop serial numbers (and AVRI serials) don't follow the same patterns as production models. You can't usually tell the year of a CS guitar by the serial. You usually would contact Fender Consumer Relations with the serial for info on what the guitar is....
Well, if I understand you correctly, then: R = Relic CN = Custom Shop Ninety CZ = Custom Shop Zero LR = Limited Release There are more but I can't think of them right now.... If this is not what you're after then apologies!
Maybe ur wrong.. CN doesn't tell is a Ninety, my CS Clapton from 2006 Starts CN. And is not just relics that starts with R. Gilmour strat starts with R.
The R prefix is used on Time Machine NOS and Closet Classics too. My CS NOS has NOS stamped into the neck pickup cavity and 'Relic' on the main body under the pickguard, though is sprayed over.
Have many CS's starting R, numbers can't justify year or production month. Send an email to Fender Consumer Relations asking infos about Serial..
Standard production (not Custom Shop) reissues start with "V", V=vintage I may be wrong here but I think NOS and Closet Classic are just types of Relic. I've looked at a lot of Relic, NOS and Closet Classic and most start with "R", unless they are Master Builder, Special Edition, etc. <edit: of course here I got pulled into another necro-zombie thread>
R prefixed serial numbers started in 1999 when the Time Machine range was launched. All the finish options (Relic, NOS, & the much missed Closet Classic) had R serial numbers. I think that the R numbers are unique to the Time Machine range, but this is Fender, so who knows? Before 1999, most CS Strats seemed to have CN prefixed serial numbers - and of course they also got one of the two earlier decal types too. But CN numbers have also appeared since 1999 - I think the Custom Classics since 1999 have had CN prefixed numbers.
I believe so, & I also believe that these L serial numbers are a relatively new CS feature? This also means that a more recent CS '64 Strat replica now carries the same sort of serial number that an early '80s Tokai '64 Strat replica. I'm not sure that's a smart move by Fender!
Came to this post late but have 4 custom shop strat pros closet classic, all 2006 and all have serial numbers with 4 digits only. None can be found through Fender customer service or any place else. 2 are sunburst which would have been custom ordered in 2006 as they only made black and white pros that year. There is one on Ebay right now that is azure blue. Go figure. 2 of my pros have COAs so I figure they are legit. 2 don't but they are definitely the real deal. Anybody know how to get verification? Fender recommends going to an authorized dealer and spending $75 to have them issue a COA. would love to find a website with custom shop serial numbers that is legit.
where u can find that Bob !!!!? ? ??? I bought a relic journeyman 52 tele body , but the seller didn't got the COA ..... any chance i might find one ???? i don't mind paying the 75 $ just don't know where to get them , i 've looked for hrs , seen lots of threads but nothing concrete ....
