How To Identify A Fender Custom Shop Guitar (Serial Numbers Lookup)

The Fender Custom Shop was established in 1987 and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, handcrafted guitars. These guitars are highly sought after by collectors and musicians alike, and it’s important to know how to identify them.

In short, to identify a Fender Custom Shop guitar, look for a serial number that starts with “CN” or “V”. Additionally, they will often have distinctive features such as custom finishes, unique hardware, and high-quality materials like exotic woods.

Fender Custom Shop guitars are built by a team of master builders who have years of experience in crafting some of the finest guitars in the world. The Custom Shop offers a range of models, including replicas of vintage guitars, one-of-a-kind creations, and artist signature models. Each guitar is made by hand, with great attention to detail and a focus on creating the best possible tone and playability.

To identify a Fender Custom Shop guitar, the first thing to look for is the fender custom shop serial number. Custom Shop guitars will have a serial number that starts with “CN” or “V”. The CN prefix is used for guitars made in Fender’s Corona, California factory, while the V prefix indicates a guitar made in the company’s Ensenada, Mexico factory.

Another way to identify a Custom Shop guitar is by its distinctive features. These guitars often have custom finishes, unique hardware, and high-quality materials like exotic woods. They may also feature hand-wound pickups, which are carefully crafted to deliver the best possible tone.

In conclusion, identifying a Fender Custom Shop guitar requires some knowledge of their serial number system and an eye for their distinctive features. These guitars are highly prized by musicians and collectors alike, and for good reason – they are some of the finest guitars in the world, crafted by master builders with a passion for quality and tone.

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Where Is The Serial Number On A Custom Shop Fender?

On a Fender Custom Shop guitar, the serial number is typically located on the back of the headstock, although some models may have it on the neck plate or bridge plate. The serial number will start with “CN” or “V”, indicating where the guitar was made (Corona, California or Ensenada, Mexico). It’s important to note that some Custom Shop guitars may have a serial number that starts with “R”, indicating that it is a limited edition or artist model.

Fender Custom Shop Serial Numbers

Fender Custom Shop guitars have serial numbers that provide important information about the instrument.

Here’s what you need to know about Fender Custom Shop serial numbers:

The format: Fender Custom Shop serial numbers have different formats depending on where the guitar was made. Guitars made in Corona, California have a serial number that starts with “CN”, while guitars made in Ensenada, Mexico have a serial number that starts with “V”.
The year: The first two digits of the serial number indicate the year the guitar was made. For example, a guitar with a serial number starting with CN9 would have been made in 2009.
The production number: The next two digits indicate the production number for that year. For example, a guitar with a serial number starting with CN95 would be the 95th guitar produced in 2009.
Limited edition models: Some Custom Shop guitars have a serial number that starts with “R”, indicating that it is a limited edition or artist model. These guitars may have a different numbering system that includes the year and production number, as well as a unique identifier for the specific model.
Other information: In addition to the serial number, the guitar may have other identifying information, such as the builder’s signature or a special decal indicating the model or series.

In summary, the serial number on a Fender Custom Shop guitar provides important information about the year and production number of the instrument. Different models may have slightly different serial number formats, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s website or consult with an expert to ensure you’re interpreting the number correctly.

Things to Consider When Buying a Fender Custom Shop Guitar

If you’re considering buying a Fender Custom Shop guitar, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best possible instrument for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider:

Your playing style: Custom Shop guitars are often designed for specific playing styles, so it’s important to choose a model that suits your needs. For example, if you’re a blues player, you might want a guitar with a thick, warm tone, while if you’re a shredder, you might want something with a slim neck and high-output pickups.
Your budget: Custom Shop guitars are typically more expensive than standard production models, so it’s important to have a clear idea of your budget before you start shopping. It’s also worth noting that prices can vary widely depending on the model, so do your research and shop around to find the best deal.
The condition of the guitar: If you’re buying a used Custom Shop guitar, it’s important to thoroughly inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. Check the frets, neck, and body for any signs of damage, and make sure all the electronics are working properly.
The reputation of the builder: Custom Shop guitars are built by a team of master builders, each with their own style and reputation. Research the builder of the guitar you’re interested in to ensure they have a solid reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
The resale value: Custom Shop guitars are often seen as investments, so it’s worth considering the potential resale value of the instrument before you buy. Look for models that have a strong track record for holding their value over time.

In summary, when buying a Fender Custom Shop guitar, consider your playing style, budget, the condition of the guitar, the reputation of the builder, and the potential resale value. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you get the best possible instrument for your needs and budget.

How can you tell if a Fender custom store is real?

