I'm interested in buying a JV (1982-1984) or 1985-86 A-serial Paisley Telecaster. I've been spending a lot of time comparing the early models, new models and those in between. Ok so we know a 1982-1984 will have a JV prefix serial number stamped on the bridge with Made in Japan on the lower back of the neck. A 1985-1986 will have an A prefix serial number stamped on the bridge and Made in Japan on the neck too. Moving forward to 1997 there are both Made in Japan and Crafted in Japan (one or the other) on the neck and the serial number on the neck also.
I've come across something I just cannot understand. The first photo below is of a bridge from a 1996 with an A prefix serial number and Made in Japan on the neck with no serial number on the neck ! The second photo is a 2002 with an A serial number on the bridge also however the seller of this guitar has confirmed the neck says Crafted in Japan (as it should) with a P prefix serial number under the words Crafted in Japan. The new Paisley Telecasters are back to Made in Japan on the neck with a serial number on the neck also with no serial number on the bridge, I think.
So I've come across one from 1996 and one from 2002 with an A serial bridge, the 1996 has Made in Japan on the neck only and the 2002 has an A serial bridge with Crafted in Japan on the neck and a P prefix serial number on the neck. The serial numbers on the bridge don't correlate with the numbers on the neck obviously.
Finally here are the auctions to confirm what I'm saying.
Fender Paisley Telecaster 50th Anniversary 1996 Superb Guitar | eBay
Here is the auction of the 2002, seller has confirmed neck has Crafted in Japan and a P prefix serial number on the neck.
2002 Fender 69 Reissue Paisley Telecaster Japan 1969 RI Tele Pink | eBay
Comments welcome, this is driving me crazy

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