Fender Telecaster '52 RI & Fender Stratocaster '57 RI

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Fender Telecaster '52 RI & Fender Stratocaster '57 RI

by Bob Shade
(West Chester, Oh., 45069, USA)

Hi,
The serial number stamped on the bridge of the Telecaster is 3993, the neck date is 4/12/83.
The serial number on the Stratocaster is V001804 stamped on the rear neck plate, and it has a neck date of 5/82 (can't remember the exact day)
I'm trying to determine if these guitars were built in the Fullerton, Ca. Plant.
Any tips for identifying Fullerton built Fenders would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help, I have made the appropriate donation of $4.00 for the info on two guitars. Please advise if there is anything else I can provide to assist you.
Be well,
Bob

ANSWER

The factory of origin is indicated by the serial numbers on Fender guitars.

The Strat serial number with the V indicates that the guitar is from the U.S. Vintage Series
made at the Corona Plant (Fender), USA.

The Telecaster is interesting--

The serial number indicates that your guitar was made at the Fullerton Plant (Fender - Pre CBS Era), USA in 1954. Since the neck date is different, I am wondering if this is the original neck.

Hope this helps!

Lynne

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Fender Telecaster '52 RI & Fender Stratocaster '57 RI

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Dec 12, 2009
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reissues
by: Amo

Hi,
following what I know the serial numbers (reproduced on the neck plates) have been randomly put on the guitars. Apparently fender was using a box containing a lot of neck plates and the builders used to take them randomly on each finalized guitar.

The date writen on the neck is the most important. If you have a date from the 6 first months of 1982 then you have a valuable guitar. As a matter of fact, the early 1982 ri were produced on small scale (between 4 to 7 per day), making them quite rare. The ones with red bottom pickups are the most valuable but other factors can help you to verify whether it is an early 1982 (in case the pickups have been replaced later on). I advise you to check www.fenderreissue.com. Plenty of info about these reissue guitars there.

But don't take the serial number into consideration, its not possible to date the guitar with it. You better look at the neck, the pots date and the pick up setting (routing, type of pick up, type of micros). Furthermore, to correct what has been said previously, the V stems for the vintage serie (not only for the guitars produced at the fullerton factory). This is confirmed by the fact that it is still used nowadays on the new reissues.

And to answer your question, the production of fender has always been in the fullerton factory until 1985 when CBS sold fender to the employees. Nevertheless they closed the fullerton and opened the corona factory in 1986 (reason why you don't find guitars made in the USA of 1985). So your guitar is quite likely a fullerton one.

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Dec 12, 2009
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Submitted by: Amo

Title

Comment
Hi, following what I know the serial numbers (reproduced on the neck plates) have been randomly put on the guitars. Apparently fender was using a box containing a lot of neck plates and the builders used to take them randomly on each finalized guitar. The date writen on the neck is the most important. If you have a date from the 6 first months of 1982 then you have a valuable guitar. As a matter of fact, the early 1982 ri were produced on small scale (between 4 to 7 per day), making them quite rare. The ones with red bottom pickups are the most valuable but other factors can help you to verify whether it is an early 1982 (in case the pickups have been replaced later on). I advise you to check www.fenderreissue.com. Plenty of info about these reissue guitars there. But don't take the serial number into consideration, its not possible to date the guitar with it. You better look at the neck, the pots date and the pick up setting (routing, type of pick up, type of micros). Furthermore, to correct what has been said previously, the V stems for the vintage serie (not only for the guitars produced at the fullerton factory). This is confirmed by the fact that it is still used nowadays on the new reissues. And to answer your question, the production of fender has always been in the fullerton factory until 1985 when CBS sold fender to the employees. Nevertheless they closed the fullerton and opened the corona factory in 1986 (reason why you don't find guitars made in the USA of 1985). So your guitar is quite likely a fullerton one.

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Jul 22, 2009
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What about non-reissue fullertons
by: Anonymous

I see from time to time a fullerton factory tele or strat that is NOT a reissue. After all, they made their normal line as well. Do those non-reissue guitars also have a special reputation, or is it limited to the reissue models. I realize a non-reissue is still a 27 year old guitar, but you understand what I am asking. Were these fullertons also made with special care, workmanship, etc?

Mar 26, 2009
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Fullerton
by: Anonymous

Those neck dates, and "Vintage Reissue" with a "V" serial number indicate Fullerton, NOT Corona.

The original vintage reissue series were made in Fullerton from 1982 through late 1984. After a hiatus when only Japanese models were made, they started manufacture again in Corona later.

The Fullerton reissues, 1982-1984 are wonderful guitars! I have an '84 57 Strat and it is a very special guitar.

Best,
John

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Fender Telecaster '52 RI & Fender Stratocaster '57 RI

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