To determine if a Fender Custom Shop guitar is genuine, there are a few things you can look for:

Fender Custom Shop Serial number: Check the serial number on the back of the headstock. Custom Shop guitars will have a serial number that starts with “CN” (Corona, California) or “V” (Ensenada, Mexico).
Guitar Details: Look for distinctive features that are characteristic of Fender Custom Shop guitars, such as unique finishes, high-quality materials, and hand-wound pickups.
Guitar Authenticity certificate: The guitar should come with an authenticity certificate from Fender that includes information about the model, builder, and serial number.
Purchase from an authorized guitar dealer: To ensure you’re getting a genuine Fender Custom Shop guitar, purchase it from an authorized dealer. Fender maintains a list of authorized dealers on their website.
Guitar Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fender Custom Shop guitars are high-end instruments and generally command a premium price. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

In summary, to determine if a Fender Custom Shop guitar is genuine, look for a serial number that starts with “CN” or “V”, distinctive features that are characteristic of Custom Shop guitars, an authenticity certificate, purchase from an authorized dealer, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

How To Spot A Fake Fender Guitar In Seconds!

While it can take some expertise and knowledge to determine if a Fender guitar is fake, there are a few things you can check quickly to spot a potential fake:

Check the price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fender guitars, especially high-end models like Custom Shop guitars, generally command a premium price. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Check the logo: The Fender logo should be clean and clear, with no smudging or distortion. Check the font and spacing of the letters, as well as the placement of the logo on the headstock. Fakes may have logos that are slightly different from the authentic Fender logo.
Check the serial number: Look up the serial number on Fender’s website to verify that it matches the model and year of the guitar. Fake guitars may have a serial number that doesn’t match the model or year, or may use a serial number that is known to be fake.
Check the build quality: Fender guitars are known for their high-quality construction and attention to detail. Look for signs of poor workmanship or sloppy finishes, such as rough edges, poorly aligned parts, or uneven paint.
Check the weight: Fender guitars have a specific weight range for each model. If the guitar feels too heavy or too light for its size, it may be a fake.

Fender’s Cheaper Guitars Purposely Made In Asia

Fender, like many other guitar manufacturers, produces a range of guitars at different price points to cater to a wide range of customers. Some of these lower-priced guitars are made in Asia, where labor and production costs are generally lower than in the United States or Mexico, where many of Fender’s higher-end models are made.

While some guitarists may view these cheaper guitars as inferior to their American-made counterparts, Fender has worked to ensure that these instruments still offer a high level of quality and playability. The company has implemented strict quality control measures to ensure that its Asian-made guitars meet its high standards.

Additionally, Fender has introduced several initiatives to help support and promote music education in Asia, including donating instruments and providing resources and training for music teachers. These efforts are part of Fender’s broader mission to make music accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or budget.

In summary, Fender produces a range of guitars at different price points, including lower-priced models made in Asia. While some may view these guitars as inferior, Fender has worked to ensure that they offer a high level of quality and playability. The company has also introduced initiatives to support and promote music education in Asia.

Fender Serial Number Lookup: China

Fender guitars that are made in China have a serial number that begins with the letters “CG”. To look up the manufacturing information for a Fender guitar made in China, follow these steps:

Go to Fender’s official website.
Click on the “Support” tab in the top menu and select “Product Registration.”
Enter the serial number into the search box and click “Search.”
The website will display information about the guitar, including the model, year of manufacture, and where it was made.

Alternatively, you can also use third-party websites like guitarinsite.nl or guitardaterproject.org to lookup Fender serial numbers for guitars made in China. However, it’s important to note that these websites may not be as reliable as the official Fender website and should be used with caution.

In summary, to lookup the manufacturing information for a Fender guitar made in China, use the official Fender website or a reputable third-party website. The serial number for Fender guitars made in China begins with the letters “CG”.

Fender Serial Number Lookup: Mexican

Fender guitars that are made in Mexico have a serial number that begins with the letters “MX”. To look up the manufacturing information for a Fender guitar made in Mexico, follow these steps:

Go to Fender’s official website.
Click on the “Support” tab in the top menu and select “Product Registration.”
Enter the serial number into the search box and click “Search.”
The website will display information about the guitar, including the model, year of manufacture, and where it was made.

Alternatively, you can also use third-party websites like guitarinsite.nl or guitardaterproject.org to lookup Fender serial numbers for guitars made in Mexico. However, it’s important to note that these websites may not be as reliable as the official Fender website and should be used with caution.

In summary, to lookup the manufacturing information for a Fender guitar made in Mexico, use the official Fender website or a reputable third-party website. The serial number for Fender guitars made in Mexico begins with the letters “MX”.

