• Fender Japan Serial Number Decoder
• Fender Serial Number Japan Model
• Japanese Fender Guitar Serial Numbers

Made in Japan- Crafted in Japan. Richie Kotzen Japan Fender, which is a 'JD' serial number (seemingly then its a Gyna Gakki made Fender). Only the recent JD serial numbers begin with the year AFAIK. Other Fender Japan serial numbers are all over the place as pointed out, especially T+6 digits. Other Fender Japan serial numbers are all over the place as pointed out, especially T+6 digits.

OK, it will probably have the words 'Made in Japan' (MIJ) printed on the base of the back of the neck. If it does, then it's likely to be made in the mid to late 80s. If it has 'Crafted in Japan' (CIJ) then it's definitely 1997 or later and will also have a serial number in that location. If it's an earlier made guitar, the only way to verify the date is to remove the neck and see if the manufacturing date is on the heel of the neck.

Be advised though, sometimes there no date written there, in which case you will not be able to accurately determine the date, no matter what you do. For a period in 1984 - 1987, Fender Japan didn't necesssarily put serial numbers on their guitars and neck dating is the only way to tell the date for sure. The 'A' serial number on the bridge is NOT a serial number, just a part number of some kind. As to the value of the guitar, the JD is a signature model, so it will retain it's value better than a standard MIJ of the same era.

You probably could expect to get somewhere between US$800 and US$1000, depending on condition of the guitar.

Among the Fender Japanese guitars, there were two different logos used: Crafted in Japan and Made in Japan, and both were being made at the same time from 1994 till 1997. This means that the the serial numbers starting in 1994 ran consecutively on both the MIJ and the CIJ models while the MIJ logo was being phased out. Made in Japan- Crafted in Japan. Richie Kotzen Japan Fender, which is a 'JD' serial number (seemingly then its a Gyna Gakki made Fender). Nov 02, 2013  2013 '52' Japan Telecaster Finish. I do wonder why it's so hard to find info on a guitar with serial number (JD. But here's a link to the Fender Japan site.

Fender Japan Serial Number Decoder

Getting info on this Japanese Strat is like pulling teeth. Apparently they come in cardboard boxes with no tools, no papers; nothing but an awesome build. The Internet isn't a LOT of help. Some sites say they're ash, and they're not, but at least one site goes into a lot of detail about how they used a nitro finish like they did in the 'automotive industry' of all things. I'll sniff it, and while it doesn't matter to me one way or another -- I almost chose a consigned Deluxe Tele in my favorite finish (cherry sunburst with pearloid) that was All American and was dead as a doornail -- I learned that clearly, every instrument is unique, and I got a winner.

Fender Serial Number Japan Model

The Tele I inquired about in this post is only a little less rich than the Strat, but it's an ash Tele for under a grand, so I'm not complaining. I love aging toner. Here's what I read. This is one of two references to this model that mentions nitro, and the entries were unique. I do wonder why it's so hard to find info on a guitar with serial number (JD xxx). Somebody somewhere knows something!

'This is a rare example of a Japanese made 1958 re-issue Stratocaster and is available in strictly limited numbers, the '58 Strat complies with many of the original features such as an Ash body and the v-shaped neck joint - they have even replicated the Nitro Gloss Lacquer that was used extensively in the automotive industry in the US back in the 1950's. The frets, the bridge and the machine heads are all period correct replications of the original 1958 hardware and the Maple neck and fretboard like the body has a Nitro Gloss Lacquer finish. The steel block bridge has been fitted with a multi-spring vibrato system whilst the machine heads bear a resemblence to the Gotoh models. The 3 single coil pick-ups are Alnico Custom ST's managed by the usual volume and dual tone knobs - all of which have been cosmetically aged to suit the 1958 period look.' Would just like to know the real scoop on these guitars. Getting info on this Japanese Strat is like pulling teeth. Apparently they come in cardboard boxes with no tools, no papers; nothing but an awesome build.

Japanese Fender Guitar Serial Numbers

The Internet isn't a LOT of help. Some sites say they're ash, and they're not, but at least one site goes into a lot of detail about how they used a nitro finish like they did in the 'automotive industry' of all things. I'll sniff it, and while it doesn't matter to me one way or another -- I almost chose a consigned Deluxe Tele in my favorite finish (cherry sunburst with pearloid) that was All American and was dead as a doornail -- I learned that clearly, every instrument is unique, and I got a winner.