Fender Serial Number Lookup: Korean

Fender guitars that are made in Korea have a serial number that begins with the letters “KC”. To look up the manufacturing information for a Fender guitar made in Korea, follow these steps:

Go to Fender’s official website.
Click on the “Support” tab in the top menu and select “Product Registration.”
Enter the serial number into the search box and click “Search.”
The website will display information about the guitar, including the model, year of manufacture, and where it was made.

Alternatively, you can also use third-party websites like guitarinsite.nl or guitardaterproject.org to lookup Fender serial numbers for guitars made in Korea. However, it’s important to note that these websites may not be as reliable as the official Fender website and should be used with caution.

In summary, to lookup the manufacturing information for a Fender guitar made in Korea, use the official Fender website or a reputable third-party website. The serial number for Fender guitars made in Korea begins with the letters “KC”.

Fender Serial Number Checker

Fender offers an official serial number checker on their website to help identify the manufacturing information for their guitars. To use the Fender serial number checker, follow these steps:

Go to Fender’s official website.
Click on the “Support” tab in the top menu and select “Product Registration.”
Click on the “Serial Number Lookup” button.
Enter the serial number into the search box and click “Search.”
The website will display information about the guitar, including the model, year of manufacture, and where it was made.

In addition to the official Fender website, there are also several third-party websites that offer Fender serial number checkers, such as guitardaterproject.org and guitarinsite.nl. However, it’s important to note that these websites may not be as reliable as the official Fender website and should be used with caution.

In summary, to check the manufacturing information for a Fender guitar, use the official Fender serial number checker on their website or a reputable third-party website.

Fender Stratocaster Guitars Made In Mexico

Fender Stratocaster guitars made in Mexico, also known as “Mexican Strats,” are a popular choice among guitarists due to their affordability and high-quality construction. Mexican Strats are made in Fender’s factory in Ensenada, Mexico, and are known for their attention to detail and playability.

Mexican Strats typically feature a three-single-coil pickup configuration, a 5-way pickup selector switch, and a vintage-style synchronized tremolo system. They also often have a bolt-on maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard.

While Mexican Strats may be less expensive than American-made Strats, they are still built to Fender’s high standards of quality and playability. In fact, many guitarists prefer Mexican Strats over their American-made counterparts due to their affordability and versatility.

In summary, Fender Stratocaster guitars made in Mexico, or Mexican Strats, are a popular choice among guitarists due to their affordability and high-quality construction. They are known for their attention to detail and playability, and are a great choice for guitarists looking for a versatile and reliable instrument.

Guitar Serial Number Search

A guitar serial number search can help identify the manufacturing information for a particular guitar, such as the model, year of manufacture, and where it was made. Many guitar manufacturers have serial number checkers on their websites that allow you to enter the serial number and retrieve this information.

To perform a guitar serial number search, follow these steps:

Locate the serial number on the guitar. Depending on the manufacturer, the serial number may be located on the back of the headstock, on the neck plate, or inside the soundhole.
Visit the manufacturer’s website and look for a serial number checker or lookup tool. Some manufacturers may have this tool under the “Support” or “Resources” section of their website.
Enter the serial number into the search box and click “Search.” The website should provide information about the guitar, including the model, year of manufacture, and where it was made.

If the manufacturer doesn’t have a serial number lookup tool on their website, there are also several third-party websites that offer guitar serial number searches, such as guitardaterproject.org and guitarinsite.nl. However, it’s important to note that these websites may not be as reliable as the manufacturer’s website and should be used with caution.

In summary, to perform a guitar serial number search, locate the serial number on the guitar and use the manufacturer’s serial number checker or a reputable third-party website. This can help identify the manufacturing information for the guitar, including the model, year of manufacture, and where it was made.

Fender Custom Shop Strat Identification Help

Identifying a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster can be challenging, but there are several things you can look for to determine if it is a genuine Custom Shop model:

Check the logo: The Fender logo on a Custom Shop Strat should be clean and clear, with no smudging or distortion. Check the font and spacing of the letters, as well as the placement of the logo on the headstock.
Check the serial number: Custom Shop Strats have a serial number that starts with “CN” (Corona, California) or “V” (Ensenada, Mexico). Look up the serial number on Fender’s website to verify that it matches the model and year of the guitar.
Check the details: Look for distinctive features that are characteristic of Custom Shop Strats, such as unique finishes, high-quality materials, and hand-wound pickups.
Check the authenticity certificate: The guitar should come with an authenticity certificate from Fender that includes information about the model, builder, and serial number.
Purchase from an authorized dealer: To ensure you’re getting a genuine Custom Shop Strat, purchase it from an authorized Fender dealer. Fender maintains a list of authorized dealers on their website.
Price: Custom Shop Strats are high-end instruments and generally command a premium price. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

In summary, to identify a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster, check the logo, serial number, details, authenticity certificate, purchase from an authorized dealer, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of the guitar, have it inspected by an expert.

Guitar Serial Numbering Systems

Guitar serial numbering systems vary depending on the manufacturer and the time period in which the guitar was made. Here are some common examples of guitar serial numbering systems:

Fender: Fender uses several different serial numbering systems, depending on the model and the time period. For example, Stratocaster guitars made in the United States have a serial number that begins with the letters “US” followed by eight digits, while Stratocasters made in Mexico have a serial number that begins with the letters “M” or “MN” followed by six digits.
Gibson: Gibson uses a six-digit serial number system for most of their guitars, with the first and fifth digits indicating the year of manufacture. For example, a guitar with a serial number of 920472 would have been made in 1974.
Martin: Martin guitars have used several different serial numbering systems over the years, but most guitars made after 1898 have a serial number that indicates the year and month of manufacture. The first two digits indicate the year, while the second two digits indicate the month.
Ibanez: Ibanez guitars made before 1975 have a serial number that consists of six digits, with the first two indicating the year of manufacture. Guitars made after 1975 have a serial number that begins with one or two letters followed by six digits.
PRS: PRS guitars have a serial number that consists of a letter followed by five digits, with the first digit indicating the year of manufacture. For example, a guitar with a serial number of 8 12345 would have been made in 2008.

In summary, guitar serial numbering systems vary depending on the manufacturer and time period. Most systems include information about the year and sometimes the month of manufacture, as well as other identifying information such as the model or production number.

Fender Guitar Serial Numbering System Info

Fender uses several different serial numbering systems for their guitars, depending on the model and time period. Here are some examples of Fender serial numbering systems:

Pre-CBS Era (1950-1965): During this time period, Fender guitars had a serial number on the neck plate that began with a letter, followed by four or five digits. The letter indicated the year of manufacture (e.g., “P” for 1952) and the digits indicated the production number.
CBS Era (1965-1981): Fender guitars made during this time period had a serial number on the neck plate that began with a letter followed by six digits. The letter indicated the year of manufacture, but the serial numbers were not necessarily sequential.
“Squier” Era (1982-1984): In the early 1980s, Fender introduced a line of guitars under the “Squier” name. These guitars had a serial number that began with the letters “SQ” followed by six digits.
Contemporary Era (1985-Present): Fender’s current serial numbering system began in 1985 and consists of a letter followed by six or seven digits. The letter indicates the decade of manufacture (e.g., “N” for 1990s), and the first two digits of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture.

In addition to the serial number, Fender guitars may also have other identifying features such as the model name, body style, and color. These can be helpful in identifying the specific guitar within the broader context of Fender’s production history.

In summary, Fender uses several different serial numbering systems for their guitars, depending on the model and time period. These serial numbers can provide information about the year and sometimes the production number of the guitar. Other identifying features such as the model name and body style can also be helpful in identifying a Fender guitar.

How To Identify A Fender Custom Shop Guitar (Serial Numbers): FAQ

What does the serial number on a Fender Custom Shop guitar mean?

The serial number on a Fender Custom Shop guitar can provide information about the model, year of manufacture, and where it was made.

How can I tell if a Fender Custom Shop guitar is authentic?

You can tell if a Fender Custom Shop guitar is authentic by checking the logo, serial number, details, authenticity certificate, purchasing from an authorized dealer, and verifying the price.

Are Fender Custom Shop guitars worth the price?

Fender Custom Shop guitars are high-end instruments that command a premium price, but they are built to Fender’s highest standards of quality and playability and are highly sought after by collectors and professional musicians.

What makes a Fender Custom Shop guitar different from other Fender guitars?

Fender Custom Shop guitars are built by hand to the customer’s specifications, using high-quality materials and attention to detail. They are also typically made in smaller quantities than other Fender guitars.

What is the difference between Fender and Fender Custom Shop?

Fender Custom Shop is a division of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation that produces hand-built, high-end guitars to customer specifications. These guitars are made in smaller quantities using high-quality materials and attention to detail, and typically command a premium price compared to standard Fender guitars.

How do I identify my Fender Custom Shop pickups?

To identify your Fender Custom Shop pickups, look for the model number on the back of the pickup. This number may be printed on a label or stamped directly onto the pickup. You can then use this number to search for information about the pickup on Fender’s website or other guitar forums and resources.

Additionally, Custom Shop pickups often have distinctive features that can help identify them, such as unique materials or winding patterns.